Gerson Therapy

Gerson Therapy is an alternative cancer therapy based on the theory and practise of removing toxins from the body, and cleansing the body, particularily the liver, utilizing treatments such as coffee enemas. The use of organic foods and supplements then boosts the metabolism.

Considered a holistic, nutrition based, metobolic therapy it was created by Max Gerson, a German physician.

From the Gerson Institute site: “The Gerson Institute is dedicated to healing and preventing chronic and degenerative diseases based on the vision, philosophy and successful work of Max Gerson, MD. The Gerson Therapy is a powerful, natural treatment that activates the body’s own healing mechanism through consuming organic vegetarian foods and juices, detoxification and natural supplements. ”

Based on Dr. Gerson’s Book, A Cancer Therapy: The Results of Fifty Cases and the Cure of Advanced Cancer By Diet Therapy, the therapy includes:

• Flooding the body daily with nutrients from about 20 pounds of organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Consuming 13 glasses of juices along with three meals daily
• Stimulating the metabolism through potassium, thyroid and other supplements
• Animal fat, excess protien and sodium are avoided
• Coffee enemas are utilized to detoxify the liver

American Cancer Society statement regarding Gerson Therapy:

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Gerson therapy is effective in treating cancer, and the principles behind it are not widely accepted by the medical community. It is not approved for use in the United States. Gerson therapy can be dangerous. Coffee enemas have been associated with serious infections, dehydration, constipation, colitis (inflammation of the colon), electrolyte (salt and mineral) imbalances, and even death.

Per the National Cancer Institute: In 1947 and 1959, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) reviewed the cases of a total of 60 patients treated by Dr. Gerson. The NCI found that the available information did not prove the regimen had benefit.

From the Mayo Clinic, CNN Report: Gerson therapy. No conclusive proof of the Gerson therapy’s effect on cancer is available. Some people on this regimen report feeling more energetic, often due to the large amounts of caffeine absorbed through the colon as part of this therapy.

As with any alternative therapy you should discuss all health care choices with your physician.

Resources:

Healing the Gerson Way: Defeating Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases by Charlotte Gerson, Beata Bishop, Joanne Shwed, and Robert Stone.