The Detox Mono Diet: The Miracle Grape Cure and Other Cleansing Diets

I was not into fasting until I came across "The detox mono-diet, the miracle grape cure and other cleansing diets by Christopher Vasey, and soon my fridge became home to over 15 pounds of organic grapes. Now began a minute scrutiny of the book so that I could find out firsthand what this book and the fasting regimen is all about. Part I of the book explains the nature of illness and the role of toxins. This is followed by an introduction to the grape cure as perfected by Johanna Brandt. There is a neat summary of the steps involved in the cure, namely, elimination, fasting, role of the grapes, raw diet, and finally, hypo-toxic diet. The physiology of fasting is explained on the basis of autolysis. When food is withheld completely, the body resorts to autolysis and extracts nutrition from the non-essential reserves like tumors, ulcers, fatty deposits, as well as toxins. Once these resources are depleted, the body will look to digesting the vital tissues and organs, but that is an extreme measure taken only when there is total and prolonged starvation. Fasting is recommended until there is a true need to eat instead of just the desire. The importance of consuming sufficient quantities of water is mentioned clearly. During fasting autolysis and the regeneration of healthy tissue go on simultaneously. There are recommendations for assisting the various excretory organs with their function, for example, enemas for the digestive system, various herbs for the liver, kidneys and the lungs and sauna / hot baths for the skin. The more accumulated wastes in the body, the more there is a possibility of healing crises like skin rash, oozing pimple, rheumatic pains, eczemas, bronchitis and catarrh that may last from a few hours to a few days but must not be suppressed or feared. The cleansing practices must be continued throughout the fasting and into the next phases. Now comes the mono-diet in which all foods except grapes are excluded. The physiological process of autolysis, assimilation of nutrients for tissue regeneration and elimination of toxic wastes that have been set in motion during fasting are simply carried on further for the entire period of the grape mono-diet. In my experience, grapes do satisfy hunger so there are no pathetic dips in energy level and enthusiasm. During a period of one day of fasting followed by five days on grape mono-diet, I was able to carry on with all my usual household chores, shoveling snow, studies requiring sustained mental focus, daily exercise and yoga, plus two hour-long sessions of weight training, all without feeling week, wasted or worried. On the contrary, I felt strong, well, free, full of purpose and accomplishment and had tons of time on my hand. After a few days on the grape mono-diet (length varies from person to person) it is time to switch to a regimen in which grapes are still the main meal but other fruits, and then milk, buttermilk and cottage cheese are included. Then comes the fourth pha

This book was very helpful to me. Very thoughtful and clear. Glad I bought it.