VSED: The Benefits of Fasting for Ending Life

[@Ericaaaaaaaaaa]

My aunt did this after she had a stroke that left her paralyzed on one side. Loved ones asked if she could be given IV fluids and nutrition. But she only wanted palliative care, and the hospice nurses honored that. She was ready to go. 💛

[@BlakeLinton]

Heartfelt thanks for addressing this difficult topic. My mother and my lifelong best friend both chose this method to end their terminal illnesses with the least possible suffering for themselves and their loved ones.

[@tamcon72]

Anyone who has ever done a deathbed vigil for a loved one, including a companion animal, knows that ceasing to eat and drink is a natural progression of the last stage of death. It isn't fraught, and should be discussed as an active method of end-of-life care more frankly. Thanks for posting.

[@PhatChin]

I wish the best to everyone who is watching this video.

[@NutritionFactsOrg]

Please take care while watching these videos if this is a difficult topic for you.

[@samiryan214]

It's OK. I don't get humans' stuff.

[@studentaccount4354]

I’ve witnessed it firsthand multiple times. This is a fabrication of what really happens in my experience.

[@reinux]

Difficult but potentially valuable for the (hopefully distant) future. Thanks for sharing.

[@barbaragrove6097]

@@studentaccount4354 You think death with dignity is a better death? I'm pondering for myself. Thank you.

[@RIForg]

My great granny dis this. She had a stroke and one side was smaller as the muscle had atrophied. She had decided that it was enough, and went on her own terms. I say good on her. She was stuck in a nursing home and her lovely huspand Pat had died a decade earlier, so that was that. I think this is a good video and this process IS a valid way out.

[@brioche8123]

I have heard of older people doing this. I didn’t realize it was an actual method to speed up death. People phrased it more like they were too depressed to eat or drink. Maybe they didn’t understand what their loved one was doing

[@johnfontana7256]

My 91 year old mother did exactly that , no food, no water for about a week before she passed. She had no co- morbidity, mentally sharp. She was not dying, just made the conscious choice to leave.

[@incifisenk9945]

Thank you so much doctor for sharing the knowledge in this subject🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼. Mom had the worst course of dying take 3 long years, terrible and devastating 3 years. To see her suffering was an other horrible pain for us her daughters. A dignified life journey must end in peace and dignity. 🕊🕊🕊

[@EC-yd9yv]

🕊️💙🙏✨

[@everetteborr]

Thank you for helping us understand a more peaceful transition in hospice. I cared for my father in hospice in our home in 2000, and none of this was ever discussed with us.

[@kathleenbutler9967]

Thank you for this video...I have been enormously stressed re dying...this gave me absolute relief...you are right it did empower me (Colon cx)... the right to die cocktail terrified me..I did not find that consoling but VSED did...thank you thank you!!

[@bam111965]

Awesome! Thank you! For those wondering, I have done a 14-day water-only fast and can tell you that not eating was easy and enjoyable. I wasn't trying to die, so I kept drinking water. I had heard not drinking water would make dying miserable and I am glad to hear that it does not.

[@justStardust940]

how can it not? have you tried needing water for just a few hours? a day? i've never been thirsty for more than an hour or two, and it's miserable

[@ladyjennyver6303]

@@justStardust940But some illnesses and diseases are worse.

[@GilbertGoesWow]

Hi, I've done a few dry fasts (three days max) and I found them to be much easierthan water fasts once you get past the first few hours. N.B I'm not recommending them, just confirming that going without water may not be so very difficult once one commits... I hope neither of us find ourselves in a situation where this info is relevant.

[@bam111965]

@@GilbertGoesWow Thank you!

[@Kaledrone]

​@@justStardust940you are weak is all. Need people at the bottom of the pecking order too, such as yourself.

[@wayneu1233]

I am reminded of the story of the “simple life” advocate and homesteader Scott Nearing. At the age of 100, and sensing his loss of physical and mental capacity, he decided that he would plan his own death so he simply stopped eating. According to his wife, Helen, his death was peaceful.

