A Step Too Far?

I wrote a little while ago about whether a diet could be based solely around fruit and veg. The conclusion being that while yes it is possible, to achieve that correct balance of nutrients very careful planning would be required. Writing an article for another source last week reawakened this concept. The subject I was writing on was a review of the evidence for the Gerson diet, which is a controversial therapeutic diet believed by its advocates to help in the treatment of cancer. This vegetarian diet avoids all animal produce and is based exclusively on organic fruit, vegetables and wholegrains; in addition to meals, 13 glasses of fruit and vegetable juice are taken, along with a range of supplements. Its proposed mode of action is through the stimulation of the immune system, helping to destroy cancerous cells and clear toxins from the body. However, the scientific evidence for this very scarce and the studies not sound enough to provide conclusive results. While further research would obviously be needed to advocate this diet, its very nature means the appropriateness of this diet is very questionable for someone with cancer.

So why exactly is this the case?
The diet is low in protein, the requirements for which are often increased above normal in cancer. Energy requirements are also commonly higher in cancer, which can be difficult to meet on a low fat diet such as this.
The diet is very high in fibre thanks to the twenty or so pounds of fruit and vegetables eaten daily. This not only can impair an already reduced appetite, but can lead to digestive discomfort; often those following it experience diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
A number of issues have been raised about some of the supplements used in the regime; coffee enemas when used regularly can have life-threatening consequences.
Buying so much organic fruit and vegetables, along with all the supplements can be a financial drain.

Faced with an aggressive disease such as cancer, people will try anything in the hope that it may help their chances of survival. However, with the lack of evidence and the potential negative consequences of following this regime, it would seem that anyone promoting this diet should consider their motives.

Photo by Salix via Wikimedia Commons