The Budwig diet is described in several books written by Johanna Budwig1-5, three of which 3-5 have been translated into English.
The Budwig diet principally consists of a lacto-vegetarian regimen involving fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and the special Budwig core mixture of freshly ground flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and low-fat cottage cheese or quark. According to the Budwig diet, foods should be fresh, preferably organic, and eaten raw whenever possible or only lightly cooked. Refined sugars, meat, fish, hydrogenated and animal fats, distilled alcohol, caffeine, refined flours and grains, preservatives, processed foods, and smoking are prohibited.
History/providers
In the 1950s, German chemist Johanna Budwig developed a diet featuring a special mixture of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from flaxseed combined with the sulfhydryl-containing proteins found in cottage cheese or quark 5,6.
Budwig’s theory postulates that cancers are caused, among other things, by inadequate cell maturation and incomplete cell growth as well as impaired cellular respiration.
Budwig also hypothesized that industrially processed fats and oils play a critical part in carcinogenesis. The key element of her diet regimen is a special blend of the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in flaxseed and the sulfhydryl-containing proteins found in cottage cheese or quark. This mixture is said to re-establish normal cell growth and restore the normal function of damaged cells by re-oxygenating damaged tissues 3,6.
Budwig’s theory has its roots in basic research about fatty acids which has since become obsolete
Claims of efficacy
Budwig claimed that her approach yielded a high success rate in treating cancer, although she did not provide any scientific proof to validate her claims.
Today there are numerous websites and blogs promoting this diet. They state that the Budwig diet should be able to successfully reverse most types of cancers. However, the testimonials nearly always include untraceable sources, are inconsistent in quality and contain pitfalls such as short follow-up periods, subjective endpoints, concurrent conventional treatment, etc. and are hence unreliable.
Mechanisms of action
The Budwig diet is a lactovegetarian regimen which includes many nutrients in the form of complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and secondary plant substances.
In part, this diet corresponds to the international guidelines which recommend a long-term regimen of balanced and varied (ovo)-lacto-vegetarian foods. The high content of nutrients, fibre (and thus low amounts of starch) in this sort of diet are very satiating and lower the risk of many diet-related diseases.
When compared to these diet guidelines, Budwig’s approach involves a much higher protein density due to the high flaxseed-oil content. Flaxseed oil is an important source of essential long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids, the most important of which are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). To meet their daily needs, adults are advised to ensure that approximately 0.5 % of their daily total protein intake consists of Omega-3 fatty acids
he results of epidemiological studies suggest that a diet with higher amounts of EPA and DHA in comparison to other polyunsaturated fatty acids can lower the risk of cancers of the breast, colon and prostate. This is particularly true of Omega-3 fatty acids derived from cold-water fish. One potential mechanism of action under discussion is the reduction of pro-inflammatory lipid metabolites (prostaglandin E2) and NF-_р?B induced cytokines as well as a reduced activity of growth receptors due to altered membrane lipids. The anabolic and insulin-enhancing effects of EPA and DHA are regarded as mechanisms of action in terms of weight loss and reducing muscle mass 10
One hypothesis for the mechanism of action of flaxseed’s postulated effects is based on the animal model which describes the effects flaxseed has on the expression of epithelial adhesion proteins (such as e-cadherin).
Prevalence of use
No exact data is available about the prevalence of use, although the Budwig diet is especially popular in Europe and the United States.
Video instructions are available online for preparing meals which comply with the Budwig diet
Is it safe?
Plant-based foods contain only minimal amounts of Vitamin B12. An ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet includes eggs and cheese, two important sources of Vitamin B12, although these foods cannot meet a greater need. Since a vegetarian diet is rich in folates, the effects of Vitamin B12 deficiency can often be masked until neurological symptoms manifest. For this reason, those who pursue a vegetarian diet or another kind of diet such as Budwig should make sure they take Vitamin B12 supplements to ensure an adequate supply
Adverse events
- The hull of flaxseed contains a mucilage that binds water in the intestines, expands and has a laxative effect. As a result, adequate hydration is necessary.
- Flaxseed contains cyanogenic glycosides which can release hydrocyanic acid after hydrolysis in the intestine. When flaxseed is consumed in normal quantities, the resorbed quantity of hydrocyanic acid is not considered to pose a threat
- Allergies to components found in flaxseed have been reported but are very rare
- Contraindications
- Flaxseed is contraindicated in patients with ileus or stenoses in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Interactions
- Flaxseed can absorb orally administered medication and thus have an impact on its efficacy. Consequently, flaxseed (not flaxseed oil) should only be taken a few hours before or after taking medication by mouth to prevent decreased absorption
Warnings
Current knowledge indicates there is a positive correlation between the energy density of a diet and body weight, which means that a high-protein diet can lead to obesity. Medical societies recommend that weight-control measures take into account the protein content of the diet.
