DR Max Gerson, Charlotte Gerson - Gerson Therapy - Gerson Therapy Manual Training For Professionals (Gerson Insitute) - Gerson Therapy (2022)

The
Gerson Institute Practitioner Training – Module I

Table of Contents
DAY 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE GERSON THERAPY
INTRODUCTION TO THE GERSON THERAPY .............................................................................................. 2-6
PHYSIOLOGICAL & BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF THE GERSON THERAPY
PHYSIOLOGICAL & BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF GERSON THERAPY POWER POINT ......................................... 7-46
A NEW PARADIGM IN CELLULAR BIOLOGY ........................................................................................... 47-58
BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF THE GERSON THERAPY ..................................................................................... 59-70
HOW THE GERSON THERAPY WORKS DIAGRAM
GERSON MEDICATIONS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES
DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLEMENTS & ADJUVANT THERAPIES POWER POINT .......................................... 71-92
DESCRIPTION OF GERSON MEDICATIONS ............................................................................................ 93-102
ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES .................................................................................................................. 103-104
APPROXIMATE COST OF SUPPLEMENTS ................................................................................................... 105
SUPPLEMENT ORDER FORMS

DAY 2
INITIAL SCREENING AND CASE HISTORY TAKING
INITIAL SCREENING AND CASE HISTORY TAKING POWER POINT ...................................................... 106-117
CASE HISTORY TAKING .................................................................................................................... 118-122
LABORATORY TESTING WITH GERSON INTERPRETATION
LAB TESTING POWER POINT ............................................................................................................. 123-141
LAB VALUES WITH THE GERSON THERAPY....................................................................................... 142-145
LAB RECORDING SHEET
MIND BODY MEDICINE I
MIND BODY MEDICINE I POWER POINT .................................................................................................. 146-151

GERSON MEDICATION PRESCRIPTION GUIDE
USE AND MODIFICATIONS OF STANDARD GERSON MEDICATIONS................................................. 152
CANCER PATIENTS IN GOOD CONDITION WITH LITTLE OR NO CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT &
PROTOCOLS ................................................................................................................................... 153-155
CANCER PATIENTS IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION WITH CHEMOTHERAPY & PROTOCOL ..156-158
CANCER PATIENTS IN WEAKENED PHYSICAL CONDITION WITH OR WITHOUT CHEMOTHERAPY
PRETREATMENT & PROTOCOL ..................................................................................................... 159-161
NON-CANCER PATIENTS & PROTOCOL ....................................................................................... 162-164
GENERAL SCHEDULE OF MEDICATIONS
DAY 3
APPLICATION OF THE GERSON THERAPY
MODIFICATIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS POWER POINT .............................................................. 165-185
MODIFICATIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS.............................................................................. 186-189
SURGERY, CHEMO AND RADIATION – HEALING REACTIONS – PAIN CONTROL
The Gerson Therapy Training Program for Licensed Professionals The Gerson Institute 2013

The Gerson Institute Practitioner Training – Module I
SURGERY, RADIATION AND CHEMO AS ADJUNCTS TO THE GERSON THERAPY ............................ 190
HEALING REACTIONS .................................................................................................................... 191-200
PAIN CONTROL ............................................................................................................................... 201-205
GERSON THERAPY AS PALLIATIVE CARE ................................................................................... 206-207
INTERVENTIONS IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT ................................................................................. 208-209
PRACTITIONERS: COMMON MISTAKES........................................................................................ 210-212
PATIENTS: COMMON MISTAKES................................................................................................... 213-216
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS ......................................................... 217-218
CASE PRESENTATIONS
CNV CASE PRESENTATION POWER POINT ......................................................................................... 219-247
DAY 4
HOME SET-UP
HOME SET-UP POWER POINT ............................................................................................................. 248-258
SETTING UP THE GERSON THERAPY AT HOME ........................................................................... 259-261
HEALTHIER CLEANING PRODUCTS ................................................................................................... 262-264
HEALTHIER BODY PRODUCTS ........................................................................................................... 265-267
SAFER USE OF COMPUTERS .............................................................................................................. 268-270
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CELL PHONE FREQUENCIES ................................................................... 271-276
EMF’S AND SLEEP ............................................................................................................................. 277-278
GERSON DIET AND RATIONALE
GERSON THERAPY FOODS ................................................................................................................. 279-292
GERSON PROTOCOL: THE ROLE OF PROTEIN, CARBOHYDRATES AND FATS ........................... 293-297
FOODS FOR THE GERSON DIET ..................................................................................................... 298-312
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF SPECIFIC FOODS ON THE GERSON DIET ................................................. 313-314
COST ESTIMATE ON GERSON THERAPY ................................................................................................... 315
JUICERS & JUICING
JUICERS & JUICING POWER POINT .................................................................................................... 316-317
JUICERS & JUICING ........................................................................................................................ 318-327
DR. GERSON’S GREEN JUICE ARTICLE............................................................................................... 328-330
HEALING REACTION REVISITED – USES OF CLAY & CASTOR OIL
CLAY & CASTOR OIL PACKS POWER POINT ...................................................................................... 331-334
USES OF CLAY & APPLYING A CLAY POULTICE ................................................................................ 335-336
CASTOR OIL PACK & INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................ 337-338
CASTOR OIL ARTICLE
COFFEE ENEMA TECHNIQUE
COFFEE ENEMA POWER POINT .......................................................................................................... 339-347
THE COFFEE ENEMA AND ENEMA TECHNIQUES ................................................................................ 348-359
SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF COFFEE ENEMAS .................................................................................................... 360
COFFEE ENEMA PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................ 361-362
DAY 5
GERSON DENTAL GUIDELINES
GENERAL DENTAL GUIDELINES POWER POINT ................................................................................. 363-366
GENERAL DENTAL GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................ 367-368

MIND-BODY MEDICINE II
MIND BODY MEDICINE II POWER POINT ........................................................................................... 369-373
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE GERSON THERAPY – PART I ....................................................... 374-375
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE GERSON THERAPY – PART II ...................................................... 376-383
OVERVIEW OF MODULE II
ROLE OF A GERSON PRACTITIONER ............................................................................................. 384-385
OVERVIEW OF MODULE II ........................................................................................................... 386-397
MODULE II PRACTITIONER EXPERIENCE POWER POINT ............................................................... 398-402
APPENDIX
 Recommended Reading List
 Cancer: A Problem of Metabolism, Dr. Max Gerson
 Five Year Survival Rates of Melanoma Patient, Hildenbrand, Bradford, Cavin
 Surviving Against All Odds: Analysis of Six Cases, SAGE Publications
 Experiences with the Use of Dietary Therapy in Surgical Oncology, P. Lechner
 How the Gerson Therapy Heals, Gar Hildenbrand
 History of the Gerson Therapy, Patricia Spain Ward


The Gerson Therapy Training Program for Licensed Practitioners
Module I
May 19‐23, 2013

Participant Information

Cell Phones: Please silence cell phones at all times while in the workshop area.
Breaks: Consult your schedule for break times. There will be a five minute signal for each scheduled
break to alert you that it is time to return to the classroom and get settled, as the program will resume
promptly at the scheduled times.
Napkins: You will be given a fresh cloth napkin each morning at breakfast. Please take it to your
classroom seat after breakfast to reuse at lunch. The napkins will be collected at the dining tables after
lunch. This is a part of our effort to be an environmentally conscious organization, conserving our
natural resources. Thank you for your help in this effort.
Valuables: Please keep your valuables with you. Although the room will be locked every night, we
encourage you to NOT leave any valuables in the room, as we cannot be responsible for their loss.
Book Orders: Your Book order Form is located in the front pocket of your binder. If you plan to take
your items with you, book orders need to be in by the end of the day Wednesday. Please consider
the travel advantages of having your items shipped, and indicate this on your Order Form at the top of
the page. Otherwise, your order will be delivered to the Workshop on Thursday. Make sure you
complete your Order Form with all required information, but do not total your order with tax and/or
shipping amounts.
Audio Recording: The workshop will be recorded, to be made to participants later. Please speak clearly
into the microphone when asking questions or making comments.
Products Orders: There is a Juicer Order Form located in the pocket in your binder. Order forms are
included in your binder for the supplies, supplements, and products needed by Gerson Therapy
Patients. They are included in the Supplements and Adjunctives section of your manual. Cookware
order information can be found on the Kitchen/Cookware table.



The Gerson Therapy® Training Program
For Licensed Professionals:
Module I Manual

Entire contents of this practitioner’s manual and associated training program Copyright 2013 The Gerson
Institute. All Rights Reserved.

The information contained in this manual is based on original research, empirical observation and other
information developed and/or compiled by The Gerson Institute, its associated practitioners and researchers
and on independent research and/or empirical observations conducted and/or compiled by other individuals
and/or organizations. It is intended solely for the use of professional health care practitioners (medical
doctors, doctors of chiropractic, naturopathic and homeopathic doctors and other health care practitioners
operating within the scope of medical licenses issued by the appropriate governing authorities). The advice,
suggestions, dosage levels, indications, and contraindications described herein are intended to be used in the
context of appropriate medical knowledge, experience, and treatment and should not under any circumstances
be relied upon as the sole means of determining appropriate treatment or intervention. Under no circumstances
should this manual be used or relied upon by untrained or unqualified individuals for the purposes of
establishing or modifying a course of treatment for any specific condition. The Gerson Institute, its staff,
instructors, and auxiliary faculty do not prescribe or recommend treatment, and cannot be held responsible or
liable for the use or misuse of any information contained herein.
The Gerson Institute has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, but
cannot accept any responsibility for errors, omissions, misstatements, or other erroneous information that may
be contained herein. Please notify us in writing of any deficiencies or discrepancies so that corrections may be
made in future editions.
This manual contains valuable, proprietary information developed over many years with considerable expense
and effort. The reproduction, duplication, excerpting, or the storage and/or retrieval on any electronic or other
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The names “Max Gerson”, “Gerson”, “Gerson Institute” and “Gerson Therapy” as associated with any method or
protocol for medical or treatment are worldwide trademarks and/or service marks registered to the Gerson
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to their respective owners.

*Entire contents of this Practitioner’s Manual and associated training program. Copyright 2013 The Gerson
Institute. All Rights Reserved.*



Introduction to the Gerson Therapy

When Conventional Medicine Doesn’t Have the Answer

Your doctor has just told you that you have an incurable disease. All he can do is to try to make you
more comfortable…
Your spouse suffers severe chronic pain. She is seeing a pain specialist since her doctors say there is no
cure…
Your mother has high blood pressure. She’s been told there’s no way to control it except to take drugs for the
rest of her life…
Your best friend has been battling melanoma for four years, but now it has spread all over his body. He
has been given less than a year to live…
Your neighbor’s migraine headaches completely debilitate him and do not respond to any prescribed
medication…
Most degenerative diseases are not cured by conventional medicine. If you are like most physicians
practicing today, schooling probably didn’t include nutritional and holistic healing methods. And yet these are
the methods we, at The Gerson Institute, along with an increasing number of others, find to be most effective in
arresting and/or reversing the effects of degenerative diseases.
This manual presents, with scientific and clinical evidence, how these diseases and many others have
been and can be healed using the nutritional therapy of Dr. Max Gerson.

The Gerson Diet and Lifestyle

The Gerson diet is the foundation for the Gerson Therapy’s fully integrated system of nutrition and
detoxification to help restore the body’s essential organs and defenses. Both Max Gerson’s thirty years and the
Institute’s subsequent thirty‐three years of clinical experience indicate the importance of applying all aspects of
the therapy as a whole. The biochemical healing processes achieved using the Gerson Therapy are synergistic;
the beneficial effects of each component are magnified significantly when all are used together. Neither diet,
medication, nor detoxification alone normally can be expected to achieve healing. It is combination of all three
with the appropriate lifestyle changes that produces the best results.
Max Gerson found all chronic diseases to have their origin in toxicity and deficiency. To heal from
disease, it is essential to address and reverse both of these conditions. The Gerson diet is the basis of the Gerson
Therapy. It is designed to detoxify the entire system in order to restore the liver and the metabolism’s full
function in digesting and absorbing necessary nourishment.
There are many ways that modern agriculture and our food processing systems contribute toxins to the
food supply, including plastics, pesticides and fungicides, preservatives, dyes, coloring, and emulsifying
materials. But there are other substances that are toxic to the body, including alcohol, nicotine, prescription
drugs, over‐the‐counter drugs, street drugs, pollution in our air, water, and soil, and the materials with which
our work and home environments are built or decorated, such as industrial chemicals, textile chemicals, glues,
polishes, benzene fractions, etc. In order to heal and detoxify the body, exposure to all of these toxins must be
eliminated.
2


At first, some aspects of the Gerson diet may seem arbitrary or even draconian in the limitations they
impose. Please be assured that these dietary guidelines were established only after extensive clinical
experimentation. When Dr. Gerson suggested eliminating certain foods, it was for compelling reasons and based
upon his clinical experience. In some cases, alterations to Dr. Gerson’s original dietary guidelines have been
made since his death, based on more recent medical or other research and increased environmental toxicity.

Max Gerson, M.D., Rediscovers Natural Medicine

Max Gerson was a visionary. In the 1930s, nearly sixty years before the American Cancer Society
recognized the effectiveness of proper nutrition in preventing cancers, he proposed that it not only could
prevent illness but that combined with detoxification, it actually could restore health, even in cases of life‐
threatening illnesses. He also recognized the value to health of a supportive home environment and foresaw the
risks in developing technology. He correctly predicted the dramatic increase we’ve already seen of cancers and
other degenerative diseases as a result of increased toxicity and pollution and diminished access to fresh,
organic foods and their vital force.
By practicing the Gerson Therapy and the holism upon which it’s based, we believe you can learn to
treat or prevent virtually all degenerative diseases. If it seems outrageous that we offer only one treatment for
many diseases, remember that with the Gerson Therapy we treat the underlying causes of disease rather than
specific symptoms, thereby allowing the body’s innate healing power, ultimately the best available, to restore
the body to balance and health.
To better understand Max Gerson’s theory, it may be useful to look first at the way modern medicine
views cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Treating Symptoms

Conventional Western medicine is known as allopathy, from the Latin allo meaning against or different,
and path, meaning disease. By definition, this method of treatment looks at disease as a set of symptoms to be
combated/eradicated.
This symptomatic approach makes sense, for example, in treating a broken leg. It’s clear we cannot heal
the leg by treating its underlying cause (in this case, a slippery stairway). Rather, we must address the symptom
directly by setting the leg and immobilizing it with a cast. But even in this case, we must then wait while the
body’s innate healing ability mends the fracture. Meanwhile, we can correct the cause (apply a non‐stick finish
to the stairway) so that the problem doesn’t recur.
Cancer, arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other degenerative diseases are different. Each has its
root cause, but it is less obvious. Degenerative diseases, according to Gerson, are caused by a derangement of
[an imbalance in] body systems, which is caused in turn by a deficiency [of vital nutrients] and toxicity that
compromise the body’s ability to heal itself. Unless we confront this root cause, as we did the slippery staircase,
the problem will likely return. Finally, however, to treat these diseases effectively, we must resolve both the
immediate symptoms and their underlying causes.
Allopathic medicine tends to treat only the symptoms of degenerative diseases. Most of us, as
healthcare consumers, have been conditioned to think along the same lines. Headaches are not caused by a
deficiency of aspirin or Tylenol, yet, when we have a headache, we immediately reach for one or another
painkiller, instead of considering why we have it and what we can do to solve the underlying problem.
3


Sometimes we must use modern pharmaceutical drugs to solve an immediate problem, but each time
we do so we must consider the consequences. Almost all drugs have undesirable side effects and, as drugs
become more complex in chemical structure, they frequently also become more difficult for our bodies to
metabolize and eliminate after they have done their job. Seeing medication as the ultimate solution to our
health problems can mean trouble.
The cost to physical health of environmental pollutants and the constant use of medications can be seen
not only in the increasing numbers of cancers and other familiar degenerative diseases but also in the
introduction to the American population of new immune‐related disorders, such as Lupus, Fibromyalgia,
Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease, Genital Herpes, Epstein‐Barr, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and AIDS –all
problems for which conventional medicine has no answer. Familiar diseases that were thought to be
controllable have developed new forms that do not respond to antibiotics. New strains of tuberculosis (and
syphilis) are appearing that are resistant to formerly effective treatments.
Clearly a different approach is needed to solve these problems. Some will consider the approach new,
but it is really many centuries old –‐ a return to the natural medicine of Hippocrates and the Essenes as
rediscovered by Dr. Gerson. The Gerson Therapy has been scientifically documented as an effective treatment in
reactivating and restoring the body’s natural healing ability. By focusing on detoxifying the body and
supplementing its supply of essential nutrients, the Gerson Therapy achieves a healing that is neither selective
nor confined to specific symptoms, but that helps the whole body work better. Thus the body can fight the
disease dysfunction or tumor, and resolve its underlying cause or causes as well.

The Causes of Disease

The food our ancestors consumed was much closer to nature – fresher and more vital than it is today.
Produce was grown locally, if not in one’s own garden, and often consumed the same day it was picked. There
were no commercial pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. Topsoil was kept rich in nutrients,
minerals and trace minerals through supplementation with compost, manure, and other natural sources of soil
nutrition. Fruits and vegetables grew strong and resistant to insects and vermin naturally, and those pest
problems that did occur could be handled without the use of toxic chemicals.
Today, in industrialized ‘developed’ countries, most of the foods consumed are processed and depleted
of nutrient value. Commercial farming techniques use millions of pounds of pesticides, fungicides, and
herbicides each year. Instead of protecting the soil with techniques such as crop rotation and companion
planting, farmers are growing fruits and vegetables in the same location year after year, reintroducing only a few
minerals into the soil after each growing season (depleted soil cannot produce anything but depleted produce).
To make matters worse, the ways we process and prepare foods often destroy whatever nutrients remain or
load us up with undesirable additional ingredients such as fats. Almost all canned, bottled, frozen, or otherwise
preserved foods lack live enzyme activity; most are depleted of essential vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
Factories and modern conveniences pollute our air and water. Our homes are tightly insulated limiting
the flow of fresh air and instead are often filled with gaseous emissions from treated lumber, carpets, paints and
other construction materials, solvents and harmful chemicals.
The emerging field of psychoneuroimmunology has proven there is a relationship between physical and
emotional stress and immune suppression. It then comes as no surprise that a modern, fast‐paced lifestyle
combined with inferior, incomplete nutrition, and polluted water and air virtually everywhere is a recipe for
disease.

4


Living Healthy in an Unhealthy World

The good news is that, while we cannot remove all negative factors from our environment, we don’t
really have to. A reasonably healthy person with the healing ability and capacity for adaptation innate to the
body can handle numerous stresses and toxins. Of course it is wise to minimize exposure to toxic materials and
to eat the highest quality food possible to avoid overburdening the body’s innate abilities and to prevent future
problems.
For a person already suffering disease, however, additional help is required to support and enable the
body’s healing ability. The Gerson Therapy provides this help by establishing the optimum healing environment,
which includes the best possible nutrition, intensive detoxification, appropriate physical surroundings, and the
necessary social, spiritual, and psychological support.
In order to overcome the severe nutrient deficiencies due to soil depletion, over‐processing of foods, and
damaging food preparation, the Gerson Therapy floods the sick body with living nutrients. To ensure that even
seriously ill patients with poor appetites can receive the large quantities of nutrients required for restoring body
systems, the therapy requires freshly pressed vegetable juices (concentrated sources of these nutrients). In
addition to three complete, freshly prepared vegetarian meals, a glass of fresh carrot juice, or carrot and apple
juice, or juice made of salad greens is served to the patient every hour 13 times a day, for a total of 104 ounces
of juice daily. All foods are organically grown and rich in nutrients.
The body’s essential excretory organs, the liver and the kidneys, are often overworked by the average
western diet which typically includes excessive meat, fat and other heavy protein products such as milk and
cheese. When you consider as well the toxins in the air, soil and water, processed foods, drugs, alcohol, and
nicotine, it is easy to see how the liver and kidneys can become incapacitated, unable to eliminate sufficient
toxins to maintain health.

The liver: The Critical Organ

Dr. Gerson identified the liver as the critical organ in maintaining and detoxifying the human body. The
circulatory system, the system that pumps blood throughout the body, is the means by which nutrients are
transported to and waste is removed from the cells. One of the many functions of the liver is filtering the
bloodstream. If the bloodstream cannot carry nutrients effectively, or if it is not sufficiently filtered of toxins and
waste products by the liver, illness will result. For this reason, Gerson paid particular attention to the liver and
the effectiveness of its functioning.
When the Gerson Therapy is initiated, a number of different things begin to happen simultaneously. The
supplementation of potassium, thyroid and iodine combined with the dietary restriction of sodium, fat, and
protein initiates a rapid and powerful elimination of intercellular edema. This commonly produces a decrease in
tumor masses, decrease in pain, and numerous other positive “side effects”.
The large quantity of fresh vegetable juice provides tremendous amounts of vitamins, minerals,
enzymes, and phytochemicals in their raw, pure form to nourish the body and begin the process of reactivating
sluggish body systems. Digestion is stimulated; the kidneys are flushed by the large liquid intake on the therapy
and cell wastes and other toxic elements stored in the body begin to be eliminated, including residues,
environmental pollutants and other sources of toxicity from the tissues into the blood stream. These are then
filtered out of the blood stream by the liver that becomes overwhelmed with these toxins unless it gets help to
eliminate them. Dr. Gerson introduced the coffee enemas (which were found by researchers at the University of
Goettingen, by Dr. Peter Lechner, and others) to stimulate the bile ducts to release toxins in feces through the
5


intestinal tract. Without the enemas, the liver can become highly toxic even to the point of developing liver
coma.
The Gerson Therapy is a total integrated treatment and cannot be divided into separate parts. The
intensive nutrition must be combined with intensive detoxification to produce the cycle for healing. All Systems
–‐ the hormone system, the mineral system, the immune system, the enzyme system, and the essential organs ‐‐
every part of the body must be returned to full function in order to restore the body’s defenses and to produce
healing.
Dr. Gerson stated that “in every body, there is a healing mechanism, and it is the physician’s duty to
reactivate this mechanism.” With appropriate modifications to the basic Gerson Therapy, it becomes possible
for the body to overcome virtually all chronic degenerative problems. More important, it is possible to prevent
the killing and crippling diseases, maintain good bone structure, good teeth, good eyesight and hearing, normal
blood pressure, open arteries –‐ in short, to maintain active good health into old age.

6

MODULE I
Gerson Practitioner Training
Dr. Kayla Smith, ND May 19-23, 2013

1
- A WHOLE BODY APPROACH TO HEALING
- REACTIVATES THE BODY’S ABILITY TO

ACTIVATE ITS’ OWN HEALING
MECHANISM
7
“Illnesses do not come upon us out of the
blue. They are developed from small daily
sins against Nature. When enough sins have
accumulated, illnesses will suddenly appear.”
‐Hippocrates
• Pasteur versus Beauchamp

• On his deathbed, it is reported that Pasteur
declared: “Beauchamp was right—the
microbe is nothing—the terrain is
everything.”
An important theme throughout Dr.

Gerson’s book, A Cancer Therapy.
8
“Cancer the great killer will be prevented and
can be cured if we learn to understand the
eternal laws of totality in Nature and in our
own body…the totality of function is lost if
one or another vital organ is too far
destroyed.”
-Dr. Max Gerson
“What is essential is not the growth itself or

the visible symptoms; it is the damage of
the whole metabolism including the loss of
defense, immunity and the healing power.”
- Dr. Max Gerson
• Cancer is caused by an accumulation of

numerous damaging factors and daily
poisoning brought on by modern
civilization.
• Cancer is not a specific disease--it is a
degenerative condition of the total
metabolism.
• It includes damage to the liver and all
essential organs.
9
9
• Malignancy is an adaptation to local conditions.
• Cancer develops when there is a breakdown of
the whole body, and no single approach will
effect a cure.
• The Therapy does not heal selectively.
• Change the internal environment and bring the
body to vitality to enable it to generate a healing
inflammation (digestion of tumor) then eliminate
the tumor products and other toxins in the body
and you will see healing.
10
Little by little Dr. Gerson came to the conclusion

that:
• The most important part of the body is the
digestive tract.
• In order for our intake to be properly digested
to the end products and all waste eliminated, all
toxins and poisons must be eliminated.
• “I am convinced that cancer does not need a
specific treatment.”
11
• A weak digestive system—unable to

process food to the end products and
eliminate all waste
• Improper functioning of the pancreas
• A weakened and poisoned liver—unable to
detoxify the blood
• Congested lymphatic—70% of the immune
system lies in the gut (GALT)
12
10
The inability to heal is caused by:
• Loss of normal mineral balances

• Poisoning of essential organs due to
toxicity
• Incomplete digestion and elimination
13
14
Environment can modify gene expression.
15
11
16
17
1. Freeman Cope, MD—Pioneering physicist

and researcher
2. Gilbert Ling, MD—Father of New Cellular
Biology
3. Raymond Damadian, MD—Developer of
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMRI)
18
12
Freeman Cope, MD
• Studied salt & H20 management in disease
• Challenged the N+/K+ pump theory
• Intracellular water is structured—potassium
is held inside cell by electrostatic forces.
• Controlling the type of salts and water
content affects cellular function.
• Coined term: Tissue Damage Syndrome
• Cope was led to Gilbert Ling’s work
19
Gilbert Ling - Biophysicist

• Challenged the sodium pump theory
• Believed the electrical field of cytoskeleton
governs ionic environment of cell
• Formulated the Association Induction
Theory:
“For every molecule of ATP that is complexed
with the macromolecule, 20 association sites
for K+ are formed.”
20
Raymond Damadian
• Invented the NMRI which verified Ling’s
model
• Cope taught him how to use the MRI and
they could now view a cell in a diseased
state.
• They were able to verify Tissue Damage
Syndrome
21
13
Cells damaged by toxins, oxygen starvation,
malnutrition, trauma:
• Lose potassium
• Accept sodium
• Swell with water
• Loss of cellular energy production-ATP
22
• Throughout the cytoplasm of cells, water is

structured. It is stacked because of dynamic
energies in the cells that hold water in an
organized pattern.
• The cell is a honeycombed protein-lipid
latticework that holds water in its pockets.
• It is structured—O2 lines up one way and
H+ ions face the other way - polarization
23
24
14
Good Article
Cancer as a Metabolic Disease
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/conte
nt/7/1/7
25
• Potassium gathers at the negatively charged

association sites along the macromolecule.
• Once K+ molecules are in place a force of
attraction causes the water molecules to line
up around the protein-lipid membrane.
• Structured water will not accept excess Na+
or toxins and this excess Na+ and toxins will
leave.
• Once Na+ ring around the tumor is drained,
it will lose its protection and defense
• Damadian found that a normal healthy cell
has 66% water and a cancer cell holds up to
90% water. 26
• Cope and Ling maintained that it was the

electrical field of the cytoskeleton that
governs the ionic environment and not the
Na+/K+ pump.
• Would need 15-30 times the energy available
to a cell for the pump theory
• Ling paralyzed the ATP system of a cell and
it maintained a high level of K+ for many
hours.
27
15
• Potassium is a key mineral governing oxidative
metabolism & ATP production.
• In a disease state a shift in major minerals
(depletion of K+) inhibits oxidative function.
• Na+ invades cell causing edema, burning of fuel
is compromised, and O2 & K+ rejected.
• Cell drops into fermentative state, secretes
large amounts of lactic acid, and changes from
aerobic to anaerobic glycolysis
28
29
• This is in agreement with Otto Warburg’s

theory of the cause of cancer
• Prime cause of cancer: replacement of the
respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by
fermentation of sugar
• Malignancies in human beings continuously
fall back deeper and deeper into
fermentation.
30
16
• Cancer cells live essentially on fermentation
• Potassium and oxidizing enzymes introduce
oxidation
• At this point we kill cancer cells because we
take away the conditions they need to live.
31
32
• A cancer researcher particularly for breast

cancer
• Has conducted ground breaking research
showing that tumor growth is caused by an
interaction between cancer cells and the
surrounding cellular micro-environment
• Growth and malignant behaviors are
regulated at the level of tissue organization
33
17
• Tissue organization is dependent upon the
extracellular matrix and surrounding
microenvironment.
• In healthy bodies, normal tissue
homeostasis and architecture inhibit the
progression of cancers.
• This can explain why tumors often develop
when tissue is damaged or immune system
suppressed, i.e.. (Tissue Damage Syndrome).
34
• 1997 landmark experiment

• Mutated mammary cells, when dosed with
an anti-body and placed into a normal
cellular micro-environment, behaved
normally
• This means that the microenvironment and
the context which surrounds those cells are
actually telling the cancer gene and cancer
cell what to do. 35
“We have to look at invisible mineral circulation with

great storage power of the minerals in the
potassium group and glycogen in the liver, and
equally for iodine and the minerals of the sodium
group in the thyroid gland.”
“Behind the metabolism of minerals and matter,

there is a power of energy, an electrostatic and an
electrodynamic one, and probably several other
energies, which are the stimulating powers for all
movement of matter.” 36
18
“One should not think of matter in quantities
or qualities only, but also should take into
account the quantities of energies which
radiate from ionized minerals and should
stimulate and keep all important and vital
functions of the cells active.”
37
“To bring the system to normal or near

normal for healing purposes, it needs
animating energies besides the pure
substances, without which it is unable to act,
cooperate and fulfill duties for metabolism
and distribution. It is impossible to live
without the energies which are moving all
substances all over the body and are
supporting all cells.”
(see page 102 of A Cancer Therapy) 38
• Uses low Na+, high K+ diet in heart disease

• After years of clinical observations and
research, he concluded “Angina pectoris and
MI are not conditions that derive from CAD.
They originate from changes in the
metabolism of myocardial fibers which begin
with a thermodynamic disturbance many years
before the coronary arteries are affected.”
39
19
• Rarely prescribes diuretics since using dietary
intervention has shown it is unnecessary in the
majority of cases
• The same for beta-blockers, steroids, and other
drugs. He finds the low Na+, high K+ diet
considerably reduces dosages of these
medications.
• Feels a low Na+, high K+ diet gives EKG
readings and clinical results far better than those
produced by a low cholesterol diet 40
“The consequences are immediate. They

include sodium retention, potassium loss, and
increase of lactic acid at the myocardial fiber
level, concentrations of blood cholesterol, and
triglycerides increase and, later on, there is
coronary damage. This explains the poor
results of treatment and preventative
measures in the so-called coronary disease.”
41
• Developed Polarizing Treatment

• GKI (Glucose, Potassium, and Insulin)
• Given to heart attack patients
• Insulin increases the uptake of K+ into the
cells, improving ATP production. He found
this could reduce the dose of defibrillating
drugs to ¼ the usual dose.
42
20
• This treatment has been of some benefit to
cancer patients to reduce edema, ascites, and
effusions.
• Adapted in the following way: 3 insulin units
with the potassium added to the juices while
increasing fruit in the diet
• Can be effective initially - but if edema
recurs, it ceases to be effective
43
• Re-establish and increase oxidative

metabolism to reverse Tissue Damage
Syndrome
• Increase detoxification capacity of
liver
• Initiate the healing inflammation
• Restoration—Continue the process until
the tumor is re-absorbed and/or organs
restored to normal healthy function
44
Re-establish and Increase Oxidative

Metabolism and Reverse Tissue Damage
Syndrome
45
21
There are 6 main aspects of the Gerson
Therapy that address reversing Tissue
Damage Syndrome and Increasing Oxidative
Metabolism.
46
1. Nutrient dense organic vegetarian diet including

juices which provides easily absorbed nutrients,
enzymes, and oxygen (hyper-alimentation)
2. Temporarily decrease protein—heightens immune
profile
3. Extreme fat restriction, except for healthy omega 3—
repairs cell membranes
4. Sodium restriction/potassium supplementation (salt
and water management)
5. Increase cellular metabolism with thyroid and Lugol’s
6. Remove toxins that inhibit normal cellular enzyme
functions (coffee enema) 47
• 20 lbs. of fruits and vegetables daily between

juices and meals
• Studies have concluded there are more than
500 identified and thousands yet unidentified
molecular structures, and biological factors
present in fruits and vegetables with very
significant cancer preventative, anti-tumor,
and chemotherapeutic activities.
48
22
• Anti-tumor molecules in food prevent
cancer by reversing the initiation and
promotion stages.
• Anti-tumor nutraceuticals interact directly
with the DNA of cancer cells to induce
differentiation and further apoptosis.
• Proliferating defective cancer cells will be
induced to reach the next stage of
development, then mature and die. 49
• Glutathione
• Terpenes (lemons, oranges, grapefruit)
• Glucosinolates (indoles, isothiocyanates)
• Flavonoids
• Anthocyanidins
• Glucarates (cruciferous veggies)
• Carotenoids
50
• May be the most important molecule to

stay healthy and prevent disease
• Produced by our body from cysteine,
glycine and glutamine—contains sulfur
groups
• Most critical and integral part of our
detoxification system, particularly the POPs
• Mother of all antioxidants—critical for
immune function and controlling
inflammation 51
23
• Is recycled in the body, but gets depleted
with high toxic load and high oxidative
stress
• Can replenish with specific foods
52
• Garlic
• Onions
• Cruciferous vegetables and sulfur rich foods
(broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage,
cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, watercress
• Carrot juice
• Oats
• Flax seed oil
• Yogurt 53
• Selenium
• CoQ10
• Milk Thistle
54
24
• Naturally occurring organic compounds in
plants
• Have anti-cancer properties
• Many are found in cruciferous vegetables
55
• Cruciferous vegetables are a rich source of

glucosinolates, which have been associated
with lower risk of prostate, breast, lung and
colorectal cancer.
• Isothiocyanates and sulforaphanes induce
phase II detoxification, induce apoptoptic
pathways, suppress cell cycle progression,
and inhibit angiogenesis and inflammatory
activity.
Cell Mol Life Sci. 2007 May;64(9):1105-27 56
• Broccoli and broccoli sprouts

• Brussel sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Watercress
• They are water soluble and leech into the
cooking water
57
25
• A study was performed to determine the
effects of watercress on biomarkers related
to cancer risk in healthy adults
• Watercress supplementation (active
compared to control phase) was associated
with reductions in basal DNA damage.
Plasma lutein and beta-carotene increased
significantly.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Feb;85(2):504-10
58
• Purple cauliflower
• Cherries
• Egg plant
• Prunes, raisins
• Plums
• Red Beets
• Red cabbage
• Red and purple grapes
• Red onions 59
• Onion, garlic
• Green leafy
• Cherries
• Parsley
• Apple (skins)
• Spinach
• Kale, Brussels sprouts
60
26
• Blocks beta-glucoronidase which speeds up
body’s ability to eliminate dietary and
environmental toxins linked to cancer
formation.
• Particularly helpful for hormone sensitive
cancers
61
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Grapefruit
• Oranges
• Potatoes
• Apples
• Grapes
• Lettuce
62
• Orange, red and yellow pigmented vegetables

• Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
• Carrots
• Dark, green, leafy vegetables
• Asparagus, peas
• Summer and winter squash
• Sweet potato
• Watermelon
• Tomatoes 63
27
• Carrot juice has a glycemic index between
43-56, which is moderate
• Carrots contain a compound called
falcarinol.
• Protects its roots from fungal disease
• Research shows reduced risk of developing
cancer by one-third in rats fed falcarinol.
64
• Glutamine (cabbage)
• Fiber (oats, fruits and vegetables)
65
• Romaine and green leafy lettuces

• Swiss chard
• Beet greens
• Red cabbage
• Green pepper
• Watercress
• Apple
66
28
• Excellent source of Vit C, E, K, beta
carotene, manganese and zinc
• Flavinoids and carotenoids
• Rich in fiber and protein
• Helps stabilize blood sugar
• Protects liver from experimentally induced
diabetes
67
• Must restrict dietary protein for 6-8 weeks to cause

Na+ to leave damaged cells and edema to be
absorbed.
• In some cases up to 8 gm. of Na+ released in urine
in the first 10 days
• Can maintain positive nitrogen balance in the early
weeks with highly bio-available protein content of
potatoes, oatmeal, vegetables, and juices. This will
replace the 40 g of obligatory loss thru entrails.
• Once dairy protein is added there will be 30-40g
more than required 68
• Guinea pig experiments to study immune

profiles in relation to protein intake
• Group A given a no-protein chow
• Group B given normal chow (control
group)
69
29
• Serum immunity (Th2) remained stable
• T-lymphocytes (Th1) became tremendously
increased & remained aggressively and non
specifically active for a long period of time
• Protein restriction turns on T-lymphocytes
which can infiltrate tumors and kill cancer
cells.
70
• Experiments with mice (some direct human

analogs for SLE) showed when protein-calorie
was restricted lupus was not developed.
• Another mouse that tends to get vascular
lesions did not develop lesions, plaque, or
kidney problems.
• Normal mice with protein-calorie restriction
initiated at weaning lived to be double the
normal life span.
71
• Protein restriction also avoids feeding the

process of toxic waste manufactured by
damaged tissues and neoplastic tissues.
• Cancers tend to deal with proteins poorly and
to create metabolites that are toxic to nearby
normal cells.
• Protein generates an acid by-product that
interferes with oxidative metabolism.
72
30
• Dr. Gerson experimented with many fats
• Flax seed oil was the only one that did not
cause tumors to grow
• Lowers intake of disease promoters
• (side note-research fat restriction)
73
• Shift the major minerals to oxidative

metabolism by driving K into the cells
• Increase production of ATP and
mitochondrial function.
• Sodium moves to extracellular
• Potassium increases intracellular
74
• The metabolic governor of the body

• Thyroid hormone enhances production of
mitochondria and ATP which enhances
oxidative metabolism.
• On the Gerson Therapy, desiccated
prescription thyroid is used.
75
31
• Thyroid hormones are produced in the
thyroid gland where iodine is concentrated
20-100 fold and attached to thyroglobulin
through organification.
76
• The thyroid follicles produce thyroid

hormones:
–T4 (L-thyroxine)
–T3 (L-liothyronine)
–rT3 (reverse T3) occupies receptor sites
and down regulates activity)
77
• About 80 mcg of T4 are secreted daily

• Also produces 4-5 mcg of T3 daily (about
15-20% of total daily production)
• The rest is converted to T3 in extra-
thyroidal tissues (liver, kidney, skeletal
muscle)
• Selenium is essential for the conversion
• T3 has approximately 4 times more activity
than T4 78
32
• Inherited cellular defects in mitochondria as
well as environmental toxins impair thyroid
hormone metabolism at the cellular level.
• Chlorine, Fluorine, and Bromine: low atomic
weights and readily displace Iodine
• Poor conversion of T4 to T3 (high cortisol)
• Inadequate adrenal function
79
80
• Thyroid supplementation is given on the

Gerson Therapy regardless of whether
someone has been diagnosed with
hypothyroidism—frank or subclinical.
• Used to push the metabolism
• Patient is monitored through blood work,
symptoms, and basal body temperature.
81
33
1. Nutrient dense organic vegetarian diet including
juices which provides easily absorbed nutrients,
enzymes, and oxygen (hyper-alimentation)
2. Temporarily decrease protein—heightens immune
profile
3. Extreme fat restriction, except for healthy omega 3—
repairs cell membranes
4. Sodium restriction/potassium supplementation (salt
and water management)
5. Increase cellular metabolism with thyroid and Lugol’s
6. Remove toxins that inhibit normal cellular enzyme
functions (coffee enema) 82
Increase detoxification capacity of the liver

Detoxification (also known as biotransformation):
Chemical changes of a xenobiotic or
endogenous compound that render it less toxic
and more readily excreted.
83
Chronic exposure to environmental pollutants

has been linked to carcinogenesis as well as
many chronic degenerative diseases.
84
34
• Pesticides and Insecticides
• Dioxins
• Plasticizers (phthalates, bisphenol-A)
• Organochlorines (PCBs, DDT
• Organic solvents
• Petrochemicals
• Heavy metals
85
• Organic compounds resistant to

environmental degradation
• Bio-accumulate in human and animal tissue
• Bio-magnify in food chains
• Includes pesticides, solvents, industrial
chemicals and plasticizers
86
• Diabetes—with undetectable POPs, no

association between obesity and diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome & insulin resistance
associated with organochloride pesticides
87
35
• CFS/Fibromyalgia
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
• Allergies/Asthma
• Cancer
• Autoimmune Disease
• Reproductive Disorders
• Endocrinopathies (hypothyroid)
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Autism
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 88
“For the first time in the history of the world,

every human being is now subjected to contact
with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of
conception until death. In less than two decades
of their use, the synthetic pesticides have been
so thoroughly distributed throughout the
animate and inanimate world that they occur
virtually everywhere”.
-Rachel Carson - Silent Spring, 1962
89
• Process of detoxification typically involves two

steps:
–Phase I: bio-activation
–Phase II: conjugation
• Majority of reactions occur in the liver
• Relatively high activity in the GI tract, lungs,
kidneys, and skin (all tissues have some
activity)
90
36
• Phase I (cytochrome p450 system,
dehydrogenase, reductases)
• Phase II (Glucuronosyl Transferase, Sulfation,

Amino Acid Conjugation, Glutathione
Conjugation)
• It is the Phase II Glutathione Transferase

system that is activated by the coffee enemas
91
• Cancer is a disease of a sick liver

• The liver is the site of most all metabolic
functions and is responsible for reactivation of
the oxidizing enzymes.
• From the liver other organs and tissues can be
poisoned.
• Pathological changes do not appear for many
years - the liver only shows precise and decisive
symptoms after it has used up all reserves and is
near breakdown.
• After the liver, the kidney and lymph are
damaged 92
In most degenerative diseases: liver is

damaged
In cancer: liver is damaged and toxic
Organ fully restorable
A detoxification therapy without facilitating the removal of toxins by

the liver will accelerate the disease process and the liver will become
more damaged. 93
37
94
• The palmitates (kahweol & cafestol) in the coffee increase

glutathione-s-transferase (GST) by 600 to 700% in liver &
small intestine.
• This pathway accounts for up to 60% of toxins excreted in
the bile
• It detoxifies industrial toxins, PCBs, xenobiotics, and toxic
metals
*Effects of Coffee on Glutathione S –Transferase (GST) Activity and
7,12-dimethylbenz (A) Anthracene (DMBA)-Induced Neoplasia. Velta L.
Sparnins, Luke K. T. Lam and Lee W. Wattenberg. University of
Minnesota Medical School 95
• Binds bilirubin & glucoronides for elimination from

hepatocytes
• Forms covalent bonds with electrophilic substances—including
intermediate hepatotoxic products
• Binds ammonia and toxic bound nitrogen (breakdown
products of tumors)
• The range of GST substrates includes a large number of
xenobiotics, hepatic toxins, carcinogens, endogenous
prostaglandins, leukotrienes, steroids, and organic hydro-
peroxides including lipid hydro-peroxides and lipid
peroxidation products.*
• Prevents re-absorption of toxic bile which is normally
reabsorbed 9-10 times before exiting
* Hepatology 1989;9(3):486-496 96
38
Responsible for detoxifying
• Excretion of toxic compounds from liver carcinogens and free radicals (which
cause cell damage: NH4+, N)
depends of bile production and flow
Increase of normal
POTENT COMPOUNDS: activity levels ENZYME SYSTEM:
PALMITATES 600‐700% GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE
CAFFEINE
• Dilate bile ducts
OTHER POTENT COMPOUNDS: THEOBROMINE
97
THEOPHYLLINE • Cause increased bile flow
• Coffee held in the bowel is absorbed through

the mesenteric veins and enters the entero-
hepatic circulation.
• Blood circulates through the liver every 3
minutes.
• Retention for 15 minutes ensures blood passes
through the liver 5 times.
98
http://experts.umn.edu/pubDetail.asp?t=pm&id
=20048767&n=Lee+W+Wattenberg&u_id=2994
&oe_id=1&o_id=207
http://www.experts.scival.com/umn/pubDetail.
asp?t=pm&id=23181017&n=Lee+W+Wattenber
g&u_id=2994
99
39
How Does the Coffee Travel in our Body?
100
• The quart of liquid stimulates the visceral

nervous system
• Promotes peristalsis and transit of toxic bile
from duodenum to the rectum
• Reduces pain by relieving edema and toxic
pressure on nerve endings and tumors
• Dilutes portal blood and subsequently the
bile
101
• Takes the detoxification to a deeper level

• Given every other day for the first few
weeks/months to alleviate the strong toxic
reactions experienced at the beginning of
treatment
• Castor oil in the duodenum stimulates the
liver to release large amounts of bile. As
toxic bile is released, it binds with the
castor oil. 102
40
• The oil is not digested or absorbed,
therefore trapping toxins and inhibiting
their re-circulation back to the liver.
• Binding capacity of castor oil also inhibits
reabsorption through the small intestine
• A more aggressive detoxification treatment
103
• Pre-treatment with Chemotherapy—wait at

least 6 months and start slowly
• A weak liver—hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver mets
• Ulcers/bleeding/inflammation—anywhere
in the GI tract
• Severe diarrhea
104
Initiate the Healing Inflammation

to break down tumor mass
105
41
• Weak cells can be restored by reversing
Tissue Damage Syndrome
• Malignant cells must be killed or induced to
commit suicide (apoptosis)
• The healing inflammation kills tumor cells
106
• Dr. Gerson: The theory of cancer is a question of

the defense of the mesenchyme, the reticular
endothelial system, a parenteral digestive apparatus
• The cancerous body is anergic—cannot produce
an active inflammatory metabolism or an immune
system response.
• Once detoxified enough to restore oxidative
metabolism vitality is raised enough to initiate this
response.
• Inflammation kills tumor cells, fever amplifies
lymphocytic response—swelling, degeneration and
necrosis, also produces TNF which inhibits
capillary growth into tumor. 107
108
42
• An allergic reaction may be thought to be a
diminished enzymatic reaction.
• An allergic inflammation (healing reaction) is
considered to be an increased enzymatic
reaction—can be regarded as an unspecific,
healing-induced inflammation.
109
• The task of the Therapy is to prevent all

impeding infectious or poisonous reactions
including drug allergies and allergies to
food when not digested to the end
products.
• These will hinder the allergic healing
inflammation.
110
Dr. Gerson cites Professor Pischinger: “The mesenchyme

consists mostly of connective tissue cells which are
distributed all over the body, especially between all organs
and tissues. It contains some different types of cells. This
tissue was long ignored until a few scientists discovered the
importance of this so-called ‘filling tissue’ now
characterized more precisely as the ‘reticular system’
containing the mesenchymal defense and parenteral
digestive apparatus. From the pathology we learn that
almost every tumor is surrounded by such tissue and the
same tissue embraces all new cancer establishments. “This
connective tissue is almost inactive and paralyzed in cancer,
incapable of helping or protecting the body any longer in
defense or healing.”
111
From A Cancer Therapy – Results of 50 Cases book
43
“The body’s capacity to produce an allergic inflammation
(healing power) depends on a most complete
detoxification and an equilibrium in the metabolism to
near normal. The completely detoxified body is then able
to produce an allergic inflammation if the healing
apparatus (liver, visceral nervous system and reticulo-
mesenchymal system) can be activated sufficiently.
Everything that can help to bring about and strengthen
the necessary allergic inflammation may be used for that
purpose after the general detoxification has taken place.
Coley’s toxins are effective as far as they can stimulate
the visceral nervous system in connection with the liver
and the mesenchymal defense and healing apparatus.” 112
Continue the Therapy until the tumor is

reabsorbed, metastasis eliminated and all
organs are restored.
113
Restoration
• Unripe cancer cells, not yet mature, are
hiding out in lymph vessels and glands.
• They are protected from the regular
circulation
• The Therapy must be continued until all
tissues are cleared.
• It took 18 months to 2 years in Dr.
Gerson’s day—Now at least 3 years
114
44
Restoration
• The effect of the Therapy does not work as
effectively if it is interrupted.
• The chance of success will be diminished
each time the program is restarted.
115
How The Gerson Therapy Works
O2= Oxidative Metabolism
116
• Dr. Gerson observed that cancer and

degenerative diseases were due to progressive
deterioration of the whole metabolism caused by
numerous damaging factors.
• Causing chronic poisoning of vital organs and loss
of living nutrients and oxidizing enzymes
• Realized that deficiencies could not be restored
as long as essential organs remain poisoned
• Perfected an intensive diet therapy that involved
both the detoxification of the whole body along
with its nutritional restoration
117
45
“The living being, whether large or small,
plant or animal is in every respect perfectly
created or developed, in all its functions and
in all its parts, best in its totality… The
direction of therapeutic action should always
be based on the idea of the body as an entity,
which has to be supported and restored in its
silent perfection.”
118
MODULE I

119
46

A New Paradigm in Cellular Biology
Gerson, Ling, Cope, Sodi‐Pallares,
Damadian and the Association‐Induction Hypothesis

Excerpt from “The American Revolution in Cellular Biology” by Gar Hildenbrand originally published in the Journal
of the Gerson Institute and Gerson Therapy Vol. 2, No. 1, 1982.

