Alternative Diet Programs

Alternative approaches to nutrition vary widely, but most alternative diet programs center on the belief that you can improve your health by eating or avoiding certain foods. Other alternative diet programs have been developed as a way to stay healthy.

Others have been suggested as therapies for specific illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. Most programs emphasize dietary changes plus lifestyle changes, such as routine exercise and stress reduction.

The Ornish Program

This diet was developed by Dean Ornish, MD, to reverse or prevent heart disease and can be used for weight loss. The Ornish program consists of very low fat (fewer than 10% of the calories come from fat) and high fiber foods. Dairy or meat products, oils or fats are not allowed. This program also focuses on reducing stress and getting regular exercise.

On the Menu	Off the Menu
High-fiber grains, legumes (beans and peas)	Meat and all animal products
Vegetables	Caffeine
Nonfat dairy products	Nuts, seeds, olives
Egg whites	Chocolate, coconut
Small amounts of alcohol	Avocado
	Oils, except for small amounts of canola oil for cooking

Find out more about the Ornish lifestyle program

The Pritikin Diet

This diet is intended to prevent or reverse heart disease and can be used for weight loss. Nathan Pritikin, PhD, developed the Pritikin diet in the 1970s. It's similar to the Ornish program, with no more than 10% of calories coming from fat.

Pritikin does allow some lean meat and seafood that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The diet encourages eating high fiber foods such as whole grains and fruits and vegetables. The diet is extremely low in fat and cholesterol. Daily exercise is also encouraged.

In theory, limiting fat intake to 10% of your daily calories, omits the need to count calories. While eating often to keep from feeling hungry, maybe up to six or seven meals a day incorporating as much as you want of whole grains, vegetables, and fruit.

On the Menu	Off the Menu
Whole grains	Pasta
Unprocessed vegetables	White bread
Unprocessed fruits	Eggs
Lean meats	Caffeine
Omega-3 fatty acids (fat like that found in fish) in very small amounts	Processed foods
	Most fats

Find out more about the Pritikin eating plan

The Macrobiotic Diet

This vegetarian diet is intended to improve overall health and is claimed to help cure diseases, including cancer. Brown rice and whole grains are the foundation of the macrobiotic diet. The diet encourages you to eat certain fresh vegetables and vegetable-based soups. The diet discourages high-fat foods, foods that are extremely cold in temperature, and most animal products, including dairy products and eggs.

Orthomolecular Medicine

Orthomolecular medicine encompasses several different medical practices, including diet therapy. Orthomolecular diet therapy is based on the idea that the use of naturally occurring substances (such as vitamins, amino acids, trace elements, electrolytes, and fatty acids) can prevent and treat disease. Its practitioners believe that an imbalance of specific nutrients in the diet causes diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, schizophrenia, and depression. Find out more about orthomolecular medicine

The McDougall Plan

This diet is thought to reduce a person's risk of developing health problems such as allergies, heart and kidney disease, osteoporosis, diseases of the stomach and intestine, and cancer. The McDougall diet is strictly vegetarian, based solely on grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. Meats, eggs, and dairy-based foods are avoided. This plan also emphasizes the importance of moderate exercise, adequate sunshine, clean air and water, and comfortable surroundings. Find out more about the McDougall plan

How Alternative Diets are Used

Alternative diets attempt to improve physical or mental well-being. Many alternative diets claim to prevent or cure diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. But most alternative diets have not been studied enough to prove that they work.

Some people believe that diet can help prevent or treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fibromyalgia, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is not conclusive research to determine whether these conditions have a dietary link.

Safety and Alternative Diets

Some alternative diet programs are safe when practiced in moderation. But diets that severely limit food choices or exclude entire food groups can lead to nutritional deficiencies or other health problems.

Children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with chronic illnesses should not start any alternative diet without first consulting a doctor.

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.