Brenda Khan
Doctors recommend a variety of diets for their patients depending on their health goals and medical conditions. Some common diets recommended by doctors include the Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, and the DASH diet. The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for those at risk for heart disease, as it focuses on plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, and moderate alcohol consumption. The ketogenic diet is suggested for short-term weight loss, while the DASH diet is designed to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Doctors may also suggest a high-fiber diet to help manage diabetes or high cholesterol and prevent certain types of cancer and heart disease. Ultimately, the best diet for an individual depends on their specific needs and restrictions, and it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet type | DASH, Ketogenic, Mediterranean, High-fibre, Low-sodium, Low-fat, Pureed, Soft/Bland |
| Recommended by doctors? | 16% of doctors recommend the DASH diet. 20% recommend the Ketogenic diet for short-term weight loss. 80% attribute obesity to environmental factors. |
| Food groups | Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, nuts, legumes, unsaturated oils, dairy, eggs, meat, fish |
| Food to limit/avoid | Sodium, added sugars, fats, red meat, alcohol, saturated fats, salt, sugar, honey, molasses, sweetened drinks, fried foods, fatty meats, whole milk products, rich desserts, sweetened breads and pastries |
| Health benefits | Lower blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, lower risk of coronary artery disease, reduced risk of obesity, lower cholesterol, prevent colon cancer, prevent/manage heart disease |
| Other | Requires meal planning, may require dietician support, may need to be modified based on medical history, underlying conditions, allergies |
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The Mediterranean diet
There are no strict rules or formulas for following the Mediterranean diet, but some general guidelines can help incorporate its principles into your daily routine. This includes sharing meals with others without the distraction of screens, consuming red wine in moderation with meals, and flavouring foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. When eating out, choose grilled fish or seafood as your main dish, opt for whole grain bread with olive oil instead of butter, and add extra vegetables to your order.
It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian before making drastic changes to your diet, as they can help modify the plan based on your individual needs, medical history, and underlying conditions.
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DASH diet
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is recommended by about 16% of doctors for long-term optimal health. The DASH diet is a flexible and balanced eating plan that helps create a heart-healthy eating style for life. It was named the "Best Heart-Healthy Diet" and the "Best Diet for High Blood Pressure" by U.S. News & World Report in 2025.
The principal goal of the DASH diet is to lower blood pressure, primarily by limiting foods with sodium. The diet also emphasizes reducing added sugars, fats, and red meats compared to the typical American diet. The DASH diet recommends consuming fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean protein. It suggests limiting foods high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils like coconut and palm oil. The number of servings per day depends on an individual's daily calorie needs.
The DASH diet does not require special foods but provides daily and weekly nutritional goals. It encourages eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and seeds, and vegetable oils. It recommends limiting fatty meats, full-fat dairy, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, and sodium intake. The diet's flexibility allows individuals to choose foods that fit their preferences and cultural traditions while still meeting the nutritional goals.
One of the challenges of the DASH diet is that it may require a significant amount of meal planning and preparation. Individuals following the DASH diet should focus on overall eating patterns rather than strict formulas or calculations. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian before making drastic changes to your diet to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and goals.
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Ketogenic diet
The Ketogenic diet, also known as the keto diet, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. The keto diet involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where your body uses fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. The keto diet is advertised as a weight-loss wonder, and indeed, research has shown that the ketogenic diet can accelerate weight loss in the short term.
There are several versions of the keto diet, but the standard (SKD) version is the most researched and most recommended. The macronutrient distribution typically ranges from approximately 55% to 60% fat, 30% to 35% protein, and 5% to 10% carbohydrates. In a 2000-calorie diet, this would amount to about 20 to 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. The standard ketogenic diet typically contains 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbohydrates.
The keto diet can include meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and healthy oils. All fruits are rich in carbohydrates, but certain fruits, usually berries, can be eaten in small portions. Vegetables are also restricted to leafy greens, such as kale, Swiss chard, and spinach, as well as cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, bell peppers, onions, garlic, mushrooms, cucumber, celery, and summer squashes.