Our cells live in an ocean of salt water (serum) that is very high in sodium and very low in potassium. The
salt water passes through each cell at the rate of nearly 100 times the volume of the cell each second.
Amazingly, cells themselves contain only 7% as much sodium as the serum, but they have a potassium
concentration 32 times greater than that of serum. Researchers had to ask how the cell could gather so much
potassium from serum which has a potassium concentration only 3% of that found in cells. To answer that
question, they invented the idea of the “sodium pump” which they suggested might continually pump excess
sodium out of the cell and perhaps carry potassium in.
The major articles in which the concept of the “sodium pump” were set forth occurred in 1941 (1) and
1946 (2) and by 1949 the idea was so popular as a convenient and seemingly practical answer that nobody
listened to Ling when he announced that it was impossible. And even today, few scientists are interested to
know that the “sodium pump” is impossible – even though a search of the scientific literature reveals that not
one coherent paper has laid out the theory and interpretive value of the “sodium pump” idea. In fact, even third
generation advocates of the “sodium pump” at Cambridge University admit that it is not a true scientific theory
(3), and it must be kept in mind that the greatest number of Nobel Prizes given for research work based on the
truth of the “sodium pump” has been won by scientists at Cambridge. It is also sobering to realize that there has
never been a Nobel Prize awarded for work on the “sodium pump” itself yet many awards have been given for
work which incorporates it as its flat principle. Ling has argued persuasively that the “sodium pump” is not a
theory or even a hypothesis but consists of the rephrasing of observations. It has never been identified, it cannot
be proved, there are no concrete facts that support its existence, and yet it stands in the way of great progress
in research, diagnosis, and the practice of medicine.
In a series of articles critical of the “sodium pump”, Freeman W. Cope, MD of the Biochemistry
Laboratory at the Naval Air Development Center in Warminster, PA writes “In present textbooks of medicine,
lengthy explanations of salt and water disturbances in disease are presented that try to explain critical
measurements and why some salt and water therapies are effective and other are not. In fact, present
treatments of salt and water disorders in human disease are mostly empirical. Theoretical approaches from
physical chemistry have shown themselves to lack predictive value – which is not strange – since they have been
based on a false model of the cell.“ (4)
Each time Cope authored a challenge to the “sodium pump”, he detailed the theories which will replace
it (4‐6) explaining that in Ling’s model of the cell potassium is held inside by electrostatic forces operating
somewhat like magnetism. (7) Water in cells is not free liquid but is “structured” and almost crystalline, more
solid that free liquid water but less solid that ice. Cope and Damadian have confirmed the existence of this
“structured water” by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements.
There now exists two basic models of the cell. The old model is essentially a bag of water with proteins
dissolved in the solution. In order to explain high cellular levels of potassium, researchers have had to rely on
the idea of a pumping mechanism in the wall of the bag (the membrane). This mechanism is supposedly able to
carry sodium out and potassium into the cell has been referred to in the literature as a membrane pump or,
47


popularly, the “sodium pump”. Without it the bag of water model does not work. Ling has shown the “sodium
pump” to be impossible.
In the new model, proposed by Ling and his colleagues, the cell is honeycombed by a fragile, invisible
skeleton consisting of a latticework of protein and lipid (fat or fat‐like) molecules. An electron current may flow
through part, or all of this, “skeleton” which functions almost as one gigantic molecule and resembles a ball of
steel wool or a sponge. As shown by magnetic resonance imaging, water in the pockets of this sponge‐like
“skeleton” is structured water; molecules nearest the skeleton are in orderly arrangement while those at a
greater distance are more random. As extracellular fluid diffuses through the cell, rapid exchange of ions occurs.
Ion and water concentrations are controlled by the “skeleton” which chooses potassium over sodium. The
structuring of water itself controls ion concentration to some extent in much the same way that the water is
purified of foreign substances as it freezes to ice.

Why the Old Idea Seems Right
The “sodium pump” was, in some ways, a logical extension of dilute solution theory (12). Researchers
knew that there is a strong tendency of soluble molecules to diffuse as ions in water so that the concentration of
salt in seawater for example is nearly the same in all parts of the sea. This rather fundamental observation is
easily confirmed by lowering a thimble of salt crystals (sodium chloride) slowly into a glass of water not
disturbing or stirring the water. It will be noticed, as time passes, that the water in the glass has a uniformly salty
flavor. This is so because ions of sodium and chlorine have diffused throughout the water.
Scientists had found that fluid surrounding the cells (extracellular fluid) contains a great deal of sodium
and lesser amounts of chloride and bicarbonate ions. Conversely, they found that fluid inside cells (intracellular
fluid) was very high in potassium and also contained significant quantities of magnesium and phosphate ions.
They also observed that the levels of various ions in the extracellular fluid change during different
phases of cell activity. In order to explain this, scientists deduced that there must be tiny pores in the cellular
membrane (13) through which ions pass freely in and out of the cell.
With the movement of ions established, and with the understanding that the cell membrane was full of
tiny, ion‐sized holes (8 Angstroms) researchers were now faced with the question which is central to our
hypothesis: Given the tendency of ions to diffuse equally into all parts of a solution and holes in the cellular
membrane through which ions may easily move, what is normally keeping 97% of the body’s potassium in the
cells and 93% of the sodium out?
In 1941 R.B. Dean conjectured that there may be some sort of pumping mechanism (1) which
continually pumps sodium out of the cell and pumps potassium in. This “pump” could supposedly push ions
against the gradient into solution with an already high concentration, like stuffing another set of clothing into an
already overfilled suitcase, or perhaps like pushing a heavy rock uphill, a function that requires energy. August
Krogh wrote about the “sodium pump” next in 1946 (2). After his writing the idea snowballed.
The current version (unproved) of the “sodium pump” which is prominently featured in all textbooks of
medical physiology, goes like this: The pump is thought to be a carrier, possibly a chemical or an enzyme or a
protein, present in the membrane cell. In order to carry the potassium into the cell, literally forcing it, the pump
must have energy. This energy is thought to come from the enzyme adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is
known as “energy currency” or energy storage battery, which provides energy for most functions of the body.
Because ATP is so plentiful – at least 99% of all carbohydrates utilized by the body go to the manufacture of ATP
– it would be the only possible fuel for such an energy‐hungry “sodium pump”. (14,15)
The “sodium pump” is a very interesting idea, but has the actual mechanism been identified? No. Has
the idea led to observation of fact from which to build a proper scientific theory? No. Gilbert Ling cites
mathematician Charles Babbage to describe writers of “sodium pump” literature. Babbage, a 19th century
48


scientist, defined three kinds of fraud in science writing: fabrication, trimming, and cooking. Ling thinks authors
of the pump idea are primarily guilty of cooking, eg: choosing only those ingredients that will support one’s
hypothesis and discarding others. Damadian offers this blunt analysis: “The sciences, like a lot of other…activities
where the rewards are not monetary but fame and glory, are ego‐driven specialties. That’s the root of the
problem. The thing is that the British scientific community staked itself out on this “sodium pump” foolishness
and got a bunch of Nobel Prizes and convinced the whole world that is was so when in fact it was an off‐hand
suggestion in one lousy paper by someone who didn’t consider it very seriously”. (16)
The historian Thomas Kuhn described science in terms of paradigms (17) pervasive frameworks of
scientific thoughts. A poor paradigm promotes fragmentation of scientific logic while a good paradigm promotes
unity. The “sodium pump” may be said to be a poor paradigm for reasons mentioned previously. Ling’s theory –
the Association‐Induction (A‐I) Hypothesis, developed in his book In Search of the Physical Basis of Life, is a new
paradigm. Ling thinks it can easily replace the “pump” idea. He noted, “The incorrect paradigm cannot bear to
look at history because it has no coherence. History, to it, is merely yesterday’s newspaper. The coherent theory
sees its roots in history and absolutely depends on and is part of history.” Ling has found Thomas Huxley’s
protoplasm concept – an idea which has been extinct for fifty years – to be in full harmony with the A‐I
Hypothesis. Huxley used the descriptive words ‘physical basis of life.’ Ling explains, “That is why the title (In
Search of the Physical Basis of Life) is another way of phrasing the A‐I Hypothesis in its historic perspective and
what it portends for the future. How did we become what we are? How does it happen that at the peak of our
accomplishment in the A‐I Hypothesis we have practically become excommunicated? We have practically no
audience at this time among the establishment.” (18) The “sodium pump” was widely thought to be fueled by
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (the only possible source of energy for such a pump). In the early 50’s Ling
inactivated all energy systems in the cells, including ATP, by poisoning them. In spite of the resulting lack of
energy in any form cells maintained high level of potassium for many hours, with ions of sodium and potassium
passing freely in and out of cells. Ling calculated that a pump operating under these conditions – even a 100%
efficient pump – would require from 15 to 30 times the energy available. Thus, the “sodium pump” violated a
basic law of physics – the Law of the Conservation of Energy – by requiring more energy than was available in
the system. (21‐23)
Through slow and careful experimentation, Ling deduced the principles of his new theory and developed
the Association‐Induction (A‐I) Hypothesis. He had created what Cope calls “an elegant model of the cell,
incorporating the ideas that (a) cell water is structured (b) cell cations are associated mostly with
macromolecules and (c) cation pumps do not exist.” (6) Ling decided that the potassium in cells gathers at
negatively charged association sites along macromolecules of proteins and lipids (fat or fat‐like substances).
(7,23,24) Once the potassium atoms are in place a force of attraction causes water molecules to line up their
oxygen atoms facing one direction and their hydrogen atoms the other – around the protein/lipid
macromolecules. This produces a layer of structured water. By “structured” it is meant that the water molecules
are not free or random but exhibit an orderly arrangement as in ice crystals – although cellular structured water
is much less solid than ice. (5,6)
Around the initial layer of highly structured water molecules is a second layer, which is less structures
because it is farther from the attractive force of the protein/lipid macromolecules. The third layer is less
structured than the second and so on. It is not known exactly how many layers of structured water molecules
there are. Water molecules most distant from the macromolecules are most random and, most like free liquid
water, although even this water is probably somewhat structured.
The protein/lipid macromolecules are interwoven in a latticework that extends throughout the cell to
form a skeleton‐like structure resembling a sponge. This skeleton itself controls ion concentrations by choosing
potassium over other ions and by structuring water. Water that structured will not readily accept ions or foreign
materials. Although much sodium laden extracellular serum diffuses through the cell and ions are exchanged
between the cell and serum no energy is required in the form of ATP to maintain high cellular levels of
49


potassium and other ions. In theory, the cell could hold these high concentrations forever without using energy.
Only when cells are damaged by trauma or poison do they require energy from ATP. (23,24,25)
Ling solidified this model and in 1962 published the detailed book A Physical Theory of the Living State,
the Association‐Induction Hypothesis. (7) Shortly after the book was published, Cope and Damadian become
involved showing with NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) measurements that cell water is not free liquid, but
structured, like the ion exchange resins of a water softener. (7,23,26‐33)
Ling’s former college roommate and close friend, Chen Ning Yang, wrote the introduction to A Physical
Theory of the Living State. Yang came to the U.S. with Ling after winning the Boxer Fellowship in Physics the year
Ling won in Biology. Yang received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 and is considered one of the world’s
foremost authorities on cooperative phenomena. He was fascinated by Ling’s A‐I Hypothesis, which was
accessible to him through his own work with the Ising model of magnetism. The Ising model forms the basis of
modern physics theory of phase transitions (the familiar examples are condensation of steam into water and the
freezing water into ice) and, more generally, of cooperative phenomena. Yang – currently (1981) the Einstein
Professor of Physics Director of the Institute of Theoretical Physics of the State University of New York at Stony
Brook – worked with Ling to further develop one aspect of the A‐I Hypothesis, the idea of near neighbor
interaction (cooperation). Together, they applied the one‐dimensional Ising model to the biological polymer
and, as Ling said, “We have been using that to describe quantitatively the behavior of in vitro (in glass) and in
vivo (living) systems with considerable success.” (34)
Freeman Cope, M.D., came into the study of structured water in living cells from his extensive work in
solid‐state physics (33). He has combined his training in medicine and physics to look into the future of medicine
form the vantage point of Ling’s monumental Association‐Induction (A‐I) Hypothesis. From the same vantage
point he looked into the past, to the work of a medical pioneer from Germany, Dr. Max Gerson. (35.36) Cope’s
interested on the possible crossover to biological systems of solid state physics led him to read Ling’s first book.
(7) Shortly after reading it he contacted Ling to question him. Cope knew that biochemistry was based on the
behavior of ions in dilute solution. Small molecules are known to float around in solution bumping into each
other at random and sometimes reacting as they bump. However Cope reasoned things happen differently
when large clumps of molecules are present because different forces are active (30,31). He was excited to see in
Ling’s work a logic that related some of these basic concepts. Becoming much more familiar with Ling’s
theoretical model of forces in cells, Cope deliberately tested the model. Using NMR measurements he verified
the type of water structuring Ling had described. (21,30)
Cope continued to follow Ling’s work and was eventually inspired to make a prediction of the medical
applicability of some treatments suggested by that research. He predicted that large amounts of potassium
could be added to a low sodium diet to the benefit of patients suffering from many diseases, and certainly heart
disease (Gerson had applied this thinking in cancer and other diseases. Sodi‐Pallares had done the same in heart
disease. Cope was unaware of their work at the time of his prediction).

What Dr. Cope Saw – Tissue Damage Syndrome
In many degenerative processes cells are swollen with water and sodium, (38) they have lost potassium
and no longer function normally. Healthy cells maintain high levels of potassium (K+) as long as they suffer no
chemical or physical damage and have sufficient ATP. ATP is used to keep the cell protein in its normal
configuration and in fact is part of that normal configuration. For every molecule of ATP which joins with a cell
protein macromolecule, approximately 20 association sites are formed (24) which exhibit a strong preference
for K+ (23,39‐42). With a high concentration of K+ the cell’s water is structured. Some of it (20%) is highly
structured and all of it is more structured than the free liquid water. (26,27) This enables the cell to refuse
sodium, which cannot dissolve in the structured water.
50


Writing on Physiological Chemistry and Physics, (4) Dr. Cope suggests, “When cell cation association and
cell water structuring are disturbed by damage of any kind, it is probably that the production of ATP by
mitochondria (tiny energy factories of the cell) will be adversely affected which will decrease ATP concentration,
which will intensify the disturbances in cation association and water structuring, which will further impair
mitochondrian ATP production and so on, in a cycle of destruction.”
Cope calls this “cycle of destruction” the Tissue Damage Syndrome. It is capable, he says, of affecting
tissues anywhere in the body. Without sufficient ATP, a damaged cell will not be able to return its proteins to
the configuration and it will be unable to structure water. Cope writes “In the damaged configurational state,
the cell proteins lose their preference for association with K+ rather than Na+, and the water content of the cell
increases (the cell swells)” (38).
Cope has also written that the extent of the damage to the cell proteins and the length of time the
mitochondria are exposed to the unfavorable salt and water environment are decisive. In the extreme the
damage to the cell will be irreversible because of damage to the cell proteins is not too great, Cope predicts,
“the configurational state of the proteins and also the induced charges of cation association and water structure
are reversible. Medical treatment may therefore partly or completely correct the tissue damage syndrome if it is
not too severe or has not existed for too long a time.”
The tissue damage syndrome is something more and more physicians will come to identify in their
patients in the future as the ideas of water structuring and ion‐association are ushered in by the use of
Damadian’s MRI diagnostics (43,44). Cope postulates, “the (tissue damage) syndrome is likely to be observed in
varying degrees, mild or severe, acute or chronic, and arising from any cause. Examples probably include acute
myocardial infarction and chronic hypoxia of the tissues due to chronic heart failure.”
By 1976, Ling’s careful experimentation had given Cope the fuel he needed to make a successful medical
prediction – that potassium (K+) could be given in addition to a low sodium (Na+) diet to correct the tissue
damage syndrome:
“In the damaged cell the proteins lose all or part of the preference of their sites for the association with
K+ rather than for Na+. Nevertheless a competition between K+ and Na+ for these sites still exists. Therefore, if
in the environment around the cell the concentration of K+ is increased compared to the Na+ the association
sites are forced to accept more K+ and less Na+ because of the cooperative interactions between association
sites. This tends to restore the normal configuration of the proteins. It follows that treatments to increase tissue
K+ concentrations and/or to decrease tissue Na+ concentrations are a logical therapy for the tissue damage
syndrome.”
“Low sodium therapies are widely used and highly effective in acute and chronic heart disease. Methods
of treatment include low sodium diets and diuretics to remove sodium already present in the body. Reasons are
given in textbooks for the observed effectiveness of low sodium therapies is generally superficial and
ambiguous. Yet in acute cardiac damage there is obvious tissue damage syndrome in the heart. In chronic heart
failure, there is probably chronic hypoxia due to inadequate blood flow. There, low sodium therapy is a logical
approach to both conditions in the light of modern theory.” “High potassium therapy either alone or together
with low sodium therapy is also a logical method for treatment for the tissue damage syndrome, but has little
clinical use.” Only six months after making this prediction, Cope found that the ideas had already been broadly
applied successfully in the clinic by Dr. Max Gerson of New York. And within six months of that discovery, Cope
found that the ideas had been successfully used in acute myocardial infarction by Dr. Demetrio Sodi‐Pallares of
Mexico City. (39‐41)
Cope found in Max Gerson this century’s pioneer in low‐sodium – high potassium therapy. Gerson
received his medical training in his native Germany at the turn of the century. His successful yet controversial
treatment of skin, lung, and bone tuberculosis was based on a low sodium diet (48) which Dr. Gerson was later
able to apply successfully to cancer. (49)
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Dr. Erich Urbach, a distinguished pioneer dermatologist in the United States, wrote glowingly of
Gerson’s successes with tuberculosis in the 1946 test Skin Disease, Nutrition and Metabolism.
“Much credit is unquestionably due Gerson, as well as Sauerbach and Hermannsdorfer for valuable
contributions to the therapy of cutaneous (skin) tuberculosis in the form of diets which bear their names.
Although over a hundred years ago Struwe advocated a salt‐poor diet for the treatment of tuberculosis it was
Gerson who really introduced dietotherapy for cutaneous (skin) tuberculosis and who methodically studied the
clinical course of the disease under the salt‐poor, high vitamin dietary he had planned.”

“This dietary therapy for cutaneous (skin) tuberculosis has been extensively tested and approved by the
majority of authors: Jesionek, Jesionek and Bernhardt Bommer, Volk, Wichmann, Judassohn, Streumke and
Mohrmann, Brunsgaard, Scolari, Dudas‐Grants, Stokes and others. Particularly noteworthy are the investigations
which Jacobson and Brill, and Gawalowski carried out over a number of years… The Russian authors treated 124
patients who were under observation for five years, while the Czechoslovak investigator followed 127 cases.
Both groups showed marked improvement.”
Gerson did not add additional potassium – which Cope predicted to be valuable – until he became
involved with the treatment of cancer. Gerson struggled with the question of the importance of potassium
trying to reconcile his own extensive clinical observations with the available literature (49):
“In a recent article Barnell and Scribener (51) came to the conclusion that serum potassium (K)
concentration can be used as an excellent guide to potassium need. My experiences in advanced cancer cases
and in some chronic diseases contradict these findings. The serum is only a passage channel for support and
exchange. Low K‐figures may show best healing because the depleted tissues reabsorb K+ while high figures may
be found in failures because the tissues lose K.”
Indeed it is a simple extrapolation that suggests that cells damaged by tumor toxins might lose the
ability to structure water, thereby losing potassium and absorbing sodium and water. The net effect this would
have on serum would be the elevation of the serum potassium and a drop in serum sodium. This might,
unfortunately, prompt the treating physician to administer sodium chloride and prohibit potassium in an effort
to cause the serum readings to return to normal. The additional sodium could only make matters worse.
Gerson described the process and literature which led him to administer very large quantities of
potassium (K+) to advanced cancer patients: “The decision to apply large K+ doses in a compatible composition
immediately (at the beginning of treatment) was finally made after about six years of indecisive clinical
experiments until I saw regularly better and more extensive clinical progress. The laboratory reports about K
were fluctuating and not in conformity with the clinical picture. The literature presented a different viewpoint;
there, almost all tables except the articles of Moravek (52,53) showed an undiminished K+ content in cancer
tissues. He found diminished K in the beginning and later uncertain ups and downs. The situation was cleared up
when Lasnitzski (54) found the ionized K41 diminished in cancers. The leading cancer specialists still rely on the
laboratory work in their decision.”
Gerson’s treatment produced documented successes. Cope wrote (55): “The Gerson cancer therapy is
an integrated set of medical treatments which has cured many advanced cases of cancer in man. Gerson
developed it empirically in the course of 30 years of clinical experimentation. Essentially, he tried many
variations and combinations of treatments on cancer patients, always retaining that which was successful and
discarding that which was not. Gradually he evolved an integrated pattern of treatment which cured many cases
of advanced cancer, 50 of which are described in clinical detail in his book.”
Calling the Gerson cancer therapy a logical application of the Ling Association‐Induction Hypothesis.
Cope wrote:
“The high K+ low Na+ diet of the Gerson cancer therapy is a logical strategy for improving the health of
the body tissues of which probably all and certainly the liver are suffering from the tissue damage syndrome.
52


Some components of which were observed and recognized by Gerson. Treatment with the Gerson diet to
increase tissue K+ concentration and to decrease tissue Na+ concentration is a logical therapy for the tissue
damage syndrome in the cancer patient.”
In the article entitled “The Pathology of Structured Water and Associated Cations in Cells (the Tissue
Damage Syndrome) and its Medical Treatment” (4) Cope offered the following table to illustrate changes in
tissue content of sodium and water when the tissue became damaged:
State of Muscle
Normal Poisoned
Potassium (mM) 105 6
Sodium (mM) 20 120
% of Normal Water Content 100% 121%

In addition, Damadian, who has catalogued many nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of
cancers, suggests that the water content of a cancer cell may be even higher than that of damaged tissue, much
higher. The normal cell is approximately 66% water and 34% other substances. Cancer cells which tend to be
large in comparison with normal cells are as much as 90% water with greatly elevated sodium levels (16).
MRI measurements have shown that both tumors and developing tissues have high sodium water
content. Cancer cells that are low in potassium have lost their ability to structure water. They are swollen, the
membranes stretched taut. Research has shown that a high potassium low sodium environment is unfavorable
for tumor activity (56,49). Tumor tissue may be said to be like embryonic tissue gone wild, not subject to
control. Sodium and potassium NMR readings are alike in embryos and tumors as shown first by Damadian.
Interestingly, a possible rationale for the Gerson cancer therapy comes from outside the ranks and it
too, concerns itself with cellular ion concentrations. It has been suggested by William Regelson, M.D., of the
College of Medicine at the Commonwealth University of Virginia in Richmond that Gerson’s cancer therapy
possibly achieved its clinical results as an approach that altered the mitotic regulating effect of intercellular
sodium” (57). Regelson, Medical Director of the Fund for Integrative Biomedical Research based his comment on
the work of Clarence Donald Cone, a physiologist who has generated substantial experimental data concerning
changes in potassium and sodium levels in cancer cells.
Cone has confirmed that the elevated sodium content of cancer cells forces them to continually divide
and produce tumors (56, 58‐60). By altering ion levels inside and outside the cells he has experimentally stopped
cancer cell division and in some cases produced swelling and rupture. Cone is now involved in extensive human
trials to validate methods derived from his research with animals.
Although Gerson’s highly innovative and controversial treatment has been listed for years by the
American Cancer Society as an unproven method, (now an “alternative complementary method”), Dr. Regelson
has recommended another look at the approach on the strength of Cone’s evidence.
There are pockets of acceptance for Gerson’s ideas and understanding of his results in cancer but
nowhere is the support as unqualified as in the small group of cell biology revolutionaries, for in Gerson’s work
they see their historical roots. Gerson’s incisive reasoning was surprisingly close to home. “Generalizations in
cancer are most difficult to formulate, in my opinion, the area wherein they may be possible will be in the
biological field of electrical potentials, ionization of minerals and reactivation of enzymes.” (49)
Gerson’s final years of clinical practice took place during Ling’s first years of testing the Association‐
Induction Hypothesis. Gerson had been combining the literature in search of something, anything, to confirm
and offer a rationale for his clinical success. He had written, “We now know that what we have inherited is not a
53


set of chemical substances, but a pattern of dynamic energies.” If he has seen Ling’s work he would have
recognized it immediately, but the two were destined never to meet. Perhaps, if either Gerson or Ling had been
allowed uncensored publication in scientific journals that need not have been the case.
A more fortunate timeline has connected Ling with one of the most innovative cardiologists in the
world. Six months after discovering the work of Gerson, Cope was surprised to find that “Sodi‐Pallares and co‐
workers (46,47,51‐65) in Mexico have for many years been using high potassium in diet and intravenous fluids
together with low sodium for successful therapy of both chronic heart failure and acute myocardial infarction.
Dr. Sodi‐Pallares is one of the most widely respected cardiologists of Latin America”. (66)
Sodi‐Pallares, in his 1976 book Ischaemic Heart Disease and Polarizing Treatment – New Metabolic and
Thermodynamic Bases (65), cites the work of Hans Selye as showing potassium salts to have a protective effect
in the heart under conditions which would have otherwise produced cardiac degeneration (67, 68). His decision
to use a low sodium, high potassium diet in heart disease resulted from a very personal experience as his own
mother suffered from the condition. Reasoning that diuretics were intended to lower sodium in the heart
patient, Sodi‐Pallares set about to construct for her a very low sodium diet which proved successful. Through
years of clinical observations and research, he arrived at the conclusion, “Angina pectoris and myocardial
infarction are not conditions that derive from coronary disease. They originate from changes in the metabolism
of myocardial fibers which begin with a thermodynamic disturbance many years before coronary arteries are
affected.” (65)
The “disturbances” he describes are very much in accord with Cope’s description of the tissue damage
syndrome. According to Sodi‐Pallares “the consequences of these thermodynamic changes are immediate. They
include sodium retention, potassium loss and increase of lactic acid at myocardial fiber level, concentrations of
blood cholesterol and triglycerides increase (hyperlipidemias) and, later on, there is coronary damage. This
explains the poor results of (standard) treatment and preventive measures in the so‐called Coronary Disease.”
(65)
Sodi‐Pallares gives a diet strikingly low in sodium to acute heart disease patients. No other practitioner
surely, has come close to these phenomenally low sodium levels in any sodium‐restricted diet for blood pressure
or any other disease. He recommends a total daily intake of only 300‐360 milligrams that is less than the patient
normally excretes in the urine. He ensures adequate urine flow and sodium excretion by insisting on ample fluid
intake. The diet is given in the presence of heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, severe angina pectoris,
severe ventricular arrhythmia, and hypertension with diastolic figures above 110.
In less severe conditions or as patients respond the diet may be relaxed to include 500‐1000 milligrams
of sodium. In recovered cases this figure may be raised to the maximum of 1500 milligrams, which is reduced
with return of any symptoms. Even at the highest levels allowed his patients receive only from 2% to, at the
outside, a whopping 6% of what the U.S. National Academy of Sciences estimated to be the average American’s
daily intake.
In severe cases, Sodi‐Pallares uses what he calls “polarizing solutions”, his own ideas inspired in part by
work for which he has expressed gratitude to French scientist Henri Laborit (69). He writes “The Polarizing
Treatment is also essentially dynamic and sufficiently flexible to allow inclusion of all the other measurements
and medications which protect the myocardial fibers. The Polarizing Treatment originated with the hyposodium
and hyperpotassium diets (polarizing diet), which are still its cornerstone. The polarizing solutions came later,
reducing the infarction size and when prescribed correctly and with the proper diet – replacing with great
advantage digitalis and diuretics… polarizing solutions with glucose, potassium, and insulin (G.K.I.)… increase
ATP formation” (70,71).
Sodi‐Pallares says the new treatment removes pain by correcting the underlying problem, unlike
coronary bypass surgery that often relieves pain at the expense of structural damage. “It controls the contractile
failure of the myocardium, improving ATP production, without driving the heart (digitalis), and without
54


worsening an already handicapped metabolism (diuretics).” One might infer that the increased production of
ATP – as seen in heart patients using the Polarizing Treatment – is due to increased potassium concentration in
damaged cells correcting abnormal sodium and water content to allow water structuring, thus permitting the
mitochondria to produce ATP normally. When Cope became aware of Sodi‐Pallares’ work he wrote him letter
immediately describing the findings of Ling, Damadian, Cope, Hazlewood et at. (72) Sodi‐Pallares responded
enthusiastically, inviting participation in a symposium in Mexico City, which Ling attended. The newly united
scientists are making up for lost time with Sodi‐Pallares requesting a paper from Ling to be translated into
Spanish and French. Both authors are writing new major texts each making prominent mention of the other’s
work.
Sodi‐Pallares presented results in 1969 to the New York Academy of Sciences (73) and has published
widely in U.S. medical journals. His work promises a major break‐through in treatment of cardiac disorders and
his assertions are very optimistic: “A low sodium and high potassium diet gives electrocardiographic and clinical
results which are far better than those produced by a low cholesterol diet. Sodium restriction is particularly
beneficial for hypertensive patients and patients with angina or heart failure.”
Possibly the most far‐reaching reaction to correct treatment of salt water disorders – and possibly the
greatest resistance – will be seen in the world’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Sodi‐Pallares has
written “The doctor must also refrain from prescribing medications with ectopic or depolarizing effects except in
well‐defined circumstances and even here he must try to avoid the depolarizing and ectopic effects of these
medications (75,76)…The majority of the medicines we use in cardiology are capable of producing undesirable
side effects and may depolarize the myocardium and it is for this reason that we have removed from our
armamentarium many of them such as: diuretics (77,78)… digitalis (77‐78)… antiarrhythmics (64)…”
These drugs are big business items and there can be no doubt that pharmaceutical industries would feel
deeply any substantial reduction in their use by physicians who wrote 23 million prescriptions for digitalis in
1980 in the U.S. alone, one brand of which, Lanoxin, is the number 7 best‐selling drug in the U.S. (84).
These cardiac preparations may represent only the ground floor of the skyscraper according to Gerson, a
keen observer of vast clinical experience, who raised three key points concerning administration of drugs to
patients receiving the low sodium diet he constructed. Writing in his 1934 book Diattherapie der
Lungentuberkulose (Diet Therapy for Lung Tuberculosis) he suggested 1) minute doses of drugs may be
effective, 2) at the same time even tiny doses of drugs might be harmful, and 3) drugs which have not previously
worked may be useful in this context.
Gerson wrote “It very quickly became evident that the inability of the patient to tolerate drugs increases
with the length of time on the diet therapy. So that, in many cases 1/5 and perhaps even smaller fractions of the
usual recommended doses of these treatments can be damaging, regardless of whether they are ultraviolet, X‐
ray, gold, tuberculin, morphine derivatives, or salicylic acid (aspirin). This side effect of the diet therapy promises
the future likelihood of promoting healing with very minute quantities of even drugs which, when prescribed
with a normal diet and in high doses do not obtain results. On these grounds, this book cannot overemphasize
and must warn that at the present time our experiences are such that ever‐so‐small doses of medications or
other therapies may not be so harmless. Attempts to combine drugs and other modalities with the Gerson Diet
can have very negative results.”(48)
Gerson’s observations are echoed by Sodi‐Pallares, “We rarely prescribe diuretics nowadays since the
diet has shown that they are unnecessary in the great majority of cases. The same can be said of beta‐blockers,
steroids and other drugs; the low sodium and high potassium diet considerably reduces the doses of these
medications while maintaining their efficiency and avoiding complications of their administration.” (65)
While he avoids their use in most patients, Sodi‐Pallares has found that doses of defibrillating drugs –
reduced in the fashion of Gerson – are effective. He writes, “If a patient requires digitalis to control his heart or a
fast ventricular rhythm produced by atrial fibrillation, the polarizing diet reduces he effective dose of digitalis to
55


one third or one fourth of the dose needed without the diet – even though the diet was not specifically
indicated for his condition.” (65)
It may likely be of extraordinary significance to the manufacturers of diuretics – very popular drugs –
that so simple an approach is as effective as those drugs and without side effects. The most frequently treated
disease in the U.S. is hypertension, commonly treated with diuretics which Sodi‐Pallares feels are harmful:
“After a long period of observing the effect that the diet has in maintaining equilibrium in very advanced
cardiovascular conditions – particularly on the size of the heart – we were convinced that the progress of the
disease and the ever‐increasing cardiac enlargement are mainly due to the iatrogenic effect of the medicines
used. These alter the patients’ metabolic‐thermodynamic condition perhaps even more than the disease itself.”
Raymond Damadian, inventor of MRI scanning technology and the president of FONAR Corporation,
which manufactured the first MRI scanner, was working in the lab of A.K. Solomon who is widely cited for work
and writings on the “sodium pump” and related theories (14,15). Damadian became aware through a series of
events that the “pump” idea was not going to work out (85‐87). He began to look in directions that led him to
Ling, who’s A‐I Hypothesis immediately made sense. Damadian visited Ling in Philadelphia to learn more of this
new and compelling theory of ion‐association and water structuring. Subsequently – working independently and
having been greatly influenced by Ling‐Damadian developed his own model of the cell as an ion‐exchange resin
granule, a concept which Ling had considered but discarded (85,86,87). In Damadian’s Ion‐Exchange Resin
Theory, cellular ions are accumulated and selected much the way they are in an ion exchange resin bead. By
attachment of the ions to fixed charges of opposite sign anchored to the matrix of the bend. Water selects one
ion over another, contractile proteins (29) within the cell fueled by metabolism control cellular water content.
Damadian worked with Cope to confirm cell water structuring by NMR and did additional experiments
independently (88,90,91) satisfying himself that water structuring occurred. He also gathered significant data
concerning differences in water structuring from one type of tissue to another. Then he made a conceptual leap
that would make him famous. He reasoned that malignant cells because of known differences from normal cells
would have water structuring distinguishable from normal cells and their NMR reading would be different. And
he proved it. (43)
Other researchers have followed his lead (92‐99) and have confirmed the detectability of cancers with
MRI. While not all researchers have the frame of reference shared by Ling, Cope, Hazlewood, and Damadian, it is
commonly accepted that the water in cancer cells is considerably less structured than in normal cells. It is now
accepted that these cells contain abnormally high levels of water and sodium.
Damadian moved swiftly to develop and patent the magnetic resonance imaging whole body diagnostic
technique that he calls FONAR (100‐101).
FONAR and other MRI diagnostic machines in the works are able to measure the cell’s ability to
structure water, and in so doing are able to see things that the CAT scanner misses. MRI, which uses no harmful
x‐rays, was reported by a four institution team to have detected nearly 700% more multiple sclerosis lesions
than the CAT scanner (103) which uses x‐rays to measure tissue density. MRI has also detected tumors so small
they were missed by radionuclide scan. It is more sensitive than either radionuclides scan or ultrasound in
identifying cirrhosis of the liver (103).
It has been predicted that the MRI scanners will replace CAT scanners (103) which have not shown that
they are useful enough to routinely expose patients to the cost and the risk (106). While the CAT scanner can
show tissue abnormalities, it cannot see changes in the chemistry of those tissues. Luis Todd of the University of
Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico, has reported that the FONAR machine he uses has demonstrated a chemistry
analysis capability to differentiate between manic‐depressive patients and those with similar symptoms but
different illnesses (107).
With regard to the A‐I Hypothesis, which is fully supported by the technology behind MRI, Ling knows he
is correct. “This polarized water is not a fantasy. We can actually create a condition and make this water, and
56


with the components which are present in all cells.” (34) His case is airtight. MRI is only one of a number of
approaches that can be used to verify the cellular structure Ling has so carefully labored to understand. Dr. Ling
is forgiving in nature. He explains that there is no real villain “they are all nice people.” Perhaps Copernicus
understood opposition to the sun‐centered universe in somewhat the same way.
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(1973).

58


BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF THE GERSON THERAPY:
Salt and Water Management and Tissue Damage Syndrome
From a lecture by Gar Hildenbrand, 1990.