[@martykerns3802]

Having lost my mother in 2022 on her 96th birthday, this video brought SO much comfort. Rest easy, Mom.

[@Bob-2027]

I didn't know about VSED - what a precious option to those suffering needlessly, especially in societies that encourage them to fight through endless pain and antiquated medical processes. This can indeed be a dignified blessing to many, and even for their families - and all on their own terms.

[@winterlark3986]

You are remarkable for discussing this topic. Thank you for explaining what it means and what happens during this process.❤

[@jaska-jalmarixvi5757]

I remember reading about a roman senator or someone, who had gotten a disease and decided to end his life by stop eating and drinking. After harsh fasting of few days the illness went away. His decision to end his life had actually cured the disease he was ending his life for. But once he had gotten to that point he had already made up his mind and didn't start eating again. And died within few days.

[@josephlammardo]

Dear Doctor, I like how you continue to expand into general health and well-being topics. I will continue to share a great deal of your videos.

[@lorahamilton2187]

My grandma was suffering dementia after strokes and in a locked facility, basically living her nightmare. She had put in her will that she did not want life extending care and had stopped eating and drinking. Well she made my cousin her healthcare poa and the facility called him and guilted him into consenting to a feeding tube. “You don’t want your grandma to die of starvation, do you?!” All so they could keep her bed filled longer and keep collecting her money. I think she lived about another 8 months or so before passing peacefully in her sleep. I wish she had been allowed to go naturally per her wishes. Be careful who you give your poa to and make sure they understand your wishes and are prepared to follow them.

[@sandyallen1488]

Thank you so much for addressing this issue of death with dignity.

[@sorrywrongplanet8873]

My mom survived in a hospice for 36 days after stopping eating and 8 days after stopping drinking. She had aphasia for 3.5 years before dying of brain and colon cancer though so she wasn’t saying much.

[@loishauger7313]

Thank you for doing a video about this topic; autonomy until the end ✌️

[@thomasitataylor6450]

My mother became non responsive and I agreed to place her in hospice where she had no food or water. Our last communication was squeezing each other’s hands. Then that stopped. She died after 11 days in hospice. I believe she would still be with me today had I known about plant-based eating before her last illness. Thank you for this information.

[@magdalenav4314]

I've never heard about VSED. Thank you dr Greger for this video. VSED could end unnecessary suffering for so many.

[@brioche8123]

Since losing more people and entering my mid 20s, I feel like the childish rose colored glasses have been ripped off. Death feels more tangible than it did before. I think being more open to topics like this may help me feel less fear.

[@manga4774]

okay great. i feel this so much. im 30 next year and i remember being a teen and how no one around me was close to death. :( now i lost many people...starts happening so suddenly it feels like

[@brioche8123]

@@manga4774 I’m sorry for the pain you’ve experienced. And yes, one day you’re young and carefree, then life hits. The knowledge that everyone I know will someday be gone, is so heavy. But death is a part of life. Like most things, it’s better to face it head on and learn how to cope.

[@kathysharp7551]

Legal documents - If you want to stop food and/or water in the event that you are unconscious and not going to recover, there is a legal document you can sign now (before you are unconscious from say a car accident, etc.) It goes by different names in different states (eg living will, advance directive, physicians directive). To be honored, it must satisfy very specific requirements, so if you want one, go ask an estate planning lawyer for one. It's a form document, so it shouldn't be too expensive (that said, lawyers charge by the amount of time things take, so the longer or more often you talk to him, the more it costs. So, keep on task when talking with your lawyer).

[@user-se5xw8gh4f]

Thank you for this explanation and clarification. My mother-in-law just did something similar, in that she chose hospice at home rather than going to the hospital. Hospice is a gift because the caregivers understand end of life realities and it gave great independence to this 96 year old lady. Naturally she stopped eating and drinking. It was as described here.

