Let's Hear From Some Experts

The Change That Changes Everything, Part 7

Throughout this experience (of both the week-long water fast and the new way of eating), I have read several books and watched several documentary films that I have found helpful. I have also read and watched lots of anecdotal accounts on social media, which for many is the epitome of shoddy "research." Nevertheless, I found many of them helpful and encouraging, so I will share some of those links, too.

I must warn you that both this investigative journey and the practical experience of fasting and whole food, plant-based eating—should you decide to embark on it—will involve several paradigm shifts in your thinking. You may find yourself doubtful, confused, angry, perplexed, shocked, indignant, frustrated, cynical, and any other number of unpleasant emotions before it's all over with.

In the words of my own father, who is slowly dipping his toes into this way of eating—and who says he is planning to give it a real try after the holidays—"It's pretty compelling stuff."

So here it is, some of the "pretty compelling stuff"... for those who want to read about it.

NOTE: All of these experts support some version of whole food, plant-based eating. They each differ slightly in the other things they advocate for (and against) in the diet, so it has been freeing (if not also confusing) to read the differing perspectives on the same basic diet plan. Don't be confused or bothered by that, but rather encouraged. There's more than one way to skin an orange!

* Fasting and Eating for Health: A Medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease 

by Joel Fuhrman, MD

* Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure

by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., MD

* How Not to Die and How Not to Diet (and the helpful cookbooks of the same names) 

by Michael Gregor, MD, founder of NutritionFacts.org

* The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes

by Joel Fuhrman, MD, which I've not read but my friend Carole did. (You remember, the book she initially said was "kooky" and written by a "quack"!)

We also watched several helpful and encouraging documentaries, including:

* Forks Over Knives (as of this writing, available on Amazon Prime)

* The Game Changers (as of this writing, available on Netflix)

NOTE: A quick internet search will find you lots of articles "debunking" the premises of these books and films, I'm sure. If you don't want to give this a try, don't! If you don't want to eat this way, don't! I'm not trying to convince you of anything.

However, in my experience, I find that "anecdotal evidence" is only dismissed as insufficient and invalid when you aren't the one looking at an end to two decades of IBS diarrhea (like my friends Pete and Carole); or over a decade of incurable, chronic, debilitating pain (like me); or a dozen years of needing insulin (like Carole's husband), wiped out in two days. Then, the anecdotal evidence will do quite well, thank you very much!

So there are some sources, for whatever they're worth in your eyes. Hope you find it helpful!

Read Part 8, Yes, I Really Did a Week-Long Water Fast (Twice!)

NOTE: The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not a medical professional or healthcare provider, and I have no professional medical, nutritional, or dietary credentials. You yourself are responsible for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon any information or advice appearing on this site. 

Start the story at the beginning with Part 1.