The Gerson Therapy is a salt and water management. There is a whole chunk of the medical literature
on salt and water management: and that salt and water management also means hormone manipulation, and
manipulation of the energy production and the integrity of the human cell. What that meant to the average
person who’s trying to get his or her body to work better is that, when one controls the types of salts that are
found in the individual cell – the building blocks of our lives – and when one controls the water content – how
much water there is in the cell – one can affect the way that the cell functions: the health of the cell, the energy
production capabilities of the cell, the ability of the cell to stay alive and to stay normal.
We yield and lose the barrier between ourselves and the environment when we are poisoned. For
example, when the toxic air and the toxic water are too much, or when we come into contact with industrial
materials that are toxic, these environmental factors will pollute us.
The same is true with the individual cell. Freeman Cope, M.D., a pioneering physician, physicist and
researcher, found that when cells are poisoned, there is a unifying set of occurrences, whether the damage
occurs by oxygen starvation, by trauma, by any type of insult such as poisoning or malnutrition. The same
responses may occur in cells throughout any part of the body, no matter what the tissue of origin. First the cell
will lose potassium, second the cell will accept sodium, and third, the cell will swell with too much water. Such
cell swelling is called cellular edema. No matter what tissue in the body, and no matter what the cause of injury,
the unifying set of occurrences in the tissue damage syndrome are 1) loss of potassium, 2) acceptance of
sodium, 3) swelling with excess water to create cellular edema, and 4) loss of cell energy production.
What happens to a cell that has swollen with too much water? Inside the cell, the environment becomes
inappropriate for the manufacture of energy. You will notice, when you study Gerson’s book that he talked
about increasing free energy; that was one of his goals. Free energy, in a medical dictionary, translates to ATP, a
compound – adenosine triphosphate – that is manufactured by most cells in the body. It is the energy storage
compound of the body, the energy currency of the body.
ATP is the cellular product of burning sugar through oxidation, and it is made and broken, remade, and
re‐broken in order to liberate bursts of energy. Essentially, it is an adenosine molecule with three phosphate
bonds. It is the immediate source of energy for most energy‐requiring functions of the body at the cellular level.
Without ATP the cell dies. Without ATP we die. When the cell has swollen with too much water, cellular burning
of sugars is inhibited; ATP production is inhibited, along with the protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. Inside
every cell are small organelles, tiny factories in the cell. They are microscopic filaments called mitochondria.
In our mitochondria, we have the ability to burn sugar with oxygen. Otto Warburg, who won the Nobel
Prize twice in medicine, advanced a theory of cancer that held that cancer was a fermentative disease. The
Warburg generalization is probably not correct, although the observations that led Warburg to the
generalization are most likely correct. What Warburg contributed was an understanding and a description of
both the oxygen and the hydrogen shuttling enzyme systems of mitochondria that burn sugar with oxygen to
make our cellular energy in the form of ATP.
Gerson’s therapy is aimed at increasing free energy production; making more ATP available in the cell. In
order to do that, Gerson attempted to manipulate the tissue damage syndrome that, although Cope did not
describe it until 1977, was known clinically to Gerson in the 1920’s; and he was active and correct in his
management of it. What Gerson did was to eliminate sodium from the diet, to supplement a high potassium diet
with an additional potassium, and to find ways to remove toxins from the bloodstream that inhibit normal
cellular enzyme functions, metabolism and respiration.
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Gerson was a neatly packaged genius, a low‐tech genius. What he did was very low tech, but it can be
measured with very high tech means to prove that it is, in fact, doing what he said it was doing. Gerson provided
a way for a damaged cell to be confronted with less sodium so that it would have an opportunity to bind some
potassium, to improve its hydration by lowering its water content, and to improve its mitochondrial function.
In order to ensure that the mitochondria would function, Gerson gave thyroid, and he gave it in pretty
high doses. Thyroid is, very simply speaking, an amino acid iodinated and oxygenated by the thyroid gland
which, when administered in significant dosages, first signals cellular mitochondria to replicate, which they do
independent of the cell because they have their own DNA and RNA, and second tells mitochondria to make
more energy in the form of ATP by burning sugars fast.
Just as a note, if you think of the cell as a planet, the mitochondria are the industrial cities. They are the
cities of industry. And when a cell has lost potassium and gained sodium and swollen with water, the sewers
back up, the industrial cities are shut down in their function, and energy cannot be made to clean out the
sewers. That is the problem with tissue damage syndrome.
Around every tumor and around every arthritic joint and in most chronic viral conditions, our tissues
that have lost potassium have gained sodium and have swollen with too much water. As early as 1957, Christine
Waterhouse and Albert Craig, working on a National Cancer Institute grant, were able to measure water
retention in cancer patients, which was a general systemic edema, not visible, not discernible clinically, but
measurable. Let me quote them from the article “Body‐composition and changes in patients with advanced
cancer” which was published in the American Cancer Society’s journal Cancer 11 (6), November‐December 1957.
“Recent communications from this laboratory have emphasized that gross‐weight changes in patients
with advanced cancer may be minimal even when large amounts of body fat are being lost. Under these
conditions it has been shown that there may be a great gain of total body water even though there may be no
detectable edema.”
In an earlier article, Waterhouse admitted to inadvertently killing a third of her advanced cancer
patients in an experimental high fat – double the normal calorie intake – force‐feeding trial. I’m quoting her
from an article she co‐authored with Raymond Terepka called, “Metabolic observations during the forced
feeding of patients with cancer,” which was published in the American Journal of Medicine, February, 1956.
“Our data do not warrant any direct analysis of these changes, but if one assumes that the calculated
caloric discrepancy is approximately correct and that this is all made up by body fat stores, in every instance a
gain in weight as a result of forced (fat) feeding was due almost entirely to a gain in intracellular fluids.” These
are the changes of tissue damage syndrome stemming from advanced disease, a great gain of total body water,
a gain in intercellular fluid, cellular edema; and what Gerson did was to work against this.
Gerson started out as a tuberculosis physician, and around every tuberculosis infection, around every
cavern and cavity and lesion, he saw a puffy malfunctioning sphere of adjacent tissue that had been damaged by
toxins from the infection. Partial metabolites from the diseased tissue materials that are not entirely
metabolized can cause problems because they are junk to the tissue around them and they damage and upset
otherwise normal tissue.
Gerson saw that by restricting protein and by giving a high‐potassium, low‐sodium, basically all fruit and
vegetable diet, with fresh raw juices and much freshly prepared raw food, edemas could be absorbed. He saw
that this could be encouraged, the course of tuberculosis could be affected, and patients could be saved.
Gerson’s answers to tissue damage syndrome were the most logical answers that have been contributed
to medicine to date. There is nothing better in medicine for salt and water problems, for the edemas that
surround tumors; there is no better answer.
Essentially, salt and water therapy means creating a situation in which the cell will tend to return to
normal. Many medical doctors do not understand why potassium will function in this way, and why a low
60


sodium, high potassium diet is therapeutic. That is because our medical schools are in, but hopefully coming out
of, a period of ossification in cellular biology. Not much progress has been made for a long period of time. We
have accepted theories of the pumping enzymes, called sodium pumps, magnesium pumps, many, many
postulated pumping systems, that are supposed to exist in human cells, that have never been observed or
proven in most human cells. Chapter three of Guyton’s Medical Physiology, and first part of every textbook on
cellular biology and medical physiology describes sodium pumps which have never, ever been observed in most
human cells.
It is on that basis that a theory of cell metabolism is taught in medical school that does not, and cannot,
predict that a low sodium, high potassium diet is good for you or will have and beneficial effect. However, slowly
gaining acceptance throughout the world is the work of Dr. Gilbert Ning Ling, who will be one day recognized as
the father of the new cellular biology, which is based in physics rather than wet chemistry.
Dr. Ling’s work led Dr. Cope to Gerson because, essentially, Cope went looking for something that would
prove Ling’s theory, which correctly predicted the value of high potassium, low sodium diets. Cope found
evidence in the treatment developed by Gerson, and he found more evidence in the related treatment
developed by Mexican cardiologist Dr. Sodi‐Pallares.
What happens in the human cell is mostly not what we are able to read in our medical textbooks.
Essentially, we are still reading medical textbooks, and students are still being taught that the cell is a bag of
water with solutes. According to Dr. Ling’s theory, without getting too complex, our human cells are more like
solid‐state electronic devices. Raymond Damadian, M.D., the developer of magnetic resonance imaging, used
Ling’s model to develop the theory behind MRI. Damadian says that human cells are more like ion exchange
granules in a water softener. They are not bags of water.
There is, throughout the cytoplasm of our cells, water that is structured. You can see this through
magnetic resonance measurements. The water in our cells is not free liquid. We are more than 55% water, most
of us, and the water in our cells is structured. It’s not like ice, it’s not that structured, but it’s much more stacked
than free liquid water. The reason that it is structured is that there are dynamic energies in cells that hold water
in an organized pattern. It is the work of Ling that describes this.
Imagine, if you will, inside the membrane – or the outer skin – of the cell, a ball of steel wool. The ball of
steel wool is, more or less, one long molecule; a big, long strand that forks and wraps around and around. It is
like a skeleton inside the cell. It is a protein and lipid, or fat, macromolecule, and there is an electron current
that flows through it. As the electron current flows through it, a force is created that attracts paramagnetic ions.
In the water molecule, that’s the hydrogen – anything with an uneven atomic number is paramagnetic – so this
force attracts hydrogen. You’ve got an H2O molecule: say the “O” is my fist, and the “H’s” are my extended
fingers (shows a victory sign). The hydrogen atoms turn towards the macromolecule.
They all point toward it, one after the other, all lined up. You’ve got a layer of polarized water around
that filament, and a second layer on top of the first layer, and a third layer, and so on. There are layers on top of
layers. There is virtually no free water in the cell; it’s all multiple polarized sectored layers of water inside the
cell. It is the water securing itself that controls the water content in the cell. How does structured water prevent
excess hydration? It’s simple: you can’t pour water into ice.
If potassium fills the sites to which it may bind on this macromolecule, the cell will organize water. If
potassium is lost from those association sites, and sodium is bound, the cell will lose much of its ability to
structure water, and it will swell with much more water.
As Dr. Ling describes it in his Association‐Induction Hypothesis, for every molecule of ATP that is
complexed with the macromolecule, twenty association sites for potassium for every one molecule of ATP that
complexes to the macromolecule, which is this big ball of steel wool inside the cell.
The mitochondria are nestled inside the ball of steel wool. The little mitochondria are taking sugars that
have been funneled to them by activities within the cell. They burn the sugar, they make ATP, and the ATP
61


complexes with the macromolecule, which contributes to the binding of potassium at association sites, which
contributes to the structuring of water content normally for hours, meaning it is not energy from ATP that
actually controls ion content in the cell.
What this means, from Gerson’s point of view, is that when you are sick, when your tissues are
damaged, when your cells have lost potassium and taken on sodium and extra water, we must reduce the
challenge of sodium and load potassium into the system. Taking supplemental potassium in addition to a low
sodium diet helps potassium to compete for association sites in the cell. When you do this, you create a
situation in which potassium may again be bound.
This big ball of steel wool, this macromolecule, can exist in one of two configuration states: normal or
damaged. If you insult the cell, if you poison it, if you starve it, if you take away its oxygen, the macromolecule
will flip over to a damaged configuration. The macromolecule jumbles some or all of its proteins and lipids, and
it can no longer complex ATP well, and it cannot control potassium binding. Anybody who has taken chemistry
will ask, “What is the difference between potassium and sodium? They have the same valence. Why aren’t they
interchangeable?” They are not interchangeable in the biosystem. The cell actually has a preference for
potassium, as Ling demonstrated.
A little bit about Ling: He is a genius from China who won the Boxer Award in Biology during the 1940’s.
While he was still a graduate student, he invented the intercellular microelectrode, on which the whole field of
micro electrophysiology is based. He was the head of the molecular biology laboratory for Pennsylvania Hospital
in Philadelphia and Chief Editor of the journal Physiological Chemistry and Physics and Medical NMR , and is now
(2002), Director of Research of the Damadian Cancer Foundation.
When you create a high potassium environment for a damaged cell, you can get potassium to hook on
to one or more association sites, because those sites will take whatever’s there, sodium or potassium – when
the cell is damaged. When the protein‐lipid macromolecule is in a damaged state, if you can get potassium to
bind at one site, a marvelous phenomenon occurs that Ling calls interactive cooperativity – something we could
use more of in the world of humans – in which potassium binding at one site will trigger potassium binding at
adjoining sites. If potassium can be bound at one site, other sites will begin to prefer potassium over sodium,
too. So if you can just start the process, the cell will flip back, like dominoes, to a high potassium load;
interactive cooperativity. At the same time, the cell’s water organizes, the water content of the cell shrinks, and
ATP production increases. That is the result of successful salt and water management of tissue damage
syndrome.

Protein Restriction

Toward the goal of getting more sodium out of the body, out of damaged cells, Gerson eliminated not
only sodium from the diet; he also eliminated protein from the diet for a period of time. In his experiments, as
Dr. Ward noted, Gerson had extraordinary laboratory support in the best equipped medical and scientific
community in the world at that time. He was able to observe that once you put somebody on a high‐potassium,
low‐sodium diet, the first thing that happens is that tremendous quantities of sodium are excreted in the urine.
Where does it come from? It’s coming from inside individual damaged cells. In a really sick person, with
extensive tissue damage syndrome, tissues all over the body are dumping sodium. Because sick people got
better when they dumped sodium in the urine, Gerson wanted to increase that effect and prolong it. He found
that by eliminating dietary protein, he could cause even more of what he called “Natrium Ausschuss”, sodium
outpouring, or sodium flooding out in the urine – more, and more, and more.
The problem with extreme protein restriction is that you can’t do it for too long, because then you being
to compromise immunity. This has been observed for a long time. Science has long known that protein is
62


necessary for good immunity, but has never known how much. It has been assumed, wrongly, that we should
have lots of it, and that we should always have it.
Gerson, however, said the opposite. He said you must stop dietary proteins for a period of six to eight
weeks in order to cause sodium to leave damaged cells and in order to cause edema to be absorbed. In his mind,
it was clear that sodium was trapped in the body with protein; it was trapped in deposits of protein and sodium
that were somehow complexed together. This is accurate. It is accurate within the context of Ling’s work, and
Ling’s work is modern‐day biophysics.
We know now, from the work of Robert Good, that protein restriction, something that you’re doing on
the Gerson Therapy, can actually stimulate cell‐mediated immunity. T‐lymphocyte activity can be stimulated by
protein restriction.
Robert Good was the Director of the Sloan‐Kettering Institute for Cancer Research. Prior to his position
with Sloan‐Kettering, Good spent time in Egypt visiting a friend in Alexandria who had been working with
malnourished children. Good took a deep interest in the immune profiles of these long‐malnourished children.
He asked his friend why certain panels of the immune profile were disturbed, why they were off, and his friend
said, “We don’t know. We just know that they are, but we don’t know which dietary deficiency is causing which
immune abnormality”. Good decided it was high time to do some basic research to answer some of these
questions.
When he arrived at Sloan‐Kettering, he set up a guinea pig experiment, a very simple experiment. He
had laboratory chow that contained no protein. He took this no‐protein lab chow and fed it to group A, and
group B was given normal chow. Group A received no protein. Group B was the control group, the putatively
well‐fed guinea pig. Good had expected to see deterioration of serum and cell‐mediated immunity. Serum
immunity is antibody production, key to some of our bacterial and viral immunity, the ability to fight some
bacteria and viruses. Cell‐mediated immunity is conducted by T‐cells – lymphocytes – and these are the ones
that fight bacteria, fungi, and also fight tumors. Good predicted failure of, at least, serum immunity. He was
unprepared for what he saw. Not only did serum immunity remain stable, but lymphocytes, especially T‐
lymphocytes – the thymus lymphocytes – became tremendously increased nonspecifically active, and remained
aggressively and nonspecifically active for a long period of time.
And at that point, Good realized and wrote that he had stimulated immunity by dietary restriction of protein.
This led to a long series of experiments in many laboratories, all related to Robert Good, who is known as the
most published pathologist in the western medical literature. His experiments have shown, in one animal model
after another, diseases which are called long term or degenerative diseases – often genetically predetermined –
in mice, guinea pigs, and other animals, can be affected by protein and calorie restriction. Some of these
diseases have been direct analogues of human diseases, and the weight of the evidence strongly suggests similar
effects in man.
Calorie restriction is another aspect of your treatment here. How can that be when you’re eating all the
time? Because the fats are gone from the diet. A tablespoon of carbohydrate and a tablespoon of protein yield
approximately the same number of calories. A tablespoon of fat provides more than double that number of
calories. Fats are everywhere in the Western diet, in our civilized diet; bakery goods, cakes, candies, rolls, meats,
cheeses, fried foods, nuts, and seeds. But not in this diet. In this diet the only fats are those in oatmeal, which is
1.5% its total calories in fat – that’s why it congeals when it gets cool – and individual fatty acids through some
of the vegetables and fruits – individual and small number of them, I might add – and, of course, the flax oil. The
patient receives about ninety calories a day in fats.
What we mean, when we say we have a protein‐calorie restricted diet here is that we have a better diet.
We don’t keep people off of supplemental protein for too long. Six to eight weeks is all we can do without
compromising immunity to some extent. However, it is entirely safe as we use it, because we give nonfat dairy
proteins after six to eight weeks. This provides plenty of protein for the patient.
63


In this dietary program, even as patients receive it in the early weeks, there is enough protein input from
the highly bio‐available protein content of potatoes, oatmeal, vegetables and vegetable juices to offset daily
obligatory protein loss. A typical patient loses about 40 grams of protein a day through entrails – obligatory
protein loss – but that is mostly replaced through the basic vegan diet already before adding the dairy protein.
When you add the dairy protein, you will have 30‐40 grams more than you require. You’re kept in what’s called
positive nitrogen balance.
Good and his coworkers established that protein and calorie restriction can do some really quite
remarkable things with animal models. The first mouse that was studied extensively was the (NZB X NZW) F1
(B/W) mouse, called NZB for short. This mouse is a very rare direct analog mouse. The disease it develops,
systemic lupus erythematous, is a direct human analog. That means that it is the same disease in the mouse and
the human, and if you can affect it in the mouse, you can affect it in the human.
The NZB mouse, when protein‐calorie restriction is implemented, will not develop lupus. This is a mouse
genetically preprogrammed to develop lupus. Protein‐calorie restriction initiated at weaning will prevent the
development of an otherwise inevitable disease. Even if the disease is allowed to develop, it can be caused to
regress by initiating protein‐calorie restriction after the disease has presented.
Another mouse, the kdkd mouse, gets vascular lesions and has a tendency toward nephropyosis. These
mice, if protein‐calorie restriction is initiated at weaning will not develop blood vessel lesions, and plaque, and
kidney problems. Kidney problems can develop when blood vessel supplies are pinched off. The same is true
with the heart. You cut off the blood supply and organs get into trouble, and muscles get into trouble. Kdkd
mice, even if they are allowed to develop the disease, can be regressed if protein‐calorie restriction is initiated
after the disease presents.
Another mouse, the C3H mouse (these last two mice are not direct analogs), gets mammary tumors,
always mammary tumors. At weaning, protein‐calorie restriction will prevent, in a large percentage of those
mice, the development of tumors. Even if the diet is initiated after they develop tumors, outcroppings of tumors
can be kept to a minimum and extension of survival of the mice is established as being marked over the controls.
Let me read you a paragraph written by Dr. Good and David Jose. This is from “Quantitative effects of
nutritional essential amino acid deficiency upon immune responses to tumors in mice” which was published in
The Journal of Experimental Medicine 137, in 1973:
“Protein‐calorie malnutrition may produce profound and sometimes paradoxical changes in the
immune defense mechanisms against infection and malignancy. Depression of host resistance to some viral
infections and malignant tumors has been reported in nutritionally deprived animals. Our previous studies have
demonstrated that animals fed limited amounts of a casein (milk protein – ed.) diet showed intact mycotoxic
cell‐mediated immune responses to tumor antigens at a protein intake that resulted in profound depression of
specific humoral antibody responses, including serum “blocking antibody”.
These findings suggested that specific cell‐mediated mycotoxic immunity may operate more effectively
against tumor cells in the moderately protein‐deficient animal, because of the absence of serum inhibiting
factors. Further reduction in the level of protein in the diets of tumor‐bearing animals resulted in depression of
both humoral and cellular responses. In addition, a persistent defect in mycotoxic cell‐mediated function was
found in animals after nutritional protein deprivation at a young age. Thus the animal’s immune resistance could
be either increased or depressed depending on the timing and the severity of the nutritional deprivation. Similar
inhibitory effects upon the incidence and growth of malignant tumors have been reported in animals fed diets
imbalanced or deficient in the essential amino acids.
Normal mice with protein‐calorie restriction initiated at weaning live double the normal life span. They
will not grow to full size. But, although they are somewhat smaller that full size, they remain tremendously
active, with sleek coats, and live twice as long. Most of you have noticed how large people become eating the
western diet, regardless of their racial background. Maybe we’d all be better off small.
64


Maybe we have been killing ourselves with this high protein based diet on an attitude that holds that we
should, “eat lots of protein, it’s good for you.” When Good first published on this subject in the 1970’s, he
speculated that high protein diets may cause cancer and heart disease. Because he had rattled some cages and
rocked some boats at Sloan‐Kettering, when he left to go to the University of South Florida at Tampa, Good was
out of favor with the same cancer industry that had earlier promoted him. But he had tremendously advanced
the study of the effects of isolated dietary influences on the immune system, and his contributions have helped
us to understand more about how Gerson’s therapy works.
Gerson saw the immune‐stimulating effect of protein restriction in people in his clinics in the 1930’s. He
published, through well‐known medical publisher Franz Deuticke, a book called Diattherapie der
Lungentuberkulose, which translates “dietary treatment for lung tuberculosis”. In that book, Gerson described
the same kind of changes Good saw. He noted that his protein‐restricted patients showed increased white cell
counts with a shift to the left in the differential. That doesn’t mean they had car trouble. It’s the old German
notation for increased lymphocyte activity, nonspecific immune activity. Gerson repeated this observation in a
number of later publications, including the monograph you are all familiar with, A Cancer Therapy: Results of
Fifty Cases.
To refresh our memories, let’s review what we have discussed: potassium supplementation, sodium
restriction, calorie restriction, protein restriction, and thyroid supplementation. When you provide high
potassium, low sodium environment, even badly damaged cells may be able to structure their water somewhat.
When water is structured, the cell is able to control its water content, because its water is approaching the kind
of molecular organization seen in crystals. This molecular organization limits the amount of water in the cell.
When you have the basics in place, you have something to work with. Tissue that’s functioning can be
pushed to greater function. Gerson saw a depressed cellular metabolism, depressed tissue function, in cancer
and other diseases. Gerson’s attitude toward metabolism was a bit like that of the makers of the old Volkswagen
“bug” toward the towards the car’s cabin heater. Those heaters had two positions, “on” and “off”. If you wanted
to regulate the cabin heat, you had to do it yourself, manually. The carmakers probably thought, “if you vant
heat, you got heat. If you vant it off, shut it off”. Gerson wanted metabolism, so he turned it on with large
loading dosages of iodides and iodine, and up to five grains of thyroid.
Thyroid hormone signals mitochondria to multiply and increase production of ATP. This gives your cells,
like little planets, more industrial cities producing more energy. Iodides and iodine affect some tissues directly in
the same way.
Protein restriction turns on T‐lymphocytes, which are important because they are a big part of tumor
immunity, capable of infiltrating tumors and killing tumor cells. They also help orchestrate larger and more
general systemic responses from the greater immune system.
Protein restriction also avoids feeding the process of toxic waste manufactured by damaged tissues and
neoplastic tissues. Cancers tend to deal with proteins poorly and to create metabolites that are toxic to nearby
normal cells. Take, for example, a melanoma tumor. It’s easy to talk about this because there are magnetic
imaging studies of these things. A melanoma will spread damage outward in a sphere maybe several times the
volume of the tumor.
In this sphere, tissue doesn’t work well because it is waterlogged, insulted, and damaged by tumor
toxins, metabolic waste from the tumor. That tissue will just sit there, stewing in its own juices, without good
drainage. When you take out that tumor and look at the battleground, the damaged normal tissue, with an
imager that gives good T1 and T2 measurements, you can still see the sphere of waterlogged tissue for months
after the tumor is gone; months, if the patient is not otherwise provided a way to correct that tissue damage.
With Gerson’s therapy, that sodium ring around tumors will disappear within weeks, because that’s how
effective Gerson’s management is against the kind of tissue damage syndrome that is seen around tumors.

65


Thyroid Supplementation

Excerpted from “The role of follow‐up and retrospective data analysis in alternative cancer management: The
Gerson Experience” by Hildenbrand, et al. Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, 1996.

In mid‐1946, only about 6 months after first publishing his therapy in The Review of Gastroenterology
(and about 4 years after recruitment of the earliest of his reported cases), Gerson included thyroid and iodine
medications (Lugol’s solution and desiccated thyroid) 15 in an effort to greatly increase cell metabolism and ATP
(free energy) production in peritumoral edematous tissue. Efforts by Gerson’s contemporaries to introduce
performed ATP into the bloodstream had proved toxic. 26 Stimulation of cellular metabolism by thyroid
hormones is now understood to produce rapid increases in nuclear RNA synthesis, to alter the content of lipids
and proteins in the mitochondrial shelf membrane, to increase both the size and number of mitochondria and,
in turn, to increase cellular metabolism and demand for coenzymes and the vitamins from which they are
derived ( e.g. thiamine, riboflavin, B12 and C). 27
In a number of his publications, (16,17) Gerson discussed the antitumor effect of calorie restriction per
se, which has been demonstrated by many authors, (28) but his diet clearly supplied too many calories (2,600‐
3,200 cal/day; 1,200 cal from the juices alone) to be considered calorie restricted. Gerson referred to the
observations of Tannenbaum, (29) that calorie restriction, increased calorie‐utilization rate, and micronutrient
hyper‐alimentation could favor the tumor bearing host and suppress development of both primary tumors and
metastases. Silverstone and Tannenbaum (30) had recently shown the potential utility of thyroid medication in
cancer management, a measure which Gerson employed, increasing in his patients the ratio of calorie demand:
supply, to emulate the anti‐tumor effects of caloric restriction. Contemporary research continues to bolster
earlier findings. (31,36)
The literature clearly revealed that high dose thyroid treatment induced far greater than normal
nutrient requirements, as well as sobering negative experimental outcomes when those requirements were not
met. (Table 5) In the absence of vigorous supplementation with either liver or brewer’s yeast, prolonged
metabolic hyper‐stimulation by exogenous thyroid led to wasting and premature death in experimental analogs,
even in the presence of the known B‐vitamins. Yeast protected against early mortality, created increased
appetite, and guarded against weight loss. Liver feeding actually led to thriving weight gain.(32) Approximately 5
years after incorporating high dosages of thyroid and Lugol’s solution, Gerson added (in about January of 1952)
raw veal liver/carrot juice (17) pg. 196 which was prescribed at 24 ounces/day in divided dosages, t.i.d. (Table 7)
Each glass contained the pressings from ½ pound of liver and about ¾ pound of carrots. At that time, he
discontinued routine use of medications which were clearly duplicated by the veal liver/carrot juice, i.e. oral
phosphates, brewer’s yeast, vitamins A and D, and liver with iron capsules, reserving them for special
applications.(16)

66


Table 4
Metabolic Therapy
Gerson stimulated metabolism with vitamins (to build more cellular ATP) after findings by Basu KP & De HN,
“The role of vitamins in the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in human subjects.”
Ann.Biochem.Exper.Med. 1948;8(3‐4):127‐136

Percentage increase in phosphate uptake
•Vitamin C ‐‐‐‐ 33%
•Vitamin D ‐‐‐‐ 50%
•Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) ‐‐‐‐ 100%
•Brewer’s yeast ‐‐‐‐ 400%

Table 5
Betheil, Wiebelhaus, Lardy. “Studies of thyroid toxicity I. A nutritional factor which alleviates the toxicity of
ingested thyroid substance.” J.Nutr.Aug. 11 1947;34(2):431‐441

Effect of high dose thyroid on rats fed different diets.
• Normal diet + B vitamins
Loss of appetite, loss of weight, early death.
• Normal diet + Brewer’s yeast
Increased appetite, minimal weight loss, normal lifespan.
• Normal diet + liver
Increased appetite, weight gain, normal lifespan.

References:
1. Gerson MB. No cancer in normal metabolism: Outcomes of a 5. Lechner P, Kronberger I. Erfahrungen mit dem Einsatz der
specific therapy. Med Klin. 1954:49(5):175‐179; Cancer, a Diat‐Therapie in der chirursischen Onkologie. Aktuelle
problem of metabolism. Med Klin. 1954;49(26):1028‐1032; On Ernahrungsmedizin. 1990;2(15):72‐78.
the medications of cancer management in the manner of
6. American Joint Committee on Cancer. Manual for staging
Gerson. Med Klin. 1954;49(49):1977‐1978.
cancer. 4th edition. Philadelphia, J.P. Lippincott Co.; 1992;143‐
2. Gerson MB. A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases. 5th 148
Edition. San Diego, CA; Gerson Institute: 1990.
7. Hermanek P, Sobin LH. UICC: TNM Classification of
3. Belitzer VA. In: A Symposium on respiratory enzymes. 1942; Malignant Tumours. 4th ed. Berlin: Springer‐Verlag, 1987:99‐
University of Wisconsin Press.
8. Cope FW. A medical application of the Ling Association‐
4. Lechner P, Hildenbrand GLG. A reply to Saul Green’s critique Induction Hypothesis: the high potassium, low sodium diet of
of the rationale for cancer treatment with coffee enemas and the Gerson cancer therapy. Physiol.Chem.Phys.Med. MRI.
diet: cafestol derived from beverage coffee increases bile 1978;10(5):465‐468.
production in rats; and coffee enemas and diet ameliorate
9. Basu KP, De, HN. Role of vitamins in the metabolism of
human cancer pain in stages I and II. Townsend Letter for
calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in human subjects. Ann
Doctors. 1994;130:526‐529.
Biochem Exper Med. 1948;8(3‐4):127‐136
67


10. Cope FW. Mitochondrial disease in man. Report of a Effects of calorie restriction per se. Cancer Rsrch. 1942;2:460‐
probable case with successful therapy. Physiol.Chem.Phys. 467; Cancer Rsrch. The genesis and growth of tumors. 3. Effects
1981;13:275‐279 of a high‐fat diet. 1942;2:468‐475; The dependence of tumor
formation on the degree of caloric restriction. Cancer Rsrch.
11. Bielechowski M, Green H. Adenosine‐triphosphate. Lancet.
1945;5(11):609‐615; The dependence of tumor formation on
1948;2:153
the composition of the calorie‐restricted diet as well as on the
12. Ingbar SH. The thyroid gland. In: Williams Textbook of degree of restriction. Cancer Rsrch. 1945;5(11):616‐625.
Endocrinology. 7th Ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company,
15. Silverstone H, Tannenbaum A. Influence of thyroid hormone
1985:740‐741.
on the formation of induced skin tumors in mice. Cancer Rsrch.
13. Moreschi C. The connection between nutrition and tumor Nov. 1949;9:684‐688
promotion. Zeitschr Immunitatsforsch. 1909;2:651; Rous P. The
16. Good RA, West A, Fernandes G. Nutritional modulation of
influence of diet on transplanted and spontaneous mouse
immune responses. Fedn Proc. 1980;39:3089‐3104.
tumors. J Exp Med. 1914;20:433.
17. Betheil JJ, Wiebelhaus VD, Lardy HA. Studies of thyroid
14. Tannenbaum A. The initiations and growth of tumors.
toxicity. I. A nutritional factor which alleviates the toxicity of
Introduction. 1. Effects of underfeeding. Am J Cancer.
ingested thyroid substance. J Nutr. Aug. 11, 1947;34(2):431‐441
1940;38(3):335‐350; The genesis and growth of tumors. 2.

68


Biological Basis for Coffee Enemas
Excerpted from “How the Gerson Therapy Heals” a lecture by Gar Hildenbrand, 1990.

The coffee enema is capable of removing circulating toxins and partial metabolites for one specific
reason, and that is that the coffee enema not only dilates bile ducts – which Gerson knew – we now know, from
the work of Wattenberg, Sparnins, and Lam at the University of Minnesota, Department of Pathology,
Minneapolis, that coffee stimulates an enzyme system in the liver, glutathione‐S‐transferase, that is capable of
removing a vast variety of electrophiles from the bloodstream. Electrophiles are referred to in popular literature
as free radicals.
Electrophiles are atomic particles with one or more electrons in unpaired spins. They have an affinity for
electrons and they want to get involved where they should not get involved. They are charged particles, and
they will damage membranes of cells and they will inflict disturbances in cellular metabolism.
Under the influence of a coffee enema the glutathione‐S‐transferase enzyme system – part of the
ligandine enzyme system that accounts for about 3% of all enzymes in the liver, responsible for removing
electrophiles from the blood stream – will be increased in activity from 600%‐700% above normal. No materials
other than coffee are known to stimulate it a much. That’s why people are known to get a buzz off of a cup of
coffee in the morning, and why some people are too grouchy to do anything but read the newspaper until
they’ve had their coffee, and why coffee is so effective in clearing heads.

Glutathione‐S‐transferase
From Lechner, Aktuelle Ernaehrungsmedizin, 1990.
1. Binds bilirubin and its glucoronides so that they can be eliminated from the hepatocytes,
2. Blocks and detoxifies carcinogens which require oxidation or reduction to be activated. Its catalytic
function produces a protective effect against many chemical carcinogens.
3. Forms a covalent bond with nearly all highly electrophilic substances, the so‐called free radicals, which is
the precondition of their elimination. The intermediate products of potentially hepatoxic cytostatics also belong
to this category.

The coffee enema stimulates the glutathione‐S‐transferase system by 700%. During the time
that the coffee enema is being held in the gut, all the blood in the body passes through the liver at least five
times. Every three minutes all the blood in your body passes through your liver. In addition to stimulating that
enzyme system, the theobromine, theophylline, and the caffeine in coffee all have physiological effects. Among
these are the dilation of blood vessels and bile ducts, the relaxation of smooth muscles, and the increase of bile
flow. The palmitates, compounds in the coffee that actually stimulate glutathione‐S‐transferase, also cause
increased bile flow.
In addition to that, the quart of water in your gut stimulates what is called the visceral nervous system.
The viscera are the guts. The visceral nervous system is the nervous system that orchestrates what is called
peristalsis, the weak force that moves materials through the intestines. The visceral nervous system is
stimulated by a quart of water in the gut. A portion of the water also dilutes the bile and increases the bile flow,
thereby flushing toxic bile (loaded with toxins by the glutathione S‐transferase enzyme system) out of the
intestines. Also, the net effect of the coffee enema is to cause a flushing of toxic bile, or bile that has been
loaded with toxins by the glutathione‐S‐transferase system, out of the intestines.
69


Glutathione‐S‐transferase shuttles; it’s an enzyme catalyst. It’s out there catching free radicals, like an
outfielder on a baseball team, and throwing them to the glutathione molecule of the bile. The glutathione
molecule has a branch called the sulfhydryl part that absorbs many electrophiles. It makes them inert in the
same way that a clay slough can make atomic waste inert because it has great adsorptive capabilities. What then
happens is that these things become bile solutes. The bile solutes in the bile are flushed out of the gallbladder
and the liver, and into the duodenum, and peristalsis carries them through the small intestine, through the colon
and out the rectum. That is effective dialysis. The coffee enema is the only pharmaceutically effective choleretic
in the medical literature that is repeatable many times daily; choleretic, like diuretic. Diuretics cause urination.
Choloretics cause bile flow.
The coffee enema is safe and effective when used as a part of this program as our physicians direct. Dr.
Peter Lechner at the Landeskrakenhaus of Graz, Austria, has been working for six years now, studying a very
modified Gerson Therapy. He has been using the coffee enemas as part of the post‐surgical programs of the
second surgery department of the Landeskrakenhaus. He did some rat experiments in which palmitates were
extracted from coffee, the cafestol palmitates, and in which they were seen to increase bile flow in the rats.
Lechner became convinced, and wrote in a journal called Aktuelle Ernahrungsmedizin (Contemporary Nutritional
Medicine), 2 Band 15, April 1990, that these palmitic acid salts could be very powerful liver protective drugs if
they would be developed by a pharmaceutical corporation.
Until that time, as he said, “We have to continue to administer them in the awkward form of enemas…
because patients cannot be expected to consume the therapeutically necessary daily amount of at least one litre
of coffee by drinking it, without risking side effects in the upper alimentary tact.” Nothing else works.
In the Second Surgery Department of the Landeskrakenhaus in Graz, Lechner has a bunch of very normal
colleagues who are, none of them, enthusiastic about alternative therapies, but neither is willing to argue with
scientific fact. This is a six‐year‐long program. Its findings have been published twice.
So now you have coffee enemas cleansing the blood. What is the coffee enema removing? Ammonia‐
like products, toxic‐bound nitrogen, protein derivatives that are often times charged particles, polyamines,
amino acid clumps and complexes. When I first spoke with Regelson, in 1981, he asked me if the coffee
enemas had been studied in the field of Ammonia‐pathophysiology. I said I didn’t know what he was talking
about. He said, “The name is Visit, the father of Ammonia‐pathophysiology. You probably haven’t been taught
about it because it is veterinary medicine.” I said, “Oh, enlighten me please.” He said that it was very simple.
Visik proposed and proved that if you antibiosis feedlot animals, you’ll cut down on the amount of urea‐
splitting bacteria in their guts, lower their tissue and serum ammonia levels, and they will gain more carcass
weight. You can get bigger, stronger, more muscle‐loaded feedlot animals for more beef if you give them
antibiotics. That is why we give antibiotics to beef. We could give coffee enemas to animals and have the same
effect. That’s why Regelson wanted to know if we had studied this in the field of Ammonia‐pathophysiology;
that’s where the coffee enemas belong.
When you improve the sodium ring around tumors and diseased tissue, the first thing that happens is
that tissue gets better drainage and better circulation. And the cells begin to function normally. And when cells
begin to function normally, they do what’s normal for cells, they behave like themselves. And that means our
tissues are now themselves again. They bring, with normal function, requisite behavior for health, which is
resistance to disease, and immunity against extant disease. That’s where tissue immunity comes from, and
that’s where tumor immunities come from: the health of the normal tissue.

70

Inflazyme Forte
MODULE I

1
• Contains Omega 3 essential fatty acids

• Attracts oxygen at the cell membrane and
transports oxygen into the cell
• Can detoxify fat soluble toxins
• Promotes healthy lipid levels
• 2 tbsp. a day for the first month, then reduce
to 1 tbsp. a day
• Do not heat
2
• Assists protein digestion in stomach and aids

digestion of high volume of juices
• Many patients have low stomach acidity
• Stimulates release of cholecystokinin and
secretin by the duodenum
• Caution with gastritis, ulcers, esophageal
problems, and blood thinning medications
• Dosage is 2 caps just before meals
3
71
• The 100 g bottle contains equal amounts of
potassium acetate, monophosphate and
gluconate and is dissolved in 1 quart of distilled
water. Store in a dark glass bottle or refrigerate.
• Raises cellular potassium, restores normal cell
metabolism and reduces edemas—primary for
the treatment of tissue damage syndrome.
• Prescriptions may range from 1-4 tsp. in up to 10
juices (dosage equivalents of 1.5 g to 6 g or 37.5
to 150 mEq/day)
4
• There are cautions with kidney abnormalities,

gastritis, nausea, bone metastasis and bleeding
problems
• It may be contraindicated in many cardiac
conditions
• Potassium iodide solution

• Made from 5 g of potassium iodide plus 10 g of
iodine to make a 200 ml solution
• Delivers iodine to the cells and helps restore
electrical potentials and cell activity
• Promotes synthesis of thyroid hormone to help
increase cellular oxidation
• Helps in cell differentiation
• Chlorine, bromine, and fluorine have low atomic
weights and displace iodine
6
72
• Thiocyanate
• Perchlorate (in jet fuel & ground water)
• Selanocyanate (agriculture)
• Nitrite (fertilizers)
• Brassica Family (raw)
• Soy, peanut, pine nut, cassava
• Propylthiouracil (PTU)
• Methimazole
• Carbimazole
• Iodides
• Lithium carbonate in large doses
• Interferon, phenobarbital, phenytoin,
rifampin
8
• Each drop of ½ strength contains 3.125 mg

iodine
• Prescribed from 1-2 drops—1-6 times a day in
orange juice, carrot, and carrot apple—never in
the green juice
• Must be kept in balance with thyroid dosage
• If thyroid is not prescribed, then only 1-3 drops
of Lugol’s should be given—it can suppress the
thyroid. You will see a high TSH.
• Caution with Hashimoto’s, thyroiditis, iodine
allergy and heavy metal toxicity 9
73
• Desiccated pork thyroid gland (Armour) - not
synthetic. T4 has little physiological activity
and must be converted to T3. This happens
mostly in the liver and kidneys.
• Available in ½, 1 and 2 grain tablets and
contains 38 mcg T4 and 9 mcg T3 per grain
• Used to increase the body’s metabolic rate,
stimulate the replication of the mitochondria
• Increased ATP stores become available for
cell energy needs, including resistance and
immunity 10
• Prescribed, unless contraindicated, regardless

of whether patient has been diagnosed with
hypothyroidism
• Used to push a metabolic process. With 2 or
more grains per day TSH will almost always
be less than 0.01mIU/L, but unless T4 or T3
are elevated or patient exhibits symptoms,
thyroid is not discontinued.
• Dosage is 1.5 to 5 grains a day, tapering to 1
to 3 grains after 4-6 weeks
11
• Hyperthyroidism
• Tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, and
other cardiac conditions
• Insomnia, anxiety, tremors
• Uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency
• Diabetes—thyroid medication may increase the
need for insulin—needs close monitoring. We
do not give more than 1 to 1 ½ grains initially.
• Keep in mind the half life of thyroid is 6-7 days;
it can take 10 days for a change in clinical
response and 4-6 weeks for maximum
therapeutic effect.
12
74
• Patients who are very toxic, have
chemical sensitivities, or severe allergies
may not tolerate thyroid
supplementation.
• Will need to start at .25 -.50 grains per

day and work up slowly. If intolerant of
Armour or Naturethroid, try a
compounding pharmacy or Westhroid-P.
13
• T3, T4, TSH – if patient takes desiccated thyroid

the morning of the test, the free T3 is usually
elevated. Advise patient to take thyroid medication
after the blood draw.
• Basal body temperature – using an oral
thermometer, first thing before arising, put
thermometer snuggly under armpit for 10 minutes.
Temperature should be between 97.8 and 98.2 F.
• Increased heart rate, nervousness, tremor, increased
problems sleeping, weight loss, excessive sweating,
and elevated basal temperature are all signs of too
much thyroid hormone. 14
- Hypothyroidism Type 2, Mark Starr, MD
-Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness,

Broda Barnes
- Healing is Voltage, Jerry Tenant, MD
15
75
• Thyroid and Lugol’s go to the cancer mass
and allow cells to pick up the potassium and
oxidizing enzymes.
• At this point the cancer cells begin to die
because they cannot tolerate the potassium
and increased oxidation.
16
• Assists in protein metabolism

• Acts as a vasodilator
• Increases capacity for cellular oxidation in the
NADH pathway
• Raises depleted liver stores of glycogen
• Prescribed up to 6 times a day with meals and food
when possible to avoid uncomfortable flushing
effects. Do not use slow release or non flushing
type.
• Do not use with bleeding or peptic ulcers, during
menses, with steroid therapy and blood thinning
agents. There is also caution with liver disease and
gout. 17
• Pancreatic enzymes support the digestive

system assisting in the breakdown of the high
nutrient intake on the Gerson Therapy.
• For excess gas additional enzymes (1200 mg)
are given between meals and later in the day
• Three 325 mg tabs are taken with each meal
and an additional 3 at 4:30 or 5:00 pm
• Contraindicated in sarcoma patients
18
76
• Taken to provide enzymes and nutritional factors to
the liver
• Rich in B complex, vitamin A, trace minerals, heme
iron and traces of hormones
• Taken with carrot or carrot apple juice at 2 caps
three times daily
• If not taking with carrot juice, they can be taken
with a little distilled water or tea
• Can be taken at 9 per day if anemic
• Can cause digestive problems for some people, so
can take with a meal with digestive enzymes 19
• This was added after discontinuing the raw liver juice,

which contains naturally high amounts of CoQ10
• A naturally occurring fat-soluble antioxidant necessary to
the function of every cell in the body
• Critical to the mitochondrial function of cell increasing
ATP and the energy currency of a cell
• Doses up to 300 mg a day. Start slow with 50 to 60 mg
increments. Can sometimes cause heart irregularities.
• Should not contain Vit E or soy
• Ubiquinol, the fully reduced form is better absorbed.
20
• Contains proteolytic enzymes to help breakdown

tumor mass.
• Potentiates the immune assault on cancer cells—
digests the outer coating of CA cell so immune
system can recognize it. Helps in tumor
debulking.
• Taken between meals or not sooner than 30 min
before meals 3 times daily
• Alpha-chymotrypsin is an important constituent
• Can also help with excessive gas
21
77
• B-12 supports the formation and
maturation of healthy blood cells including
platelets and granulocytes.
• The Gerson diet is low in B-12 and many
patients with low digestive capacity are
unable to absorb this nutrient.
• Injectable forms are cyanocobalamin,
hydroxycobalamin and methylcobalamin.
22
• Cyanocobalamin is not human active

• Ineffective for several conditions related to
B-12 deficiency
• Methylcobalamin and hydroxycobalamin
are human active
• Gold standard test is the Urinary Methyl
Malonic Acid test
23
• FDA approved-Biologically active

• Maintains a sufficient level of the 2 active
coenzymes in the body; methylcobalamin &
adenosylcobalmin
• Least expensive (cyano maybe less)retained
in body longer
• More easily able to transform into methyl
as toxins and heavy metals can interfere
• Methylcobalamin is found to be unstable 24
78
• Currently not easily obtainable from the
pharmacy in Mexico supplying Gerson
supplements
• Licensed physicians can prescribe for Gerson
patients using Apothecure Pharmacy USA
-pharmacist@apothecure.com
• Canada & Worldwide – int@apothecure.com
• Otherwise patients can take orally (SL form
best) at 1000 mcg per day to start—nasal
administration is also acceptable
25
Crude liver injections provide a kind of mild

natural hormone enzyme therapy. Helpful in
returning glycogen, K group minerals, and
vitamins to the liver and other tissues, and in
preparing the conditions for the functions of
oxidizing enzymes.
26
• Typically prescribed at .1 cc B-12

(cyanocobolamin, hydroxycobolamin, or
methylcobalamin) plus crude liver (amount
depends upon strength)
• Use a 3 cc syringe with 23g x1 needle and
switch to a 25g x 1 needle for injection
• Inject in the upper outer quadrant of the
gluteus muscle
• Recommended to have a friend who is a
nurse come to home to instruct
27
79
• Crude liver for injection is not currently
available from the pharmacy in Mexico
which provides this without prescription
• Licensed physicians can prescribe this
through a compounding pharmacy.
• Apothecure carries a 10 ml vial containing
50 mg/ml –about $50 doctor price
• USA – pharmacist@apothecure.com
• Canada &Worldwide- int@apothecure.com 28
• Dosage of the 50 mg/ml could be 1/2 cc every

other day
• If B-12 injectable is available—add .2 ml with liver
• Otherwise inject only the liver and take the B-12
orally
• Inject in upper outer quadrant of the gluteus
muscle—patient learns to self inject\
• If obtained from a compounding pharmacy the
strength could be different from the
recommended. Please check with Gerson
Institute for instructions.
29
• Can help increase endogenous glutathione

and support the immune system
• Assists in heavy metal detoxification
• Given at 200 mcg a day with a meal
30
80
• Used with patients with a low white blood
count
• Rich in immunoglobulins which have anti-
bacterial, anti-viral properties, and has
immune regulating properties
• May be contraindicated in CLL and
pancreatitis due to immune stimulating
properties
• Dosage is typically 1000 mg with meals
31
• Ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids is preferred

• When indicated, typical dosages are 1 to 3 g
per day
• Do not use calcium or sodium ascorbate
• Used especially when people have had
chemotherapy or other drug use
• Used as part of the pain triad
32
• Consists of one aspirin, one 50 mg niacin, and

one 500 mg vitamin C
• The combination of the niacin and vitamin C
helps the body to assimilate the aspirin,
increasing its efficacy
• Use no more than one dose in 4 hours
33
81
• Can be used in control of diarrhea
• Absorption of gas in the intestinal tract
• Dosage: 1 – 2 caps twice daily as needed for
excessive gas
• Do not take close to meals or supplements as
it can absorb the nutrients
34
• Used as emulsifiers to bring the castor oil

enema into solution
• Approximately ½ tsp. of ox bile and a
squirt of soap per castor oil enema
35
• Used as a protein source at the point

proteins are reintroduced to the diet
• Dosage is 2-4 tsp./day (1.5 gm. of protein
per tsp.)
• Start cautiously with a few grains, as some
people have allergies to bee pollen
36
82
• Tel 855 216-3002 Fax: 860 355-8976
• Email: nutricons6@sbcglobal.net
• Carries all Gerson supplements except
prescription items
• All natural ingredients without excipients,
artificial fillers and binders, colors and
flavors, preservatives or magnesium sterate
• All capsules are vegetarian and
hypoallergenic 37
• STAT Pharmacy tel: (626) 737-0324

Carries all non-prescription supplements
unless out of stock
can order on line at www.statmx.com
38
• ISHI Pharmacy -- San Ysidro, CA

• Does not sell desiccated thyroid, Lugol’s, B-
12/crude liver injectables, needles or
syringes except for patients who attended
the clinic
• (619) 428-6085
• Anama@sbcglobal.net
39
83
• Key Company, St. Louis, MO
• Does not carry thyroid, Lugol’s B-12/crude
liver injectables, needles or syringes
• (314) 965-6699
• www.thekeycompany.com
40
• Healing Naturally Limited - UK

• Email: stephen@healingnaturally.co.uk
• Does not carry desiccated thyroid
• Note: some items on the order form are
not allowed on the Gerson Therapy
41
• These products are from New Zealand and

may be the purest and highest quality.
• Can order from Allergy Research or
Nutricology
42
84
• www.internationalpharmacy.com
• Based in the US
• Patient’s can order thyroid without a
prescription (a few countries prohibited
without prescription.)
• They carry Armour and Naturethroid
• Not always reliable
43
• RLC labs carries Nature-Throid and

Westhroid and Westhroid P
• www.rlclabs.com
• 1-877-797-7997
• Need to write a prescription or stock in
your office for resale
44
• http://www.biogenesis-antiaging.com
info@biogenesis-antiaging.com
• A mail order company out of S. Africa
• Patients can order without a prescription
• Takes 2-3 weeks
• Carries Armour and Naturethroid
• www.buydiane.com
45
85
MODULE I

46
MODULE I

47
• The Gerson Therapy is the primary

treatment modality. Additional therapies
do not replace the central and continuous
work of the Gerson Therapy.
• The following procedures and supplements
are among those that are compatible with
and support the Gerson Therapy.
48
86
• Purified form of B-17 (amygdalin)
• Used in prostate, breast, and lung cancers
with bone metastasis
• Can alleviate bone pain from metastasis and
reduce edema
• Used in conjunction with hydrotherapy, it
can attack cancer cells and raise
temperature of tumor tissue
• Do not use apricot kernels 49
• 6 grams a day (use two 3 gm. bottles)

• Administer as an IV push over 5-10 minutes
for 21 days
• Caution with patient with gastritis, gastric
ulcers or vomiting
50
• Ozone and Hydrogen Peroxide

• Oxygen radicals will destroy bacteria,
viruses and abnormal cells
• Ozone can be used as a rectal insufflation
51
87
• Use food grade hydrogen peroxide
• Dilute to 3% for external use
• Can sponge over the body after a bath
• Use at 0.5% orally
52
Most simple herbals, if not aromatic, are

acceptable on the Gerson Therapy:
–Tahebo (Pau d’Arco)
–Essiac
–Peppermint
–Chamomile
–Valerian
–Dandelion 53
• Astragalus is a wonderful herb for the

immune system
• Slippery Elm
54
88
• Anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal
properties
• Safely used to ward off a cold or the flu
• Also used as a gargle
55
• Herb that has hepato-protective and

hepato-regenerative properties, which can
be very helpful to support the liver
especially if one has had chemotherapy or
has taken many prescription drugs or is
aware of other chemical exposures
• Typical dosage is 250 mg bid between meals
• Use an extract standardized to 80%
silymarin
56
• Produce the same symptoms as those of

the illness and assist the body’s own healing
energies rather than overriding them
• Can be effective for symptomatic relief of
pain, nausea, and alleviating healing
reactions
57
89
• The addition of certain Chinese herbs and
the use of acupuncture, acupressure, and
Oriental diagnoses methods are frequently
helpful in stimulating immune response and
enhancing healing
• Herbs should be specified as organic.
Chinese patent medicines can have traces
of heavy metals or other toxic additives
• Acupuncture can be helpful in reducing
pain 58
• Body-based therapies frequently helpful in

reducing pain, improving mobility, and
enhancing well being
• We do not recommend deep tissue massage
• Lymphatic drainage is a light, subtle
technique that can be beneficial
59
Current research has implicated vitamin D

deficiency as a major factor in the pathology
of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as
heart disease, stroke, hypertension,
autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression,
chronic pain, OA, osteoporosis, periodontal
disease and more.
60
90
• The Gerson Institute has not taken an official
position on supplementing with vitamin D
• There is no Vit D3 in the Gerson diet and sun
bathing is not encouraged
• I personally recommend testing every patient
to determine if their Vitamin D level is below
normal range. 25(OH)D-3
• If below normal range, I would consider
supplementing and give the patient an option
• Use a pure, clean form of dry Vitamin D and
retest until in the range of 50-80 or 75-125
61
• Dr. Gerson did state in his writings that

adding Vit D caused problems, however, it
was probably D2 which is not the natural
form.
62
• Thorne Research, Inc.