[@brooksrogers1975]

2 deaths. My neighbor texted me on 7/18 that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic, stage 4. We texted twice. On 7/29 I texted a third time to see if she was up for a visit. Her daughter answered saying her mother had died the night before, 10 days after diagnosis. She was vegan and a nutrition nut. I have a hunch she chose this way: to stop consuming and end it all quickly. Mom passed away 2 months ago at 103½. She ate less for each meal in the last month, but more frequently, so she was eating about the same calories. She was quite petite but always had a big appetite. She was joking around with me and had a meal 2 hours before she passed: quietly, peacefully, no end-of-life narcotics, in my arms. She just went to sleep and her heart stopped beating. Vegetarian for the last 20 years: 2 eggs/wk and sparing cheese a couple of times/mo, otherwise whole foods plant based nutritious diet].

[@l.b.603]

My father fasted after learning he had cancer of the esophagus and had only 6 months to live. He died about 3 months later. This is after trying to get doctors to listen for 2 years, instead of telling him nothing was wrong and to go home.

[@acc426]

Death is inevitable, suffering ideally should be avoidable. Very interesting information.

[@caliborn6884]

This is a great video! Information that should be available to everyone. I don’t understand why there is no share button on this video.

[@DatGinnga]

Thank you for covering this

[@57auxmoines]

Thank you for this critical information. It’s sad that many will put themselves and others in painful longevity bc of fear and denial of life’s full circle. I had heard however that dying from dehydration was painful 🤔 but apparently not so

[@narelled159]

Such an important topic. It’s very hard though for people with dementia and other neurological conditions where you have to be able to be cognitively able to make a decision to end your life and as Dr Greger states it may take time away from spending with your loved ones when the disease progresses quite slowly and you want to spend as much time as possible with your loved ones but don’t want to spend your last few months or years in a facility because you can no longer live without support. Currently caring for a family member now who is not able to make decisions is heartbreaking watching them ‘live’ in a way I know they would not want. I also watch other dementia residents every day and see some very confronting things and often think if these people could have ended their life before they got to this stage if they would have.

[@dicksyphilis3914]

Interesting. I’ll keep this in mind if the time ever comes when I would be better off dead. Nice to know.

[@Lightly_Saltyago]

Thank you for talking about this! People deserve to know. ❤

[@jonfarnsworth262]

Thank you Dr Gregor. This is just what I was looking for

[@AwareLife]

Thank you Dr Greger. Well presented. It is a difficult topic. I have considered it when the time comes and this video gives assurance that it is not a difficult process. And I appreciate the other reasons you give to see it as a valid dignitified caring option. I think there is a phase of dry mouth and eyes which can be relieved with drops etc.

[@vgang3605]

Never heard of that really interesting topic before

[@Yoggoth]

And if you fast for other reasons than ending your life, you will probably live much more than 8 days. Because intention plays a role and it's important.

[@KTPurdy]

I never would have guessed. Saving video.

[@bevhall5705]

I always thought it would be hell living in a nursing home, it has always been a huge fear of mine, now I feel like I have an option if it ever came to that. This knowledge is a blessing, I hope it never comes to that, but you have taken a big load off my mind.

[@oleeb]

It’s quite common for lots of old people to stop eating which hastens their death.

[@adiposerex5150]

And it is the most inexpensive method of all.

[@patchoulijulie7769]

Intresting subject. Thanks for teaching us about that

[@hereBDBD]

Bravo! well done and well said.

[@nazokashii]

Thank you for talking about this

[@wildgeese5707]

So thankful you shared this 🙏🏻

[@cindym4946]

Thank you for a very well done video on this topic. Peaceful death is important.

[@kathysharp7551]

I've heard there is a difference in peacefulness (not just length of time) when withholding just food and not water. Does anyone have details on this?

[@karenmaas882]

This was my Dad, when he couldn't get himself sitting up by himself. Prostate cancer metastasized to his bones. We let him choose...

[@dr.aanotnot3726]

So true 😮

[@Dave--FkTheDeepstate]

Sad that we have to suffer for days or weeks to "die with dignity". Whose life is it?? Thanks for the info.

