The Lange Survival Diet: A Blueprint for Thriving Health and Longevity
Written by Michael Lange OD, CNS on September 2, 2025
What Is the Lange Survival Diet?
The Lange Survival Diet is an anti-inflammatory lifestyle plan created by Dr. Michael Lange to help people not just survive, but thrive. Unlike fad diets, it’s built on scientific principles that reduce inflammation, restore gut health, and protect the eyes and brain.
Key goals of the diet include:
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Reducing chronic inflammation.
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Eliminating harmful anti-nutrients.
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Building a healthier microbiome with fermented foods.
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Supporting long-term eye, brain, and heart health.
Foods the Lange Survival Diet Avoids
Many common “healthy” foods are loaded with anti-nutrients that can block mineral absorption, trigger gut irritation, and fuel inflammation.
This diet eliminates foods high in:
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Lectins
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Phytic acid
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Gluten and FODMAPs
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Oxalates
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Alkaloids
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Phytoestrogens and protease inhibitors
By avoiding these compounds, the body can absorb nutrients more efficiently and function at a higher level.
Dairy: The A1 vs. A2 Difference
Unlike many anti-inflammatory diets, dairy is not completely forbidden in the Lange Survival Diet. Instead, the focus is on A2 dairy:
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A1 beta-casein (found in most modern cow’s milk) may contribute to digestive and inflammatory problems.
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A2 beta-casein (from goats, sheep, and heritage cows) is more natural and easier to digest.
This makes A2 milk, goat cheese, and sheep’s yogurt excellent choices for those who tolerate dairy.
Why Seed Oils Are Banned
The diet eliminates harmful seed oils like soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, safflower, and cottonseed oil. These oils oxidize easily, disrupt omega balances, and may increase inflammation.
Instead, it promotes stable, anti-inflammatory oils, including:
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Coconut oil
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Avocado oil
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Olive oil
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Algae oil
These healthier fats support heart, brain, and metabolic health while reducing inflammatory risk.
Fermented & Sprouted Foods for Gut Health
A strong digestive system is critical for overall wellness. That’s why the Lange Survival Diet includes:
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Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir (from A2 dairy) to boost probiotics.
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Sprouted grains and legumes that reduce anti-nutrients and improve nutrient absorption.
This combination strengthens the microbiome, supports digestion, and enhances immunity.
Protecting Eyes, Brain, and Longevity
The Lange Survival Diet is unique in its emphasis on eye and brain nutrition. It prioritizes foods rich in:
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Omega-3 fatty acids
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Lutein & zeaxanthin
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Antioxidants
These nutrients lower the risk of macular degeneration, cognitive decline, and other age-related conditions, making the diet a true longevity plan.
Lifestyle Beyond Food
Dr. Lange emphasizes that optimal health requires more than just dietary changes. The Lange Survival Diet is most effective when combined with:
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Regular exercise
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Proper hydration
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Quality sleep
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Targeted supplements
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A positive mindset
This holistic approach allows individuals to thrive—not just survive.
Final Thoughts
The Lange Survival Diet is more than an eating plan—it’s a lifestyle blueprint for reducing inflammation, restoring gut balance, and protecting long-term health. By eliminating seed oils, cutting anti-nutrients, embracing A2 dairy, and adding fermented foods, this diet provides a science-backed path toward vitality, clarity, and longevity.