• www.thorne.com
• Carries a very pure form of D3 without any
hidden ingredients such as lactose, BHT,
BHA, sodium benzoate, and sorbic acid or
flowing agents
63
91
MODULE I

64
92

Description of Gerson Medications

This discussion will concentrate on the visual identification and use of the various medications in the
Gerson Therapy. Practitioners are encouraged to read the chapter of A Cancer Therapy beginning on Page 205
entitled “Short Practical Explanation of the Medication.” Here, Dr. Gerson has carefully explained the indications
and uses of each of the Gerson medications in terms all can understand. A study and understanding of the
scientific rationale provided in the section entitled “Biochemical Basis of the Gerson Therapy” will be extremely
helpful to the practitioner’s ability to effectively use and modify the Gerson protocol.

Visual Review of Therapy Medications

Providing instructions in simplistic terms does not mean that the patient’s intelligence is being
demeaned. Most people would not be seeking Gerson treatment if they were not ill. When not feeling well,
one’s attention span is not as long as usual, and this is a program quite foreign from past knowledge. It requires
a complete breakaway from lifetime habit patterns. It is the responsibility of the Gerson practitioner to explain
the identification, value, and use of each medication in a clear, concise manner, to ensure patient compliance
with the protocol.
The medications taken at mealtime have a preferred schedule. The Acidol (long capsule with whitish
filling) should be taken a few minutes before mealtime. The three Pancreatin tablets should be taken at the
close of the meal. The rest of the medications are taken during the meal.

Potassium Compound Salts
Potassium is a macro mineral (because we need large amounts of it on a daily basis). This mineral works
in conjunction with sodium in maintaining water balance and proper nerve and muscle impulses. In normal
health most of the potassium is in the cells, the cells work to an optimum level and produce adenosine tri‐
phosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the body. If the cell is insulted by poisoning or starvation and
its oxygen taken away, it will flip; it will no longer be able to make adenosine tri‐phosphate. Without ATP the cell
will die. When cells are damaged there is a unifying set of occurrences immaterial to the cause of the damage.
The outcome will be that the cell will lose potassium; the cell will then accept sodium and water will pour into
the cell, resulting in cell edema (tissue damage syndrome). The cells will not be able to produce ATP.
The water in our cells is not free liquid ‐‐ it is structured; i.e. there are dynamic energies in cells that hold
water in an organized pattern, and there are multiple polarized structured layers (think of the inside of the cell
as being a macro‐molecule with sites that can bind potassium/sodium). If potassium fills the sites to which it
can bind, the cell will organize water. If potassium is lost from these sites and sodium binds, the cell will lose
much of its ability to structure water and it will swell with much more water. The outcome of this will be an
interference with the production of ATP.
Dr. Max Gerson’s opinion was that action had to be taken to correct tissue damage syndrome, which is
to reduce the challenge of sodium and load potassium into the system. This would mean the potassium would
compete for the associated binding site. When this action is taken, the potassium may again be bound and ATP
will be produced.
Magnesium assists in holding potassium within the cells, though sodium, alcohol, diuretics, laxatives,
steroids and stress will have a negative effect on cell potassium.
93


This potassium compound is made from 33 mg each of potassium acetate, monophosphate, and
gluconate, diluted in 32 oz. of distilled water. Typical dosages vary from 1‐4 tsp., 10 times/day of the prepared
solution, representing 1.5 to 6 grams of potassium per day. This medication is added in equal amounts to each
of the carrot/apple, greens and orange juices (but not the pure carrot juices) daily, typically 1 to 4 tsp. per juice.
This medication is primary to the treatment of tissue damage syndrome, found in all cancers, and in
most other degenerative diseases. It combines with the other medications and dietary regimen to increase
cellular potassium levels, reduce intercellular edema, and restore normal cell function.
Patients have often experienced problems with administration of this medication, even though
instructions are clearly provided on the container. The problem was discovered when several patients
mentioned that the three months’ supply of potassium compound given them by the hospital staff had lasted
only three weeks. They were asked how many containers they had used. The twelve they had used were,
indeed, the correct amount to have lasted three months.
The mistake was quickly found. When the dosage indicated that four teaspoons were to be used, the
patient spooned the powder from the container directly into the juice, resulting in ingestion of approximately 32
times the prescribed dosage! These came about because patients failed to dilute the contents of the container
into 32 oz. of distilled water, and instead were using the concentrated powder. It is diluted liquid that is
prescribed in all cases. For a three‐week period, the patient had been ingesting 32 times the prescribed dosage
of potassium!
Gerson physicians, when first introduced to the therapy, were extremely concerned about the
potassium dosages given. Yet, in spite of diligent efforts to locate signs of potassium toxicity, including
electrocardiograms and examinations of the heart, no signs of any damage have been found (except those
patients with preexisting cardiac insufficiency). Even in those patients that dramatically exceeded the prescribed
amount for three weeks, no signs of potassium toxicity had been noted. The only complaints mentioned were
irritation of the throat and esophagus due to the strong potassium salts. A couple of days of oatmeal gruel
healed the irritation. The moral of the story is that the dosages prescribed by Dr. Gerson are safe – well within
the needs of the body. Although the body is usually able to release excess potassium, it is never recommended
to take more than prescribed.
The potassium solution should be stored in glass rather than plastic or metal and needs refrigeration
according to manufacturers’ recommendation. One quart of potassium will last one to three weeks, depending
on prescribed dosage. The potassium solution should be discarded and replaced if it becomes cloudy.

Thyroid
The thyroid gland is the metabolic governor of the body. Metabolism is slowed whenever the thyroid
gland is under‐active or thyroid hormone is not well assimilated by the cells in the body. A study by New York
Presbyterian Hospital revealed that as many as twenty million (near epidemic proportions) people suffer from
thyroid disease and nearly 70% of this population is female. The close association of breast cancer and
hypothyroidism can surely give one great pause. Thyroid disease is more inherited than diabetes. Frequently,
commonly used blood tests that determine thyroid function are inadequate for accurate diagnosing of
hypothyroidism. One of the most important skills a physician can acquire is that of listening and taking a detailed
history to help identify the more obscure symptoms that can indicate a thyroid dysfunction. The thyroid gland
acts as a “gas pedal and throttle.” Thyroid enhances production of mitochondria and is also involved in the
increase of ATP production. It is well known that a lowered metabolism due to lowered thyroid function affects
the efficacy of medications or supplements, more toxins accumulate in the body and hormonal imbalance
occurs. Hans Selye –‐ the famous early 20th century physician/endocrinologist of Dr. Gerson’s day ‐‐ has stated:
“The thyroid is one of the most potent accelerators of hormones.” Selye studied the connection between the
thyroid and adrenal glands in relation to stress. Toxins in today’s environment ‐‐ petro‐chemicals that can block
94


thyroid hormone receptor sites, fluoride and chlorine that displace iodine essential to thyroid function, and soy
products that act as hormone disruptors ‐‐ will additionally interfere with the assimilation of thyroid
medications. These are just a few of the serious consequences that now add to the toxicity challenges for
patients and practitioners.
Desiccated pork thyroid gland is available in 1/2, 1 or 2 grain tablets. Initial dosage is usually 1.5 to 5
grains/day, tapering down to 1 to 3 grains daily after 6 to 10 weeks.
The Gerson program uses the pure, desiccated thyroid gland rather than the synthetics. Broda Barnes,
MD ‐‐ noted endocrinologist and hypothyroidism researcher ‐‐ reports that in many cases not all of the
symptoms of hypothyroidism will disappear with the use of synthetic thyroid medication. Only when the natural
material is used are all of the symptoms relieved. The synthetics do not seem to cover the full spectrum of
thyroid activity.
Dosages are normally adjusted by the axillary temperature test (basal metabolism temperature, or BMT
procedure), combined with T3, T4 and TSH indicators and patient reactions. BMT should be taken immediately
upon awaking in the morning, before eating or arising from bed. It is best to have shaken down the
thermometer and placed it on the bedside table before going to bed. Upon waking, place the thermometer
snugly in the armpit for ten minutes by the clock. Record the result. The normal basal temperature is between
97.8 and 98.2 Fahrenheit. A temperature below 97.8º indicates the possibility of low thyroid activity and thyroid
supplementation is initiated. Over 98.2ºmeans the patient may have too much thyroid activity, except when
observed during infection, healing reaction, severe pain, or with use of an electric blanket. In the absence of
these conditions, a BMT exceeding 98.2º over three days is indication for thyroid dosage reduction.
Some patients and practitioners have expressed concern over the long‐term use of thyroid. Our
experience has been that the body’s natural thyroid production will not be suppressed as long as thyroid
medication dosages are appropriately monitored. Gerson was usually able to eventually wean his patients off of
thyroid; today, we often see that patients must continue taking some dosage of thyroid in the long term. This is
probably due to increased thyroid toxicity due to environmental (particularly chlorine and fluoride ingestion
which displaces iodine and therefore affects thyroid function) and nutritional factors.

Lugol’s Solution
In 1880, a French physician named Lugol originated a solution that contains 5% of elemental iodine in a
10% solution of potassium iodide. It has been used consistently ever since it was originated.
Blood passes through the thyroid gland every 17 minutes. Thyroid gland cells have an affinity for iodine
that is needed for healthy, proper functioning. Several functions of iodine within thyroid gland are: to kill weak
germs that have gained entry into the body as well as render strong, virulent germs weaker during their passage
through the thyroid gland; to rebuild energy which is directly related to one’s intake of iodine; to calm the
nervous system and relieve nervous tension; to help maintain clear thinking; and to act as an oxidizing catalyst
that burns energy in the form of food nutrients and prevents storage of unwanted fat. While the thyroid gland
stores iodine, we can lose stored iodine through ingestion of chlorine, fluoride, bromine and salt (sodium
chloride). There is the well know law of “halogen displacement.” This means, “The critical activity of any one of
these four halogens is in inverse proportion to its atomic weight.” The elements of chloride (35.5) fluorine (19)
and bromine (80) have low atomic weights and readily displace iodine (127) with a high atomic weight, but
iodine cannot displace an element with a lower atomic weight. The result is that the body now loses its much
needed iodine.
Typically, Lugol’s solution is made from 5 grams of potassium iodide plus 10 grams of iodine with water
added to make 200ml of solution. Typical dosage is 1 to 3 drops, 6x/day, with some patients receiving as little as
one drop per day.
95


The action of Lugol’s solution is involved in the increase of intercellular production of ATP, and is a
critical factor in the control of oxidation rate. Lugol’s solution is administered by adding it, with potassium, to
the orange and carrot apple juices – but not in the green juice or pure carrot juices. Note that “one‐half
strength” solution is to be used. Accuracy and appropriate dosages of Lugol’s solution are critical to the success
of the therapy.

Pancreatin Tablets
Typical dosage is 3 (325 mg) tablets, 4x/day taken after meals and late afternoon.
Pancreatin contains pancreatic enzymes that are found naturally in the body as they are produced from
the pancreas. Pancreatic enzymes given as pancreatic assist the breakdown (metabolism) of the high level of
nutrition of the Gerson Therapy. It is also valuable in assisting the process of tumor debulking. Pancreatin tablets
aid digestion and are especially helpful with gas and bloating. More problematic symptoms may necessitate
increasing the dosage by an additional 1200 mg.
We recommend tablets manufactured without the use of cereal fillers contained in some products.

Acidol Pepsin Capsules, (Betaine HCL and Pepsin)
These capsules contain Betaine Hydrochloric acid, Pepsin and Raw Pancreas. The specific role of the
capsules is to aid the digestive process of foods and juices.
Typical dosage is 2 capsules, 3x/day, at the beginning of the meal as a source of HCL.
Contraindicated with gastritis, acid reflux disorder, gastric ulcers or anti‐coagulant therapy.

Niacin (Vitamin B3 or Nicotinic Acid)
Typical dosage is 1 (50mg) tablet, 6x/day. Niacin is important for healthy growth and development. It is
involved in maintaining healthy skin, nerves, intestines and intellectual function. Studies have demonstrated
that it is helpful in treating depression and other conditions.
Niacin is involved in metabolism, enzyme function, and energy production. It is an efficient restorer of
cell energies; that is, it helps to bring in sufficient glycogen from fat cells to depleted liver cells. It is also
required for the uptake and use of oxygen in cells.
In its role of processing fatty acids from stores it has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. This has
resulted in people who have high cholesterol levels receiving niacin medicinally. A small amount of niacin is
manufactured in the body from the essential amino acid tryptophan.
Niacin combines with the mineral chromium to form the glucose tolerance factor, which is required for
the action of insulin, in controlling how the cells take up glucose.
Niacin is a vasodilator; i.e. it acts to dilate small arteries and capillaries, and also raises the electrical
potential in cells. Niacin is a factor in tryptophan/niacin exchange, assists in improving circulation, and therefore,
skin temperature, thereby increasing oxygenation and cellular nutrition and detoxification. It also increases
peristalsis and aids protein digestion.
Additionally, niacin taken orally can result in flushing/warming of the skin. Transient tachycardia may be
experienced during “a niacin flush.” This process may cause mild discomfort, but is entirely harmless, except in
those patients with bleeding lesions or other conditions where niacin is contraindicated. In most cases, niacin
reactions are minimized when taken concurrently with a meal or when the tablet is dissolved under the tongue.
96


Other niacin (niacin amide) or “no‐flush” niacin is not a satisfactory replacement, as it is the vasodilatation
effect, among others, that we are seeking to promote on the Therapy.
Niacin works with the other B vitamins and chromium. The allowable foods within the Gerson Therapy
that contain niacin are cabbage, asparagus, tomatoes, cauliflower, and zucchini/squash. Food and medicines
that affect the function of niacin are coffee, tea, alcohol, antibiotics and birth control pills.

During the menses, niacin should be omitted due to its vasodilatation effect.
Contraindication: Niacin is eliminated when there is bleeding activity anywhere in the body.

Liver Capsules (6 capsules/day)
These capsules may be in the form of dry desiccated liver or liquid (aqueous) liver extract if a pure
acceptable source can be found.
Desiccated liver is a rich source of B complex vitamins, vitamin A, and trace minerals along with heme
iron (a very absorbable form of iron). It can help to promote liver tissue regeneration and increase the liver’s
detoxifying actions. It therefore helps to increase energy, stamina and strength. Desiccated liver is concentrated
in nutrients but is free of fat and cholesterol. This offers great support to the liver and aids in its repair and
restoration. Dr. Virginia Livingston firmly asserted, “The combination of liver powder and carrot juice produced
the favorable ‘Abcissic Acid’ (a vitamin A precursor).”
Two capsules are preferably taken at 11 am, 3 pm and 4 pm together with the “carrot only” juices
whenever possible. However, they can be taken with carrot/apple juices at other times if “carrot only” juices are
not in the individual patient’s protocol.
In some patients, the liver medication causes fairly high levels of intestinal gas. In case of serious
discomfort, charcoal tablets can be given, along with peppermint tea to alleviate the problem.

Co‐Enzyme Q10 (300 to 600 mg/day, in divided doses x3)
Prof. F. L. Crane first discovered Co‐Q10 in the United States in 1957. Human research and testing began
in Japan in 1963 where it became widely used long before its return to the US.
Co‐Q10 is one of a family of substances (quinines) that have a vast distribution because they are
essential for generating energy in living things that use oxygen. Hence, the “ubiquity” led to them being referred
to as ubiquinones. Co‐Q10 is manufactured via a complex process in the liver with at least 15 different reactions
necessary (each catalyzed by an enzyme), along with a large number of cofactor substances.
Co‐enzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring fat‐soluble antioxidant necessary to the function of every cell in
the body. It is produced naturally in the body, though levels of it fall as we get older. Low levels mean that cells
do not receive all the energy they need; therefore, they work at a sub‐optimal level and are more likely to
become diseased. Research has indicated that low levels play a significant role in age‐related medical conditions.
Without it our bodies could not survive, as it plays a very important role at a fundamental biochemical level as a
carrier in a process known as the “electron transport chain.” This process occurs with each cell and is the
method by which the body produces energy. Co‐enzyme Q10 is required to process oxygen in cells and produce
energy‐rich molecules. Without it, the energy in our food would not be converted into a form of energy in
muscle cells, including the heart. It is an essential component of the mitochondria and plays a role in ATP
production. Co‐Q10 is a carrier for two‐electron transfer within the lipid phase of the mitochondrial membrane
and is vital for proper energy production. If each cell is a tiny engine in the body, think of CoQ10 as the part of
the engine that provides the “spark” for the process of using oxygen to burn the organic fuels that come from its
97


foodstuffs. No other substance will substitute for Co‐Q10. No Co‐Q10, no spark, no energy production for the
cell. And then there is no life. In adequate amounts, benefits can include: improved immune system function,
protection and strengthening of cardiac/cardiovascular system, normalization of blood pressure, control and
sometimes reversal of periodontal disease, and increased stamina and energy.
Taken orally it may take up to three weeks and occasionally three months before the benefits are
noticed. Gerson food that contains Co‐enzyme Q10 includes broccoli, spinach, and flaxseed oil. Heat destroys
Co‐Q10 rather easily. Stimulants and sugar interfere with its function.
The dosage varies between 300 to 600 mg per day. More recently, only 300 mg a day is prescribed. One
side effect that we have noticed with this supplement is that in some of the elderly patients it has caused
tachycardia, so start low and work it up slowly. It is also a very expensive supplement that can create additional
financial burden.

Charcoal tablets
Charcoal tablets are used in control of diarrhea, absorption of gas in the intestinal tract and externally in
the clay poultice. The charcoal tablets are 10 grain, highly‐reamed wood charcoal. Note dosages under specific
symptom.

Ox Bile powder and Castile Soap
Ox bile powder and castile soap are used as emulsifiers to bring the castor oil enema into solution.

Vitamin C
Ascorbic Acid with bioflavonoids is preferred. When indicated, typical dosages are 1.0 to 3.0 grams per
day. The patient should be cautioned not to inadvertently buy calcium or sodium ascorbate. This error has been
made repeatedly in the past, with serious detrimental effects.
The use of vitamin C during Gerson Therapy is primarily indicated during infections, and as part of the
pain triad. It is also sometimes used in patients previously or concurrently receiving chemotherapy‐
radiotherapy, and in patients with particular toxicities. The Gerson diet contains large amounts of natural
Vitamin C, so routine daily supplementation is not generally necessary.

Bee Pollen
Bee pollen can be used as a protein source, 2‐4 tsp./day, at the point at which proteins are reintroduced
to the diet. Start cautiously with a few grams, as some people have strong allergies to bee pollen.

Flax Seed Oil
Flax seed oil plays an important role in the therapy. Organic, cold‐pressed and lignan‐free flax oil, such
as Omega, Arrowhead Mills, Barleans, or any oil produced using the organic process must be used. The oil
cannot be used in cooking, or even put on a steaming hot potato or other steaming vegetables, as heating the oil
alters the chemical bonds in the fatty acid chains, resulting in a product which is actively harmful to the body.
The flax seed oil is a rich source of linoleic and linolenic acids, unsaturated fatty acids essential in nutrition when
used in proper amounts, and is invaluable in helping to lower serum cholesterol. It has also been shown to be
valuable in carrying vitamin A, which is fat‐soluble, and reabsorbing tumor masses. The consumption of whole
flax seeds is not permitted, due to the presence of enzyme inhibitors and extra protein.
98


Vitamin B12/Crude Liver Injectable
The dosage is 100 mcg of vitamin B12 (usually 0.1 cc) and 2.9 cc crude liver extract. While the action of
the crude liver extract is not fully understood, these injections help to return some vitamins including vitamin A,
minerals, and enzymes to the body, which help to replenish the liver. In addition, the liver injections also contain
some hormones such as sex hormones and those from the adrenal cortex, as well as others in the natural form –
but at such a minute level that, according to Dr. Max Gerson, did not cause any harm.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a crystalline compound that is soluble in water, alcohol and acetone. This vitamin is
sensitive to light and should be stored away from light.
Vitamin B12 is the most complex of the vitamins, It contains a cobalt atom that is similar in structure to
hemoglobin, and it is the only naturally occurring organic compound that contains cobalt. The available
commercial forms of Vitamin B12 are known as Cyanocobalamin and Hydroxycobalamin.
Vitamin B12 plays a role in the activation of amino acids during protein formation and in the anaerobic
degradation of the amino acid lysine. The coenzyme of vitamin B12 is a carrier of methyl groups and hydrogen; it
is necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. DNA replication is dependent on the function of
coenzyme Vitamin B12.
The manufacture of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) is dependent upon Vitamin B12, together
with other B vitamins. These chemical messengers facilitate communication between nerves; in this role Vitamin
B12 can prevent depression and other mood disorders.
Vitamin B12 absorption is inhibited by various gastrointestinal disorders as well as alcohol, smoking, and
lack of the intrinsic factor in the stomach. Vitamin B12 deficiencies generally manifest in mid to late life. The
deficiency is corrected by intra‐muscular injection of B12. This vitamin works with folic acid.
Within the Gerson Therapy, vitamin B12 is given by intra‐muscular injection at a normal dose of 100 mcg
daily for between 4 and 6 months, though this may be adapted depending upon the person’s serum B12 level.
B12 is well documented in value and effect, particularly in weakened and/or anemic patients. Dosages
of B12 are often increased under certain clinical conditions.

99


CRUDE LIVER / B‐12 INJECTIONS

A. PREPARATION

Teach your patients how to give themselves their own injections by observing, experiencing, and asking a nurse
to help them for the first time.

1. Always wash your hands before beginning.
2. Prepare your of equipment and supplements:
• Syringe with needle.
• Separate 25 gauge 1 inch needle (carefully pre‐open to maintain sterility).
• Alcohol Swabs (can use cotton balls and bottle of alcohol).
• Latex or similar gloves if injection is to be administered to another person.
• Hard plastic disposal container with top lid.
• Bottle of liver extract and bottle of B12 for injection.

B. PROCEDURE FOR WITHDRAWING THE MEDICATION – Availability of crude liver changes often. Check
with the Gerson Institute for the correct dosage of any crude liver product you are going to use.

1. Apply gloves as needed (no need if self‐injecting) and clean tops of both bottles with alcohol.

2. Identify the type of crude liver you have. We are currently using the brand “Harbin.”

3. Start with the B‐12. Withdraw 0.1 cc (or ml) of air into the syringe and inject into the B‐12 bottle
(holding bottle and needle/syringe at a 45‐degree angle). Now withdraw 0.1 cc of liquid B‐12 from the bottle
into the syringe.

4. Now draw back air into the syringe and inject into the liver extract bottle. Without removing the
needle from the bottle, withdraw prescribed amount of liver extract into the syringe.
NOTE: You only need to inject 1.0cc of air into the B12 bottle about every 10 injections. This will be sufficient to
prevent formation of an air vacuum.
5. Recap the needle and discard.

6. Screw new needle into syringe (use a 1” needle). Gently tap the side of the syringe to gather
bubbles to the top of the syringe. When bubbles are gathered, press plunger until a tiny bit of fluid spurts from
the needle. Syringe is now ready to be used. (Put needle cover on loosely).

100


7. Change needle to the previously opened 25G 1 inch needle maintaining sterility. Make sure the
needle is tightly secured. Uncap and depress the syringe plunger so that a tiny amount of liquid squirts out.
Recap until ready to inject.

C. LOCATING THE PROPER INJECTION SITE, THE GLUTEUS MEDIUS MUSCLE

1. Locate the top edge of the “hip bone” or iliac crest.

2. Place your two fingers together to measure the two fingerbreadths below the top of the hip‐bone.

3. Notice the imaginary “pant seam line” and then move these two fingers vertically to the back of this
line. You now have an “intersection” two fingerbreadths down and two fingerbreadths behind. This is the
Gluteus Medius. It is easy to reach for self‐injection.

D. INJECTION PROCEDURE

1. Clean the skin with alcohol and allow it to dry (prevents any skin stinging).

2. Inject needle swiftly into the skin allowing the needle to fully go into the muscle since this depth
provides less pain and better absorption.

3. Inject the fluid into the muscle in a smooth, gentle (not too slow, not too fast) motion and then
remove quickly. Rub area with pressure with a cotton swab for a few seconds to disperse medication.

E. DISPOSAL OF USED EQUIPMENT

1. DO NOT RECAP THE NEEDLE THAT WAS INJECTED INTO THE PATIENT. This will prevent any cross
contamination that can occur with an accidental needle stick after use. (Practices vary from country to country).

2. Drop syringe and needle into a hard plastic container that the needles cannot easily pierce and
screw the cap on tightly. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN WHEN IN TEMPORARY STORAGE.
3. Contact your local health department for proper needle and syringe disposal or your local
hospice/home health organization.

101


Special Medication Instructions

POTASSIUM COMPOUND SALTS

IMPORTANT!!!
You must dissolve Potassium Compound Salts before using!

Place 100g container of potassium salts into a quart glass jar and fill to the top with distilled water. The most
recent manufacturers’ recommendation is to store the solution in the refrigerator for no longer than a month
and use as indicated.

LUGOL’S SOLUTION

Do Not Put Lugol’s in Green Juice

The Lugol’s solution for Gerson patients is premixed half strength (5% solution). Use Lugol’s as supplied. Do not
dilute.

Thyroid: Discontinue temporarily during menses.

Niacin: Discontinue during menses or in case of hemorrhage.

102


Adjunctive Therapies

We would like to emphasize that the basis of our treatment is the Gerson Therapy. Through the years,
we have been using adjuvant treatments like Coenzyme Q10, laetrile, ozone, hydrotherapy, enzymes and
massage. These adjuvant procedures have to be used under medical criteria according to each patient’s
individual case.

Laetrile is a controversial supplement. It is not a standard medication with Gerson patients. The recommended
dosage is 6 g IV for 21 days, and then we switch to a tablet form at 2 g a day for a long period of time. In the last
5 years, we have noticed that patients have very severe side effects that could put them into a shock situation.
We decided to dilute the product in 100 cc. of IV solution. Since this change, patients have not experienced any
side effects. The maintenance dosage of laetrile is 2 g daily orally; we recommend 1 g at 7 am and 1 g at bed
time. Laetrile tablets should be administered to the patients on an empty stomach. Laetrile works very well in
breast, prostate, lung and bone cancer.

Ozone has been used at Gerson clinics for many years with good success. Ozone helps to increase the levels of
oxygen in the blood, which helps to fight malignancies; it speeds up the process of detoxification especially
when patients are in flare‐ups. This treatment is given rectally and/or through an ozone generator machine.
Given new rules from the health department in Mexico, the clinic has not been able to have ozone machines for
rectal use. The guidelines for rectal use are twice a day for 15 minutes.

Hydrotherapy is given to each patient once or twice a week. Patients receiving laetrile will receive it one half
hour before hydrotherapy to potentiate the effects of the hydrotherapy. Contraindications of hydrotherapy
include: melanoma, bleeding process, very weak patients, multiple sclerosis, and pleural effusion.

Proteolytic enzymes. When patients come and their conditions are too deteriorated, or they present with big
tumor masses, we have to add more enzymes to the Therapy. The purpose is to help in the breakdown of these
masses. These are taken between meals. No contraindications.

Milk thistle is one of the best natural supplements to support and protect the healthy cells of the liver. Its active
ingredient is silymarin. It comes in different formulations and is usually administered daily.

Selenium increases glutathione and potentiates the immune system. 200 mcg a day.

Colostrum is a controversial supplement. Some people don’t want to prescribe it because there is some protein
in it. Our experience with the use of the supplement is that it is very successful for patients with low immune
system.

Massage. We recommend a light massage or reflexology for our patients, always using glycerin as a lubricant.
Contraindications: almost none, unless there is wide spread metastases into the bones, with a lot of pain.
103


Vitamin C. This is only prescribed when you have a very toxic patient like smokers, drug users, patients with
heavy chemotherapy or radiation. It is also used in the event that they will need antibiotics, dental work, or for
patients with the flu.

Herbal teas. The most common is the valerian root used for patients that have difficulty sleeping or with anxiety
crisis. This can be administered orally or rectally through enemas. Chamomile tea acts as an antispasmodic and
it’s very soothing for the digestive tract. Peppermint tea is recommended mostly for nausea that comes from
the reflux of bile into the stomach. In general, other simple organic herbals (not aromatic) can be used.

Polarizing Treatment. Originally, this treatment, the Glucose‐Potassium‐Insulin, or GKI, was developed as an IV
solution composed of 1 liter 10% dextrose in water, 20 mEq potassium chloride, and 15 units lente insulin. This
treatment, pioneered by Demetrio Sodi‐Pallares, M.D., a noted Mexico City cardiologist and researcher, was
used as a valuable adjunct to the Gerson management in some circumstances. Previously, a maximum of 3 liters
was administered over 24 hours. However, due to the high volume of fluid infused, this became
counterproductive because the patients who needed this therapy would already be retaining large amounts of
fluid and be unable to tolerate the additional 3 liters without retaining some of this fluid.
Today, the more commonly used formula is as follows:
1. Administer 3‐5 units of regular insulin subcutaneously;
2. Add potassium compound additionally to the juices (according to the lab results)
The juices take the place of the glucose. This is another powerful tool in the treatment of tissue damage
syndrome. The combination reduces intercellular edema, enhances cellular uptake of potassium, stimulates
anaerobic and aerobic glycolysis (particularly the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation), lowers intercellular
acidosis, and stimulates protein synthesis. It is often effective as a non‐toxic but potent analgesic. Many patients
note dramatic reduction in pain levels during and following solution application. Patients with measurable
edema note a rapid reabsorption and release of the fluids from the body.
This treatment is most commonly used with pulmonary edema, ascites, pleural effusion, and
upper/lower extremity edema.

104


Approximate Cost of Supplements for 3 Months
 Item Description Qty. Unit Total $
Acidol Pepsin Bottles 100 caps ea. 5 10.50 52.50
B‐12 1000 mcg. Injection or Bottle 30cc 1 15.00 15.00

Oral B‐121 Bottle 1‐3 10‐15.00 30‐45.00
Castor oil2 Pint 1 10.00 10.00
CoQ10 Enzyme 30 mg ‐ STAT Bottle 120 caps 9 20.00 180.00
Desiccated liver 500 mg. Bottle 1000 capsules 1 40.00 40.00
Enema bucket & hose Plastic 2 4.00 8.00
Enema connector Plastic 2 4.00 8.00
Enema soft rubber catheter Silicone 12 inches 2 4.00 8.00
Lugol’s solution (veggie wash) Bottle ½ strength 2 oz. 1 12.00 12.00
Needle only 25 x 1 Sold individually 12 .25 3.00
Syringe with needle 3 cc 23 x 1 Sold individually 12 .50 6.00
Niacin 50 mg Bottle 1000 tablets 1 20.00 20.00
Ox‐Bile Powder – ISHI2 3 oz. per bottle 1 19.00 19.00
Pancreatin enzymes 325 mg. Bottle 1000 tablets 1 40.00 40.00
Potassium Compound salts Bottle 100 grams 8 10.00 80.00
Potassium Gluconate Bottle 4 oz. 1 10.00 10.00
Thyroid 1 gr Armour Bottle 100 tablets 3 60.00 180.00
Inflazyme Forte3 500 caps 2 114.95 229.90
Lignan‐free Flaxseed Oil4 Bottle 6 5.25 31.50
Approximate cost for the 3‐month supply in US funds: $952.90
1
May use oral or injectable. Price will vary depending on which form is chosen.
2
If pre‐treated with chemotherapy there will be no need for castor oil (unless used for castor oil packs) and ox‐bile, until
nine months after starting the therapy.
3
If on a strict budget, this supplement can be optional.
4
Order from Omega Nutrition: $5.25/bottle (min. purchase, 6 bottles), Health Food store: Approx. $14.50/bottle
NOTE: ‐ The above estimate is based on the main essential supplements needed and the lowest price offered by
companies which carry the Gerson supplements. Some companies, you will note, have higher prices than those listed
above, so your costs may be higher if you order more expensive supplements. Some companies will also have different
strengths and dosages, which will also affect the pricing of the supplements.
‐ This estimate is based on the supplements and dosages for the full protocol. The full protocol requires higher amounts
of the potassium compound, Lugol’s and thyroid for the first month. If one is starting on a modified level of therapy,
fewer bottles of thyroid and potassium can be ordered.
‐ Crude liver for injection is currently unavailable and not included in the cost estimate.
‐ Other medications and amounts may vary based on individual needs.
105

TIME HONORED FORMULAS
P.O. BOX 1196, New Milford, CT 06776
Fax: 860/355‐8976, Phone 855/216‐3002 email: nutricons6@sbcglobal.net
RETAIL ORDER FORM. Date: _______________
Customer Name: __________________________________________Telephone:________________________
Billing Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: ____________________ Zip Code: ____________
Shipping Address:_________________________________City_________________State_______Zip________
Email Address: ______________________________________________________
Method of Payment: Discover ____ Visa ____ MC_____ Security Code: (3 digits) __________
Card Number: __________ ‐ _________ ‐ _________ ‐ _________ Exp Date: ____/____
Product Name Bottle Size Bottles Price Per Bottle Extended Amount
Ordered Suggested Retail
Betaine Hcl plus Pepsin 100 Vcaps® 28.00
250 Vcaps® 40.00
Bovine Defatted Liver 500 Vcaps® 35.00
1000 Vcaps® 68.00
B‐3 Niacin 50 250 Vcaps® 28.00
500 Vcaps® 36.00
1000 Vcaps® 60.00
Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin 100 Vcaps® 26.00
Chromium 100 Vcaps® 12.00
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid 100 Vcaps® 17.00
Vitamin C Complex Plus 100 Vcaps® 24.00
CoEnzymeQ10‐50 100 Vcaps® 30.00
CoEnzymeQ10‐100 100 Vcaps 48.00
Colostrum 100 Vcaps® 35.00
Vitamin D3‐1000 100 Vcaps® 12.00
Vitamin D3‐5000 100 Vcaps® 16.00
Grapefruit Seed Extract 60 Vcaps® 24.00
Milk Thistle Extract 100 Vcaps® 37.00
Oxbile Extract Powder 90 Grams 20.00
Pancreatin 325mg 100 Vcaps® 16.00
500 Vcaps® 40.00
1000 Vcaps® 65.00
Pancreatin 1200mg 100 Vcaps® 30.00
250 Vcaps® 56.00
Potassium Compound Powder 100 Grams 14.50
Selenium Amino Acid Chelate 100 Vcaps® 18.00
Lugol’s (2%) 2 ounces 19.00
Enema Bucket 6.00
Enema Bucket Kits w/Red Hose 12.50
SUBTOTAL
S & H CHARGE $
TOTAL AMT DUE $
VCAPS and VCAPS Logo are registered trademarks of Capsugel
E-mail: stephen@healingnaturally.co.uk
www.healingnaturally.co.uk
The Old Shop, Cross Street,

Holt, NORFOLK, NR25 6HZ. VAT REG. Number: GB829 8676 62
Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1263 713181
SUPPLIES PRICE LIST – WINTER 2012

Ordered Product Cost (incl. 20% VAT) £ Total £
............. Acidoll, 100 capsules 11.25 ..............

............. Acidophilus Extra 4, 30 Capsules 8.30 ..............
............. B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) 1000mcg, 30cc for injections 24.99 ..............
............. B-12 (Methylcobalamin) 1000mcg, 60 Capsules 12.65 ..............
............. B-12 (Methylcobalamin) sublingual liquid, 100ml dropper bottle 17.99 ..............
............. Bee Pollen Granules, 170g 9.60 ..............
............. Body Cloths for Castor Oil/Clay Packs 10.16 ..............
............. Castor Oil, (Organic), 500ml bottle 12.25 ..............
............. Chlorella, Premium Organic, 500mg (Synergy), 500 tablets 35.65 ..............
............. Chromium GTF, 200µg, 100 capsules 10.72 ..............
............. Clay Powder, Bentonite, 400g tub 9.20 ..............
............. Coenzyme Q10 50mg (Davinci) - 60 sublingual tablets 23.95 ..............
............. Coenzyme Q10 100mg (Davinci) - 60 sublingual tablets 39.95 ..............
............. Colloidal Silver (Bacterostatic) 50ppm, 100ml bottle 20.40 ..............
............. Colostrum, Bovine 100% Pure N. Z; 1000mg, 120 capsules 30.80 ..............
............. Crude Liver Injections (Higado Parggon) 10ml bottle 14.40 ..............
............. Enema Bag Set - (Artsana), 2 Litre collapsible bag 9.99 ..............
............. Enema Bucket Set - (Büttner-Frank), 1 Litre ridged bucket 16.99 ..............
............. Enema Equipment – Replacement Rectal Catheter .95 ..............
............. Enema Mats (disposable) - box of 100 30.12 ..............
............. Flaxseed Oil, Organic (Health Divine) 250ml Bottle 8.99 ..............
............. Flaxseed Oil, Organic (Health Divine) 500ml Bottle 16.99 ..............
............. Hydrogen Peroxide, 35% Food Grade – 500ml 18.75 ..............
............. Inf-Zyme Forte, 180 Tablets 32.50 ..............
............. Inf-Zyme Forte, 500 Tablets 89.95 ..............
............. IP-6 with Inositol, 120 capsules 25.50 ..............
............. Juice Cloths - pack of 5 8.25 ..............
............. Juice Bags (Norwalk) - pack of 4 18.60 ..............
............. Juice Cloths (Norwalk) - pack of 4 17.55 ..............
............. Liver Powder 500mg, 180 capsules 32.25 ..............
............. Lugol’s Solution Half Strength, in a 50ml dropper bottle 9.99 ..............
............. Milk Thistle (200mg of Silymarin), 90 tablets 11.20 ..............
............. Needles, 25g X 1” - per box of 100 5.35 ..............
............. Niacin 50mg, 1000 tablets 24.80 ..............
............. Ox-bile powder, 3oz 15.30 ..............
............. Pancreatin 325mg, 100 tablets 7.15 ..............
............. Potassium Compound Salts, 100g 13.98 ..............
............. Potassium Gluconate, 113.4g 10.50 ..............
............. Selenium, 200µg, 60 tablets 7.10 ..............
............. Spirulina, Synergy Organic, 500 tablets 35.65 ..............
............. Syringes 3cc - per box of 200 24.00 ..............
............. Turmeric 10.000mg (500mg of extract) 60 Tablets 19.95 ..............
............. Vitamin A 10000i.u. 100 Capsules 8.90 ..............
............. Vitamin C Powder (Ascorbic Acid), 50g 4.99 ..............
............. Vitamin C Powder (Ascorbic Acid), 250g 15.06 ..............
............. Vitamin C Powder (Magnesium Ascorbate), 250g 19.35 ..............
............. Vitamin D, 400i.u. 120 Tablets 5.62 ..............
............. Vitamin E, 400i.u. 60 Capsules 9.95 ..............
............. Zinc, 15mg, 180 tablets 8.30 ..............
Continued overleaf......
Personal Hygiene
Ordered Product Cost (incl. 20% VAT) £ Total £
Nature’s World…
............. Nature’s World – Petroleum Free Jelly, 125g 7.42 ..............
Urtekram....
............. Toothpaste, FENNEL, 75ml tube 2.70 ..............
............. Toothpaste, MINT, 75ml tube 2.70 ..............
Floracious Natural Skincare

............. Castile Liquid Soap (organic), 250ml 8.15 ..............
The House of Mistry....

