Amongst the several medical treatments available for cancer treatment is a unique and holistic approach – the Budwig diet. This diet became popular for its claims of supporting cancer treatment by reducing the spread of cancerous cells (1). Although the efficacy of the diet has not been clinically proven, it may offer a holistic approach to a happy and healthy life. In this article, we delve into the Budwig diet to help you understand how it works, its benefits, potential side effects, recommended recipes, and more.
What Is The Budwig Diet?
The Budwig diet, also known as the Budwig protocol, is a diet purported to prevent the spread of cancer cells. Dr Johanna Budwig, a German chemist, developed it in the 1950s and claimed that the combination of cottage cheese and flaxseed oil may help improve cellular functioning and potentially destroy cancerous cells. The diet plan recommends multiple servings of a mixture prepared with cottage cheese and flaxseed oil, along with other healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. It also eliminates added sugars, processed meats, refined grains, and hydrogenated fats.
How Does The Budwig Diet Work?
Budwig observed that cancer patients needed polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid (LNA), to form cell membranes and support cellular respiration. Diets that lack these fatty acids limit chemical reactions and create a low-oxygen environment. This may hinder cellular metabolism. Budwig’s diet included flaxseed oil, which is rich in the aforementioned fatty acids. When combined with sulfhydryl groups from cottage cheese, these fatty acids are believed to release stored energy and improve oxygen levels. Budwig’s theory also claimed that highly unsaturated fatty acids could accelerate cell division and cause cancerous tumours to self-destruct.
Benefits Of The Budwig Diet
May Reduce Cancer Risk
Although no study has been conducted on the Budwig mixture, several test-tube and animal studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of using flaxseed oil in reducing cancer risk. A study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that the use of flaxseed oil reduces the risk of human breast tumours. The alpha-linolenic acid in flaxseed was found to help reduce the risk of breast cancer in mice. Another study on rats showed that flaxseeds may help suppress cancer by potentially slowing down the early growth of cancer cells and maintaining the normal level of mucus-secreting cells. However, more research is needed to understand the efficacy of flaxseed in humans.
May Improve Heart Health
One tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 7.24 g of ALA (4). This high ALA may help slow down the progression of heart disease conditions caused by dietary trans fat, including atherosclerosis (thickening of the arteries).
May Aid In Brain Development
Omega-3 fatty acids help modulate behaviour and mood and may aid in improving one’s cognitive function. Taking flaxseed oil supplements was found to have an impact on the psychological well-being of women with depression. These supplements were also found to be associated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This specific protein plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and maintenance of nerve cells in the brain and nervous system.
May Improve Gut Health
Several foods consumed in the Budwig plan are a part of the anti-inflammatory diet that improves gut health. For instance, cottage cheese, a significant ingredient in the Budwig diet, may help improve gut health by supporting the growth and proliferation of gut bacteria. Gut bacteria play a crucial role in promoting gut health and digestion. Moreover, dairy products like yoghurt possess anti-inflammatory properties that help treat symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
May Improve Skin Health
Flaxseed oil supplementation may help reduce skin sensitivity, smooth the skin, decrease roughness, lessen scaling, and enhance skin hydration (6). The omega-3 fatty acids in the oil may also promote wound healing. In a study, supplementation with 1000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil, twice daily for 12 weeks, was found to reduce both the length and depth of skin ulcers in patients with diabetic foot syndrome.
This mixture can be prepared with simple ingredients and steps, and can help improve your health in several ways. Continue reading to learn how you can prepare the Budwig diet mixture.
The Budwig Diet Mixture Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of freshly crushed flaxseeds
- 3 tablespoons of flaxseed oil
- 6 tablespoons of cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons of semi-skimmed organic milk (goat or sheep milk)
1 teaspoon of raw honey
How To Prepare
- Mix two tablespoons of low-fat milk and three tablespoons of flaxseed oil in an electric blender.
- Add one teaspoon of honey and mix all three ingredients well.
- Slowly add the two tablespoons of cottage cheese and keep mixing until it is combined well.
- You may add up to 6 tablespoons of cottage cheese.
- Put the freshly crushed flaxseeds in a separate bowl.
- Pour the mixture of cheese, honey, and oil over the freshly ground flaxseeds.
- You may top the mixture with some blueberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or Brazil nuts.
