Flaxceed Oil & Cottage Cheese For Diabetes?!

by Minesh
(London)






Quick Answer
Flaxseed oil mixed with cottage cheese—the Budwig mixture—has not been proven to cure diabetes. These foods may fit into a meal plan, but they do not restore insulin production, remove “sticky trans fat” from cells or replace insulin and prescribed medicine. Some people with type 2 diabetes may achieve remission after substantial, sustained weight loss, but not because of this mixture or common diabetes supplements.



QUESTION

An online contributor claims diabetes can be cured within 7–12 months by avoiding trans fats, mixing flaxseed oil with cottage cheese, eating fruit and vegetables, exercising, and taking supplements such as chromium, cinnamon and bitter melon.


How could this work for someone whose pancreas produces very little insulin? Can the Budwig mixture, MSM or high-intensity cycling restore insulin production?




Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc



Hello,



No reliable clinical evidence shows that flaxseed oil and cottage cheese cure diabetes. The Budwig mixture was promoted as part of an alternative cancer diet, not developed or validated as a diabetes treatment.



Can the Budwig Mixture Cure Diabetes?



Not exactly. Cottage cheese provides protein and flaxseed oil provides fat, mainly alpha-linolenic acid. Combining them does not create a medicine, restore beta cells or make insulin unnecessary.



Flaxseed has been studied in small trials, but results vary. Evidence of modest glucose benefit has generally been stronger for whole or ground flaxseed than for flaxseed oil. Ground flax supplies fiber and lignans, while the oil contains virtually no fiber. Neither form has been proven to cause diabetes remission by itself.




Important correction: Diabetes is not caused by a coating of “sticky trans fat” around cells. Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance together with difficulty producing enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells.


What If the Pancreas Produces Very Little Insulin?



A person with type 1 diabetes, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults or advanced insulin-deficient type 2 diabetes may need insulin to survive or maintain safe glucose. Food, supplements and exercise cannot replace missing insulin.



Stopping insulin because a diet is advertised as a cure can cause severe hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Anyone uncertain about the diabetes type may need clinical review and sometimes C-peptide or diabetes autoantibody testing.



Can Type 2 Diabetes Go Into Remission?



Some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission, usually after substantial, sustained weight loss through intensive nutrition treatment, weight-management medicine or metabolic surgery. Remission means glucose remains below the diabetes threshold without glucose-lowering medicine, but it is not a permanent cure. Our article on natural approaches that may genuinely help diabetes explains the difference.



How Do These Foods Fit a Diabetes Diet?



Industrial trans fats should be avoided,

but olive, rapeseed or canola, sunflower and other unsaturated vegetable oils can fit into a healthy diet and do not have to be cold-pressed. Because oils are calorie-dense, large amounts may hinder weight loss. These principles are part of our Mediterranean-style diabetes diet.



Plain cottage cheese may provide protein, although sodium and saturated fat vary. Whole fruit can fit into diabetes care, but it contains carbohydrate and is not unlimited. Anyone using mealtime insulin must match insulin, carbohydrate and activity safely, as explained in our guide to carbohydrates and diabetes.



Do Cinnamon, Chromium, Bitter Melon or MSM Work?



Current diabetes guidance does not recommend cinnamon, chromium or other supplements for routine glucose control because evidence is inconsistent and products vary. Bitter melon has not been proven to replace medicine or insulin.



There is no reliable human evidence that MSM powder repairs the pancreas or restores insulin production. Supplements may interact with glucose-lowering treatment or increase hypoglycemia risk, as discussed in our diabetes herbs and supplements safety guide.




Do not stop or reduce insulin or diabetes tablets because of this mixture. Discuss supplements with a doctor or pharmacist, especially when using insulin, sulfonylureas, blood thinners or medicines for kidney, liver, heart or thyroid disease.


Can High-Intensity Exercise Increase Insulin?



Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and lower glucose, but it does not reliably regenerate beta cells or remove the need for insulin. High-intensity interval training may suit selected people, but “fast and furious” cycling is not safe for everyone.



People using insulin or medicines that can cause hypoglycemia may need glucose checks and treatment adjustments. Heart disease or diabetes complications may require a modified plan, as explained in our article on exercise with diabetes.



My Advice



Flaxseed oil and cottage cheese may be eaten as foods if they fit the meal plan, but do not call the combination a cure. Focus on balanced meals, appropriate carbohydrate portions, regular activity, weight management when needed, glucose monitoring and prescribed treatment.



If someone produces very little insulin, the priority is the correct diagnosis and safe insulin use. Treatment changes should be made with the treating clinician.



Hope this helps.


Related Questions




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References





Educational only — not personal medical advice. No food or supplement has been proven to cure diabetes or replace insulin. Treatment changes require professional review.


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