[@johnnyblue4799]

An interesting, but unexpected topic from someone who wrote a book titled "How not to die"! Quite interesting though! I'm wondering if it's still considered suicide!

[@EC-yd9yv]

Now.. how to die. Awesome info for those of us who choose Not to Exist horrible debilitating suffering years on end...

[@k.c.8658]

Great! Let’s have more like this.

[@littlecovefarm]

Never thought I'd see this from DG

[@roverdover4449]

So I'm guessing that Dr. Gregor isn't going to make fasting a big part of the new, "How not to Age." Suits me, I never liked fasting. Just strange that so many experts do point to fasting as a major element to longevity, but Dr. Gregor rarely hits on it. I guess we only have about a month more to wait and see his view.

[@cbeck1908]

I’ve been bedridden with illness for several years. I have no appetite. I found the VSED process very difficult. The dehydration part was the hard part and it became very painful. So I asked for food & drink for relief. Here’s my question- is it possible for some patients with no appetite, even it it takes longer to stop eating, but not necessarily stop drinking - and even though it’s slower, it’s a bit easier?

[@HealthZo]

awesome dr

[@mysteryLands]

Very important to empower us to die with dignity. Thank you J

[@danluther1741]

Tough to watch but important topic. Not what I needed to start my Monday morning! 😢

[@whitdent2031]

I'm grateful for this video. A decade ago I was a young 19 year old CNA working in long term care. My favorite resident, was a great lady. Very pleasant, polite, enjoyable to be with. Her health took a turn, and being in her 90s, her family opted for VSED. I HATED going to work those days, knowing what was inevitable, and wondering if this was like assisted suicide, and why would her kids want this, and hope that this woman could bounce back. She didn't. I mourned her death a long time. Was it peaceful? Yes, I guess compared to other deaths. But it was emotionally hard for me and has caused me emotional pain still thinking about it these past 10 years. I just felt like her loving family, who rarely visited, should have wanted to prolong her life and spend all the time with her possible. But such was not so....

[@nicholasarrow2443]

If it was VSED, it was her choice. If it wasn’t her choice, it wasn’t VSED. The V stands for ‘voluntary’.

[@EC-yd9yv]

It prevents long term suffering... suffering is horrible way to exist, having family see you go through it is horrible..So maybe if you think on this it will bring you peace, as it does patient.🙏🕊️

[@seahog32]

Brave thing to touch this topic, however, the commenters here sound like they never felt the pain of hunger, not to say thirst which is not far from being unable to breathe.

[@sudd3660]

this is the way. VSED is my plan for when the time comes, i am just over 40 and the world is going down the drain, we all need to consider this decision in the new few years if there is going to be a future for the humans.

[@ScarCaskt]

My wife suffered from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue and severe depression. She overdosed on her prescription pills October 19th, and died on October 22nd.

[@tamcon72]

I am so sorry. Peace to you.

[@alexfamilytravels]

So sorry.

[@ladyjennyver6303]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@ScarCaskt]

Thank you, your kind words help me heal.

[@EC-yd9yv]

🌺 Sorry for your loss.. I have same illnesses and know the existence and debilitating horrific pain , i absolutely understand anyone wanting to be at peace. I am very happy about info in this video, will absolutely look into it. I have wanted out for two decades.. as you know it s horrible to watch a loved one daily, suffering only to worsen and leave them and their rlshps a shell of what we once were. Peace. 🕊️🙏✨

[@tonynes3577]

Ironic but some early stage Cancers, probably becomes less in the body by fasting, explained by some KZbin videos. Anyway, we all have to go sometime, somewhere and peacefully is the best way.

[@alfonso365]

So sad this is even a thing... But I understand why people would choose it over the alternatives.

[@EC-yd9yv]

Does this require Any medical intervention?! As i thought I heard somewhere, if you do this yourself it's terrible?! That medical assistance makes it comfortable while doing this ?! Is this correct, thanks so much! 💙🕊️

[@almosthomefarms2741]

Genesis 49:33 '' When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.''

