A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating. Most people want to try everything possible for a cure. This includes boosting the body’s natural immunity to fight cancer. The Gerson Therapy or Gerson Diet is a natural alternative cancer treatment. What does this therapy involve? And what do experts say about the safety and efficacy of Gerson Therapy?
What is the Gerson Therapy?
Gerson Therapy is a nutrition-based treatment that was developed to treat people with cancers and other medical conditions.1 The key components of Gerson Therapy are a specific diet, dietary supplements, and enemas to rid the body of toxins. The proponents of Gerson Therapy believe that it boosts the body’s immune system, replaces excess salt with potassium, and removes toxins from the body.1
What is the Gerson therapy for cancer?
Gerson Therapy for cancer is a natural alternative treatment that activates the body’s healing powers.2 It restores the body to health by increasing immunity and removing toxins. There are three key components of Gerson Therapy – diet, supplements, and detoxification.
How much does the Gerson therapy cost?
Gerson therapy can cost upwards of $15,000.2 Moreover, it requires the patient to follow a complex nutritional regimen and strict diet for at least 2 years. Therefore, people considering Gerson Therapy for cancer should take into consideration the cost as well as the considerable lifestyle commitment it requires.
What is the Gerson Diet?
The Gerson Diet is a specific organic vegetarian diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This diet is thought to ensure adequate nutrition for the body in the form of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.1 The foods included in the Gerson diet are low-salt, low-fat, and high-potassium.1 Patients are required to consume raw juices made from organic produce, one 8-ounce glass every hour, 13 times a day.
The second component of the Gerson diet is supplements, including potassium, vitamins A, B3, and C, coenzyme Q10, pancreatic enzymes, flaxseed oil, and thyroid hormone supplements.1,2
The third part of the Gerson therapy is detoxification. This is achieved with coffee or chamomile enemas that remove toxic substances from the body. Experts warn that taking too many enemas can be harmful.1 Cancer patients should, therefore, talk to their healthcare professionals about the appropriate diet, supplements, and frequency of enemas.
Does the Gerson diet cure cancer?
The National Cancer Institute has reviewed patients treated with the Gerson diet and concluded that this treatment has no proven benefit. However, some studies on Gerson therapy have been done with promising results.1
An Austrian study with a diet similar to the Gerson diet found that it reduced side effects and improved survival in cancer patients.
A retrospective study found patients with stage III and stage IV melanoma lived longer after treatment with Gerson therapy.
A case review showed that patients with metastatic cancer had both physical and psychological improvements with the Gerson therapy.
Gerson therapy and diet are not approved by the FDA in the United States as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition. Large-scale controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of Gerson therapy.
Where can I find a Gerson Therapy center?
There are several licensed Gerson clinics around the world. A Gerson Basics online program is available that makes comprehensive information easily accessible to cancer patients. More information about the Gerson therapy, the Gerson diet, and licensed Gerson centers can be found on the Gerson Institute website.
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