Johanna Budwig

Dr. Johanna Budwig (30 September 1908–19 May 2003) was a German chemist, pharmacologist and physicist who believed that cancer is easily treatable through a specially-designed diet. Dr.Max Gerson has also studied, applied and written about having success treating cancer through her diet and other methods.

The so-called Budwig Diet is based around regular consumption of a blend of flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and quark or cottage cheese. Flaxseed is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linolenic acid, which is one of omega-3 fatty acids. This essential fatty acid must be part of a healthy diet, as the body cannot synthesize linolenic acid itself. Quark or cottage cheese serves as a source of sulphurated amino acids to bind with and solubilize the fatty acids, and thereby improve its absorption by the body.

The Budwig Diet also bans consumption of animal and hydrogenated fats, foods high in preservatives, meats, and especially sugar. Flaxseed oils must be cold pressed and unprocessed.

Most oncologists and cancer researchers do not believe that dietary changes alone can be used to treat advanced cancer. Reports of dramatic remissions as a result of the Budwig diet are anecdotal, and not supported by peer-reviewed research. Nevertheless, the Budwig diet is relatively sound from a nutritional standpoint, and is likely to do no harm as a complement to conventional cancer therapy.