Strong Medicine: The Controversial Dietary Theories of Donaldson
In 1962, Doubleday published a provocative book titled Strong Medicine, authored by Donaldson. The work proposed a radical approach to health, suggesting that specific dietary changes, combined with physical activity, could treat a wide array of chronic and acute health conditions.
The Core Philosophy of Strong Medicine
Donaldson advocated for a regimen centered on the consumption of fresh fat meat, water, and regular exercise. He claimed that this specific lifestyle could be used to treat several significant health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, gallstones, and allergies.
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The "Big Bad Seven"
Central to Donaldson's theory was the total elimination of certain foods, which he labeled the "big bad seven." These prohibited items included:
- Milk
- Cream
- Ice cream
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Flour
The Prescribed Daily Regimen
For patients following his protocol, Donaldson prescribed a highly restrictive and specific daily intake. This diet consisted of exactly three fatty steaks, three cups of coffee, and six glasses of water per day.
| Category | Prescribed Intake / Status |
|---|---|
| Daily Protein | Three fatty steaks |
| Daily Beverages | Three cups of coffee and six glasses of water |
| Prohibited Foods | The "Big Bad Seven" (Dairy, eggs, chocolate, flour) |
| Lifestyle Requirements | Regular exercise |
Key Facts
- Publication: Published by Doubleday in 1962.
- Endorsement: The book featured a supportive preface written by Surgeon Charles G. Heyd.
- Target Conditions: Aimed to treat diabetes, hypertension, obesity, gallstones, allergies, and cardiovascular disease.
- Dietary Focus: High fat meat consumption with the elimination of flour and dairy.
Medical Criticism and Controversy
Despite the support of Charles G. Heyd, Strong Medicine faced severe backlash from the medical community. Physician Morris Fishbein criticized the work for lacking scientific rigor, suggesting that Donaldson had forgotten the fundamental medical training of his youth.
Fredrick J. Stare further dismissed Donaldson's views as food faddism—the practice of following dietary trends without scientific basis. Stare argued that Donaldson lacked a real understanding of modern nutrition and categorized the book as an example of nutritional quackery, stating that it "ought not to be on anyone's shelves."
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary goal of the Strong Medicine diet?
The diet aimed to treat various conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, gallstones, and allergies through the consumption of fresh fat meat, water, and exercise.
What were the "big bad seven" foods?
The "big bad seven" were milk, cream, ice cream, eggs, cheese, chocolate, and flour, all of which Donaldson insisted should be eliminated from the diet.
What did a typical day of eating look like under this plan?
A patient's daily intake consisted of three fatty steaks, three cups of coffee, and six glasses of water.
How did the medical community react to Donaldson's claims?
Many medical professionals were highly critical. Morris Fishbein questioned the book's scientific validity, and Fredrick J. Stare labeled it as nutritional quackery and food faddism.
Who supported the publication of Strong Medicine?
Surgeon Charles G. Heyd provided a supportive preface for the book upon its publication.