[@rlshieldsok]

What about the guilt one would suffer when they want to live on, but feel as a burden. Or worse, preasure from family , financial concerns, or society. This takes us to a dark place.

[@TOMMYSURIA]

😢

[@joannot6706]

That seems so damn painful, actively killing yourself for days ... I guess if the alternative is worse, what are you supposed to do?

[@finelinerin]

🙏🏻❤️

[@lorah3005]

👍

[@michaelwhite2823]

This is my sixth day. I would live a gallon of ice water but am resisting. Very little utine. No hunger. I font feel patticulsrly erak. I hope this eont yake linger yhsn yhree weeks total.

[@wildgeese5707]

Bless you and your survivors ❤

[@Kaledrone]

Still here?

[@mysabbaticalyear9077]

💖

[@eelkeaptroot1393]

Interesting! Also Interesting, I got a trigger warning from google!

[@l.w.paradis2108]

This is a natural death. I appreciate this report. Lack of all water seems too hard, but you could take a tiny sip now and then in the beginning. So what if it takes a few weeks?

[@manubhatt3]

How does the police decide if they had voluntarily given up food or the family relatives stopped feeding despite the want/desire to eat/drink? There must be some legal procedure involved?

[@ladyjennyver6303]

Knowing the patient has a terminal illness, there are also legal forms you can provide, and hospice helps with the legal stuff.

[@lybiwinzenz2880]

Very different from all other videos by DG. I have mixed feelings. I like that it gives you several days to possibly change your mind. In general, I think it is harmful to end life prematurely. Lots of people, including young and healthy individuals, go through periods of time where they no longer want to live, but then go on to make many happy experiences after making it through. If a grandmother chooses to end her life through VSED, could that possibly influence her granddaughter who just had her first heartbreak? I know from experience that other people's suicides can be a heavy blow to someone struggling with depression, grief, or intense sadness.

[@lybiwinzenz2880]

Interestingly, I don't feel conflicted at all about other choices, such as stopping chemotherapy or other invasive treatments that might minimally extend life.

[@tamcon72]

This is specifically about terminal physiological illness.

[@kocsiserika1987]

Hi! Is konjac flour allowed in a whole-food plant-based diet? I have not heard of it in the videos. It would be good to make a separate video about it. I use it to thicken stews. Thanks!

[@justStardust940]

like always, Greger has the best of intentions, but I find that sharing this information deters the much-needed healthcare system reform for the right to die. Starve and dehydrate oneself for days instead of reforming the laws so that we can get the drugs when they are warranted?

[@aroundandround]

Instructions unclear, now dead.

[@askal31]

Isn't this called suicide?

[@tanyasydney2235]

Don't be silly. You would already be dying at that point.

[@livinglifeform7974]

It's an agonising way to die.

[@Ericaaaaaaaaaa]

Did you watch the video?

[@801oap]

​@@EricaaaaaaaaaaI wonder if it is done involuntarily, such as a famine situation, while the will to live is strong and someone is fighting against the process, that the ending would be agonizing (mentally particularly).

[@studentaccount4354]

That is sugar coating it. I know 3 people that died that way in excruciating pain first. Two changed their mind and wanted to eat but couldn’t digest. It was horrible to witness. One had severe convulsions. No thank you this is all unscientific case studies or testimonials. They all wound up dying years earlier due to slowly starving to death. All three took over a month to die.

[@sudd3660]

you do not even realise how ignorant you sound, if you do not eat or drink you dies before a month for sure.

[@DivergentDroid]

In other words you are saying Just Give Up! - What if the diagnosis is Wrong? Not eating would be causing you More Harm. No. I feel people must do what makes them Happy. If they wish to eat a bunch of last meals then perhaps they will find they aren't dying after all. You are tellig people to Just Get Depressed before you kick the bucket. Not good dude.

[@DivergentDroid]

@@MB10097 I get your POV. As I said the person must do what makes them happy. It should only be the patients choice not a "health care giver" who makes that choice for them.