............. Natural Organic Liquid Soap with Vitamin E, 200ml 3.90 ..............
............. Natural Neem Oil Liquid Soap with Vitamin E, 200ml 3.90 ..............
............. Calendula Ginseng Aloe Vera PABA Lotion, 200ml 5.20 ..............
............. Aloe Vera Jojoba Shampoo with Rosemary, 200ml 3.90 ..............
............. Aloe Vera Jojoba Conditioner, 200ml 3.90 ..............
............. Ginseng Herbal Shampoo, 200ml 3.90 ..............
............. Ginseng Herbal Conditioner, 200ml 3.90 ..............
Paying for your order

PLEASE CHECK CAREFULLY
STANDARD DELIVERY CHARGES - UK MAINLAND excluding N. IRELAND, HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS
For ANY ORDER up to £20.00, please ADD - £2.99 (delete as appropriate) 2.99
For ANY ORDER between £20.01 and £75.00, please ADD - £4.99 (delete as appropriate) 4.99
ORDERS over £75.00 standard postage is FREE
For N. IRELAND, HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS, if under 2 kilos and sent Royal Mail as above, BUT if
over 2 kilos please call for costs. ...............
For OTHER COUNTRIES & URGENT ORDERS - Please call as they are charged at cost ...............
TOTAL ______
We accept credit and debit cards, but NOT American Express or Diners Club. By prior arrangement payments may be
made direct to our bank account. We regret that we cannot accept cheques in payment of orders.
 I wish to pay by Mastercard/Visa Credit Card /Maestro/Visa Debit Card and authorise you to debit my account
with the total amount.
My card number is:
Start Date Expiry date
Issue Number Security Code

Switch Cards - if applicable From back of card
Name (as on card) ……………………………………………………………….
Cardholder’s/Delivery address: ………..……………………………………………………………………………………….....
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Signature: --------------------------------------------------------- Telephone: ------------------------------------------------------
No orders may be returned or refused without prior arrangement and may be subject to a handling charge.
It is very much regretted that prices are liable to vary without prior notice.
Registered office, 3 Kensworth Gate, 200/204 High Street South, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3HS – No 4961497
Updated 1/9/2012
MODULE I

1
• Need to assess patient’s understanding of and

commitment to the Therapy
• Must be able to eat, drink, and eliminate and
be reasonably ambulatory.
• Are the family members and caretakers in
alignment with the patient’s choice to do the
Therapy?
• Does the patient have plenty of help at
home—a committed support person or
family member to assist?
2
• Organ transplant
• Renal failure—must have 15-20% of kidney
function - Check BUN and creatinine
• Kidney dialysis
• Ileostomy
• Absence of colon or greater than half of the
colon removed
• Intestinal obstruction
• Referred to hospice
106
• Gastrectomy or more than 75% of stomach
removed
• Thromboses
• Severe liver dysfunction/liver failure
• Recurrent pleural effusion not responsive to
treatment or pericardial effusion
• Hemorrhage/severe anemia
• Bedridden, severely weakened condition
• Unable to eat or drink, on a feeding tube
• Acute leukemia
• Brain tumors
• Brain metastasis
• Recurrent ascites, advanced ascites
• Heart stent or heart valve replacement
• Pacemakers
• After a bone marrow transplant
• Stem cell transplant 5
• ALS
• Parkinson's
• Dystrophy
• Arthritis or Lupus after long term steroid
use
• Pancreatic cancer after chemo
• Multiple myeloma 6
107
• Severe anemia below 8.5 Hgb (if corrected,
patient can start the therapy)
• LDH greater than 1000: poor prognosis
• Elevated bilirubin (if from blockage and
remedied by a stent, therapy can be initiated)
• Elevated bilirubin in non-tumor diagnosis
(severe chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.) can
begin cautiously
• Elevated BUN and Creatinine reflecting

extent of kidney function
• Lymphocytes below 8%: poor healing
response
It is very important to investigate carefully

the following factors:
• Exposure to environmental toxicity
• Recreational drug use
• Pharmaceutical drug treatment
• Surgical procedures
• Chemotherapy history
• Hormone Therapy
• Extremely poor dietary habits
9
108
Compelling new evidence linking cancer with
specific exposures namely:
• Breast cancer from exposure to DDT before
puberty
• Leukemia from exposure to 1,3-butadiene
• Lung cancer from air pollution
• Gliomas from permanent hair dye
• NHL from exposure to pesticides and solvents
1Journal of Public Policy - 2007 Updated Report 10
• Electromagnetic radiation (including power

lines, computers, monitors, and other sources)
appear to have a positive correlation to breast
cancer and lymphomas.
• Solvents, chemical fumes, and building
materials (formaldehyde residues, pressure
treated lumber) appear to correlate to
lymphomas.
11
• Prostate cancer from exposure to pesticides

and metal working fluids
• Brain cancer from exposure to non-ionizing
radiation, particularly from mobile and cell
phones
• A range of cancers from exposure to
pesticides
12
109
• Recreational drugs have an apparent
correlation to extremely aggressive melanoma
with brain metastasis.
• Patients with long-term regular marijuana use
also respond very slowly to treatment and
often fail after 4-6 months.
13
• Important to elicit history of all

prescription drugs, as this can impact the
application of the Therapy.
• Modifications may need to be made based
on current intake of prescription drugs.
14
• Assess on a case by case basis

• Often recommended to remove breast
tumors—benefit of nutritional therapy is
enhanced when the body does not have to
breakdown and eliminate tumor mass
• Breast implants should be removed
• Obstructive tumors need to be removed
unless a stent can be placed
• Surgically removing tumors that are
encapsulated and large will often benefit the
patient 15
110
• Five days before surgery, decrease:
-Thyroid to 1 grain a day
-Lugol’s to 2 drops per day
-Potassium to 1 tsp. in 10 juices
-Niacin to 50 mg twice a day
• Three days before surgery, discontinue all
supplements and resume when patient is in
satisfactory condition and no bleeding
• See pg. 91 of manual 16
• Must be completed before beginning the

Therapy
• Must use modified therapy with no castor oil
treatments (oral or by enema)
• Chemotherapy may or may not negatively
impact the outcome of the therapy
17
• In some cases if a patient has been on the

Gerson Therapy for a while and then decides to
start chemo, it may be possible to reduce the
Therapy to a level they can continue during
chemo treatment.
• Otherwise, for a new patient, it may be possible
to offer support during chemo with the diet, 3-4
juices and 1 coffee enema. They will need higher
amounts of easily digestible protein.
• We should not call this the Gerson Therapy—
just Gerson like support. 18
111
PREDICT shows how much or how little
adjunctive therapies (chemo and hormone
therapy) decrease the chances of a
recurrence.
PREDICT- http://www.predict.nhs.uk
19
• Information that is needed includes

• Size and type of tumor
• Nodal involvement
• Receptor status (ER/PR, Her2/neu)
20
21
112
Sizing Breast Tumors
22
• Ralph W. Moss, PhD. Customized Cancer

Treatment: How a Powerful Lab Test Predicts
Which Drugs Will Work for You--and Which
to Avoid. Lemont, PA: Equinox Press, 2010.
• Available from Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Customized-Cancer-
Treatment-Powerful-You--
/dp/1881025012/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1365624442&
sr=8-7&keywords=ralph+w+moss
23
• A genomic test that analyzes the activity of

a group of genes that can affect how a
cancer is likely to behave and respond to
treatment
• Helps doctors figure out a woman’s risk of
early-stage (I or II) ER positive invasive
breast cancer recurring and how likely she
is to benefit from chemotherapy after
breast surgery
24
113
• Helps doctors figure out a woman’s risk of
DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) recurring
and/or the risk of a new invasive cancer
developing in the same breast and how
likely she is to benefit from radiation
therapy after DCIS surgery.
25
• Tobacco use has correlation to cancer of

pancreas, bladder, tongue, esophagus, and
lung.
• Traumas (severe bruising and fractures) have
an apparent correlation with sarcoma.
26
• This agency has identified 415 known or

suspected carcinogens
• You can view these at
htpp://monographs.iarc.fr
27
114
• Hormone blocker drugs commonly used to
treat prostate and breast cancers do not
appear to have significant impact on the
effectiveness of the Therapy.
• Do not discontinue abruptly—a few
instances of sudden metastasis have been
observed.
• Patients on Tamoxifen do not exhibit usual
healing reactions and heal more slowly.
28
• Long term use of ERT or birth control

medications appears to cause a strong pre-
disposition to certain cancers
• Have not seen research with bio-identical
hormones
29
If patient has had recent blood transfusions, it

has been noted that they do not respond as
well to the Therapy.
30
115
• Some patients present with allergies to the
primary foods on the Gerson Therapy—
carrots, potatoes, apples, oatmeal, green
peppers, onions, tomatoes
• Will need to modify to eliminate offending
foods initially with gradual re-introduction
over one to two weeks
• In most cases, allergies disappear completely
31
• Severe traumas to right or left sides of the

body have been observed to correlate with
later development of tumor masses on same
side of body
• This finding is not inconsistent with esoteric
literature, but is not supported in traditional
literature
32
• Mononucleosis appears to have a correlation

with lymphoma
• It also appears to have a correlation with

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
33
116
• Book: Cancer - Principles and Practices of
Oncology, Vol 1 & 2, 5th edition, 1997.
• Authors: Devita, Jr., Hellman, Rosenberg
• Publisher: Lippincott-Raven
34
MODULE I

35
117

Case History Taking
Before anything else, one must determine if the patient is eligible for the Gerson Therapy. What
determines eligibility? This is a multifaceted question. However, there are several questions that need to be
answered initially:

 Does the patient want to do an alternative therapy such as Gerson and does he/she understand what it
involves? Or, is it the family member/significant other whose belief in Gerson is the one desiring this
therapy rather than the patient? Good intentions by the caretaker are not enough; the patient needs to
be open and fully committed to do this kind of rigorous therapy.

 Is the patient able to eat, drink and eliminate as well as being reasonably ambulatory? This is a nutrition
and detoxification therapy. It is essential the patient can do all of the above at least at some level.

 Does the patient have a committed support person/family to assist in this endeavor? “Going it alone”
(especially with a life threatening diagnosis such as cancer) is not acceptable. The full therapy requires
too many hours of labor for a singular person to perform without adequate help. This leads to stress,
no rest and no healing. A modified therapy can sometimes be managed if the person has high energy
and is in good condition. Then they will only need assistance from time to time during stronger healing
reactions.

The patient may not undertake this program in the following circumstances/diagnoses:
 Organ transplant
 Renal failure ‐ must have 15‐20% kidney functioning but this ultimately depends on results of BUN and
creatinine
 Kidney dialysis, current or previous
 Heart valve replacement
 Brain metastasis (primary astrocytomas can possibly be addressed)
 Absence of the colon (rare exceptions have been made) or bowel obstruction
 Acute leukemia
 More than 75% of stomach organ removed
 Persistent episodes of bleeding, must be addressed and controlled if impacting hemoglobin and
hematocrit (hemorrhage/severe anemia)
 Severe liver dysfunction
 Recurrent pleural effusion not responsive to treatment (may respond to Laetrile)
 Bedridden, severely weakened condition
 On a feeding tube

Conditions difficult to heal with the Gerson Therapy
Almost all chronic, degenerative diseases respond positively to the Gerson Therapy. Many of those patients can
be healed. However, there are some conditions which do not respond positively, and a few that do not respond
at all.

118


Difficult:
We have not seen long‐term positive results.
‐ ALS
‐ Parkinson’s
‐ Patients (i.e. arthritis, lupus) after long term prednisone
‐ Pancreatic cancer after chemo
‐ Dystrophy
‐ Multiple myeloma

Very difficult:
Require caution and a very reduced protocol.
‐ Acute leukemia
‐ Brain tumors
‐ Brain metastasis
‐ Recurrent ascites, advanced ascites
‐ Heart stent or heart valve replacement
‐ Pacemakers
‐ After bone marrow transplant
‐ Stem cell transplant

Use extreme caution with a very reduced protocol for people dealing with one of the above issues. They
may benefit from the Gerson Therapy; however, they are not acceptable candidates for the Gerson Clinic in
Mexico, Clinica Nutricion y Vida (CNV).

Lab values must be evaluated to screen for:
o Severe anemia below 8.5 gm. hemoglobin (if corrected and therapy can be started)
o LDH greater than 1,000 is a poor prognosis (see Palliative Care, page 86)
o Bilirubin elevated indicating blockage (can be remedied with stent placement and therapy
initiated)
o Bilirubin elevated in non‐tumor related diagnoses (severe chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.) can
begin therapy cautiously.
o BUN and Creatinine reflecting extent of kidney function.
o Lymphocytes below 8%, poor healing response.

119


Gerson Clinic / Clinica Nutricion y Vida (CNV)
It is recommended for a patient to come a minimum of three weeks. One week to start the therapy and learn it;
a second week for the first healing reaction to occur at the clinic, and a third week for the patient to heal from
the reaction and get ready to go home.

Implications for surgery
This must be assessed on a case‐by‐case basis.
1. It is more likely that breast tumors should be surgically removed unless the patient refuses;
however, the benefit of a nutritional therapy is enhanced when the body does not have to break
down this larger tumor first plus eliminate other infiltrating cancer cells. If surgery is not
undertaken we advise the patient to monitor carefully any changes in size of the mass.
2. Tumors that are obstructive in any way need to be removed unless stent placement is sufficient
to clear the obstruction.
3. Surgically removing tumors that are encapsulated and large will often benefit the patient as
well.
4. Patients are encouraged to remove breast implants preferably before starting the therapy.

Chemotherapy treated patients
1. Chemotherapy must be complete before beginning Gerson Therapy
2. Patients must begin the modified therapy with no castor oil treatments of any kind (by mouth or
enema). Giving castor oil can result in the introduction and overload of chemotherapy drugs into
the circulating system in a completely unregulated manner. This can have very serious,
deleterious results, even death with highly toxic patients.
3. Patient/family needs careful instructions about the necessity of this restriction. Chemotherapy
may or may not negatively impact the outcome using this therapy.

Clinical Workup
A complete clinical history should be taken. Certain aspects that might otherwise be overlooked can be
useful in both the diagnostic and management aspects of the treatment. A disproportionate number of our
patients presenting with cancer and certain other degenerative diseases are positive for exposure to specific
environmental or lifestyle factors. All of the observed correlations are anecdotal, and none have been
scientifically evaluated by us. We cannot discount the possibility of spurious correlations or confounding factors.
Nonetheless, while not directly affecting the management of the case under most circumstances, it is advisable
to interview patients to ascertain the presence or absence of such factors. Patients should be informed of
possible correlations when applicable, to allow the opportunity for removal of the aggravating factor.

Environmental Factors
Much has been written on environmental factors in disease. Two references, both written for general
audiences, are When Technology Wounds (Challis Glendenning) and Everyday Cancer Risks and How to Avoid
Them (Mary Levenstein).
120


Electromagnetic radiation (including power lines, computers, monitors, and other sources) appear to
have a positive correlation to breast cancer.
Solvents, chemical fumes and building materials (formaldehyde residues, pressure‐treated lumber)
appear to have a positive correlation to lymphomas (Hodgkin’s/Non‐Hodgkin’s).
Recreational drugs have an apparent correlation to extremely aggressive melanoma with brain
metastases. Patients with long‐term, regular marijuana use also respond very slowly to treatment, and often fail
after 4 to 6 months.
Tobacco use has correlation to cancers of pancreas, bladder, tongue, esophagus, and lung.
Traumas (severe bruising and fractures) have an apparent correlation with sarcoma.

Known Pathology, Habits, Current Medications, and Diet
It is important to interrogate thoroughly for any of the above factors.
Patients positive for exposure to environmental toxicity, recreational drug use, pharmaceutical drug
treatment, chemotherapy or extremely poor dietary habits are likely to be more toxic, and therefore require
either a moderated management in early stages of treatment, or additional modalities to assist in enhancing
detoxification.

Hormone therapies
Hormone therapies commonly used in treatment of prostate and breast cancers do not appear
(anecdotally) to have significant impact, positive or negative, on effectiveness of Gerson management or
outcomes, except when abruptly discontinued after long‐term use. In such cases, few instances of sudden
metastasis have been observed. Patients on Tamoxifen do not exhibit the usual healing reactions, and heal
more slowly. Tamoxifen is described in the Physician’s Desk Reference as “liver toxic.”

Estrogen Replacement Therapy (Premarin)
Long‐term use of estrogen replacement therapy (Premarin)or birth control medications appears to
cause severe damage. These patients appear to have a strong predisposition to certain cancers, and treatment is
believed to be more difficult because of reduced immune response.

Previous Transfusions
Aside from obvious screening for blood‐borne pathologies, we have observed that patients who have
recently (within last 8 weeks) received more than 4‐5 units of blood may be more susceptible to adverse
reactions to blood transfusions. This observation extends to platelets as well as whole blood. After three months
have elapsed since the last transfusion, the sensitivity apparently returns to normal levels.

Food Allergies
Food allergies are usually rapidly eliminated on the Gerson regimen; nonetheless, a conservative
approach should be used with any patient who presents with allergies to primary foods used on the Gerson diet.
We have occasionally treated patients with extreme allergies to carrots, potatoes, apples, or oatmeal; less
frequently allergies to green peppers, onions or tomatoes. Modifications were made to minimize or eliminate
121


the offending foods initially, with gradual reintroduction over one to two weeks. In most cases, allergies
disappear completely within this time frame.

Fractures and Physical Traumas
Severe traumas to right or left sides of the body have been observed to correlate with later
development of tumor masses on the side of the body injured. This finding is not inconsistent with the esoteric
literature, but, as yet, does not appear to be supported in the traditional literature.
A full history, including symptomology onset, previous treatment, and method of diagnosis should be
recorded. A thorough physical exam should be completed, with interrogation for symptomology in each body
system. All symptoms, including those that might otherwise be overlooked or minimized, should be recorded.
(This process is not unlike a homeopathic constitutional workup.)

Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis appears to have a correlation with lymphoma.

122

MODULE I

1
• Complete blood count with differential

• Comprehensive Metabolic Profile
• Lipid Profile
• Urinalysis
• Thyroid function (free T4, Free T3, TSH)
• Tumor Marker (if applicable)
• Initial screening for ability to do the Therapy

• To monitor progress
• Effect medication changes
• Screen for possible infections
• Check protein status
• Check kidney and liver function
• Check for anemia
• Check for blood sugar regulation
• Check electrolyte status
3
123
• At the clinic, blood tests and urinalysis are
repeated every week
• Patient is requested to repeat tests every 4

weeks upon returning home (unless needed
more often)
• Liver enzymes and alkaline phosphatase can be

elevated
• Platelets, WBC and RBC levels can be
depressed during flare up in chemo pre-treated
• Tumor markers can be elevated
• Important to monitor electrolytes if healing
reaction is severe (vomiting and diarrhea)
• Routine lab studies should be done 7-10 days
after healing reaction clears
5
• Hemoglobin (Hgb) normal levels 11-14

generally do not transfuse unless it drops
below 8.5 g/dl
• Check for nutritional status vs. occult bleed
vs. anemia of chronic illness
• Platelets can be depressed from
chemotherapy
• Sustained high levels of platelets are often a
sign of a terminally ill patient
6
124
• Nutritional deficiencies (iron, folate, C)
• Hemorrhage/occult bleeding
• Hemolysis
• Achlorhydria
• Hypothyroidism
• Infection & anemia of chronic disease
• Malignancy
• Marrow failure (cytotoxic drugs or
myeloproliferative disorders)
• Invasion of bone marrow (leukemia, metastasis)
7
Decreased iron levels can result from:

– Nutritional deficiencies
– Poor absorption (achlorhydria)
– Blood loss
• Best assessment for iron stores

• Low plasma levels indicate low stores
• High ferritin levels may be used as a tumor
marker for disease progression as it is released
by damaged tissues
• Can increase with increased estrogen levels
and in prostate and breast cancer
125
• Dr. Gerson states this is an indicator of the
ability of the patient’s body to respond to the
therapy and if below 10% they will typically
not respond.
• An exception to this is within 2 weeks of
chemotherapy treatment with the possibility
of a return to higher levels.
10
The following is an explanation of how to

interpret certain test results in this panel,
since normal limits for the Gerson patient
will not correspond exactly to the average
patient.
11
• Aspartate transaminase (AST)

• Alanine transaminase (ALT)
These are both widely distributed in the body
tissues and released as a result of tissue
destruction. ALT more specific to liver
disease.
12
126
Indications for elevated AST:
–liver disease (consider worsening hepatitis or
metastasis)
–myocardial infarction
–skeletal muscle disease
–cholestasis
–pancreatitis
–hemolysis
–alcohol abuse
13
• GGT
• Elevated levels can be due to:
–Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis, tumors)
–Heavy or chronic alcohol use
• Pancreatic cancer
• MI
• Viral infections (EBV, CMV)
14
• Exposure to POPs induces GGT as a

defense mechanism
• Can be a cumulative biomarker for
environmental pollutants
15
127
• High concentrations found in liver, skeletal
muscle, RBC, WBC. Need to do Isoenzyme
studies to reveal tissue of origin
• LDH can elevate in lymphoma and can be a
good marker of disease progression or
regression.
16
• A protein found on the surface of many

cells
• Used primarily to evaluate a person for
certain kinds of cancer affecting white
blood cells including CLL, NHL, multiple
myeloma, and kidney disease
• Particularly meaningful for people with
newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
17
• Indicator of bone metastasis or bone re-

calcification
• Can also be an indication of liver metastasis
or disease
• Can fluctuate dramatically during healing
reactions
• Must observe patient and values over time to
accurately assess disease remission vs. disease
progression
18
128
• Can indicate a low protein status due to the
lower amount of protein in the Gerson diet
• Elderly are more affected
• Check on proper food intake
• Other causes:
– Liver disease (liver synthesizes albumin)
– Can lead to ascites
– Malabsorption and cachexia
– Renal disease (nephrotic syndrome)
19
• Can see an increase in chronic inflammatory

conditions and malignancy
• In hematological malignancies we frequently
see anemia:
– Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
– Multiple myeloma
– Hodgkin’s lymphoma
– Nephrotic syndrome
20
• Occasionally elevated during healing reactions,

especially with hepatic involvement
• A sustained elevation or someone not on the
Therapy indicates possible obstruction/liver
disease.
• Patients are not accepted at CNV with
elevations due to probable obstruction—if
stent is placed and value normalizes—can start
Therapy.
21
129
• BUN levels are typically low in patients on the
Gerson diet due to the lower intake of protein.
• Levels can go as low as 4.5 (correlate with
patient presentation)
• Optimum levels are 8-14
• Typically seen around 6 which is fine if patient
is doing well
22
• Can be high in Gerson patients due to

management of oxidative phosphorylation
• Can be elevated along with calcium in cases of
bone metastasis
• Correlate with the details of the case and
symptomology
23
• Read page 206-209 in A Cancer Therapy by

Dr. Max Gerson
• The serum is only a passage channel for
support and exchange and can indicate a
redistribution from ICF to ECF.
• Low K figures may show best healing, because
the depleted tissues reabsorb K, while high
figures may be found in failures because tissues
lose K.
24
130
• High serum potassium along with low sodium
levels in a serious condition can indicate
advanced malignancy.
• We always decrease or eliminate the potassium
when levels are above normal.
• Correlate with symptoms, monitor and retest
before re-introduction
25
• Normal range: 136-145mEq/l.

• Levels may drop as low as 127 without adverse
effects in Gerson patients.
• Do not add sodium unless levels fall
significantly below 127 or patient shows signs
of dehydration.
• Advanced malignancy or dehydration can
alter electrolytes
• Monitor carefully as patient may need IV
electrolyte replacement 26
• Total cholesterol level can spike an increase in

those with previously normal levels as plaque
material is eliminated.
• Levels usually normalize within 3-6 weeks
• In some cases levels remain elevated beyond
18 months
• Patients with initially high levels will
experience a drop over time and the spike
may not be observed
27
131
• Triglycerides can be elevated after the first
week of treatment.
• If levels do not normalize after 2-3 weeks
check for consumption of excess sugars or
fruit in the diet.
28
• TSH - thyroglobulin stimulating hormone

(0.04-4.0 mIU/L)
• T4 – thyroxine (10-25 pmol/L)
• T3– triodothyronine (2.5-5.3 pmol/L)
• 99.95% of T3 and T4 are bound to TBG
• 0.05% remains in free state & biologically
active
• FT3 & FT4 are better measures of thyroid
activity
29
• It is imperative to see thyroid test results

before prescribing thyroid.
• It gives you a baseline level for future
monitoring
• Rule out hyperthyroidism
30
132
• TSH will be suppressed to levels as low as 0.01
• fT4—normal or slightly elevated
• fT3—normal (if raised, then replacement is
excessive)
• Watch for any symptoms of tachycardia,
arrhythmias, palpitations, anxiety,
perspiration, weight loss
• Monitor BBT (first a.m. temperature should
be between 97.8 -98.2) 31
• Lowered TSH, fT3 and fT4

• Abnormal results occur in non thyroidal
sickness such as:
– Infections
– Malignancy
– Starvation
– Stress
32
• A 24 hour loading test

• Measures whole body sufficiency for
iodine
• Determined by what percentage of the 50
mg load is excreted
www.iodine4health.com
33
133
• pH in Gerson patients is almost always
alkaline (7.5-8.0)
• Pt. is more susceptible to infection if higher
than 8.0
• May need to acidify with Vit C or vinegar
• Specific gravity may be low due to high
fluid intake (nl range 1.005 to 1.020)
34
• Substances secreted by tumors or antigens

expressed on malignant cell surfaces or
produced by the body in response to the
presence of cancer
• Useful in monitoring disease and to detect
recurrence
• Used only as a guide—not 100% accurate—
may be elevated during healing reactions
35
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Testicular teratomas
• Germ cell cancer of ovary and testis
36
134
• Raised 30-85% in colorectal cancer, liver
metastasis, and GI tract tumors
• Occasionally elevated in breast and lung
cancers
• Can be moderately raised in obstructive
jaundice, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, diverticulitis,
IBD, and renal failure
• Increase can indicate recurrence or advancing
disease
37
• Normally produced by developing fetus

• Elevated in choriocarcinoma and other germ
cell tumors
• May be elevated in 14-79% of breast, lung,
pancreas, melanoma, ovary, and other GI
cancers
• Correlates with the trophoblastic theory of
cancer origins - hCG is a common biochemical
denominator of cancer
38
• Produced by both normal and abnormal

prostate cells and may be elevated in both
benign and malignant conditions
• Best used to monitor effectiveness of
treatment
• PSA often rises in initial stages of Gerson
Therapy
• Free PSA—high FPSA (above 25% usually
indicates BPH)
• Low free PSA likely signals prostate cancer
(below 15%) 39
135
• Elevated in disseminated prostate
carcinoma
• May also be associated with multiple
myeloma, osteogenic sarcoma, and bone
metastasis
• Can be a way to check for bone mets
40
• These tumors often in the small intestine

liberate vasoactive substances
• Elevated urinary levels of 5-hydroxy indole
acetic acid (5HIAA will confirm this
syndrome)
41
• Found in serum and urine in multiple myeloma

patients
• Bence Jones proteins (immunoglobulins)
correlates well with tumor bulk
42
136
• Tumor marker for ovarian cancer
• Occasionally breast and colorectal
• May be raised in benign conditions such as
endometriosis, ovarian cysts or fibroids,
cirrhosis and hepatitis
43
• Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
• Liver
• Stomach
• Colorectal
• Gastric
• In pancreatic cancers, higher levels of CA 19-9
are associated with more advanced disease.
44
• Breast cancer
• Raised in 8-20% of patients with localized
breast cancer and 70-90% in those metastatic
breast cancer
• May be increased in lung, uterus, stomach
cancers and benign breast and liver disease
45
137
• Can be elevated in liver disease
• Can be elevated in certain cancers due to
release of the protein from tissues such as
renal, bladder, breast, and prostate
46
• An antigen marker for breast, bladder brain

and prostate
• If score is high it indicates a rapidly dividing
and fast growing cancer
• May be an indicator for good response to
chemotherapy
47
• See page 68 of your manual

• Very helpful way to track and follow
abnormal results and monitor patient
progress
48
138
• Old guidelines—every 1-2 years after age 40
• New guidelines—start at age 50 every 2 years
• Based on new data aimed at reducing
potential harm from over screening as
exposure to low level radiation is cumulative
• Modest benefits from mammograms—
reducing breast cancer death rate by 15%
must be weighed against the harms
49
• New guidelines not meant for women at

high risk for breast cancer— BRAC ½
gene mutations or previous hx of chest
radiation therapy
• Any diagnostic use of radiation before the
age of 30 increases the breast cancer risk by
90% for carriers of BRAC I or 2 mutations.
50
• Reference to a link Effect of three decades of

screening mammography on breast cancer
incidence.
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23171096
• Conclusion:
“Despite substantial increases in the number of cases of
early-stage breast cancer detected, screening
mammography has only marginally reduced the rate at
which women present with advanced cancer.”
51
139
• Uses heat sensitive equipment to
photograph the body’s energy emissions.
As tumors begin to develop their own
blood supply, they produce more heat than
the surrounding tissue.
• Shows up as hot spots on colored film
• Do not confirm a diagnosis but easily point
to areas of suspicion years in advance
52
• Has been found to be 86 to 96% accurate in

revealing cancer in pre-menopausal women.
More false positives
• Suspicious findings allow for treatment
much earlier in the process of tumor
formation.
53
• Uses radiation free magnetic fields to

create images of body tissue injected with a
contrast dye that concentrates in cancer
cells
• Better than mammography for identifying
tumors in dense breast tissue or
premenopausal women or women with
implants
• Recommended for high risk women with
personal or family history of breast cancer54
140
• Also for women with the BRAC 1 or 2
gene mutation, because there is no
radiation exposure to vulnerable tissue
• Preferable for monitoring for recurrences
55
• Uses high frequency sound waves to create

maps of the body
• More advantageous than biopsy for
distinguishing the difference between
benign and malignant lesions and
differentiating between fluid filled cysts and
tumors
• Cannot detect micro-calcifications
56
MODULE I

57
141

Lab Values with The Gerson Therapy

At the Gerson Therapy clinic, when beginning the Gerson Therapy, blood tests and urinalysis are done
once a week. Monitoring of blood and urine values on a continuous basis is of great importance. These
laboratory tests should be repeated every week while the patient is in the clinic and every four weeks after the
patient returns home. These laboratory studies must include:
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Metabolic Profile (Blood chemistry panel)
• Lipid profile
• Urinalysis
• Thyroid function (Free T4, Free T3, TSH)
• Tumor marker (if applicable)
• A VDRL and HIV tests is done at the clinic upon entry.

These studies are monitored to evaluate progress, effect medication changes, screen for possible
infections, determine time to introduce dairy proteins and monitor general body functions such as kidney, liver
and pancreas. The monitoring of laboratory studies and medical consultations are of utmost importance.
A single laboratory result is not definitive. A series of three results can show a significant trend, but
laboratory results may be misleading. These routine laboratory studies have been shown not to be valid and
significant during or just after a healing reaction. Blood chemistry can be altered during the healing reaction. The
enzymes and alkaline phosphatase can be elevated. Routine laboratory studies should be done at least seven to
ten days after the healing reaction has cleared.
It is sometimes necessary to do laboratory studies during the heavier healing reactions that occur early
in the program. A heavy healing reaction can include lack of appetite, low food and liquid intake, diarrhea, and
profuse sweating. When combined with frequent enemas, the patient needs to be monitored to maintain
proper blood electrolyte balance. However, it should be recognized that most indicators would not report
accurately during a reaction. Except for electrolytes and concerns regarding anemia, blood work during flare‐
ups, and for up to five days prior to and following a reaction, cannot be accurately or reliably interpreted. Blood
studies made during this period should be disregarded, and the study repeated after the reaction period.
It is critical to realize that “normal limits” for the Gerson patient will not exactly correspond to the
normal limits for the “average patient.” Certain values can be altered during certain stages of the therapy.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Hemoglobin (HGB)
Under normal criteria, whole blood transfusion is indicated when hemoglobin rates drop below normal levels
(11 to 14 g/dl). In Gerson patients, we generally do not transfuse blood unless HGB drops below 8.5 g/dl. Clinical
experience has shown that HGB levels increase effectively on the Gerson regimen. In borderline cases,
additional green juices, liquid liver capsules, raw spinach or adjusting the liver injection could be of great value
in helping increase this level.
142


Platelets, WBC and RBC
Platelets, WBC and RBC levels will commonly be depressed during the reaction period in patients
pretreated with cytotoxic chemotherapies. The reason for this is not completely understood, but we infer an
association between the detoxification and elimination of fatty‐tissue and liver‐stored residues of cytotoxic
agents occurring in the reaction period, and the known adverse effects of cytotoxic agents on platelet, WBC and
RBC counts. In each case, the physician will decide the treatment according to the case.

Metabolic Profile

Alkaline Phosphatase
It is of note as an indicator of bone metastasis or bone recalcification processes. Traditional models observe an
increase of alkaline phosphatase as an indicator of bone metastases. We have observed, however, that levels
will often fluctuate dramatically, increasing during healing reactions. In many cases, patients with healing bone
metastases will also have increased alkaline phosphatase during the bone healing process. Other clinical
observations must be considered in combination with this indicator to arrive at an accurate assessment of
patient condition and disease remission or progression.

Albumin
Sometimes, we find that patients will not tolerate the lack of protein in the diet, especially the elderly
persons, and the level of albumin begins to drop. Some people arrive with low protein because of the use of
cytotoxic agents. Normal levels are considered to be 3.3‐4.5 g/dl; in Gerson patients, levels of 2.6 to 3 g/dl are
sometimes observed just because of the change of diet. In cases where it is needed, the physician will determine
the use of either bee pollen or dairy products according to the need of that specific patient.

Bilirubin
Bilirubin levels can occasionally be observed to be elevated during and immediately following the
healing reaction, particularly in cases of hepatic involvement. This is not a cause for alarm or action, unless the
levels remain elevated following the conclusion of the reaction. We have to keep in mind that five days before
or after, the healing reaction can cause an alteration of this count.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
The blood urea nitrogen levels are considered normal at 1‐26 mg/dl. The Gerson patient can have a BUN
level as low as 4.5 mg/dl, with an optimum of 8‐14 mg/dl. The same thing can happen with the creatinine levels,
normal 0.7‐1.4 mg/dl, in Gerson patients can range between 0.5 and 0.7 mg/dl. This is a result of the lack of
protein in the diet and the constant kidney flushing with the amount of juices that the patient consumes. The
elderly can be more affected.

Phosphorus
Phosphorus levels are often high in Gerson patients, probably related to the management’s effect on
oxidative phosphorylation and manipulation of phosphorus uptake. No action is required on the part of the
practitioner unless levels are elevated in combination with symptomology observed or reported by the patient.
143


Other times you will find elevated calcium and phosphorus in patients with severe bone metastases and the
practitioner will need to decide on the use of bi‐phosphonates.

Potassium
Normal ranges for non‐Gerson patients are generally 3.4‐5.1 mEq/l. The Gerson management,
particularly in the initial treatment stages, includes significant potassium supplementation (up to 150 mEq/day).
On the page 206‐209 of A Cancer Therapy, Dr. Gerson describes the Na/K interaction, and the need to continue
supplementing potassium even in the presence of elevated serum levels; however, currently the Gerson doctors
advise stopping the potassium when levels are elevated. The patient can later be re‐tested and if levels are
normal the potassium can be reintroduced and monitored carefully. It should also be noted that several patients
have accidentally self‐medicated potassium at levels approximately 32 times the recommended dosage for
periods of up to three weeks without significant adverse effects.

Sodium
Sodium levels will commonly report as low as 127 mEq/l without adverse effect. (Normal ranges for non‐
Gerson patients would be 136‐145 mEq/l). We do not recommend sodium supplementation under any
circumstances unless levels fall significantly below 127 mEq/l and a retest validates the original result. The
addition of sodium to the diet of the cancer patient has been shown in the literature to adversely affect tissue
damage syndrome, tumor growth, tissue edema toxicity, enzyme function, and numerous other factors. Sodium
levels will also fluctuate considerably, particularly in the early stages of treatment, as the Na/K management of
the Gerson protocol causes rapid elimination of sodium at the cellular level.

Triglycerides
The levels of these fats in the body can be elevated after the first week of treatment on the Gerson
program due to the elimination of plaque into the circulation. After two to three weeks, the levels will
normalize. Increased triglyceride and cholesterol values have sometimes been noted as a result of premature
lowering of thyroid medication, or in other cases, as an indicator of excess sugars or fruit in the diet.

Lipid profile

Cholesterol
In patients presenting with normal cholesterol at the beginning of the treatment, it is common to
observe a sudden spike in total serum cholesterol, often as high as 250‐300 mg/dl. This is a result of the
cholesterol‐lowering properties of the diet, which will cause elevated serum levels as plaque material is
eliminated. Cholesterol levels will begin to fall almost immediately, and will decline to, in most cases, a lowered
normal level within three to six weeks. In a few cases, we have seen cholesterol levels remain elevated for
periods exceeding 18 months, ultimately falling to normal levels, unaffected by any change in protocol. Patients
presenting initially with high cholesterol will experience a drop in serum cholesterol levels, and in most cases, a
spike will not be observed.

144


Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are cited by Dr. Gerson in A Cancer Therapy as an indicator of ability of the body to
respond to the therapy. Gerson reported that patients with a lymphocyte count of less than 10% would not
normally respond to the therapy. Our experience has shown that lymphocyte counts below 6% rarely respond;
to our knowledge, we have not seen a long‐term response in a patient presenting with lymphocytes below 10%.
An exception to this rule is within two weeks of chemotherapy treatment; in these cases, almost all blood
indicators will be low rather than just the lymphocytes.

Urinalysis

pH
pH in Gerson patients is almost always alkaline, in the 7.5‐8 range. Values as high as 9.0 have been
observed without side effects, although other possibilities (infections) must be considered when a patient
presents with extremely alkaline pH levels.

Specific Gravity
Specific gravity ‐normally 1.005 to 1.020‐ will sometimes report low due to the exceptionally high fluid
intake on the Gerson Therapy. This is not a cause for concern as long as there are no other indications of renal
insufficiency.

Epithelial Cells
Epithelial cells can be observed in some cases. No action is required unless there are other positive
indications of cystitis.

Tumor markers
These are the most common tumor markers. They are not diagnostic in and of themselves, but if elevated at the
time of diagnosis, they can be a good means of monitoring regression or progression of disease.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
Rise of PSA is often seen to go high during healing reactions. This is not indicative of progression of
disease, unless levels continue to remain high over time. After the inflammatory period is gone, levels will drop
again.

CEA CA 19‐9
Raised 30‐85% in colorectal cancer, liver metastasis, Tumor marker for pancreatic
and GI tract tumors. adenocarcinoma.

CA 125 CA 15‐3 & 27.29
Tumor marker for ovarian cancer. Tumor marker for breast cancer.

145


Lab Recording Sheet
Patient’s Name: ______________________________________________ DOB___________________________
Diagnosis: ______________________________________ Name of Physician: ____________________________
Date started therapy: __________________________
Date Date Date Date Date Date

Hematology
Hemoglobin (11.5-15.5g/dL)
RBC (3.8-5.5x1012/L)
PCV (0.35-0.47)
MCV (80-99fL)
MCH (27-32 pg)
White Cell Count (4-11x109/L)
Neutrophils (2.0-8.0x109/L)
Lymphocytes (20-45%)
Monocytes (1-13%)
Eosinophils (0-7%)
Basophils (0-3%)
Platelets (150-450x109/L)
General Chemistry
Sodium (136-146mmol/L)
Potassium (3.5-5.2mmol/L)
Chloride (98-109mmol/L)
Bicarb. (20-33mmol/L)
Calcium (8.6-10.2mg/d/)
Phosphate (2.5-4.5) mg/d/
T.Protein (6.2-8.3mg/d/)
Albumin (3.6-5.1mg/d/)
Globulin (2.2-3.9mg/d/)
Urea (8-25)mg/d/
Creatinine (.50-1.50mg/d/)
Urate (0.15-0.45mmol/L)
Glucose (70-99mg/d/)
Alk. Phos. (33-130U/L)
Bilirubin (.2-1.2mg/d/)
GGTP (<50 U/L)
AST (<41 U/L)
ALT (0-50 U/L)
LDH (120-250U/L)
Cholesterol (100-199mg/d/)
HDL (40-59)
LDL (0-99)
Triglycerides (0-149)
Thyroid Panel
TSH (.35-5.5IU/m/)
FT4 (10-25 pmol/L)
FT3 (3.5-5.5)
Tumor Markers
Urinalysis
pH
Protein
Glucose
Blood
Specific gravity (1.015-1.025)


MODULE I

1
• A cancer diagnosis is traumatic

• Often causes panic, despair, apathy or rage
• Feelings, moods, and general outlook affect the
immune system
• Every thought and emotion equals a biochemical
act
• There is considerable evidence that subjects who
feel overwhelmed by stress frequently have a
reduction in natural cell killer activity of up to
60-70%
2
• The limbic system of the brain and CNS release

certain hormones and cytokines that fit into
receptor sites all over the body
• The type of signaling molecule determines
whether the immune system is boosted or
weakened
• The end result will depend on our emotions,
beliefs, and prevailing psychological orientation
• Cancer often appears 18-24 months after a major
traumatic life event 3
146
Studies of cytokines show that the
psychological factors such as stress depress
the immune system, but that deviations in the
immune system can also trigger psychological
and behavior changes.The communication
goes both ways.
“Cells are conscious beings that communicate

with each other, affecting our emotions and
choices.”
“It is equally true that emotions and beliefs
affect the activity of our cells.”
• States that 15-20% of the people with cancer

use it to get out of a bad life trap. Cancer is a
socially acceptable form of suicide.
• 60-70% wish to get well, but are passive and
expect the doctor to do all the work
• 15-20% refuse to play victim
147
• Gabor Mate, author of, When the Body Says No
• Drawing on scientific research and decades of
patient’s experiences he concludes that stress,
and emotions are deeply implicated in both the
development of illness and restoration of health.
• Discovered emotional patterns and personality
traits related to an array of diseases.
• Proposes a cancer personality
“Whenever the patient’s will to live and recover is

successfully roused, there is a chance of success.
Where that proves impossible, even the diet
therapy will fail. In (my) recently published book,
cases are cited where death became inevitable,
although the diet had been carefully followed,
because the patients -all of them typically woman
in unhappy marriages - did not want to go on
living. The patient’s will to live is decisively
important especially in diet therapy in cases of
tuberculosis of the lung.” 8
“Fear will damage you more than any

mistake you can make.”
“Fear can cause complications and even the

appearance of serious organic -disease.”
148
“It should be remembered that a successful
therapy requires harmony of the physical and
psychological functions, in order to achieve a
restoration of the body in its entirety.”
10
“The witch doctor succeeds for the same

reason the rest of us succeed. Each patient
carries his own doctor inside him. They
come to us not knowing this truth. We are at
our best when we give the doctor who
resides within each patient a chance to go to
work.” -Albert Schweitzer,
German Physician, Theologian,
Philosopher and Musician
11
“The placebo is granting permission to

heal—a symbol the imagination can
incorporate and translate into wondrous
biochemical changes.”
‐Irving Oyle
Author of The Healing Mind
12
149
“The role of the physician is to cure
sometimes, heal often and support always.”
-Ambroise Pare
Famous 16th century
French surgeon
13
14
How do you view your role in facilitating

this aspect of the healing process?
15
150
• What is healing?
• Is healing just a matter of fixing the body?
• Can the body heal without the mind?
• What is a healthy state of consciousness?
• Does healing have anything to do with our
relationship with ourselves, others or
nature?
• Do you have a healing story to share?
16
MODULE I

17
151

Use and Modifications of Standard Gerson Medications

It should be understood that the Gerson Therapy is a precise protocol combining diet, medication,
detoxification, and other elements. To achieve optimum results, all aspects of the Gerson Therapy treatment
must be administered consistently and concurrently. It is also important to understand that the medication
protocols described in Gerson’s book were typical, not absolute. Study of Gerson’s clinical charts has shown that
the protocol was different, sometimes significantly, for each patient treated. It is also important to recognize
that Gerson worked with a patient population that, on the whole, was considerably less toxic than the
population we typically see today. Chemotherapy was virtually nonexistent, and patients generally presented to
Gerson with fewer toxicity‐related problems than the pretreated patients we see today.
We must recognize that true understanding of the clinical effects of the Gerson protocol is something
developed over time. Gerson was a consummate scientist. His treatment was administered and observed with
scientific curiosity, and with knowledge gained from practical experience. Practitioners who seek the ultimate
understanding to make full use of Gerson’s treatment protocol must develop both a scientific and empirical
understanding.
With that in mind, please recognize that the information given here is provided for guidance only. The
full understanding necessary to treat, follow up, and manage patients will come only with time and clinical
experience.

