The foundation of the Budwig Diet is the combination of flaxseed oil and quark (or cottage cheese), typically consumed in specific ratios and blended together to form a creamy mixture. The amount would vary based on the disease treated.

The Budwig Diet emphasizes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Specific recommendations include berries, apples, pears, carrots, beetroot, and sprouted grains.

Budwig strongly advised against consuming processed foods, refined sugars, white flour products, red meat, hydrogenated oils, and trans fats. She believed that these foods interfered with cellular health and contributed to disease.