The Budwig diet, also known as the Budwig protocol, is a dietary plan developed by German biochemist Dr. Johanna Budwig in the 1950s. It is often considered a complementary or alternative treatment for cancer, although there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. The diet primarily revolves around a mixture of flaxseed oil and cottage cheese, along with other whole foods, while restricting processed foods, sugars, and certain fats.
What is the Budwig Protocol?
Dr. Johanna Budwig (1908-2003) was a German biochemist, alternative cancer treatment advocate, and writer with doctorate degrees in physics and chemistry. She developed a lacto-vegetarian diet based on her research on fatty acids, believing it to be useful in treating cancer. The Budwig protocol is based on the idea that a combination of nutrients, particularly flaxseed oil and cottage cheese, can help stop cancer cells from growing.
The diet is based on a holistic understanding of a person's physical and emotional needs, emphasizing natural, fresh foods with a focus on nutritious organic fruits and vegetables.
Core Components of the Budwig Diet
The core of the Budwig diet is flaxseed oil mixed with cottage cheese. Dr. Budwig believed that milk and cottage cheese help the body absorb omega-3 fatty acids more efficiently. The diet also emphasizes fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in fiber.
The Budwig Mixture
The foundation of the diet is a mixture of flaxseed oil and either cottage cheese or quark, another bland cheese. Low-fat milk or yogurt can also be used. To prepare the mixture, combine these ingredients and mix well until the oil is no longer visible:
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- 8.5 ounces of flaxseed oil
- 16 ounces of 1% cottage cheese or low-fat quark
- 4 tablespoons of honey
People following the diet should aim to consume 1.5 ounces of flaxseed oil and 4 ounces of cottage cheese or quark per day, at different times but always as a mixture. The concoction should be prepared fresh at each meal and eaten within 20 minutes.
Other Recommended Foods
The Budwig diet encourages the consumption of a variety of whole, unprocessed foods, including:
- Fruits: Apples, oranges, bananas, berries, kiwi, mangoes, peaches, and plums
- Vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, kale, and spinach
- Legumes: Lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas
- Fruit juices: Grape, apple, grapefruit, and pineapple juice (freshly squeezed)
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, chia seeds, flax seeds, and hemp seeds
- Dairy products: Yogurt, cottage cheese, goat’s milk, and raw cow’s milk
- Oils: Flaxseed and olive oil
- Beverages: Herbal tea, green tea, and water
Foods to Avoid
The Budwig diet restricts numerous foods, including:
- Pork: All forms of pork are prohibited.
- Cold and Processed Meats: Bacon, bologna, salami, and hot dogs should be avoided.
- Sugar: Refined sugar, brown sugar, molasses, agave, and corn syrup are off-limits.
- Refined Grains and Cereals: Pasta, white bread, crackers, chips, and white rice should be avoided.
- Shellfish: All shellfish is restricted.
- Butter and most other Dairy Products: Aside from cottage cheese and milk, most dairy products are not allowed.
- Margarine and other Refined and Hydrogenated Oils: These fats are considered harmful.
- Tea and Coffee: These beverages are generally discouraged.
- Soy Products: Tofu, tempeh, soy milk, edamame, and soybeans are typically avoided.
- Processed Foods: Cookies, convenience meals, baked goods, french fries, pretzels, and candies are prohibited.
Alleged Benefits of the Budwig Diet
Proponents of the Budwig diet claim that it can support the treatment of cancer and help with other conditions, including arteriosclerosis, stroke, heart attacks, stomach ulcers, prostate problems, eczema, arthritis, and immune deficiencies. However, health authorities maintain that there is not enough evidence to support the use of this diet for these purposes.
Potential Anti-Cancer Effects
Dr. Budwig designed the diet to support cancer treatment, believing that the combination of flaxseed oil and cottage cheese could prevent cancer cells from spreading.
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- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which research suggests may reduce levels of certain chemicals in the body associated with cancer.
- Lignans and Phytoestrogens: Flaxseed is also rich in nutrients called lignans and phytoestrogens, which some research indicates may have anti-cancer and hormonal benefits.