Guidelines for Medication Administration at the Start of Treatment

As a general rule, initial medication patterns fit into one of four categories:

• Cancer patients in good condition with little or no conventional pretreatment
• Cancer patients in good physical condition with chemotherapy pretreatment
• Cancer patients in weakened condition, with chemotherapy pretreatment
• Modifications for various non‐malignant conditions

Obviously, there can be hundreds of indications for variation of medications in a given patient, and
variances for different types of cancer and/or other degenerative diseases. To complicate matters further, these
indications can vary considerably from one day to the next. The practitioner must recognize the need to
constantly monitor the patient by all available means, utilize existing, conventional medical understanding in the
context of Gerson protocol, and recognize that no particular “formula” will be appropriate for every patient.

152


Cancer Patients in Good Condition with Little or No Conventional Treatment, No
Chemotherapy History, and No Ostomy or Other Surgical Interventions

In most cases, these patients can be started on the full protocol as described in A Cancer Therapy:

Juices (all 8 oz. portions)
Orange: 1
Green leaf: 4
Apple/carrot: 5
Carrot: 3

Potassium Compound Solution (liquid): 4 tsp. (20 ml), 10 times/day, representing approx. 2 grams or 50 mEq
each of potassium acetate, gluconate and monophosphate. (Total 6 grams or 150 mEq/day)
Contraindications: Patients presenting with a history of renal insufficiency or dysfunction, gastritis,
nausea, significant bone metastasis, or any indication of bleeding problems should be started with 1 tsp. (5 ml),
10 times/day. Dosage may be slowly increased with observation. Patients with any history of cardiac
insufficiency, MI episodes, or CHF should not receive potassium until blood work has been analyzed.

Lugol’s Solution (Potassium iodide, ½ strength): 18 drops per day
Contraindications: If patient has a history of allergy to iodine, Lugol’s is initially contraindicated; it can be
cautiously added after three to five days, one drop to start, then increasing as tolerance allows. Patients
presenting with hepatic insufficiency, primary or metastatic tumor activity in the liver, hepatitis, or hepatic
cirrhosis should be started on 1‐2 drops per day, to avoid bleeding or a decrease in platelets. Patients with bone
metastases should also receive reduced Lugol’s to avoid excessive bone deterioration and pain. Patients with
heavy metal toxicity should also receive doses of 1‐2 drops/day initially.

Thyroid: 1 grain, 5 times/day
Contraindications: Similar to those for Lugol’s. Watch for signs of hyperthyroidism: tachycardia, anxiety,
insomnia, tremors. Reduce dosage levels if signs are present. (But also note that transient tachycardia alone is
often indicative of a toxic or flare‐up reaction symptom). Patients presenting with a history of cardiac
insufficiency or other cardiac incidents, should be started on a maximum of 2 grains daily.

Niacin: 50 mg, 6 times/day
Contraindications: Patients presenting with hepatic insufficiency, primary or metastatic tumor activity in
the liver, hepatitis, or hepatic cirrhosis should receive a maximum of 100‐150 mg daily. Patients with a history of
bleeding, ulcers, or gastritis, and patients concurrently receiving prednisone, other steroids, or Coumadin should
not receive niacin.

153


Pancreatin: Three 325 mg tablets, 4 times/day (Pancreatin 1200 mg is prescribed in some cases for patients with
large tumor masses, or patients with particular digestive difficulties.
Contraindications: Dr. Gerson omitted pancreatic in sarcoma patients. It is recommended that plant
based digestive enzymes are substituted.

Crude liver/B12 injection: 100 mcg B12 with 2.9 cc crude liver extract, intramuscular administration daily.
Contraindications: Other than excessive levels of B12, and occasional allergic reactions, there are no
known contraindications for the crude liver/B12 injection. There is some question as to the current value of
crude liver extract, the only currently available form of injectable crude liver, which is significantly different than
in Gerson’s days.

Acidol: (Betaine HCL and pepsin) 2 caps, 3 times/day before meals.
Contraindications: Patients with gastric ulcers, gastritis, severe nausea, intestinal bleeding, or
esophageal problems should not receive Acidol. Patients taking Coumadin concurrently with Gerson treatment
should not receive Acidol.

Coenzyme Q10: Initially dose with 50‐100 mg 1 time/day. If no side effects (primarily tachycardia or arrhythmia),
increase to 200 mg 2nd day, then 300 mg 3rd day.

Laetrile: Where available, indicated for breast, bone and lung metastases. Primarily of use to reduce pain levels,
although this effect requires 10 days to 2 weeks of daily administration for optimum effect to be achieved.

Proteolytic Enzymes (Wobenzyme, Megazyme Forte, Inflazyme): Indicated when the patient suffers from
severe, excessive gas. Research indicates that these enzymes may be helpful in reducing tumor masses by
specific actions on the immune system affecting cancer metabolism. These are taken between meals.

Brewer’s Yeast: Although Gerson used yeast in the therapy prior to the addition of liver juice, brewer’s yeast is
not recommended under most circumstances due to an increased risk of candidiasis, and extreme distention
and gas. Little clinical benefit has been observed. In cancer patients, negative responses have been noted. It is
speculated that the brewer’s yeast is no longer as effective as in Gerson’s day due to increased acidity in
patients, and a much greater presence of candida in cancer patients due to dietary changes and other
environmental factors.

Castor Oil Treatment: every other day; may need dose and frequency adjustments depending on condition of
patient, level of toxicity, tolerance and history of pre‐chemo treatment.

Coffee enemas: 32 oz., 5 times/day.

Follow up (changes in medications in first year of the therapy): Approximately 2‐4 weeks after discharge from
inpatient treatment, thyroid, potassium, and Lugol’s solution medications are reduced. Other supplements are
154


generally kept at initial levels. Potassium is typically dropped from 40 tsp./day to 20 tsp./day. Thyroid is dropped
to between 2 and 3 grains per day. Lugol’s solution is reduced to 6 drops per day. These medication levels are
generally maintained for nine to fourteen months.
Supplemental adjustments are often made based on diagnostic blood work and other means of diagnosis. Note
that this follow up protocol differs significantly from the information in A Cancer Therapy. Patients must now be
kept on higher dosages of the three main medications for longer periods than in Dr. Gerson’s days. When
medications are reduced too rapidly (such as according to the schedule in A Cancer Therapy), patients often
have difficulties and experience a slowing of recovery or a recurrence of disease.

155

Cancer Patients in Good Condition with Little or No Conventional Treatment, No Chemotherapy History,
and No Ostomy or Other Surgical Interventions
TIME
8:00 9:00 9:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Apple/ Apple/ Apple/ Apple/ Apple/
JUICE (8 oz.) Orange Green Carrot Green Green Carrot Carrot Green
carrot carrot carrot carrot carrot
FLAX SEED OIL
1 1
TBS.
ACIDOLL
2 2 2
Betaine HCL
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
POTASSIUM COMPOUND
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
TSP. in juice
LUGOL'S SOLUTION
3 3 3 3 3 3
1/2 strength drops in juice
THYROID
1 1 1 1 1
1 grain
NIACIN
1 1 1 1 1 1
50 mg.
PANCREATIN
3 3 3 3
325 mg
LIVER CAPS
2 2 2
500 mg
CoQ10 CAPS
2 2 2
50 mg
INFLAZYME
(3 - 30 min before meals)
IMUGEN TABS (Colostrum)

if indicated
SELENIUM
1
200 mcg
MILK THISTLE
1-2 1-2
250 mg
INJECTION B12 .1 nl
combined with LIVER or 1 cc/ Daily DIET Regular
week without liver
5 a day BREAD
COFFEE ENEMAS____oz 2 slices
(6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm) (rye, optional)
CASTOR OIL TREATMENT Every other day PROTEIN No
CBC with Differential, Comprehensive Metabolic

LAB TEST Profile, Lipid Profile, Urinalysis, TSH, FT3 and NEXT REVIEW
FT4 every 4 weeks
The Gerson Therapy Training Program for Licensed Professionals

5 Weeks Onwards (Always dependent on patient progress and results)
TIME
8:00 9:00 9:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00

JUICE (8 oz.) Orange Green Carrot Green Green Carrot Carrot Green
FLAX SEED OIL
1 1
TBS.
ACIDOLL
2 2 2
Betaine HCL
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
POTASSIUM COMPOUND
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
TSP. in juice
LUGOL'S SOLUTION
1 1 1 1 1 1
THYROID
1 1 1 1 1
1/2 grain
NIACIN
1 1 1 1 1 1
50 mg.
PANCREATIN
3 3 3 3
325 mg
LIVER CAPS
2 2 2
500 mg
CoQ10 CAPS
2 2 2
50 mg
INFLAZYME

if indicated
SELENIUM
1
200 mcg
MILK THISTLE
1-2 1-2
250 mg
INJECTION B12 .1 nl
week without liver
5 a day BREAD
(6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm) (rye, optional)
CASTOR OIL TREATMENT alt. days PROTEIN Yogurt / Bee pollen
CBC with Differential, Comprehensive

LAB TEST Metabolic Profile, Lipid Profile, Urinalysis, NEXT REVIEW
TSH, FT3 and FT4 every 4 weeks
The Gerson Therapy Training Program for Licensed Professionals


Cancer Patients in Good Physical Condition With Chemotherapy Pretreatment But No
Ostomy Or Other Surgical Interventions

The medication protocol in chemo‐pretreated patients varies considerably, and no absolute guidelines
can be given. Variables will include overall condition, blood work results, symptomology, age, diagnosis, and
other factors. The following should be considered as a starting point for a typical patient in good physical
condition (normal appetite, ambulatory, not significantly underweight). It is important to note that all patients
with a history of chemotherapy pretreatment should be treated with the reduced protocol. The number of
courses of chemotherapy, dosages, and specific drugs used must be considered, but the use of the full,
unmodified protocol with any chemotherapy pretreated patient, regardless of the time elapsed since the last
treatment, can be extremely dangerous. Our experience has repeatedly shown that chemotherapy pretreated
patients respond much more quickly, and have much better long‐term recovery when they follow the reduced
protocol. Appropriate explanations must be given to patients regarding the reasoning behind use of the reduced
protocol. Otherwise, patients will sometimes self‐medicate with the more aggressive protocol, at the expense of
their safety and long‐term recovery outlook.

Juices
In most cases, it is advisable to start the regimen with two to four ounces per juice, and temporarily
eliminate the 3 carrot‐only juices. Dosage will depend on the condition of the patient, ability to tolerate the
juices, and side effects that result. If the patient is able to tolerate the smaller amount of juice, juices may be
increased after 2‐3 days (typically from 2 oz. to 4 oz. per juice, or 4 oz. to 6 oz., and eventually, after 7‐10 days,
to full 8 oz. portions, with the reintroduction of the three carrot juices.). Care must be taken to ensure that the
patient continues to tolerate all juices, without significant nausea or other side effects.

Juices (reduced volume to start, a maximum of 10)
Orange: 1
Green leaf: 4
Apple/carrot: 5
Carrot: 3 (temporarily omit)

Potassium Compound Solution (liquid): Recommended starting dosage is 1 tsp., 10 times/day, representing
approx. 500 mg or 12.5 mEq each of potassium acetate, gluconate and monophosphate. (Total 1.5 grams or 37.5
mEq/day). In patients in very good condition, the normal dosage of 4 tsp., 10 times/day be cautiously achieved
in several steps over 7‐10 days treatment, if no adverse effects are observed. Patients in less than ideal
condition should be increased to 2 tsp., 10 times/day, then carefully observed, very slowly increasing to 3, and
then 4 teaspoons 10 times/day, as patient is able to tolerate.

Lugol’s Solution (Potassium iodide, ½ strength): up to 6 drops per day
156



Thyroid: 1 grain, 1‐2 times/day

not receive niacin.

Pancreatin: 3x 325 mg tablets, 4 times/day
Contraindications: Dr. Gerson omitted pancreatic in sarcoma patients.

Crude liver/B12 injection: 0.1 cc (100 mcg) B12 with 2.9 cc crude liver extract, intramuscular administration
daily.
known contraindications for the crude liver/B12 injection


Coenzyme Q10: Initially dose with 100 mg 1 time/day. If no side effects (primarily tachycardia or arrhythmia),
increase to 300 mg 2nd day, then 600 mg 3rd day and thereafter.

Inflazyme or Wobe‐Mugos: These are indicated primarily when the patient suffers from severe, excessive gas.
Some reports also indicate that these enzymes may be helpful in reducing tumor masses and inflammatory
reactions.

157


Laetrile: Where available, indicated for breast, bone, prostate and lung metastases; may also be useful in lung
cancers. Primarily of use to reduce pain levels, although this effect requires 10 days to 2 weeks of daily
administration for optimum results. Dosage is 2 g (5 cc) intravenously 1 time/day.

Brewer’s Yeast: Not recommended under most circumstances due to an increased risk of candidiasis, and
extreme distention and gas.

Castor Oil Treatment:
Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with chemotherapy pretreatment. May, in some cases, be
indicated after 6‐9 months on the therapy, but should be administered with great caution, as extremely toxic
side effects from elimination of chemotherapy residues can result.

Coffee enemas: 32 oz., 2‐3 times/day. In some patients, this will be reduced to half strength by mixing 16 oz. of
chamomile tea or distilled water with 16 oz. of coffee. Enema may be gradually increased as needed, but care
must be taken not to over‐stimulate the liver and cause extremely toxic side effects from elimination of
chemotherapy residues.

Follow up (changes in medications in first year of the therapy)
Approximately 1 month after discharge from inpatient treatment (6‐9 weeks after admission to hospital and
start of treatment), thyroid, potassium, and Lugol’s solution medications are adjusted. If patient has been on
extremely reduced levels, these medications may be increased by 25 to 50%.
Other supplements are generally kept at initial levels. If the patient was receiving the intense therapy (40 tsp.
potassium, 18 drops of Lugol’s), these medication levels are reduced by approximately 50%. The adjusted
medication levels are generally maintained for 9 to 14 months.
that this follow‐up protocol differs significantly from the information in A Cancer Therapy book. Patients must
now be kept on higher dosages of the three main medications for longer periods than in Dr. Gerson’s day. When
All medication adjustments may vary according to the condition of the patient, tolerance, and to reports from
labs, CAT scans, or MRI’s.

158

Modified Gerson Therapy Protocol for Chemotherapy Patients in Good condition
(First 4 weeks and several months following depending on patient response)
TIME
8:00 9:00 9:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00

JUICE (4-8 oz.) Orange Green Green Green Green
FLAX SEED OIL
1 1
TBS.
ACIDOLL
2 2 2
Betaine HCL
POTASSIUM COMPOUND
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
TSP. in juice
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
LUGOL'S SOLUTION
1 1 1
THYROID
1 1
1/2 or 1 grain
NIACIN
1 1 1 1 1 1
50 mg.
PANCREATIN
3 3 3 3
325 mg
LIVER CAPS
2 2 2
500 mg
CoQ10 CAPS
2 2 2
50 mg
INFLAZYME

if indicated
SELENIUM
1
200 mcg
MILK THISTLE
1-2 1-2
250 mg
INJECTION B12 .1 nl
combined with LIVER or 1 Once daily DIET Regular
cc/ week without liver
2-3 daily BREAD

(7am, 11am, 3pm) (rye, optional)
CASTOR OIL TREATMENT No PROTEIN No

LAB TEST Metabolic Profile, Lipid Profile, Urinalysis, NEXT REVIEW
TSH, FT3 and FT4 every 4 weeks
May need to start juices 4-6 oz + 2 oz gruel.
NOTES: After 1-3 weeks, if good tolerance, increase: thyroid 2 gr, Lugol 6 drops and Potasium 2x10 - monitor and make necessary
changes.

Cancer Patients in Weakened Physical Condition With Or Without Chemotherapy
Pretreatment

The medication protocol in the weakened patient is generally conservative. In addition to the guidelines
given here, extra care should be taken to monitor regularly for electrolyte imbalance, bleeding, dehydration, or
other complications. It must be recognized that the detoxification and salt/water management aspects of the
Gerson protocol are extremely powerful. Extreme care must be taken not to over‐stimulate the body systems, as
the seriously weakened patient will not be able to mount an appropriate response to effect healing if the
process is brought about too quickly or intensely. Variables will include overall condition, blood work results,
symptomology, age, diagnosis, and other factors. The following should be considered as a starting point. It is
important to note that all patients with a history of chemotherapy pretreatment should be treated with the
reduced protocol. The number of courses of chemotherapy, dosages, and specific drugs used must be
considered but the use of the full, unmodified protocol with any chemotherapy pretreated patient, regardless
of the time elapsed since the last treatment, can be dangerous. Our experience has repeatedly shown that
chemotherapy pretreated patients respond much more quickly, and have much better long‐term recovery when
they follow the reduced protocol. Appropriate explanations must be given to patients regarding the reasoning
behind use of reduced protocol. Otherwise, patients will sometimes self‐medicate with the more aggressive
protocol, at the expense of their safety and long‐term recovery outlook.

Juices
In most cases, it is advisable to start the regimen with two ounces per juice, and temporarily eliminate
the 3 carrot‐only juices. Dosage will depend on the condition of the patient, ability to tolerate the juices, and
side effects that result. If the patient is able to tolerate the smaller amount of juice, juices may be increased
after 4‐7 days (typically from 2 oz. to 4 oz. per juice.) Increases must be carefully monitored, and care must be
taken to ensure that the patient continues to tolerate all juices, without significant nausea or other side effects.

Juices (may need to start with 6‐8 juices of reduced volume and slowly increase as tolerated)
Orange: 1
Green leaf: 4
Apple/carrot: 5
Carrot: 3 (temporarily omit)

Gruel may be added, up to 50% volume of juices, to reduce nausea and increase tolerance.

approx. 500 mg or 12.5 mEq each of potassium acetate, gluconate and monophosphate. (Total 1.5 grams or 37.5
mEq/day). Some extremely weakened patients should not receive any potassium supplementation for 3‐5 days,
or until condition improves and stabilizes. Patients receiving 10 tsp./day can be carefully increased to 2 tsp., 10
times/day after 5‐7 days, then carefully observed, increasing to 3, and then 4 teaspoons 10 times/day, as patient
is able to tolerate.
159



Lugol’s Solution (Potassium iodide, ½ strength): 1‐2 drops per day

Thyroid: 0‐1.5 grains/day (½ grain at breakfast and ½ grain at lunch), depending on overall condition and
tolerance
insufficiency or other cardiac incidents, should be started on the lowest dosage possible.

not receive niacin.

Pancreatin: 325 mg tablets, 4 times/day
Contraindications: Dr. Gerson omitted pancreatic for sarcoma patients.

Crude liver/B12 injection: 0.1 cc (100 mcg) B12 with 2.9 cc crude liver extract, intramuscular administration
daily.
known contraindications for the crude liver/B12 injection.



160


Some reports also indicate that these enzymes may be helpful in reducing tumor masses and inflammatory
reactions.

Laetrile: Where available, indicated for breast, bone and lung metastases. Primarily of use to reduce pain levels,
although this effect requires 10 days to 2 weeks of daily administration for optimum results. Dosage is 2 g (5 cc)
intravenously 1 time/day.

Brewer’s Yeast: Not recommended under most circumstances due to an increased risk of candidiasis and many
patients report extreme distention and gas.

Castor Oil Treatment:
Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with chemotherapy pretreatment and in extremely weak
patients. In non‐chemo patients, castor oil may, in some cases, be added after 2‐4 months. Chemo patients may,
in some cases, receive castor oil treatment after 6‐9 months on the therapy, but this should be administered
with great caution, as extremely toxic side effects from elimination of chemotherapy residues can result.

Coffee enemas: 24 oz. to start, 1‐2 times/day. In some patients, this will be reduced to half strength by mixing
12 oz. of chamomile tea or distilled water with 12 oz. of coffee. Enemas may be gradually increased as needed,
but care must be taken not to over‐stimulate the liver and cause extremely toxic side effects from elimination of
chemotherapy residues.

start of treatment), thyroid, potassium, and Lugol’s solution medications are adjusted. If patient has been on
extremely reduced levels, these medications may be increased by 25 to 50%, assuming patient is making
satisfactory progress and gaining in strength and condition.
Other supplements are generally kept at initial levels. If the patient was receiving normal levels (40 tsp.
potassium, 18 drops of Lugol’s), these medication levels are reduced by approximately 50%. The adjusted
medication levels are generally maintained for 9 to 14 months.
that this follow up protocol differs significantly from the information in A Cancer Therapy book. Patients must

161

Modified Gerson Therapy Protocol for Weakened Patients with or without Chemotherapy
(Gradually increase the therapy over weeks depending on patient's response)
TIME
8:00 9:00 9:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00
BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER

JUICE (4 oz.) Orange Green Green Green Green
FLAX SEED OIL

1 1
TBS.
ACIDOLL
1 1 1
Betaine HCL
POTASSIUM COMPOUND
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
TSP. in juice
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
LUGOL'S SOLUTION 1/2
1 1
strength drops in juice
THYROID
1 1
1/2 grain
NIACIN
1 1 1
50 mg.
PANCREATIN
3 3 3 3
325 mg
LIVER CAPS
2 2 2
500 mg
CoQ10 CAPS
2 2 2
50 mg
INFLAZYME

if indicated
SELENIUM
1
200 mcg
MILK THISTLE
1-2 1-2
250 mg
INJECTION B12 .1 nl
week without liver
1-2 a day (16-24 oz at diluted strength if BREAD

needed) (rye, optional)
Yogurt and/or bee pollen may be needed at the

CASTOR OIL TREATMENT No PROTEIN
beginning

LAB TEST Metabolic Profile, Lipid Profile, Urinalysis, TSH, NEXT REVIEW
FT3 and FT4 every 4 weeks
May need to start with less # of juices at 2-4 oz + 2 oz gruel. Then increase slowly. Evaluate response before increasing
NOTES:
any medications.

Non‐Cancer Patients

There can be no single diet/medication protocol for non‐malignant diseases, as each disease has
different dietary origins and differing treatment needs. Variables will include overall condition, blood work
results, symptomology, age, diagnosis, and other factors.
The following should be considered as a starting point; modifications for specific conditions and complications
will follow this section. Please ensure that any appropriate modifications required of specific diseases are
incorporated into the protocol described below.
The use of the full, unmodified protocol with non‐cancer diseases is usually not advised and while not usually as
dangerous as inappropriate application of the therapy to patients with a chemotherapy history, there are still
considerable risks to using the intensive protocol with some diseases. Appropriate explanations must be given to
patients regarding the reasoning behind use of the reduced protocol. Otherwise, patients will sometimes self‐
medicate with the more aggressive protocol, at the expense of their safety and long‐term outlook.

Juices
The regimen can be started with 10 juices, eliminating the pure carrot juices. If the patient is in good
physical condition, he/she may have full 8 oz. portion, but any debilitation would warrant starting with smaller
quantities (typically 4 or 6 oz.). As always, care must be taken to ensure that the patient can tolerate all juices
without significant nausea or other side effects before an increase in quantity is considered.

Juices (reduced volume to start)
Orange: 1
Green leaf: 4
Apple/carrot: 5

approx. 1 g or 25 mEq each of potassium acetate, gluconate and monophosphate. (Total 3 grams or 75
mEq/day). In most cases, patients do not require the full 40 tsp. that cancer patients would require.
nausea, or any indication of bleeding problems should be started with 1 tsp. (5 ml), 10 times/day. Dosage may
be slowly increased with observation. Patients with any history of cardiac insufficiency, MI episodes, or CHF
should not receive potassium until blood work has been analyzed.

Lugol’s Solution (Potassium iodide, ½ strength): 3‐6 drops per day
cirrhosis should be started on 1‐2 drops per day, to avoid bleeding or a decrease in platelets. Patients with heavy
metal toxicity should also receive doses of 1‐2 drops/day initially.

162


Thyroid: 1 grain, 1‐2 times/day. Typically, non‐malignant diseases do not have a serious thyroid deficiency. In
some cases, we have found it beneficial to start the patient on up to 5 grains, but only for 3‐5 days, rather than
the 14 days commonly prescribed to cancer patients.

not receive niacin.

Pancreatin: 325 mg tablets, 4 times/day
Contraindications: Dr. Gerson omitted pancreatic for sarcoma patients.

Crude liver/B12 injection: Add 0.5 cc of B12 to the normal 100 mg dose with 3 cc crude liver extract,
intramuscular administration daily.
known contraindications for the crude liver/B12 injection.

Acidol: (Betaine HCL and pepsin) 2 caps, 3 times/day with meals.



Laetrile: Not used for non‐malignant diseases.

Brewer’s Yeast: Not recommended under most circumstances due to an increased risk of candidiasis, and many
patients report extreme distention and gas.

Castor Oil Treatment: when used, usually administered one to two times per week.

163


Coffee enemas: 32 oz., 2‐3 times/day. Depending on diagnosis, can be increased slowly up to 4‐5 per day as
needed.

Dietary considerations: In most cases, 4 oz. of non‐fat, unsalted and soured milk proteins (yogurt, dry curd
cottage cheese) are added back to the diet 3 to 7 weeks after therapy is started. There are specific diet
modifications for particular diseases.

start of treatment), thyroid, potassium, and Lugol’s solution medications, if at normal levels, are reduced.
Other supplements are generally kept at initial levels. These medication levels are generally maintained for 9 to
14 months.
that this follow up protocol differs significantly from the information in A Cancer Therapy book. Patients must

164

Gerson Therapy Protocol for a Non-Cancer Patient
(Can vary considerably depending upon diagnosis and patient's condition)
TIME
8:00 9:00 9:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00

JUICE (8 oz.) Orange Green Green Green Green
FLAX SEED OIL

1 1
TBS.
ACIDOLL
2 2 2
Betaine HCL
POTASSIUM COMPOUND
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
TSP. in juice
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
NO MEDICATIONS
LUGOL'S SOLUTION
1 1 1 1 1 1
THYROID
1 1
up to 1 grain
NIACIN
1 1 1
50 mg.
PANCREATIN
3 3 3 3
325 mg
LIVER CAPS
2 2 2
500 mg
CoQ10 CAPS
2 2 2
50 mg
INFLAZYME
SELENIUM
1
200 mcg
MILK THISTLE
1-2 1-2
250 mg
INJECTION B12 .1 nl
week without liver
2-3 a day BREAD

(7am, 11am, 3pm) (rye, optional)
CASTOR OIL TREATMENT 1-2 a week PROTEIN Yogurt/Bee pollen after 1-4 weeks

LAB TEST Metabolic Profile, Lipid Profile, Urinalysis, TSH, NEXT REVIEW
FT3 and FT4 every 4 weeks

General Schedule of Medications

(For a patient who responds to and is progressing well on the therapy – Based on blood work)

Potassium Salts Lugol's
Dessicated Pancreatin Liver CoQ 100
Acidol Solution solution 1/2 Niacin
Thyroid 325 mg Caps mg
(in juices) strength
1-4 weeks 2 4 tsp x 10 3 drops x 6 1 grain x 5 50 mg x 6 3 tabs x 4 2x3 1x3
4-12 weeks 2 2 tsp x 10 1 drop x 6 1/2 grain x 5 50 mg x 6 3 tabs x 4 2x3 1x3
3-6 months 2 2 tsp x 10 1 drop x 6 1/2 grain x 5 50 mg x 6 3 tabs x 4 2x3 1x3
6-9 months 2 2 tsp x 10 1 drop x 4 1/2 grain x 5 50 mg x 6 3 tabs x 3 2x3 1x3
9-12 months 2 2 tsp x 10 1 drop x 3 1/2 grain x 4-5 50 mg x 6 3 tabs x 3 2x3
18-21 months 1 2 tsp x 8 1 drop x 1 1/2 grain x 2 50 mg x 3 2 tabs x 3 1x3
21-24 months 2 daily 1 tsp x 6 Continue 1/2 grain x 1 50 mg x 2 1 tab x 3 1x3
Note: 1 tsp is equivalent to 5 ml
Cofee Vitamin B12 / Essiac Tea

Castor Oil Flaxseed oil Inflazyme Protein
Enemas Liver injections / Other
1-4 weeks 5 Alt days 2 tbsp daily Daily 3 tabs x 3 N/A
6-8 weeks yogurt or bee

4-12 weeks 5 Twice a week 1 tbsp daily Daily 3 tabs x 3 pollen (2-4 tbsp)
6-8 weeks yogurt or bee

3-6 months 5 Twice a week Continue Alt days 3 tabs x 3 pollen (2-4 tbsp)
Lentils x 1 every 2 weeks

Bee pollen: 2-4 tbs
6-9 months 4 2 in 3 weeks Continue Twice a week 3 tabs x 3
Lentils x 1 every 2 weeks
Bee pollen: 2-4 tbs
9-12 months 3-4 Once a week Continue Twice a week 3 tabs x 3
Lentils once a week

12-15 months 3 Once a week Continue Once a week 3 tabs x 3 Bee pollen: 2-4 tbs
15-18 months 2 Once in 2 weeks Continue Once a week 3 tabs x 3 Fish once a week
18-21 months 2 N/A Continue Once in 2 weeks 3 tabs x 3 Fish x 2 weekly
Add spices, nuts, berries

21-24 months 1 N/A Continue Once a month 3 tabs x 3
Diet: as prescribed. No cultured milk products for first 6-8 weeks. Two slices of unsalted, no yeast, no oil rye bread
daily (optional if all other foods are eaten first)


 The most common are: codeine, morphine
and medications that contain diazepam.
 No special modification to the protocol is

required, because the niacin in the program
helps to reduce the cravings for it.
165
 Unfortunately, we cannot help diabetes type I
patients; they need to continue taking their
insulin. Type II diabetes can be dramatically
improved, and in some cases, overcome,
using the Gerson Therapy.
 This is a problem most commonly

seen in pancreatic carcinomas.
The patient needs conventional
treatment and modification of the
Gerson Therapy. It may be helpful
to elevate the legs and apply clay
packs.
166
 This complication can
be due to a primary or
metastatic tumor. In
cases where the
patient is not able to
breathe in a
recumbent position, it
is necessary to do a
tapping.
 High blood pressure responds

exceptionally well to the Gerson
Therapy.
 Patients need to monitored very closely.
167
Gerson Therapy
 Patients with kidney failure that are

already on dialysis are not candidates
for the Gerson treatment.
 The program has to be modified to

minimum quantities.
168
 Patients with a colostomy receive
modified program and 2 or 3 coffee
enemas.
 We don’t recommend the Gerson

Therapy for these patients.
 Patients with ulcerative colitis can

have good results with the Gerson
Therapy, but they will need to be on
the program for the rest of their lives.
169
 Patients may have stress ulcers,
ulcerative colitis, peptic disease, or
liver dysfunction.
 We have observed apparent full

remission and restoration of hepatic
function in some cases using the
Gerson protocol.
• This condition is
difficult to treat
because the physical
shape and function of
the lungs are destroyed.
170
 Most of these patients will come with
lead or mercury poisoning and/or EBV
positive.
 Studies show that multiple nutrient

deficiencies, food intolerance, or extreme
physical or mental stress can trigger CFS.
Incorporating dietary changes and nutritional
supplementation to make up for deficiencies
can help enhance the immune system,
making it less susceptible to diseases such as
CFS, and helping the body fight CFS by
improving energy levels and easing some of
the symptoms of the disease.
 These diseases respond exceptionally well,

except in cases where steroids have been in
use for periods in excess of one year, or the
patients has been pretreated with
chemotherapy.
171
 Good results have been
observed in some
patients, except where
the patient has been
pretreated with
chemotherapy.
 Often prescribed for SLE, rheumatoid

arthritis, GI disorders, brain tumors,
and others.
 The Gerson Therapy has been

observed to be effective in improving
calcification of bone, especially
because the carrot juices are very high
in calcium.
172
 It will require conventional management
with periodical tappings and
modifications of the Gerson Therapy.
 Often due to bone

metastasis. These
are treated with
conventional
medicine.
 May require counseling
173
 For many patients, the reason that an alternative
therapy is chosen is because of fear or refusal of
traditional medical treatments. Some of those fears
are with good reason, as certain conventional
treatments are of questionable benefit at best. Yet, we
must also recognize that Dr. Gerson was originally a
conventionally trained allopathic physician and a true
scientist who used whatever was appropriate and
worked, regardless of the philosophy, school of
thought, or political “camp” from which it originated.
 Through the years of medical practice, the way of
thinking has changed, you need to be wise and
think what will be the best for your patient because it is
a life in your hands. And then the question comes,
what are you going to do?
 With that spirit, we must recognize that all of the
traditional managements, including chemotherapy,
can be useful in certain cases.
 Surgical debulking of tumor masses is

indicated in virtually any case were
simple excision is possible, as this will
make it significantly easier for the
body to rebuild itself if it does not
also have to absorb a larger tumor
mass as well.
174
1. Breast Ca.
2. Melanoma
3. Pancreatic Ca.
 Our observations indicated that

radiation therapy, appropriately and
cautiously used, does not appear to
limit the effectiveness of the Gerson
treatment, except in cases of full-
body irradiation, such as received
before bone marrow transplant, and
patients who have reached lifetime
maximum doses.
Superior Vena
Cava Syndrome
Severe bone
Metastases
175
 We generally do not recommend
chemotherapeutic intervention as an
appropriate adjunct to the Gerson
management. However, there are certain
rare cases in which chemotherapy has
been shown to positively affect
treatment outcomes.
1. Extreme aggressive
cancers.
2. No response with
the Gerson
Therapy.
3. Patient’s own
decision.
 We do not recommend against sudden

withdrawal of hormone therapies and
in some cases we recommend the
continuation of these therapies over
time.
176
 The flare-ups are usually an early event as
one embarks on the Gerson Therapy.
 One of the most important reasons for
patients and practitioners to study the
symptoms of the reaction is to be able to
recognize the start of a healing reaction.
 It is important to be able to anticipate the
reaction. Some early signs include lack of
appetite, nausea, aversion to certain of the
foods and juices, headaches and
grogginess.
 The healing flare-up is a complex

reaction by the body as it attempts
to detoxify. Due to the greatly
increased pollution of the
environment, our bodies have
reached the point where the
internal waste materials and the
toxins from external sources
cannot be released from the body
as fast as they are being put into
the body.
 The liver’s functions are specially
compromised. The liver has
multiple functions but has primary
dual role: 1. Filtration and storage
of blood and 2. Storage of
vitamins and iron and metabolic
functions on carbohydrates fats
and proteins.
 Diarrhea is a body defense mechanism

to flush out the irritating bile. The
spasms are caused by the caustic
irritation of the nerves within the
intestinal tract. The spasms are noted
as a sharp intermittent cramping pain
in the lower abdomen.
177
 As toxins and waste circulate through
the body they cause another set of
symptoms: flu-like feelings,
characterized by muscular aches and
pains throughout the body, headaches,
perspiration, strong odor, weakness,
dizziness, and fainting spells. Intestinal
spasms can be intensified by the toxic
blood irritating the nerves as it flows
through the intestinal walls.
 The inflammatory healing process that

accompanies the reaction and is
needed for proper healing to take
place can cause pain in diseased and
damaged areas of the body.
 The inflammatory process may cause

pain in and around tumor masses as
well as radiating out from the tumors.
When there is inflammation, edema or
body fluid collects around the
inflamed area. This causes pressure
on the nerves in the area resulting in
pain.
178
 During reactions changes in
scar tissue can be noted. Even
old scars may become very
red and inflamed. The patient
may think the scar is infected.
Following clearance of the
reaction reduction of keloid
tissue and returning of the
tissue to a more normal skin
color is noted.
 Three to four days into the

reaction, the patient may
not “see much light at the
end of the tunnel”, wonder
if it is all worth it and want
to stop the therapy. It
helps if the patient
recognizes this process as
a physiological one caused
by the toxicity.
 The weight loss, which varies on the

average from four to eight pounds, is
due almost entirely to the release of
excess fluid from the body.
179
 Allergic rashes can appear during the
reactions over any area of the body. They
will usually clear up spontaneously
following completion of the reaction and
should not be treated with
antihistamines or other conventional
managements.
 Clinical observations have caused Gerson clinicians to

identify the toxic reaction as a separate event from a
healing reaction. Sometimes, both a toxic reaction and a
healing reaction will occur simultaneously. Toxic reactions
appear to be caused by contamination due to pesticides,
herbicides, prescription drugs and street drugs.
 Emotional turbulence such as excitability, hyperirritability,
anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, inability to concentrate,
inattentiveness, forgetfulness, depression, and especially
extreme apprehension.
 The dark stool is a sign that the body

has become very efficient at
detoxifying. It is not the dark shining
tar-like material discharged from the
body when the patient has a bleeding
ulcer, intestinal tumor mass or
bleeding ulcerative colitis.
180
Fever is another important symptom. It is a
sign that the body us responding to the
program. The average reaction fever runs
about 101 °F – 104 °F.
 Some patients may heal
completely without ever
experiencing fever. This is
especially true in patients with
non-malignant, degenerative
disease. The fever may be noted
only during the first two or
three reactions.
Lack of Appetite, Nausea, Regurgitation
1. Oatmeal Gruel
2. Peppermint/Chamomile Tea
 At the first sign of reaction, the enema

frequency should be increased from
every four hours to three hours and
even to every two hours. Enemas can
also be administered PRN upon
appearance of specific
symptomatology.
181
1. Juices
2. Juices by Enema
3. Dietary Modifications
4. Intestinal Spasms and Cramping
5. Control of diarrhea
6. Hemorrhoids
7. Vomiting
8. Fever Blisters/Cold Sores
9. Dry Skin
10. Healing Fevers
 As the reaction reaches its final stages and the

toxicity of the body is rapidly diminishing, an
interesting phenomenon can take place. The
patient feels much better upon waking, and in
general feels very relieved that the reaction is
now over. Two to three hours later the patient is
back in a heavy reaction and can feel very
discouraged. The first day there may be only two
to three hours of toxic-free feeling. The next day
four to six hours and perhaps by the third day
the reaction has fully abated.
Clay and Castor Oil Packs


CLAY
 Properties, Practicalities and Chemical
Structure
 Quality and Colors
 External Use and Preparation
 Internal use
182
 The choice of the Gerson Therapy
requires a different approach to the care
of the body. Pain is the body’s way of
communicating that something is amiss.
The patient must learn to listen to the
body, addressing the source, or root
cause, rather than the symptom. It is
important to recognize that analgesics as
simple as aspirin can have a negative
effect on the healing response.
 Enemas
 Castor oil packs
 TENS Unit
 Lymphasizing (stroking)
 Hot Bath/Shower
 Homeopathic Remedies
 Pain Triad
 Pain can have many causes such as: pressure from

existing tumor; inflammation at tumor site or at old
injury site or a healing reaction during the Gerson
Therapy.
 Methods of pain relief

 1. Coffee enema
 2. Castor oil pack
 3. Clay Pack
 4. TENS unit
 5. Lymphasizing (light stroking massage)
 6. Pain Triad: 1 aspirin 325 mg, 1 niacin 50 mg, 1
vitamin C 500 mg.
 7. Acupuncture
183
 What does Palliative Care mean or
imply? Palliative Care can best be
defined as physical, mental/emotional
and spiritual care provided to a
patient with a serious and far
advanced diagnosis as well as support
for the family/significant others in this
patient’s life continuum.
 One of the most important issues in managing crises

effectively is the confidence of the practitioner. The
patient’s comfort level and tolerance of any difficulty
will increase significantly if the practitioner is poised
and confident in his or her ability to manage the
reaction or other situation.
 Time frame
 Bleeding, Gastro-Intestinal
 Extreme Emotional Problems
 Extreme Nausea and Vomiting
 Glucose Intolerance in Diabetes and Pancreas
Involvement
 Hypertension Episodes
 Occlusions
 1. Not being clear about your role

 2. Not establishing the facts from the outset
 3. Not laying out the requirements for the
first consultation
 4. Not ensuring that the client takes self-
responsibility
 5. Not obtaining maximum information
initially and at follow-up
 6. Not having follow up if nothing is
happening
 7. Enemas
184
 1. Medications
◦ Potassium & Lugol’s solution
◦ Auto-medication
◦ Not Regular phone consultation
 2. Hygiene and Infection
 3. Environmental and Other Toxicity
 4. Dietary Regime
 5. Enemas
 6. Protein Use
 7. Deviations from the Gerson Therapy
 8. Fever
185

Modifications for Specific Conditions

Some of the modifications described below apply to both cancer and non‐cancer diagnoses. The
practitioner is advised to familiarize her/himself with the categories of modification, so that the starting
protocol is appropriately administered.

Addictions. The patients that we treat with addictions are those who are taking painkillers or sedatives and
tranquilizers. The most common are: codeine, morphine and medications that contain diazepam. Those patients
need to continue with their medications and may be slowly weaned by their physician as the Gerson Therapy
begins to take effect. They must be warned against discontinuing their medication abruptly as they could
develop withdrawal symptoms. They should use the protocol for a weakened patient condition.

Codeine, morphine, and sedative/hypnotics. These patients should be treated as chemotherapy patients, and
these addictive drugs should be curtailed slowly (3‐10 days). If the treatment is too aggressive, extremely heavy
reactions, diarrhea, and inability to eat and drink can result, including possible complications with electrolyte
balance. In cases where the addictive drugs were originally prescribed for pain control, placebos may be
required in the early stages of treatment.

Nicotine. No special modification to the protocol is required, because the niacin in the program helps to reduce
the cravings for it. Some patients may temporarily require mechanical props (something to put into the mouth, a
carrot perhaps, or hold in the hands) to replace the physical activity associated with smoking. In most cases, this
addiction is eliminated without any withdrawal or effort on the part of the patient.