Foods To Eat On The Budwig Diet
The Budwig Diet emphasises the consumption of healthy fats, antioxidant-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, high-fibre foods, and fermented dairy products.
In addition to flaxseed oil and cottage cheese, individuals are encouraged to consume other foods like:
- Fruits: Apples, mango, kiwi, plum, oranges, berries, bananas, and peaches
- Vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, and kale
- Legumes: Beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils
- Nuts and seeds: Flaxseeds, almonds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and pistachios
- Dairy Products: Yoghurt, cottage cheese, oat milk, goat milk, raw cow milk, and almond milk
- Oils: Olive oil and flaxseed oil
- Beverages: Herbal tea and green tea
These foods can be easily incorporated into your daily diet. In the next section, you’ll find a sample guide to make meal planning easier.
Sample Meal Plan
- This is a sample of a meal plan that can help you stick to the Budwig Diet:
- Breakfast: Budwig mixture with berries
- Lunch: Mixed salad with olive oil and vinegar
- Snack: A handful of nuts
- Dinner: Grilled vegetables with quinoa.
You may experiment with other food ingredients mentioned earlier to make your diet more flavorful. Budwig recommended incorporating healthy, fresh foods instead of processed foods. Now, read on to learn more about the foods you should limit or avoid in this diet.
Foods To Avoid On The Budwig Diet
The Budwig diet is primarily a plant-based diet, supplemented with some dairy products. So, apart from them, you need to avoid the following on this diet plan:
- Meat and Seafood: Pork and shellfish
- Processed Meats: Salami, hot dogs, bacon, and bologna
- Refined Grains: Pasta, white rice, chips, crackers, and white bread
- Sugars: Table sugar, brown sugar, molasses, agave, and corn syrup
- Soy Products: Soybeans, soy milk, edamame, tofu, and tempeh
- Fats And Oils: Hydrogenated vegetable oil, margarine, and butter
- Processed Foods: Cookies, baked goods, candy, French fries, convenience meals, and pretzels
While the Budwig diet appears to offer essential benefits, it has not been rigorously tested in scientific studies. Therefore, it may also pose certain risks. Learn more about them in the next section.
While the Budwig diet appears to offer significant benefits, it may also pose certain risks. Learn more about them in the next section.
Side Effects And Risk Factors Of The Budwig Diet
Flaxseeds contain high amounts of dietary fibre. A heavy intake of oil extracted from them may cause diarrhoea or frequent bowel movements. Excessive fibre intake may also cause other gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation or intestinal blockage. Moreover, flaxseeds may also interact with other pain relievers and certain drugs meant for bleeding disorders, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
People with an intolerance to dairy products may experience an allergic reaction from eating cottage cheese. Besides, the diet restricts some foods that may be necessary for a balanced meal. This could lead to nutrient deficiencies in some individuals.
Who Should Not Follow The Budwig Diet?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals with diabetes
- Individuals with certain hormonal conditions, like hot flashes or irregular periods
- Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease
- Those with bleeding disorders
That said, even healthy individuals are advised to consult their doctor first before embarking on the Budwig Diet. It is essential to create a customised meal plan that aligns with one’s lifestyle and goals.
Conclusion
Budwig Diet For Cancer: Dr Johanna Budwig developed the Budwig diet with the aim of supporting cancer treatment. It emphasises the intake of a mixture made from cottage cheese and flaxseed oil, which, she argued, could potentially help prevent the spread of cancerous cells. The diet program also encourages the consumption of healthy foods while eliminating highly processed foods and other unhealthy dietary choices. Despite anecdotal claims of success and testimonials from followers, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of the Budwig diet in cancer treatment is lacking. Also, the heavy consumption of flaxseeds and their oil may cause side effects like bloating, diarrhea, and drug interactions. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting this diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I follow the Budwig diet?
You can adhere to the diet as long as your health improves. After that, you may consider adjusting or discontinuing the diet upon consulting a healthcare professional.
What are the alternatives to the Budwig diet?
There are no specific alternatives to the Budwig diet. But you can consult your doctor and get a customized diet plan based on the medications you take and the stage of your treatment.
What is the difference between the Budwig diet and the macrobiotic diet?
The Budwig diet, though developed to support cancer treatment, may be used to improve your overall health. On the other hand, the macrobiotic diet specifically aims to limit foods that contain toxins to help you lead a balanced, toxin-free life.