Holistic Health Benefits
In addition to dietary recommendations, Dr. Budwig emphasized the importance of lifestyle factors, such as spending at least 20 minutes a day outdoors to increase sun exposure and boost vitamin D levels, helping to balance blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and regulate pH levels in the body. The diet also encourages daily exercise and adequate sleep.
Risks and Side Effects
While the Budwig diet primarily promotes healthful eating, it is not suitable for everyone and has potential adverse effects.
Gastrointestinal Issues
High consumption of flaxseed may lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as excessive gas and diarrhea. Whole flaxseeds may lead to constipation or a blockage if you don’t stay hydrated
Nutritional Deficiencies
The Budwig diet is restrictive, potentially leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It is essential to ensure a variety of nutrient-dense foods are consumed and to consider supplemental nutrients to fill any gaps in the diet.
Interactions with Medications
Flaxseeds are known to interact with some medications, potentially interfering with the body’s ability to absorb active ingredients in medicines. It’s important to consult a doctor about a safe amount of flaxseeds to eat each day.
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Sun Exposure Risks
Increased sun exposure, as encouraged by Dr. Budwig, can lead to skin damage and a higher risk of skin cancer. It is crucial to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
Contraindications
The Budwig diet may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions, including:
- Diabetes or hyperglycemia
- Certain hormonal conditions
- Inflammatory bowel disease or other intestinal problems
- Bleeding disorders
- Dairy intolerance or allergy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Scientific Evidence and Research
There is little or no evidence that the Budwig diet can treat cancer. Some research suggests that flaxseed may have potential anti-cancer properties.
- A 2017 study found that mice with lung cancer that consumed flaxseed had fewer new lung tumors compared with mice that ate a diet without flaxseed.
- Other research involved hens with ovarian cancer. The hens that ate flaxseed had fewer late-stage tumors and better outcomes after a year than hens that did not eat flaxseed.
- In one small trial from 2001, researchers found that enriching the diet of men with prostate cancer with flaxseed might lower levels of the male hormone testosterone, potentially reducing the size of tumors.
- One case study followed an individual with breast cancer who used the Budwig diet in addition to traditional treatments, including chemotherapy. Her cancer went into remission, but it is not clear whether this was due to the Budwig diet or the conventional therapies.
However, there is a lack of recent research available about the effects of flaxseed in humans with cancer. Further investigation is needed to understand how flaxseed and the Budwig diet affect humans with cancer.
The Bill Henderson Protocol (BHP)
The Bill Henderson Protocol (BHP) is a diet proposed to treat cancer, first described in 2004. It shares similarities with the Budwig Diet, incorporating raw fruits, vegetables, gluten-free whole grains, legumes, and a cottage cheese/flaxseed oil mixture. However, the BHP also recommends restrictions on some foods (e.g., gluten and all dairy products other than cottage cheese) and includes an extensive list of supplements.
Sample 3-Day Meal Plan
Here is a sample 3-day meal plan for the Budwig Diet:
Day 1
- Breakfast: Quark with flaxseed oil, fresh fruit, chopped nuts, and honey
- Lunch: A carrot and beetroot salad with cottage cheese and flaxseed oil dressing
- Dinner: A vegetable stir-fry with herbed brown rice pilaf
- Snacks: Fresh-pressed juice and cucumbers with hummus
Day 2
- Breakfast: Cottage cheese oatmeal with flaxseed oil, honey, nut butter, and berries
- Lunch: A cranberry kale salad with cottage cheese and flaxseed oil dressing
- Dinner: Lentils with steamed spinach and buckwheat
- Snacks: Sliced pears and celery with guacamole
Day 3
- Breakfast: An apple cinnamon quark breakfast bowl with flaxseed oil
- Lunch: A cucumber tomato salad with cottage cheese and flaxseed oil dressing
- Dinner: Boiled potatoes with garlic-roasted broccoli and chickpeas
- Snacks: A fruit salad and roasted almonds