Diabetes, Types I and II. Unfortunately, we cannot reverse diabetes type I patients; they need to continue taking
their insulin. Type II diabetes can be dramatically improved, and in some cases, overcome, using the Gerson
Therapy. These patients come often with oral medication or insulin. When they arrive, the physician will need to
modify the current insulin dosage, but never discontinue the medication until the physician reviews the case. A
Hgb A1C below 7 is good.
Diet: apple is eliminated from juices. Grapefruit replaces orange in morning juice. Some carrot juices are
replaced with green, dependent on insulin dependence. Give 8‐10 juices maximum. Vegetables replace fruit
from snacking. All honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, and other sweeteners are eliminated. If glucose can be
stabilized, 1‐2 pieces of fruit per day may be added to the diet. If they do not have cancer, after 2 or 3 days on
therapy, add rice and legumes two times a week and yogurt daily if tolerated.

Medication: thyroid is reduced to 1 or 1½ grains per day. Lugol is reduced to 3 drops per day. Potassium is
limited to 1 tsp. per juice, except in cases of severe edema, where potassium may be increased to 2 tsp. per
juice. Monitor serum Potassium levels as well as BUN and creatinine. The B‐12/Liver injection is very important.
Chromium picolinate is added to the treatment at 200 mcg, 2‐3 times a day. During healing reactions, an
increase in the levels of glucose may be seen and the amount of insulin prescribed may need to be increased.
Encourage walking half to one hour a day.
Thrombophlebitis. This is a problem most commonly seen in pancreatic carcinomas. The patient needs
conventional treatment and modification of the Gerson Therapy. It may be helpful to elevate the legs and apply
clay packs.
186


Pleural effusions. This complication can be due to a primary or metastatic tumor. In cases where the patient is
not able to breathe in a recumbent position, it is necessary to do a tapping. The amounts of fluids and
supplements need to be adjusted.

Heart and vascular disease. High blood pressure responds exceptionally well to the Gerson Therapy.
Companions to patients should be screened for anti‐hypertensive medication, as we have observed hypotension
in both patient and companion following administration of the Gerson diet alone. Anti‐hypertensives should be
slowly decreased when we see that the blood pressure levels drop below 110/70. The diuretic medication will
be the first to discontinue. These patients should be started with 8‐10 juices per day and no more than 3
enemas. We will need to be careful with the amount of thyroid and Lugol’s. We start usually from 0.5‐1.0 gr of
thyroid per day and 3‐6 drops of Lugol’s solution. Potassium solution should be no more than 2 tsp. in each
juice. Start with only 3‐4 Niacin per day. The other supplements can continue on full dosages.
Atherosclerosis is usually eliminated using the Gerson protocol.
For a patient with a pace maker, the therapy must be extremely modified.

Heart condition. Sometimes there are patients with a weak heart taking digitalis medication. Patients need to be
monitored very closely to avoid any decompensating. The therapy needs to be modified including supplements
and fluid intake.

Cardio respiratory insufficiency. In this complication, the therapy needs to be discontinued. This patient can’t
tolerate the amounts of fluid intake or supplements that are required, and needs to be treated with
conventional treatment.

Kidney disease. Patients with kidney failure that are already on dialysis are not candidates for the Gerson
treatment. Due to the low protein diet, kidney disease can be helped depending on the percentage of kidney
damage: no less than 15‐20% function left. The treatment will be determined by the results of the blood test
(BUN, creatinine and potassium levels), and the clinical condition of the patient. Usually, the juices will be
started at a maximum of 2 oz. each and no more than 10 juices a day. They can be increased if indicated as safe.
The enemas should be reduced to 2 per day (24 oz. each). The coffee enema works to some degree as dialysis.
Thyroid, Lugol’s solution and potassium should not be utilized unless the physician thinks it’s safe. Maintain
usual dosages for the remainder of the supplements.

Liver failure. The program has to be modified to minimum quantities and because of that, the patient will not
obtain any benefit from the Gerson therapy. Sometimes, the practitioner can only improve the quality of life.
Colostomy. Patients with a colostomy receive 2‐3 24 oz. enemas per day through an irrigation kit. Enemas can
be mixed 50/50 with chamomile tea, to reduce cramping and spasms. The volume of juices should remain at 10
per day. Thyroid, Lugol’s solution and potassium will be modified according to the case; the rest of the
supplements remain on full dosage.

Ileostomy. We don’t recommend these patients do the therapy; however, when they have insisted, we
emphasize the nutritional program, enzymes and supplements, but potassium, Lugol’s solution and thyroid
should be maintained at minimum amounts. Enemas or irrigations obviously cannot be given.
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Ulcerative colitis. Patients with ulcerative colitis can have good results with the Gerson Therapy, but they will
need to be on the program for the rest of their lives. Chamomile replaces coffee in enemas at the onset of the
treatment, and certain raw foods are avoided for a short period of time. Of course these patients do not receive
castor oil treatments. A maximum of two coffee enemas at 24 oz., diluted with chamomile tea when the patient
is stable. Medications should be managed on dosages for non‐cancer patients.

Bleeding GI. Patients may have stress ulcers, ulcerative colitis, peptic disease, or liver dysfunction as a cause for
this. The therapy may need to be discontinued temporarily, and they will require conventional treatment; if
Hemoglobin levels drop fast or below 8, they will need a transfusion.

Hepatitis A, B, C. We have observed apparent full remission and restoration of hepatic function in some cases
using the Gerson protocol. Treatment is identical to chemotherapy patients. Liver enzymes should be carefully
watched and coffee enemas adjusted as necessary. No castor oil enemas. Milk thistle herbal therapy is
recommended for liver cell protection and support. We do not give thyroid or Lugol’s solution if they are weak
or in an activated state.

Emphysema. Some positive has been observed. Lung capacity can be increased, and related symptoms
controlled.

Chronic fatigue syndrome. Most of these patients will come with lead or mercury poisoning and/or EBV
positive. The therapy tends to work well for this condition, but patients should not expect to see significant
improvement for at least 8‐9 months. Patients can have the full 13‐juice protocol if desired. These patients
commonly feel worse (more depleted or toxic) after enemas in early stages of treatment. Two enemas daily are
normally suggested initially, working up to four. Too many enemas can trigger strong reactions. CFS patients also
tend to have extremely strong emotional responses (depression and crying) during and in between reaction
periods. Just a note: non‐cancer patients should receive protein after 3‐5 days on the treatment.

SLE and Rheumatoid Arthritis. These diseases respond exceptionally well, except in cases where steroids have
been in use for periods in excess of one year, or the patient has been pretreated with chemotherapy. Enemas
should be limited to 2‐3 day. Reactions can be severe, and patients must be monitored carefully during the
reaction period.
Multiple sclerosis. Good results have been observed in some patients, except where the patient has been
pretreated with chemotherapy. Significant improvement is not evident for 12‐18 months. Patients often report
apparent “progression” of disease in the first 3‐6 months, with improvement following.

Steroid treatment. Often prescribed for SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, GI disorders, brain tumors, and others.
Medications must not be discontinued suddenly. Using appropriate monitoring, some patients can be slowly
weaned off of the medication. These patients are more likely to have stomach irritation. Acidol and niacin
should be eliminated until five days after steroids have been eliminated and potassium should be reduced to 10‐
20 tsp./day. Start with only 2 coffee enemas per day.

Osteoporosis. The Gerson Therapy has been observed to be effective in improving calcification of bone,
especially because the carrot juices are very high in calcium.
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Ascites. It will require conventional management with periodical tappings and modifications of the Gerson
Therapy. The number of juices and enemas will need to be reduced

Pathological fractures. Often due to bone metastasis. These are treated with conventional medicine.
Bisphosphonates can be used along with the Gerson Therapy on a monthly basis. These medications are also
useful for hypercalcemia, which is another complication from bone metastasis.

Extreme emotional problems. May require counseling, the use of herbal or homeopathic interventions, or in
very extreme cases, temporary management with conventional antidepressants or mood stabilizing
medications. In most cases, however, enemas and reassurance from the treating practitioner, encouragement
that the program is working and progressing normally, will solve the problem.

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Surgery, Radiation and Chemotherapy as
Adjuncts to The Gerson Therapy

For many patients, the reason that an alternative therapy is chosen is because of fear or refusal of traditional
medical treatments. Some of those fears are with good reason, as certain conventional treatments are of
questionable benefit at best. Yet, we must also recognize that Dr. Gerson was originally a conventionally trained
allopathic physician and a true scientist who used whatever was appropriate and worked, regardless of the
philosophy, school of thought, or political “camp” from which it originated.
Through the years of medical practice, the way of thinking has changed, you need to be wise and think what will
be the best for your patient because it is a life in your hands. And then the question comes, what are you going
to do?
With that spirit, we must recognize that all of the traditional managements, including chemotherapy, can be
useful in certain cases.

Surgery
Surgical debulking of tumor masses is indicated in virtually any case were simple excision is possible, as
this will make it significantly easier for the body to rebuild itself if it does not also have to absorb a larger tumor
mass as well.
If a female comes because she felt a lump in her breast after the physical examination, and all the tests
like mammography, ultrasound, and needle biopsy are positive for malignancy, we recommend lumpectomy and
even mastectomy if it was necessary. For example, if you are dealing with infiltrating intraductal carcinoma you
can’t lose time, you need to go for surgery immediately (we don’t recommend needle biopsy because you can
spread malignant cells through that procedure).
Our research in the treatment of melanoma with Gerson therapy indicates that patients who receive
surgical intervention combined with the intensive Gerson protocol fare significantly better in long‐term survival
than those who receive solely surgery or Gerson treatment. Sometimes melanomas can block the small intestine
and as an emergency they need to do the surgery.
In pancreatic cancer, especially when it’s localized on the head, can cause a blockage in the main biliary
duct and patients will need to have minor surgery to insert a stent to bypass that blockage. If that’s not possible,
then the patient will need to go for major surgery. When that problem has been resolved and the patient can
eat and drink then the patient can begin the Gerson Therapy.

Peri‐Surgical Protocol for someone on the Gerson Therapy prior to surgery
‐ Five days before surgery, decrease:
‐ Thyroid to 1 grain a day
‐ Lugol’s solution to 2 drops a day
‐ Potassium to 1 tsp. in 10 juices
‐ Niacin to 50 mg, twice a day

Three days before surgery, discontinue all the supplements.
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Healing Reactions

The flare‐ups are usually an early event as one embarks on the Gerson Therapy. The first usually occurs
about seven to ten days after starting the full therapy, but is no longer the heaviest reaction, as it was in
Gerson’s day. Today, the first reaction usually lasts one to three days. Subsequent reactions will occur at
increasing intervals. In patients without previous or concurrent chemotherapeutic treatment, the heaviest
reaction usually occurs in the third or fourth month after initiation of treatment. In patients with a history of
chemotherapy, the heavy reaction period is more likely to occur in the fifth to sixth month.
One of the most important reasons for patients and practitioners to study the symptoms of the reaction
is to be able to recognize the start of a healing reaction. Many patients wait until they really feel quite bad
before they finally recognize they are in a reaction, have been so for some hours and should have been doing
something about relieving those symptoms. At the first sign of the healing reaction, certain remedies should be
immediately initiated. By doing this, many of the symptoms can be substantially relieved, the patient made
more comfortable and the healing reaction made more efficient by being able to remain on the full therapy. It is
important to be able to anticipate the reaction. Some early signs include lack of appetite, nausea, aversion to
certain of the foods and juices, headaches and grogginess.

Anatomy and Physiological Mechanisms
The healing flare‐up is a bodily complex reaction by the body as it attempts to detoxify. Due to the
greatly increased pollution of the environment, our bodies have reached the point where the internal waste
materials and the toxins from external sources cannot be released from the body as fast as they are being put
into the body. This occurs in spite of the substantial reserves built into the kidneys, lungs, lymphatic’s, skin and
especially the liver and gall bladder systems. These reserves have been steadily used up.
The body’s detoxification apparatus cannot handle the onslaught and is overcome. This steady increase
in toxicity affects all body organs and tissues but we will concentrate on the liver and gall bladder systems for
now. The liver’s functions are specially compromised. The liver has multiple functions but has a primary dual
role: 1. Filtration and storage of blood and 2. Storage of vitamins and iron and metabolic functions on
carbohydrates fats and proteins. As the liver becomes more and more toxic, its functions become deficient and
compromised. If the body cannot properly metabolize, break down, and utilize the nutrients it takes in, even
with the best of nutrients, there is a slow, steady deterioration of the general body state.
The average Gerson patient will not usually experience all of the following symptoms, and some exhibit
but a few. Patients who have been participating in other detoxification programs and are thus less toxic may not
have as strong a reaction. But the average patient should expect and, in fact hope for a good, efficient reaction
to get their body’s disease state turned around.

Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a body defense mechanism to flush out the irritating bile. The spasms are caused by the
caustic irritation of the nerves within the intestinal tract. The spasms are noted as a sharp intermittent cramping
pain in the lower abdomen. Flatulence is produced as another means to force the body to release toxins.
Though most of the bile goes down the intestinal tract, a substantial amount will back up from the sphincter of
Oddi and pool in the stomach. The bile irritates the sensitive lining of the stomach, and since bile is highly
alkaline, the stomach cannot hold it. This can cause lack of appetite, nausea, and if remedies are not used
properly and promptly, regurgitation.

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General Systemic Effects
As toxins and waste circulate through the body they cause another set of symptoms: flu‐like feelings,
characterized by muscular aches and pains throughout the body, headaches, perspiration, strong odor,
weakness, dizziness, and fainting spells. Intestinal spasms can be intensified by the toxic blood irritating the
nerves as it flows through the intestinal walls. Cold sores and fever blisters in and around the mouth can be
painful, making it difficult to eat and drink the juices. Muscle spasms can be noted during the first couple of
flare‐ups presenting mainly in the lower legs. These spasms can also be noted in other damaged areas of the
body such as back muscles protecting diseased areas of the vertebral column.

Inflammatory Pain
The inflammatory healing process that accompanies the reaction and is needed for proper healing to
take place can cause pain in diseased and damaged areas of the body. During the reaction arthritic joints may
become puffed up and more painful than previously experienced. Once the reaction has cleared, the swelling
and pain will be reduced. By the end of two to three reactions, the joints should be painless, have reduced in
size and have an increased range of motion.

Tumor Pain
The inflammatory process may cause pain in and around tumor masses as well as radiating out from the
tumors. When there is inflammation, edema or body fluid collects around the inflamed area. This causes
pressure on the nerves in the area resulting in pain. This is especially pertinent for patients with tumors
involving the nervous system, brain or along the spinal cord. As this edema surrounds the tumor mass, it may
seem to be increased in size. This process can put pressure on sensitive areas of the nervous system causing an
aggravation of the disease symptoms, suggesting the possible use of anti‐inflammatory drugs. This should be
avoided if at all possible for these drugs are by themselves most damaging to the healing body.

Scar Tissue Changes
During reactions changes in scar tissue can be noted. Even old scars may become very red and inflamed.
The patient may think the scar is infected. Following clearance of the reaction reduction of keloid tissue and
returning of the tissue to a more normal skin color is noted. Pain in the area of the liver and gall bladder has also
been described during the reaction. This pain, external from any malignancy in the area, can be caused by
spasms of sphincter of Oddi in response to the coffee enemas. The circulating toxic blood is also routed through
the blood supply of the brain. In spite of the blood/brain barrier, small amounts of toxins irritate the nerves,
making the patient groggy, lethargic, irritable, and experiencing depression or discouragement.

Depression
Three to four days into the reaction, the patient may not “see much light at the end of the tunnel,”
wonder if it is all worth it, and want to stop the therapy. It helps if the patient recognizes this process as a
physiological one caused by the toxicity. Once the reaction has cleared, toxic levels are lowered, and the
depression and discouragement will disappear.

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Weight loss
Weight loss is another symptom sometimes experienced during the healing reaction as a result of
improvement in tissue edema syndrome. Some patients will be quite concerned for they come to the program
already debilitated, weakened and underweight. The weight loss, which varies on the average from four to eight
pounds, is due almost entirely to the release of excess fluid from the body. Adipose and muscle tissue can
obviously not be broken down that rapidly. We have observed that abnormally low weights will be corrected by
the abundant nutrition of the Gerson diet when the reaction is over and the patient can eat again.

Allergic Rashes
Allergic rashes can appear during the reactions over any area of the body. They will usually clear up
spontaneously following completion of the reaction and should not be treated with antihistamines or other
conventional managements.

Toxic Reactions
Clinical observations have caused Gerson clinicians to identify the toxic reaction as a separate event
from a healing reaction. Sometimes, both a toxic reaction and a healing reaction will occur simultaneously. Toxic
reactions appear to be caused by contamination due to pesticides, herbicides, prescription drugs and street
drugs. These symptoms are well described by Dr. Gerson on pages 170 and 171 of A Cancer Therapy – Results of
Fifty Cases and can include emotional turbulence such as excitability, hyperirritability, anxiety, confusion,
hallucinations, inability to concentrate, inattentiveness, forgetfulness, depression, and especially extreme
apprehension. Other symptoms can include pain, constriction in the throat and chest, irregular headaches,
muscular twitching, insomnia, disturbing sensations in various parts of the skin, gastroenteritis, and muscle
weakness. Symptoms of the cardiovascular system have been noted in extreme cases. Alternating rapid and low
pulse on a frequent basis, dizziness, fainting and cold extremities have also been observed.

Dark Stools
These may not be seen in every patient, but are favorable to the healing‐detoxification process when
observed. The dark stool is a sign that the body has become very efficient at detoxifying. It is not the dark
shining tar‐like material discharged from the body when the patient has a bleeding ulcer, intestinal tumor mass
or bleeding ulcerative colitis. This is more a dull, dark green/grayish material noted in the stool and enema
returns. The dark color is caused by the high concentration of bile and the chemical changes it has undergone
coming down the intestinal tract. The gall bladder has become very efficient at flushing the bile and releases it in
such a high concentration that is still noted when released from the body. This symptom is not usually seen
during the early weeks of the program. It may last a day, several days, or be seen once or repeatedly. Many
patients have never experienced this symptom and have healed in a very satisfactory way. It is a good sign when
observed.

Fever
Fever is another important symptom. It is a sign that the body is responding to the program. The
average reaction fever runs about 101ºF – 104ºF. It will vary in part based on the patient’s basic metabolic body
temperature. The practitioner should advise patients to watch for infections that can entail a low‐grade fever.
The primary differences that can be noted between fevers from infections and healing reaction fevers are the
time of day and frequency. Healing fevers generally come on in the evening hours, breaking in the early morning,
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and typically last only one or two days. Fevers from infections are typically more noticeable in the afternoon,
and may last for many days if not treated.
Some patients may heal completely without ever experiencing fever. This is especially true in patients
with non‐malignant, degenerative disease. The fever may be noted only during the first two or three reactions.

Natural Remedies for the Healing Reaction

Lack of Appetite, Nausea, Regurgitation
Peppermint tea is utilized in abundance to stimulate hydrochloric acid productions and mechanically
flush the accumulated bile from the stomach to limit irritation to the sensitive lining of the stomach. The patient
is encouraged to use fresh lemon juice in the peppermint tea. S/he is also urged to use the two sweeteners –raw
sugar and honey‐ in the tea unless contraindicated (i.e. diabetes). Sweeteners provide the cancer patient with
extra calories for energy. There is a limit of two teaspoons of sweetener per 24 hours during reactions.

Oatmeal Gruel
Oatmeal gruel is used in large amounts during the reaction. It serves to mechanically flush the bile from
the stomach. In addition, it functions to soothe and protect the lining of the stomach and intestines and buffer
the effects of the juices and foods. Finally, it provides good nutrition at a time when the body may not be able to
accept much nutrition in any other form.
The oatmeal gruel is used in two forms:
1. By the cup from a warm thermos
2. Mixed up to 50/50 with each juice with the exception of liver juice.
Sweeteners are allowed as with the tea. A cup of tea or gruel may be taken every fifteen to twenty minutes
during the reaction if juices are not being fully consumed. Rather than depending on just tea or gruel, it is better
to use both. They each play a role. These liquids are also important as they assist the body in detoxification and
keep the body properly hydrated.

General Toxicity, Pain
At the first sign of reaction, the enema frequency should be increased from every four hours to three
hours and even to every two hours. Enemas can also be administered PRN upon appearance of specific
symptomology. CAUTION: Electrolyte monitoring must be considered when patients use more than 9 enemas in
one 24‐hour period, in cases of severe diarrhea or vomiting, or when more than two or three enemas are done
without juice replenishment. A good rule of thumb is that, on average, 3 juices should be consumed for each
enema taken. Potassium levels usually stay close to normal limits during reactions. Sodium and chlorides must
be monitored and may occasionally require supplementation (See Section on blood interpretation and keep in
mind that Gerson patients will almost always have lower “norms” of these two minerals than ordinary
populations).

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Modifications in Juices and Meals During Reactions
Juices
During the reaction, the body may develop an aversion to certain elements in the diet. The green juice is
one of the items most frequently noted. This juice may be immediately rejected by the body and thrown up. To
further complicate the problems the green juice comes along right after two of the meals, and along with the
juice, the meal will be lost. At that stage of the therapy, the meal is more important to the body than the juice,
which may need to be suspended temporarily by the oral route.

Juices by Enema
There is another marvelous way for the juice to be taken. With infants and young children, most of their
medication is given by suppositories into the rectum, showing the powers of absorption in that area of the
intestinal tract. It must be remembered that these juices contain much of your medications especially needed
during the reaction (potassium and Lugol’s solution). Whenever a juice (green, carrot/apple, or carrot) or any
part of it cannot be taken orally, it should be instilled rectally by enema. As juices are not over eight ounces the
enema will be easy to hold fifteen to twenty minutes and most will be absorbed. During severe reactions the
body may not be able to handle any of the regular juices. At these times, freshly prepared apple juice or
watermelon juice (unmedicated) is usually well tolerated. Warm juices are to be taken rectally at body
temperature. DO NOT dilute with water.

Dietary Modifications
During reactions, modifications to the diet are often necessary. Sometimes when the meal arrives, the
patient takes one look at a full tray of food and becomes immediately nauseous and discouraged. The
psychological reason is believed to be as follows: being debilitated, the patient knows how much his body needs
the nutrition. He also knows there is no possible way he can get that amount of food down. This causes
discouragement. There is also a physiological reason. During reactions, the senses of taste and smell become
unreliable. Patients acutely smell and taste foods, chemicals, and other “sensory flashbacks.” These are
materials that the patient has not been exposed to since starting treatment. One patient was kept awake most
of the night by the smell of cheeseburgers with onions. He erroneously assumed that the nursing staff was
cooking.
To combat these problems during the reaction, the patient should be asked what foods are desired.
Soup and potato are generally well tolerated. Fresh green leafy items such as the salads should generally be
avoided, as they are more likely to create digestive difficulties. In addition to the soup and potato, freshly
prepared applesauce or grated apple with pureed banana are usually well tolerated. In this case, the apples
should be peeled and cored as this normally good roughage is unwanted.

Intestinal Spasms and Cramping
These frequently painful symptoms are caused by strong irritation to the intestinal tract and can lead to
problems with the enemas. It becomes difficult to instill the full 32 oz. of coffee solution, difficult to hold the
enema for the full 12‐15 minutes, or the enema becomes trapped and cannot be released.

Control of diarrhea
As previously mentioned, diarrhea is a defense mechanism of the intestinal tract against irritating factors such as
bile. The first few hours of diarrhea are of some benefit as the irritating factors are being flushed from the body,
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but for the already debilitated patient more than several hours of diarrhea can be detrimental and an effort
must be made to bring about prompt control. We use the following protocol for diarrhea control for the first 2‐3
days and reassess:
Potassium Gluconate powder, 1/8 teaspoon (tip of teaspoon) in each cup of peppermint tea and gruel through
the day.
Ion‐Min Clay Powder ½ teaspoon in liquid 30 minutes before each meal and again at bedtime.
The diarrhea will usually be under control within 24 hours. Enemas may need to be changed from the
normal coffee enemas to two chamomile enemas per day. Charcoal tablets can be added (two 10 grain tablets
ground up with juice after each loose bowel movement).
If the diarrhea is not substantially improved at 48 hours, the cause may be bacterial rather than healing
reaction related. In these cases, while waiting for a laboratory analysis, Gerson recommended a protocol
including three daily meals of oatmeal with apple sauce containing a bit of brown sugar (i.e. sucanat), no coffee
enemas, no castor oil and no solid food. Should the tests be positive, appropriate antibiotics or homeopathic
remedies should be administered.

Hemorrhoids
Some patients find that hemorrhoidal irritation develops after a week or two. Generally, hemorrhoids
are a result of poor circulation in the anal area and are not caused by the Gerson treatment. In most cases, the
therapy has been observed to assist in the reabsorption of hemorrhoids. Also, hemorrhoids reappear when on
the therapy if they previously caused problems.
To avoid the pain and bleeding which results from anal irritation, two steps should be followed. At the
first sign of irritation, place a pliant rubber rectal catheter with adapter on the end of the clear plastic tube that
comes with the enema bucket. (Be sure to cut off the end of the plastic tube above the two side holes so no fluid
will leak out above the adapter). This should be sufficient to relieve the irritation. Should it not and the pain
makes it impossible to take further enemas, use Anusol suppositories for internal hemorrhoids and Desitin (baby
diaper rash ointment), pure aloe vera gel, or calendula cream for external hemorrhoids. Apply 20 to 30 minutes
before enema time. The use of Anusol ointment is not allowed as it contains a local anesthetic. There is no
restriction on the use of the Anusol suppositories or other external remedies listed. There are also homeopathic
herbal rectal suppositories available.
Irritation around the anal opening can also be caused by the caustic burning nature of the material being
released from the body, particularly in patients pretreated with chemotherapy. This can also lead to painful
enemas. At the first sign of irritation, Desitin should be employed. Before the enema is released, the affected
area should be well coated. This will give protection as the enema is released. Clean the area well following
release ‐‐ enema hygiene is very important. Then, coat the area again to protect, soothe and promote healing
until the next enema.

Vomiting
If appropriate modifications to diet and medications with the addition of gruel and peppermint tea do
not curtail or prevent vomiting, continue flushing the stomach with those liquids and add one quarter of the
contents of one capsule of Acidol pepsin to tea or gruel five to ten minutes before juice time. This will provide
the stomach with the necessary hydrochloric acid. It can take several juices for complete relief.

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Fever Blisters/Cold Sores
Use aloe vera juice within the mouth and aloe vera gel and/or mini clay packs for external use. Use
dental gel for internal use and ointment for external use.

Dry Skin
Though not directly related to healing reactions, dry skin can be a problem. This problem will naturally
self‐limit within a few weeks on the Gerson protocol, but in the meantime, patients may apply glycerin mixed
with a little distilled water over affected areas several times a day. Aloe vera gel and oatmeal baths can soothe
dry skin, rashes and other skin related ailments.
Lotions and hand creams tend to clog up the pores and restrict the body’s ability to properly breathe
and release waste materials.

Healing Fevers
It is most important to properly treat fever. Care must be taken not to stifle the fever and hold back the
healing process. If possible, allow 5 hours before intervention. A temperature of up to 104ºF needs little
treatment other than the already employed more frequent enemas, abundant liquids and a cool wash cloth on
the forehead. Occasionally, the fever may reach above 104ºF. Cool water sponging will usually control the
temperature above the 104ºF area. Never use alcohol sponging, as it is readily absorbed into the body and is a
toxin. Be careful to avoid exposure to drafts from windows and doors when sponging. If the fever continues
above 104ºF with the sponging methods, a cool water enema may need to be utilized. 32 oz. of cool distilled
water (70‐75ºF) are used. It is to hold for ten minutes. Repeat as needed to maintain temperature between
103ºF‐104ºF.

Winding down the Reaction

As the reaction reaches its final stages and the toxicity of the body is rapidly diminishing, an interesting
phenomenon can take place. The patient feels much better upon waking, and in general feels very relieved that
the reaction is now over. Two to three hours later the patient is back in a heavy reaction and can feel very
discouraged. The first day there may be only two to three hours of toxic‐free feeling. The next day four to six
hours and perhaps by the third day the reaction has fully abated. The moral of the story is to keep the remedies
going until the reaction has, in fact, passed. Following the reaction, the appetite usually improves, often
dramatically. The enzyme activity has been enhanced and the depleted body is ready for replenishment. The
patient will require frequent feedings, even during the night. Bowls of oatmeal and fruit plates should be
available to carry the patient thorough the night. If there is hunger during the day between the meals, additional
food should be provided. Fruit plates, extra baked potatoes, etc. Additional digestive aids are supplied to assist
the body in handling this extra food. The healing reaction can be an uncomfortable process, especially when not
properly handled. It is, however, a very necessary experience if the body is to respond and begin the healing.
With understanding of what the program is doing within the body, combined with dedication, will
power, and family support, all will be conquered.

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Severe Diarrhea Protocol for Gerson Patients

Per Charlotte Gerson ‐ December, 2000

Follow this regimen for two or three days and reassess:
• Diet consists of oatmeal, apple sauce and baked potato only.
• Juices: five apple/gruel (½ and ½) juices per day – for apple pectin to soothe the intestinal tract.
• Up to six cups of peppermint tea with ¼ tsp. Potassium gluconate powder in each cup.
• Two chamomile tea enemas per day will gently cleanse the colon.

When the diarrhea lets up, the patient can take one chamomile tea enema, followed 4‐6 hours later with one
coffee enema, and another one of chamomile tea at night. When the colon is calmed, the regular schedule may
be resumed, but some of the coffee enemas can still be mixed with chamomile tea.

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The Gerson In
nstitute Practitiooner Training – M
Module I

Coping With
C Healing Reaactions – Qu
uick Referen
nce Guide

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The Gerson Therapy Traiining Program fo
or Licensed Proffessionals The G
Gerson Institute 22013


Information to Help Identify Infections in the Body
SITE OF INFECTION SIGNS/SYMPTOMS
One of the following:

Chills Urgency
Fever > 99.5ºF Frequency
New or increased incontinence Dysuria
Urinary Tract Change in mental/functional status Flank pain/tenderness
AND
Urine culture > 10,000 colonies and no more than 2 organisms
Positive nitrite
WBC >10
Two of the following:
Runny nose or sneezing
Upper respiratory
Sore throat, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
tract Common cold
Stuffy nose or nasal congestion
Pharyngitis
Dry cough
Swollen/tender glands in the neck
Must have fever > 99.5ºF AND two of the following:
Influenza Chills Headache or eye pain

Myalgia Sore throat
Change in mental status Dry cough
Must have two of the following:
Cough, dry or productive
Increased sputum production
Lower respiratory
Rales, wheezes, rhonchi or SOB or respiratory rate > 25/min
tract and
Change in mental status
Pneumonia
Pleuritic chest pain
Fever > 99.5ºF
Sputum which is green or yellow
Purulent drainage from the site OR four of the following:
Skin:
Cellulitis
Fever > 99.5ºF Redness at site
Soft tissue
Worsening mental/functional status Heat at site
Injury Wound
Swelling or pain at site Serous drainage from site
Purulent drainage from one or both eyes > 24 hours
Conjunctivitis
New conjunctival redness > 24 hours
Surgical site infection Same criteria as skin

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Pain Control

The choice of the Gerson Therapy requires a different approach to the care of the body. Pain is the
body’s way of communicating that something is amiss. The patient must learn to listen to the body, addressing
the source, or root cause, rather than the symptom. It is important to recognize that analgesics as simple as
aspirin can have a negative effect on the healing response. Patients should, while they are healing, recognize
and reach for the non‐toxic pain control methods first, using aspirin and other drugs as a second line of defense
if the non‐toxic approaches fail. As every Gerson patient quickly learns, the coffee enema is the first line of
defense against pain. In addition to assisting the detoxification and healing process, the coffee enema is
remarkably effective in removing most types of pain from a cancer patient. In all cases, the enema should be the
first choice for pain control. Under certain conditions, notably bone pain associated with destruction of tumor
tissue and/or regeneration of damaged bone tissue, and in cases where progression or relapse of cancer has
occurred, the enema may not be enough.
Here are a number of additional methods that can be utilized for pain control, all of which are
compatible with the Gerson protocol if used as directed.

Enemas
During healing reactions, when toxic material is being excreted and pain increases, the frequency of enemas can
be increased, up to one every two hours, as long as all juices are being consumed. There is no significant concern
regarding electrolyte imbalance or dehydration as long as the patient is consuming all juices.

Castor oil packs
Pain in a specific area can frequently be controlled by the application of a castor oil pack to the affected
area. To make one, place a piece of plastic or other material on a non‐porous surface, such as a Formica counter.
Blue chux pads, sometimes called incontinence pads, are available at any medical supply store and are great for
this purpose and a variety of others. Put a piece of white cotton flannel on top and then spread a thin layer of
castor oil over the flannel. Place another piece of flannel on top of the first, and spread a thin layer of oil over
the second layer. Repeat with a third layer. If you don’t have cotton flannel, an old towel or piece of cotton
muslin will work in a pinch.
After you have completed the process, the whole assembly is picked up from the bottom, and the oily
surface is applied to the affected area, leaving the blue chux or plastic facing up, away from the skin. A hot water
bottle is then placed on top. This arrangement can be left for a number of hours, and can be taped in place for
overnight use. If you do plan to leave it on overnight, it is advisable to heat the hot water bottle. The castor oil
pack can be refrigerated and saved and re‐used on another occasion.
However, in cases of high toxicity, severe healing reactions, etc., castor oil packs should not be re‐used. Studies
done with HIV‐positive patients identified this precaution.

Clay packs
Clay packs are typically used more for inflammation, characterized by redness and elevated temperature around
the affected area, but are not used on open wounds. They can also be used in place of castor oil packs in most
cases, but tend to be a little messy. The clay assists in the removal and absorption of toxic materials through the
skin. Preparing a clay pack is similar to preparing a castor oil pack, except that the clay powder is mixed with
enough hot water to make a hot paste, which is then applied to a single layer of cotton muslin, and quickly
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placed on the affected area. Cover with a piece of plastic; then cover patient with a wool blanket or sweater so
he will not be chilled. The clay pack is usually taped in place and left on for several hours.
Since it dries out after a few hours, it is not usually advisable to leave it on overnight, although no harm
will come from doing so. Also, unlike the castor oil pack, a heating pad is not used and the clay pack cannot be
re‐used.

TENS Unit
If neither of the above mentioned methods brings relief, bone muscle and nerve pains can frequently be
controlled using a Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulator (TENS) Unit. This unit is a small, battery powered
device that replaces pain impulses with a gentle electrical pulse.
Many patients who have been in terrible pain have experienced almost complete relief through the use
of a TENS unit. The units usually require a doctor’s prescription, and can be purchased at a medical supply store.
Most insurance companies will pay for a TENS unit, if prescribed by a physician.

Lymphasizing (stroking)
Another non‐toxic method of pain control is “lymphasizing,” the stimulation of lymphatic flow toward
the heart through muscle contraction. One method of doing this is to have a friend lightly stroke or massage
your body with long, quick strokes over the torso, arms, and legs in the direction of the heart for ten to fifteen
minutes.
Another method is to stand on a miniature trampoline and very gently bounce on it, so that your feet are never
more than an inch or two off of the surface of the trampoline. A patient unable to stand can sit in a chair with
his/her feet placed on the mini‐tramp while a friend gently bounces the tramp. In either case, the trampoline is
usually used for no more than one minute at a time. Many patients with severe pain have reported dramatic
relief, often more effective than relief from codeine or other powerful analgesics, after only a few periods of
lymph‐stimulating activity such as the described above.
For more information, refer to Dr. Samuel West’s book The Golden Seven Plus One.

Hot Bath/Shower
For patients with severe bone pain, a hot bath or shower, with water as hot as the patient can tolerate (104‐108
ºF), is very soothing and relaxing, and is frequently reported as effective in controlling pain (non‐
fluoridated/chlorinated water must be used).

Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathy uses mostly naturally occurring substances such as herbs, minerals or plants prepared in a
special diluted, “potentized” formula. The “active ingredient” is present in such a tiny amount that it serves only
to activate functions within the body’s own systems. The remedy itself has no direct ability to block pain; it can
only stimulate the body’s own systems to achieve the desired effect. For this reason, homeopathic remedies are
not toxic to the body in any way, do not interfere with the normal function of the body, and can be extremely
effective in the control of a variety of symptoms associated with cancer. Although there are literally thousands
of remedies, each with their own specific indications and actions, there are a number of remedies effective in
the control of pain. The appropriate use of homeopathies is beyond the scope of this book, and we recommend
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postgraduate education programs (such as those offered by the National Center for Homeopathy) for the
practitioner seeking to effectively utilize these remedies.

The methods described so far are effective and, except for the enemas, can be used continuously without any
adverse effect on the patient whatsoever. These are therefore recommended as the methods to be used first.

Pain Triad
Another method of pain control with minimal negative effects on the patient is the pain triad used by
Dr. Gerson: a combination of one aspirin, one 50 mg niacin tablet, and one 500 mg tablet of ascorbic acid
(Vitamin C). The combination of niacin and vitamin C helps the body to assimilate the aspirin, increasing its
efficacy. The triad should only be used if the enema and other methods describe above are unsuccessful, and
should be limited to no more than one dose in four hours. Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen) and other
over‐the counter analgesics should be used only if aspirin is ineffective, as they tend to be more toxic, and may
impede disposal of waste material by the liver.

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Gerson Therapy Pain Management Protocol

Pain can have many causes such as: pressure from existing tumor; inflammation at tumor site or at old injury
site, healing reaction during the Gerson Therapy.

Definition of Flare‐up/Reaction: “A response by the body in general, and the immune system in particular,
1
causing an increase in detoxification and healing processes”

Causes: This may be the body’s attempt to rid itself of diseased tissue, eliminate toxins of all types, and rebuild
healthy tissues. Pain can start as much as 48‐72 hours prior to reaction. It is usually self‐limiting, lasting up to
72 hours post reaction.

Methods of pain relief

1. Coffee enema
2. Castor oil pack
3. Clay Pack
4. TENS unit
5. Lymphasizing (light stroking massage)
6. Pain Triad: 1 aspirin 325 mg, 1 niacin 50 mg, 1 vitamin C 500 mg.
7. Acupuncture

Stress Reduction Techniques

These supportive modalities can enhance any of the above methods for relief of pain, and promote a sense of
well‐being.

Relaxation Techniques: Energy work:
Breathe Work/Breathing Techniques Healing Touch/Therapeutic Touch
Guided Imagery Reiki
Music Therapy Others:
Hypnosis
Prayer
Meditation

1
The Gerson Therapy Handbook, page 22.
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Emergency Pain Symptom Management Kit

This “kit” can be used when pain is not relieved by above methods. This “detour” from the above methods is
only temporary until pain is effectively controlled. It is important to manage pain effectively and early so it will
not escalate and 1) Interfere with the ability to do the therapy 2) interfere with sleep 3) deplete all emotional
and physical reserves. Addressing the pain early and effectively will also decrease the need for more
medication, and length of time needed for these. Ask your doctor for a prescription as soon as possible.

1. Non‐prescriptive Ibuprofen/Motrin. Anti‐inflammatory drugs can interfere with the natural inflammation
process created on the Gerson Therapy, please use on limited basis.

2. Stronger prescriptive medication such as: Vicodin, Percodan & short‐acting Morphine (also known as “
immediate release”) in sub‐lingual or oral form, 10mg/tab, or Roxinal liquid 20mg/ml
(5mg = 0.25ml via dropper or sublingual).

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Gerson Therapy as Palliative Care

What does Palliative Care mean or imply? Palliative Care can best be defined as physical,
mental/emotional and spiritual care provided to a patient with a serious and far advanced diagnosis, as well as
support for the family/significant others in this patient’s life continuum.
For the purposes of utilization with the Gerson Therapy, this may include goals of pain relief and/or
management with a minimum of pharmaceutical and/or controlled substances, symptom control, the possibility
of life extension ‐– which may or may not occur ‐‐ and the potential for improved quality of life, perhaps the
most meaningful reason for approaching any kind of palliative care treatment.
Frequently patient files are reviewed and the question comes to us: Can this Therapy offer hope for
remission/recovery or cure? In some cases, the answer is “likely not.” However, in the vein of “not giving false
hope but neither giving false despair,” the patient needs to be considered for eligibility and acceptance when in
fact he/she is still ambulatory, and able to eat, drink, and eliminate. All too often, patients are of an increasingly
younger age (even children) that are feeling and functioning rather well but have been told:
• The disease is inoperable and too advanced, there is nothing we can do for you, go home and get your
affairs in order
• You have received all the chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy we can administer, therefore you may
enter the hospice program since your life expectancy is now six months or less
Now, for example, if a patient is 38 years old, has two young children and a wife, he may not want to or
be able to simply “give up, do nothing, take rapidly increasing amounts of narcotics and prepare to die.” This is
simply not acceptable for any number of patients who have inquired about the Gerson Therapy.
It is our philosophy that individuals can make the choice to use the Therapy to gain back some of their
sense of well‐being, reduce and minimize edema, increase their energy and minimize the use of their narcotics
using coffee enemas in their place. For many patients, this does allow them to have a clearer mind, fewer
disease symptoms and the opportunity to have more quality time with their family and loved ones. Often it can
mean a more peaceful dying/death time. However, if their particular diagnosis warrants narcotic pain control
nearer to the end of life, inviting the local hospice agency to help them can always help to facilitate this. If this is
not available, the family physician can also provide the necessary medications when needed as deemed by the
patient and family and Gerson practitioner (who may or may not function as the primary physician).
Patients on “Gerson palliative care” will be placed on a modified therapy dependent on their history and
physical condition at the time of admission. They will be monitored carefully on a day‐to‐day basis to evaluate
tolerance. The Therapy is gradually increased as tolerated but with the goals of comfort care. However, if steady
improvement appears to be happening even for a little while, the continued Therapy may shift to a potential for
remission or the occasional “miracle” of cure has happened. (Recovered patient, P.A., Dx: pancreatic cancer,
stage III‐IV, now living a full and happy life in British Columbia since doing the Therapy in 1986; or recovered
patient, J.H., Dx: melanoma with metastasis to brain, neck, tongue, ovary, colon, age 26, recovered in 1992. Both
these patients were told to go home and prepare for a swiftly arriving angel of death).
They chose the Gerson Therapy and life continues to happen for them when all indicators pointed in
another direction. Again, we don’t give false hope, but we simply cannot give false despair. We have seen too
many recover, as did Dr. Gerson while he was “Curing the Incurables” so many years ago. In this respect, little
has changed as we continue to offer his Therapy and work for those who choose it.
We must always bear in mind to have a great deal of compassion, consciousness and mindfulness when
evaluating these patients. Who are they? What are their life stories about before and since diagnosis? What is
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the involvement and understanding of family members or significant other care takers? To give a little hope is to
give at least an opportunity to live life with fullness, awareness and appreciation of each day even with the
caveat of “no guarantees.” Much can be accomplished when placed in the proper light of love and support with
individualized care.

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Interventions in Crisis Management

One of the most important issues in managing crises effectively is the confidence of the practitioner. The
patient’s comfort level and tolerance of any difficulty will increase significantly if the practitioner is poised and
confident in his or her ability to manage the reaction or other situation.

Time frame
A crisis can occur at any time, but we have observed that crises of various types tend to occur
particularly in the first several weeks of the treatment, as the body adjusts to the protocol and begins
responding against the disease.
On a day‐to‐day basis, we have repeatedly observed that, even when not in reaction, patients will often
experience difficulties in the late afternoon or evening hours, probably due to the cumulative effects of the
juices and medications given throughout the morning and afternoon hours. For the practitioner managing an
inpatient facility, it is desirable to have experienced staff either present or on call for the evening and night
hours. For the practitioner working on an outpatient basis, access to after‐hours consultations should be
arranged.

Bleeding, Gastro‐Intestinal
Gastro‐intestinal bleeding will require conventional management. The Therapy may need to be
discontinued temporarily. In almost all cases, thyroid and niacin must be reduced or completely eliminated until
the problem is resolved. In cases of lower gastro‐intestinal bleeding, enemas must be eliminated until bleeding
is resolved. Occult blood should be monitored every 2‐3 days; after 5 days with negative findings, a chamomile
enema may be reintroduced, followed by chamomile/coffee and eventually pure coffee enemas after 2‐3 weeks
or as tolerated by the patient.

Extreme Emotional Problems
Extreme emotional problems may require counseling: the use of herbal or homeopathic interventions,
or in very extreme cases, temporary management with conventional antidepressant or mood stabilizing
medications. In most cases, however, enemas and reassurance from the treating practitioner, giving
encouragement that the program is working and progressing normally, will solve the problem.