The keto diet has been linked to several health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood sugar and insulin levels, and a reduced risk of certain diseases. However, it is important to note that the keto diet is associated with an increased risk of "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is linked to heart disease. The keto diet may also present some common and generally mild short-term adverse effects, known as the "keto flu," including nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, reduced exercise tolerance, and constipation. These symptoms typically resolve in a few days to a few weeks, and ensuring adequate fluid and electrolyte intake can help counter them.
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Vegan diet
A vegan diet, one that is entirely free of animal products, has been shown to have numerous health benefits. Many doctors advocate for a plant-based diet, citing the health risks associated with animal products, particularly red and processed meats. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that processed meat causes cancer, and studies have found that vegans have lower rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer compared to non-vegans.
Several doctors have also shared their positive experiences with a vegan diet. Dr. Angie Sadeghi, a gastroenterologist, helps patients improve their health through a plant-based diet, often eliminating the need for medication for conditions such as cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure. Dr. Mauricio González, an internal medicine specialist, promotes the positive health effects of a plant-based diet through his Spanish-language YouTube videos. Dr. Harriet Davis, a family and sports medicine physician, embodies the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle by competing as a bodybuilder in her spare time.
Additionally, some doctors have found success in treating specific health conditions with a vegan diet. Dr. Joel Kahn, a cardiologist, incorporates plant-based eating into his cardiology practice, offering heart disease treatment and reversal programs. Dr. Goldhamer, who follows a strict whole food vegan diet, has supervised the fasts of over 15,000 patients and found that reducing sugar and oil intake can help prevent overeating, obesity, and dietary excess-related diseases.
While there may be concerns about nutritional deficiencies in a vegan diet, these can be addressed through fortified foods and B12 supplements. It is important to note that some doctors may have limited nutrition training and express negative opinions about plant-based diets. However, providing them with information about the risks and benefits of such diets can help change their views and medical practices. Overall, a vegan diet has been shown to have potential health benefits, and some doctors have successfully incorporated it into their practices and personal lives.
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High-fibre diet
Doctors recommend a high-fibre diet for patients experiencing constipation or weight gain. Fibre, also known as dietary fibre, is a nutrient found in plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is an essential part of a healthy diet as it helps improve digestion, lower blood sugar, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
A high-fibre diet typically includes a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oats, are excellent sources of fibre. They provide both soluble and insoluble fibre, which help improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
Fruits and vegetables are also rich sources of fibre. Some of the most fibre-rich fruits include pears, strawberries, apples, avocados, and kidney beans. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and carrots are also excellent choices, providing a good amount of fibre and other essential nutrients.
Legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and split peas, are versatile and economical sources of fibre. They can be easily incorporated into various dishes and provide additional nutrients like protein and minerals. Nuts and seeds, including chia seeds, are also high in fibre and offer a range of other health benefits.
In addition to these specific food groups, it is worth noting that the Mediterranean diet, which emphasises plant-based foods and healthy fats, is often recommended by doctors for long-term optimal health. This diet includes many high-fibre foods and has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and overall improved health.
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Frequently asked questions
Doctors, like any other person, may follow a variety of diets. However, surveys have shown that the Mediterranean diet is the most popular diet among physicians for long-term optimal health. This diet emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and moderate alcohol intake.
Doctors may recommend different diets depending on a patient's needs and health conditions. Some common diets recommended by doctors include:
- The DASH diet: This diet is often suggested for patients with high blood pressure as it focuses on limiting sodium, sugars, fats, and red meats.
- The Ketogenic diet: About 20% of doctors recommend this diet for short-term weight loss, but only 5% recommend it for optimal health.
- The Vegan diet: Only 6% of physicians surveyed recommended this diet for long-term health due to the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Doctors often advise their patients to adopt a balanced diet that includes a variety of food groups. Some general guidelines include:
- Eating at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables every day.
- Basing meals on higher-fibre, starchy foods like potatoes, whole grains, and legumes.
- Consuming dairy or dairy alternatives for calcium and protein.
- Choosing unsaturated fats and oils over saturated fats to lower cholesterol.
- Limiting intake of foods and drinks high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat.