Extreme Nausea and Vomiting
Extreme nausea and vomiting which does not respond to normal intervention (peppermint tea, gruel,
homeopathic ipecac), may signal other than a normal disorder. It is important to recognize that sudden physical
changes can occur in Gerson patients, particularly during reactions.
Mechanical pressure on the stomach can cause nausea and vomiting, and has occasionally been seen to
appear without warning in cases where visceral organs may be involved. If Gerson management is not effective,
conventional management may need to be employed to increase motility of the stomach temporarily, until the
natural healing process reduces mechanical pressure.
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Brain involvement resulting in brain edema has been seen to cause projectile vomiting and extreme
nausea. This must be managed conventionally using appropriate steroids or other anti‐inflammatory drugs as
necessary.
Hypertension (see below) can be a cause or contributing factor.

Glucose Intolerance in Diabetes and Pancreas Involvement
Glucose intolerance in diabetes and pancreas involvement will also sometimes occur during reactions. In
these cases, reduce fruits and add more green juices. Monitor glucose carefully. It is not uncommon for patients
to need temporary insulin supplementation during reactions. (See modifications page 62)

Hypertension Episodes
Hypertension episodes do not generally require management unless diastolic pressure rises above 100,
or patient presents with symptoms of headache, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, or other classic signs. In
such cases, temporary use of conventional management is indicated. In cases where these symptoms present
during healing reactions, enemas should be decreased (but not eliminated) and thyroid should be lowered. An
antihypertensive may be given for 48 hours, and then gradually tapered with clinical monitoring.

Occlusions
Occlusions will require elimination of oral medications. In most cases, the Therapy must be temporarily
discontinued, and intravenous solutions (Hartmann’s/Lactated Ringer’s) with added potassium used.

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Practitioners: Common Mistakes

It is always challenging for the practitioner new to Gerson protocols to “unlearn” some of the
conventional intervention techniques that have been employed in the past. While one should never abandon
the common sense and wisdom gained from practical experience, the key to successfully managing Gerson
patients is to develop and hone “practitioner’s intuition.”
Our experience is that most medical education programs employ a symptomatic approach to both
diagnosis and management. We must consider each occurrence in the patient in the context of the whole
person, and recognize the inherent intelligence that exists within the body’s systems. Many times, what
conventional practitioners will observe as a harmful “side effect” or negative reaction is, in fact, the body’s way
of either trying to rid itself of undesirable elements, or to draw attention to a dysfunction that requires
correction.
The first step in avoiding common pitfalls is to take any symptom or patient report and attempt to see if
it can be viewed in other than a symptomatic or negative way. We must, of course, act quickly if the patient is
truly in a life‐threatening situation, but most problems that Gerson patients face do not fall into that category.
The second step is almost the opposite. We must consider that some situations we might interpret as
flare‐ups could actually be infections, and that some “healing pain” could be progression. At the outset, every
situation must be viewed as unique. All possibilities must be considered. Time and experience on the part of the
practitioner will eventually make this job much easier.
Over our years of experience at various treatment centers, we have observed the following as common
mistakes made by practitioners.

1. Not being clear about your role
• Cancer patients may expect more than you can or should give since they need a lot of support. You
need to determine and explain your parameters as a practitioner, teacher, and liaison with GP/oncologist and
try to keep the patient focused on completing the therapy correctly without getting sidetracked. Establish how
much support or opposition there is for the patient.
• Refer to other therapists with caution – preferably to those with knowledge of the Gerson Therapy.

2. Not establishing the facts from the outset
From the very first call you need to have enough information to know how to proceed,
• Disease and staging
• Primary and secondary sites, metastases
• Other diseases and treatment / medications

• Dates of initial diagnosis and recurrence
• Previous surgery, particularly implants, GIT
• Treatment to date (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal, alternative)
• Client knowledge of and reason for choosing the Gerson Therapy (curative, palliative, empowering,
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pain control)
3. Not laying out the requirements for the first consultation
If you decide to take the patient on, he/she needs to be completely familiar with the Therapy through reading,
videos, or training. Patients are advised to attend with a caregiver, as they do not always remember details. You
need the following, without which you cannot prescribe certain medications.
• Initial admission questionnaire
• Investigation and medical reports
• Blood tests, thyroid function, blood chemistry and tumor markers

4. Not ensuring that the client takes self‐responsibility
Well‐prepared patients understand that they need to self‐manage the nutritional program, which will take a
relatively long period of time, and that they need to adhere to the Gerson methods of managing symptoms and
pain control. The patient and caregiver perspective and understanding of the body’s response to the Therapy is
vital, as it will guide their reactions to physical and emotional symptoms. We need to respect the individually of
patients, who often make additions that can be extremely helpful, but make sure there is sufficient compliance
for the patient to have success.

5. Not obtaining maximum information initially and at follow‐up
An accurate assessment at each consultation depends on this, and the questionnaires have been prepared
asking for a lot of detail. We have learned through experience that stress, illness, pain, and the emotions
influence communications, understanding, and retention. Patients and caregivers make mistakes, so it is worth
using open‐ended questions to find out what they are actually doing. Patients often do not recognize the
significance of what they are experiencing and may forget to mention any of the following:
• Loss of weight, energy, fatigue, how much rest or exercise they are taking, whether they are still
working (and how much).
• Sleep patterns and quality
• Resorting to other drugs or treatment
• Symptoms of healing reactions
• Worries and problems
• Food preparation or nutritional errors. Sometimes they cannot find items so leave them out or choose
not to cook food. Some with dairy intolerance need to find another protein substitute.
• Preparing medications incorrectly, especially potassium salts.
• Errors in preparing the coffee for enemas and in making or administering enemas, castor oil and clay.
• Signs of detoxification, such as difficulty holding the early morning enema, nausea and diarrhea
• Different types of fever. Some situations that we might interpret as flare‐ups could actually be
infections, and some ‘healing pain’ could be progression. View every situation as unique and consider all
possibilities.
• Overly conservative interpretation of blood results. It is common to see variations outside of normal
range in Gerson patients. Practitioners who do not understand, or are too conservative, will often make
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inappropriate protocol modifications, and can inadvertently impact healing processes that were
previously proceeding effectively.
• Thyroid. Practitioners are frequently afraid to utilize the full dosages of thyroid, even in stronger
patients. Thyroid is also often reduced too quickly. The use of blood work in combination with the basal
metabolism temperature will be a reliable indicator of the appropriate dosage levels of the thyroid
medication. Do not forget that the clinical response to changes in thyroid medication can take from
seven to ten days to appear. Basal temperature changes can take 4‐6 weeks to show up.

6. Not having follow‐up if nothing is happening
Regular monthly appointments and blood tests and urinalysis are important during the first 6 months and may
be changed to twice monthly thereafter. Changes to the Therapy are made according to the results, even though
nothing seems to be happening to the patient. It is a mistake to stop consultations during “quiet” periods.

7. Enemas
The unsure practitioner will often discontinue enemas at any sign of difficulty, when in fact this can
exacerbate the problem. If there is obvious symptomology indicative of severe electrolyte imbalance, then
restriction of enemas is indicated. Under most circumstances, however, enemas assist the body in clearing the
problems. In other cases, we see practitioners afraid to prescribe the full five enemas where appropriate, or
practitioners too quick to reduce enemas during follow‐up protocol management.

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Patients: Common Mistakes

1. Medications

• Patients often make a mistake in the constituting of the potassium solution and use as a powder
• Patients often self‐medicate and follow out‐of date instructions in A Cancer Therapy rather than up‐
to‐date practitioner advice based on blood results and symptoms. Practitioners should educate patients
as to the individuality of the protocol for each diagnosis and each particular patient, also helping them
to understand that even though “the book” may advocate a more rigorous medication schedule, such
can actually be detrimental to some cases.
• If follow‐up consultations are not regular, initial doses may be taken for far too long. This is
particularly deleterious with the dose of thyroid, Lugol’s, and the potassium solution after the first 4
weeks of the intensive stage and may lead to weight loss. Patients sometimes mistake the Lugol’s
solution dosage as drops per juice instead of drops per day.
• Practitioners are frequently afraid to use the full dosages of thyroid, even in stronger patients. The
use of blood work in combination with the basal metabolism will be a reliable indicator. Basal
temperature changes can take 4‐6 weeks to show up. Thyroid medication reduction takes about a week
to 10 days to show an effect, so do not reduce inappropriately because of tachycardia. There may be
other reasons for this, e.g. caffeine stimulation.
• Pain control and fevers are sometimes treated in a conventional way with liver toxic drugs, e.g.
Paracetamol. Narcotics will put additional strain on the liver, slow peristalsis, and make elimination
more difficult. Effective pain relief is often achieved simply from the lowered sodium and increased
potassium in the diet, the medications, and enemas that reduce edema.
• Practitioners are too eager to reduce and eliminate conventional medications and severe side effects
may result. Antihypertensives, anti‐inflammatories and analgesics should be weaned away slowly as
they may affect the healing process.
• Taking medications prematurely to reduce fever. Not recognizing the cause of fevers. Fever is a
positive sign in the Gerson patient in most cases as a natural and desirable by‐product of the reaction
process. However, an improper diagnosis, as in the fevers of lymphoma or viral and bacterial infections,
can be extremely dangerous. Unchecked, an infection lasting only a few days can abort the natural
healing processes against cancer and contribute to recurrence or progression of the disease.
• Overly cautious interpretation of blood results. Gerson patients can have variations outside the
normal range so practitioners who are too conservative can inadvertently impact healing processes.

2. Hygiene and Infection
Care must be taken in the preparation of food and the preparation and taking of enemas. Hand washing
is important, as is the cleaning of enema equipment. Equipment should not be left soaking in solutions,
particularly the rubber tubing which will swell. Kitchen helpers or visitors with colds, diarrhea, viruses, or
bacteria should not prepare food and juices and visiting should be restricted in these circumstances. Infections
can be difficult to eliminate in patients with a weakened immune response. Surfaces such as doorknobs and
surfaces can be disinfected with hydrogen peroxide or other non‐toxic disinfectant.

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3. Environmental and Other Toxicity
Failure to recognize and remove all sources of toxicity, i.e. water, chemicals, washing agents, traffic
pollution, DIY fluids, paint, aerosol sprays, fluoride, cooking pans, and electrical pollution, (such as VDU screens
electromagnetic radiation).

4. Dietary Regime and General Compliance
• Only drinking juices and skipping meals or not eating
• Not eating the Hippocrates Soup
• Insufficient intake of protein (particularly oatmeal, carrots and potato) and failure to
prepare/germinate seeds and legumes
• Heating the flax seed oil or low fat yogurt/pot cheese
• Using low fat rather than fat free dairy
• Using inappropriate cooking utensils or methods
• Eating too much and incorrect protein or fat
• Because of the displacing effect of chlorine and fluoride on iodine uptake and the thyroid gland,
distilled or reverse osmosis water must be used for ingestion and food preparation.
• Difficulty in the supply of organic vegetables and fruit may lead to patients using non‐organic supplies.
This is particularly dangerous when juices and the concentrates are increased.
• Inadequate maintenance diet for health when the Therapy has been stopped
• Tapering the dietary regime at the wrong rate or discontinuing the Therapy too soon
• Working too much, or too much stress and exercise

5. Enemas
• Preparation
Too concentrated or too dilute
Using the wrong method of brewing, e.g. coffee machine/percolator. It must be cooked on the stove.
Inorganic coffee instead of organic
• Type of enema
High colonics that wash the colon are not correct. This causes loss of electrolytes as a bowel wash and
does not stimulate the liver. The strict Gerson Therapy, high in pancreatic enzymes, will slowly loosen the
mucous adhering to the colon and alleviate a toxic colon.
• Frequency of enemas
Patients previously treated on chemotherapy cannot take as many enemas
Enemas usually assist the body in clearing problems; however, flatulence due to poor digestion rather than
toxicity may not improve. Lying on the left side, mobility and gentle walking and increasing pancreatic enzymes
may help.
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It is not advisable to increase enemas to more than 9 in 24 hours without increasing the juices as it may lead to
electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. A general guideline is 3 juices to 1 enema.
• Reduction or cessation of enemas
Unsure practitioners are often too quick to reduce/discontinue enemas at any sign of difficulty, but this
may exacerbate the problem.
In times of flare‐ups enemas must be increased and the number depends upon the tumor size and
detoxification/toxic symptoms
Nausea is not caused by the coffee enema but by the toxic bile that may reflux into the stomach. Sip
peppermint tea.
Bowel function is not lost and will return to normal so there is no need to fear.
Patients may experience a flush or tachycardia after taking enemas but this is no reason to reduce or
stop them.
Enema administration may irritate existing hemorrhoids, and patients feeling pain/burning in the rectum
or anus may panic and stop.
• Discontinued if too difficult
Only in severe electrolyte imbalance, otherwise they usually assist in clearing the problems.
Inexperience sometimes leads to reluctance to prescribe the full 5 enemas and too quick a reduction.

6. Protein Use
• Failure to restrict protein – it is essential to recognize the synergistic interaction of the protein, fat and
sodium restriction in combination with Lugol’s solution, thyroid, and potassium. This produces a rapid
reversal of the tissue damage syndrome.

• Failure to add protein – after 4‐6 weeks it is necessary to introduce certain proteins in prescribed
amounts because of the need for healing and to prevent adverse effects on the immune system.
• Use of inappropriate protein – plant based proteins are too high in sodium and may cause other
problems. Non‐fat, soured dairy proteins or bee pollen is recommended. Meat contributes to elevated
urea, is too difficult to digest, and is high in salt and fat. Fish and chicken may be added at much later
date in certain circumstances.

Deviations from the Gerson Therapy
These fall into intentional and unintentional categories. Deviations are usually discovered only when a
patient is doing poorly, and “detective work” is undertaken to ascertain the reason. We must walk a fine line
here, as it is the individuality of the patient that makes them open to the treatment in the first place. The
important thing is for the practitioner to be seen by the patient as openhanded and flexible, while still
maintaining compliance to the Therapy as much as possible. Some additions that patients make on their own
can be extremely helpful; some are definitely harmful. Practitioners are advised to carefully question all patients
during follow‐up to determine if patients have added any new items, activities, medications, food, or otherwise
to the protocol, and to evaluate for the patient the potential positive or negative impact.

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Fever
Fever is a positive sign in the Gerson patient in most cases. Practitioners often act (sometimes at the
patient’s request) to control fevers, or treat the symptoms as indicators of bacterial or viral infections, when in
fact they are natural and desirable byproducts of the reaction process.
Conversely, the improper diagnosis of a viral or bacterial infection as a flare‐up or healing reaction can
be extremely dangerous. Unchecked, an infection lasting only a few days can abort the natural healing processes
against cancer, and contribute to recurrence or progression of disease.

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Environmental Factors and Other Restrictions

We have already touched upon environmental contaminants in other sections of this manual. The
following are guidelines developed both from Dr. Gerson’s clinical experiences and from observations and
external research we have studied and observed over the past twenty years.

Our Philosophy on Restrictions
Some patients may object to the overall Gerson protocol on the basis of the rigidity and broad
limitations in both diet and lifestyle. We must recognize that in all cases there is a balance between what is ideal
(most likely to produce a positive outcome) and where the threshold for patient compliance is found. If the
protocol is perceived by the patient as overly restrictive, s/he will simply refuse to follow it at all, and may be
lost. On the other hand, we have seen many cases where certain “minor” deviations have apparently stimulated
progression of disease.
While we do not have significant epidemiological evidence to support many of the restrictions described
below, we prefer to err on the side of conservatism, and we report the potential problems we are aware of
below. In some cases, we have only a single instance or a handful of instances of problems with a given material
or activity. We report all such risk factors so that the clinician and patient may be aware of the potential risks.

Altitude
Dr. Gerson reported that patients living in altitudes above 3,000 feet typically did not do well. We have
seen patients living at high altitudes fail, but we have also noted that a number of our recovered patients are
currently living at high altitudes. We do not have any epidemiological data to support Dr. Gerson’s claim, but we
recommend it as a consideration until such time as we can more accurately evaluate the importance. It should
also be pointed out that, although oxygen is less available at high altitudes, in many areas, the air is also cleaner,
and the possible benefits of living in cleaner, high altitude air versus smoggy, lower altitudes must be
considered.

Cosmetics
Cosmetics, including hair dyes, sprays, colorants, all creams, foundations, lipstick, rouge, etc. should be
eliminated. We have observed patients ignore this limitation and still heal, but we have also observed failures
that anecdotally appear to have correlation to the use of cosmetics. The short rule is, if it isn’t healthy to eat, it
isn’t healthy to put on your skin.

Deodorants and Antiperspirants
All antiperspirants are prohibited, as we do not want to inhibit perspiration as a means of waste
elimination by the body. Any deodorant containing aluminum, sodium in any form, or any component that
serves to limit perspiration is prohibited. This includes deodorant “stones”, as they contain alum. Non‐
perspiration blocking, natural disinfectant‐type deodorants, such as Lavlin, may be cautiously used when
absolutely necessary. Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water is also helpful. A healthy person will not
have disagreeable odor when sweating.

217


Environmental Toxins and Out‐Gassing in the Home and Work Environment
The importance of eliminating exposures to reactive or carcinogenic gases, solvents, and other materials
has been empirically observed in numerous patients. This includes most carpeting, paints, plywood or
particleboards, glues, plastics, many industrial or home chemicals. We have observed patients who were making
significant improvement suddenly have difficulties and recurrence of disease as a result of moving to a newly
built home or office environment. Many occupations also involve exposure to environmental pollutants that
should be avoided.

218

 NAME: D.N.
 AGE: She was 39 years old when she
first arrived with us to the clinic.
 PROFESSION: Mother of 2 children
when she arrived, one of her own in
the other is adopted. Housewife.
 RELIGION: Christian.
 D.O.B: August/11/1968. Born in
Maryland.
FAMILY HISTORY:
Her grandmother on her mother side was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Father 64 years old and is diabetic, mother is 63 years old she was
diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), she has
only one brother of 35 years old and he is apparently healthy.
SOCIAL HISTORY:
Smoking: she stopped smoking in 1996 and smoked for 10 years
approximately 6 cigarettes per day. Alcoholism; negative. Drug or
substance abuse; negative. Medications; none.
G-O HERSTORY:
Menarch: age 13, rythm: irregular, G-1, P-1, A-0, C-0, date of last
menstrual period: November/19/2007. Date of last papanicolao:
May/2007 with negative results. Hormonal treatments: birth control
therapy for 7 years during 1986 - 1992 and again in 1994. Date of last
birth: 2005 (the other is adopted).
219
Had an appendectomy at age 12. On may/02/2007 had right
salpingooferectomy, the pathology report showed ovarian
malignancy = high grade clear cell carcinoma, 15 cm in
maximum dimension. (Copy of pathological report and surgical
report pg. 8). The left ovary was not removed! Had also during
the surgery omenetectomy = this was negative for metastasis.
Lymph nodes examined = left and right pelvic and right
periaortic - 10 lymph nodes with no evidence of metastatic
carcinoma the main specimen the right tube and right ovary
consisted in a well circumscribed cystic/solid tumor measuring
= 15 x 10 x 9 cm. P-TNM classification: T1c No Mx. Her doctors
recommended she do a total hysterectomy but she still wanted
to have more children so they did not do the hysterectomy and
respected the left ovary (later she suffered metastasis to the left
ovary and peritoneal implants causing ascites).
Female patient 39 years old comes to our clinic walking on her own power, she is very nice
lady very cooperative and happy to be in our clinic, she is alert and well oriented with no
signs of distress or pain. The reason she came to us is because she was diagnosed in
May/2007 with right ovarian carcinoma of epithelial clear cells high grade (very aggressive
tumor); her disease started with a heavy and painful menstrual period, her doctor
recommended her to do an x ray study = abdominal-pelvic echography which found a
suspicious mass in the right ovary, his doctor later ordered a abdominal-pelvic ct scan which
confirmed the presence of a right ovarian mass, she was later scheduled for surgery to
remove the right ovarian tumor, the tumor measured 15 x 10 x 9 cm (surgery was performed
on may/02/2007) the surgeon performed a right salpingoferectomy without hysterectomy
(patient still wanted to have more baby's), patient tolerated very well the surgery with no
complications, after the surgery her doctors in the us recommended to continue with
chemotherapy but she refused, in august/2007 her doctor performed a pelvic ultrasound
study in August/23/2007 = finding a large amount of fluid in the cul-de -sac surrounding
the pelvic organs (copy of the pelvic ultrasound). Impression of the study = 1) Interval
removal of large complex right ovarian mass. 2) Suspect recurrent malignancy with large
amount of fluid in the pelvis suspicious of peritoneal metastasis and in the left
ovarian/adnexal area there is a 4.9 cm complex mass, which if not the left ovary, is a
metastatic mass. Recommend additional evaluation by a ct scan of abdomen-pelvis. The ct
scan of thorax-abdomen-pelvis was done on October/03/2007 reporting = 1) Large amount
of fluid (ascites) arising out of the pelvis this is concerning for recurrence. 2) No evidence for
distant metastases. Her doctors again insisted in recommending chemotherapy but patient
refused and decided to start looking for another natural non-toxic alternative therapy and
found the Gerson Therapy.
DIGESTIVE: no health problem.
RESPIRATORY: negative.
CARDIOVASCULAR: with no pathological findings.
GENITOURINARY: negative.
NEUROLOGICAL: negative.
OSTEOMUSCULAR: negative.
SKIN: negative for health problems.
ORGAN OF THE SENSES: no history.
220
PHYSICAL EXAM:
She is in good general condition with no pain or distress. She is alert and well oriented, she
is a hard working house wife. She is cooperative and very happy to be in our nutritional
clinic.
Vital signs stable : BP = 120/80, H.R. = 76 x minute, Temperature = 36.4’C . /
97.52 F
Weight = 51 kg Height = 162 cm BMI = 19.4 nutritional diagnosis moderate
malnutrition
HEAD-NECK:
Head normocefaphalic, pupils with good response to the light, sclera anicteric with good
color, oral cavity with mucous well hydrated with signs of chronic inflammation of tonsils at
this moment there is no active inflammatory or infectious process. Ears external auditive
duct permeable with the tympanic membrane intact. Neck with no palpable adenopathy or
mass, thyroid gland not palpable. No supraclavicular mass o adenopathy palpable.
THORAX:
Lungs fields clear and well ventilated. Heart sounds with regular heart rate and rhythm.
Breasts with fibrocystic breast disease without nipple retraction or inflammatory process,
axilla negative.
ABDOMEN-PELVIS:
Peristalsis present in all quadrants but slow, surgical scar well healed in mid
line, abdomen (removal or right ovary, the left ovary was not touched) is soft
and palpable, a the right side of the mid line surgical scar, in the left side
there is a large palpable mass approximately 17 cm in diameter, she also has
free fluid in her cavity (sign of the wave positive for ascites ultrasound is
recommended to see the quantity of free fluid and size of the right ovarian
tumor).
No palpable pelvic adenopathy.
RECTAL EXAM: was performed recently before coming to our clinic and was
negative.
EXTREMITIES: no edema and peripheric pulses present.
NEUROLOGICAL: no focal deficits. Gait intact.
Nutritional diagnosis: moderate malnutrition with a BMI = 19.4

History of high grade clear cell carcinoma of the right ovary (epithelial type)
diagnosed on May/02/2007, no chemotherapy or radiotherapy, she only had
surgery = right tube and right ovary, right salpingoophorectomy on
May/02/2007. Surgical gross description was = cystic/solid tumor that
measured = 15 x 10 x 9 cm
(copy of surgical and pathology reports pg. 8).
 Copies of radiological = trans-

abdominal and trans-vaginal and
pelvic sonogram = March/15/2007,
surgical, pathological diagnosis
reports and tumor markers before
coming to our nutritional clinic and
starting the Gerson Therapy (Page 4)
221
 1) Started with 7 juices of 6 oz x day due to her ascites (free pelvic metastatic fluid). Did not have the juice = 9:30 am, 11 am,
12 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm.
 2) Potassium compound solution in juices = 1 x 7 juices, next day after lab work it was increased = 3 x 7 juices.
 3) Coffee enemas = 3 x day = 7 am, 12 pm, 5 pm.
 4) Pancreatin= 3 x 4 x day (take after meals).
 5) Inflazime = 3 x 3 x day = 7:30 am, 12:30 pm, 5:30 pm.
 6) Co q-10 60 mg = 2 x 3 x day (take with meals).
 7) Liver capsules = 3 x 3 x day = 11 am, 3 pm + 4 pm.
 8) Milk thistle 200 mg = 2 x 3 x day = take with meals.
 9) Selenium 200 mcg = 1 x day = 8 am (helps patients neutralize the toxic effect of heavy metals like mercury crowns).
 10) Niacin 50 mg = 1 x 3 x day = 8 am, 1 pm, 6 pm (with meals). But later niacin was discontinued due to menstrual period.
 11) Thyroid grains = 1 grain x 3 x day = 8 am, 1 pm, 6 pm.
 12) Lugol, iodine half strength 2 % = 3 drops x 3 juices = 3 x 3 x day - 8 am, 1 pm, 6 pm juices.
 13) Castor oil treatment pending.
 14) Due to her ascites we recommended that her abdominal perimeter be measured every third day to follow her progress.
 15) Pelvic clay packs = 2 x day = 10 am + 7 pm.
 16)Pancreatin 1,200 mg was recommended on November/23/2007 due to digestive problems like intestinal gas and
abdominal distension.
 17) Castor oil treatment started on November/28/2012 = 8 days after beginning her Gerson Therapy. She started the castor
oil treatment with half dosage ( 1 tablespoon orally with coffee + brown sugar, 5 hours later castor oil enema with a pinch of
ox-bile mixed together = 2 tablespoons of castor oil for the enema). Castor oil treatments are done every other day for the
next 6 weeks then reduce to 2 per week.
 18) B-12 + liver extract injection intramuscular daily = b-12 = 0.1 cc + liver extract = 0.5 cc.
 19) On November/29/2007 = niacin was increased to = 1 x 6 x day = 8 am, 10 am, 1

pm, 5, 6, 7.
 20) On December/03/2007 potassium compound in juices was increased to = 4 x 7
juices.
 Lab work summary while she was in the clinic, lab work done on November/21/2007
and 7 days later on November/28/2007: (copies of our lab work) First lab work: CBC
w/differential showed a normal WBC = 5.3, lymphocytes slightly high 50 % (20 - 45 %),
red blood count slightly low = 3.66 (4 - 5.5), hemoglobin + hematocrit with in normal
range. Thyroid function test = TSH = 0.8 (0.35 - 5.5), total T-4 = 8.3 (3.2 - 12.6). Her
metabolic panel or blood chemistry showed a good kidney function, electrolytes =
potassium = 4.6, sodium = 141, chloride = 100, total cholesterol = 146, total protein =
7.2, calcium = 9.9, liver enzymes all normal = alkaline phosphatase low = 33 (37 - 147)
sometimes we will find patients with malnutrition have low alkaline phosphatase results,
the rest of her blood chemistry is within normal range. Urine analysis with a PH = 7.0
alkaline, urine was reported with moderate amount of bacteria and mucous, 10 - 12
WBC. Her second lab work in the clinic on November/28/2007 showed a improvement in
the red blood count = 3.86 was 3.66, lymphocytes % increased = 53 % was 50, white
blood count stable 5.4; blood chemistry reports a better kidney function, her total
cholesterol now was reported = 128 (146) all Gerson patients will have lower than 150
due to the diet and coffee enemas, triglycerides = 63 (was 65), total protein stable with
no animal protein = 7.1 (animal protein is recommended after 6 weeks on the program
with organic non fat plain yogurt = 4 oz at breakfast + dinner. Electrolytes = potassium
= 4.2, sodium = 141, chloride =100 (well balanced), liver enzymes with stable results
and alkaline phosphatase now within normal range = 40 was low at 33 (37 - 147). Urine
analysis showed a lower ph due to detoxification = 6.5 was 7, no more WBC and with
less mucous, with a small amount of bacteria, this urine sample is much cleaner and
with less abnormalities than previous one when she arrived.
 During her stay we also performed a pelvic echo-graphic study

(ultrasound) done on November/23/2007 demonstrating the
presence of free fluid in the pelvic cavity of approximately = 1.3
liters, also was reported some metastatic implants in the sigmoid
colon, uterus is respected. Liver, gallbladder, kidneys and
retroperitoneal are negative for metastatic implants. We
followed her abdominal perimeter while she was here and the
first measurement= 75 cm and when she left on
December/04/2007 it measured = 69 cm! Her weight was at
arrival = 51 kg and left the clinic with a weight = 50.4 kg.
During her 2 week stay she did well and tolerated diet, she also
rested like it was recommended; she had no pain and was
basically asymptomatic only suffering digestive symptoms due to
the new diet and change of life style. Her vital signs always
stable. She follows the program to the letter while at the clinic.
During her stay she was worried about her abdominal distension
and thought it was due to increase in the ascites; which was due
to intestinal gas not the ascites, after we did the pelvic
ultrasound she felt more at ease. She was very pleased with the 2
week results on the Gerson Therapy.
222
 1) (copies of sonogram reports page 14) patient has been on the Gerson
Therapy now for = 8 weeks. The patient performed a pelvic ultrasound on
December/26/2007 to have a baseline study and to follow her progress and
ascites, her doctor’s only reported multiple small gallstones and no obvious
ascites in the upper abdomen. They also performed a trans-abdominal
sonogram = moderately large amount of ascites in the pelvis which appears
decreased as compared to the previous study of August/23/2007!, they also
found a complex = 3.5 cm mass in the left ovarian area which has decreased
in size compared to the previous study, unremarkable imaging of the uterus.
She told us during her phone consultation that she felt ok but she notice she
was losing weight = 5 pounds, also said her appetite was improving, she
continue to follow the therapy the best she can (she is also taking care of her
family and babies).
 Her lab work continue to be good = 1) CBC w/differential with stable results
= this time lymphocytes reported = 41.2 % better it was slightly high during
the clinic stay. 2) Blood chemistry stable = potassium = 3.8, sodium =
139.6, chloride = 103, liver and kidney function test all normal, total protein
= 6.2 (recommended she started taking her organic non fat plain yogurt = 4
oz = 2 x day = breakfast + dinner. 3) TSH low = <0.03 (her TSH is low due
to the thyroid treatment = 1 grain x 3 x day + lugol = 3 x 3, now we will
begin to reduce the thyroid dosage.
 1) Juices 7 x day of 6 oz = 8 oz each.

 2) Coffee enemas = 3 x day.
 3) Potassium compound teaspoons juices = 4 x 7 x
day (this dosage is helping to reduce the ascites in
her pelvic cavity).
 4) Thyroid grains = 1 grain x 2 x day = 8 am + 6
pm (was taking 3 grains x day and 9 drops of lugol,
now we reduce the dosage).
 5) Lugol 2 % drops = 2 x 3 x day = 2 drops in 3
juices = 8 am, 1 pm, 6 pm.
 6) Castor oil treatment = reduce to = 2 x week.
 7) B-12 + liver extract injection intramuscular daily
later the dosage will be reduced.
 8) The rest of the Gerson Therapy stays the same.
 She continues to follow her Gerson Therapy

program the best she could and still being a
good wife and a good mother to her
children. We always made emphasis that
she could not get pregnant due to her
ovarian metastatic cancer because if she got
pregnant the hormonal spike would be
devastating and the ovarian cancer would
spread like wild fire, so we told her to
please not to do so.
223
 1) CBC with differential:
 She continues to have no big changes very stable, her white blood count continues to be
within normal range = 5.2, lymphocytes high (could be part of a healing reaction response =
54.9 % (17 - 48 %) last month it was = 41.2 %. Neutrophils = 39.7 %, monocytes = 5.4 %;
immune system working well! Her red blood count, hemoglobin and hematocrit continue to be
normal with no signs of anemia or blood loss.
 2) Complete metabolic blood chemistry:

 She continues to have good stable blood chemistry results. Kidney function continues to be
excellent, like most Gerson patients: Bun = 9.0, creatinine = 0.9, potassium = 3.8, liver
enzymes all normal, total protein = 6.2, albumin = 3.8 (organic non fat plain yogurt 4 oz = 2 x
day = 8 am + 6 pm), glucose. Lipid profile = cholesterol = 111, triglycerides = 83, HDL low =
34, LDL = 60.
 3) Urine analysis:
 Her Ph = 6.5 alkaline (we like the ph to be over 7.0, during a healing reaction when the liver
releases toxins the ph can come down = 6.0). The UA reported the presence of mucus threads
(normally are not seen). No signs of any urine tract infection, no blood, no nitrates or ketones,
WBC esterase = negative bilirubin negative, renal cells = negative, In occasions some
laboratory will report candida present in the urine.
 4) Thyroid panel:
 TSH = <0.03 low (0.50 - 5.50) due to the thyroid grain supplements (2 grains + 6 drops of
lugol). Total T-4 = 8.7 (4.5 - 12).
 1) Juices 7 x day of 6 oz and 3 coffee enemas x day.

 2) Potassium in juices = 3 x 7 x day.
 3) Thyroid grain = 1 grain + lugol = 1 x 3 x day (yes now we
reduce it from 2 grains to 1 grain, lugol was reduce to 3
drops x day).
 4) Selenium 200 mcg = 1 x 2 x day = 8 am + 6 pm.
 5) Milk thistle 200 mg = 2 x 3 x day = take with meals (helps
liver function specially during a healing reaction when the
hepatic gland is eliminating many chemical toxins).
 6) Niacin 50 mg = 1 x 6 x day = 8 am, 10, 1 pm, 5, 6, 7 pm.
 7) Castor oil treatment = 2 x week.
 8) Pancreatin, inflazyme, acidol, liver capsules, b-12 + liver
injections, coq-10 = stay with the same dosage.
 9) Rest = but she confessed that is difficult to rest when you
are a mother!
 She continues to follow her Gerson program

the best she could. Her doctors began to
get interested because the last ultrasound
study showed decrease in the free fluid and
in the left ovarian tumor? A trans-
abdominal and trans-vaginal pelvic
sonogram was performed on
March/18/2008 (copy of radiological report
14):
224
 1) Juices 7 x day of 6 oz
 2) Coffee enemas = 3 x day.
 3) Potassium = 2 x 7 x day (the potassium being a natural
diuretic is also helping to reduce the ascites by improving the
reabsorption of the free pelvic fluid and eliminated by the
great kidney function).
 4) Thyroid = 1 grain x day.
 5) Lugol drops 2 % = 1 x 3 x day drops in 3 juices = 8 am, 1
pm, 6 pm.
 6) Yogurt was reduce to reduce to see if this could help
reduce the ascites = 3 oz of organic non fat plain yogurt = 2
x day = 8 am + 6 pm.
 7) Rest of the therapy stay the same.
 She continue to refer weight loss = this could be also because
she is forming less and less free metastatic fluid (this fluid is
mainly consist = protein). She follows the diet religiously =
100 % and energy continue to be good.
 Patient continues to do well, at this moment she was

experiencing some spotting? And we recommended she
stop taking the niacin and thyroid.
 On April/15/2008l her doctor recommended to do a
sonogram that showed a yolk sac and a heartbeat,
estimating 5 weeks!! She wrote us a e-mail asking =
please let me know if I can continue the therapy or if
modifications need to be done. Her doctor performed
other diagnostic tests = HCG = 3380 MIU/ml = positive
for pregnancy. Tumor marker ca-125 increase = 36
(this 36 was the near the same levels as last year before
the ovarian tumor removal). AFP = 2.2 NG/ml. CEA =
0.8 NG/ml. Her OB/GYN doctor congratulated her, the
patient ask the doctor if there was a possibility of this
being a germ cell tumor but this was discarded after the
sonogram.
 1) Juices 6 x day of 6 oz.

 2) Flax seed oil = 1/2 a tablespoon of organic cold pressed flax seed oil (never on
any hot foods because it changes the chemical structure of it).
 3) Acidol = 2 x 3 x day = before meals.
 4) No potassium in juices.
 5) Niacin 50 mg = 1 x 3 x day = take with meals.
 6) Folic acid 400.
 7) Liver capsules = 2 x 3 x day (liver capsules are rich in iron and prevent anemia).
 8) Selenium 200 mcg = 1 x 2 x day = 8 am + 6 pm.
 9) Colostrum capsules = this were added = take 2 capsules 15 minutes before
meals = this will help her immune system and also improve the immune system of
her baby.
 10) Inflazime tablets = 7:30 = 3, 12:30 = 3, 5:30 = 3 (yes this are taken 30
minutes before meals).
 11) B-12 + liver injection = 3 times x week intramuscular.
 12) Coffee enemas = 2 x day = 7 am + 5 pm.
 13) No castor oil for now.
 14) More rest = this time is more serious the rest recommendation.
225
 The next phone consultation was on
May/16/2008 = 23 weeks on the therapy:
 When she called she was complaining of
severe morning sickness suffering nausea
with vomiting and losing her appetite. At
this time we had to make changes in her
Gerson Therapy program. Her lab work
showed slight anemia. Red blood cells =
3.57, hemoglobin = 11.3. Folic acid and
prenatal multivitamin + multi-mineral were
recommended.
 Probable pregnancy
 1) Ginger was given to her to help her with the severe nausea =
ginger tea
 2) Juices = 6 x day = 8 oz.
 4) Diet for her anemia = vegetables + fruits rich in iron was
recommended = spinach, beets, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower,
parsley, oranges, kale, green peppers, okra, lentils = 2 x week. She
was recommended to have only cooked vegetables due to her
nausea.
 5) More rest.
 6) Folic acid = 400 mcg x day.
 7) Thyroid medicine was stopped.
 8) Lugol sol. 2 % drops = 1 x 2 x day = one drop at breakfast +
dinner time.
 9) Stop acidol and niacin due to nausea.
 10) Coq-10 60 mg = was reduced = 1 x 3 x day = with meals.
 11) Recommended to drink gruel = small zips during the day to
protect her digestive tract specially the stomach (gruel the juice of
the oatmeal works like a natural antacid). Oatmeal + gruel = are a
great source for protein.
 12) Vitamin d-3 = 3,000 IU x day.
 Her doctor performed on

August/29/2008 an obstetric
ultrasound. The initial sonogram
done in April established a delivery
date of December/12/2008 (copy of
ultrasound report page 18). The
doctor reported she had 26 weeks
gestational life. Female patient is in
her second trimester of pregnancy.
226
 Her lab work started to show signs of anemia = RBC =
2.98, hemoglobin = 10.4, hematocrit=30.6. Also the
lab work showed a low serum protein result = 5.5 (6 -
8.2). For this reason we had to recommend other
supplements to help her anemia like protein =
recommending = spirulina, bee pollen, more liver
capsules = 3 x 3 x day, b-12 + liver injection daily im,
lentil soup = 2 x week at lunch time (lentils are rich in
iron and in many important minerals). We also
recommended more iron = advanced ferrochel this
product is safer to use and better absorbed and comes
with Vitamin C to help the absorption of it. Yogurt was
increased to 3 oz = 3 x day. Her WBC continue to be
normal = 7.2, lymphocyte % = 33.4 %, granulocytes
(neutrophils) = 62.6 % (37 - 80 %), monocytes = 4 %.
Blood chemistry: kidney function continue excellent
with potassium levels = 3.9, glucose = 96, liver
function test continues to be normal, calcium = 9.2.
 The urine analysis showed a very alkaline Ph = 7.5, urine color

yellow and clear with no abnormalities.
 Thyroid panel showed a normal TSH result after stopping the thyroid
grain = 1.16 (0.5 - 5.5). Total T-4 = 10.9 (4.5 - 12), free T-4 =
10.9 (0.61 - 1.76).
 1) Juices 7 x day of 8 oz.
 3) Niacin reduce to = 1 x 3 x day.
 4) Coq-10 = 1 x 3 x day.
 5) Folic acid = same 400 mcg x day.
 6) Liver capsules = 3 x 3 x day with carrot juice.
 7) Coq-10 60 mg = 1 x 2 x day = 8 am + 6 pm.
 8) Oral b-12 = 500 mg x day.
 9) Multivitamin + multimineral pre-natal.
 10) Plenty of rest.
 11) Pancreatin, inflazyme and acidol stay the same.
 12) Lugol 2 % drop = 2 x day.
 Female patient 39 years old continues to follow her

Gerson Therapy program while being pregnant, her
US doctors are very interested to see how she does
with the pregnancy and what will happened to the
metastatic ovarian cancer with ascites? Her doctors in
the USA ordered another obstetric sonogram (copy of
reports page 19):
 I) Single viable intrauterine fetus of approximately 21

weeks and 5 days of gestational age. Normal interval
growth as compared to the previous sonogram and
the last menstrual period.
 II) Normal imaging of the fetal anatomy.
 III) Breech position.
227
 1) CBC with differential still reporting anemia = red blood cells still
low = 3.28 (was 2.28 on July/29/2008), hemoglobin = 10.4 (was on
July/29/2008 = 10.8), hematocrit = 30.6 ( was on July/29/2008 =
32.6). Her white blood count stayed stable = 7.2, lymphocytes =
33.4 %, neutrophils = 62.6 %.
 2) Metabolic blood chemistry:
 Continue to show a good kidney and liver function, electrolytes
stable = potassium = 3.9, calcium = 9.2, total protein was still low
= 5.5 (6.0 - 8.2), rest of the blood chemistry within normal ranges.
 Ph = 7.5 clear with no signs of any abnormality of infection, no
mucus threads reported.
 TSH = 1.16
 Thyroxin = T-4 = 10.9 (4.5 - 12).
 ** Her Gerson Therapy continues the same with no changes just

need to rest more.
 She continues to follow her Gerson program

the best way she could and with her
pregnancy and children (not a easy task =
mother + wife + cancer patient + pregnancy).
 On November/21/2008 we got a e-mail =
please let me know if anything changes when
I deliver the baby and start nursing which will
occur probably in the next month!
 The obstetrical sonogram of

October/16/2008 (copy of report page 21):
 Gestational age by dates: 31 weeks 5 days. Conclusion: the

size and dates are concordant.
 Lab results from November/11/2008:

 1) CBC w/differential = normal no big changes, stable. The
anemia was corrected. Red blood cells = 4.21,
hemoglobin=12.1. WBC = 7.2,
lymphocytes = 34.10 %, neutrophils= 68 %.
 2) Complete metabolic panel (blood chemistry): continues to
be stable with normal results, potassium = 4.1, calcium =
8.7, good kidney function and liver function (alkaline
phosphatase can be higher during pregnancy).
 3) Urine analysis with a ph = 7.0, the rest of the test without
abnormalities or infection.
 4) Thyroid panel: TSH = 0.87 (0.40 - 6.00). Free T4 =
0.74 (0.71 - 1.50).
 5) Lipid profile = total cholesterol = 195, HDL = 51, LDL =
112.
228
 The patient continues with her prenatal Gerson program
therapy (this therapy is now for 2 people = mother +
daughter). The patient continues to follow her diet with no
digestive symptoms or pain, her energy continues to be
good. Drink 6 to 7 juices x day and does 2 coffee enemas
x day. Takes her iron tablet = 1 x day (advanced
ferrochel), folic acid, liver capsules, vitamin d-3, b-12,
selenium, spirulina.
 She feels fine and is very happy, has no pain or digestive

symptoms like gastro-esophageal reflux or dyspepsia, no
abdominal distention due to intestinal gas, she continues
to have very good energy level.
 Her doctor recommended a trans-abdominal and trans-

vaginal pelvic sonograms: (copy of report page 23)
 1) CBC with differential:

 Red blood cells = 4.04 better because it was 3.4
 Hemoglobin = 13.9 better it was 12.1
 Hematocrit = 38.7 % better 35.3
 WBC = 6.1
 Lymphocytes = 51.50 high = big immune response probably due to a healing
reaction, in November/2011 her lymphocyte count was = 34.1 %.
 2) The blood chemistry continues also to have good results, date of lab
Jan/06/2009:
 Total protein better = 6.8 was 6.1
 Potassium stable = 4.4 sodium = 140 chloride = 104 (doing 2 coffee enemas
x day).
 Calcium dropped a little = 8.4 low (8.5 - 11.5).
 Liver and kidney function test continue to be within normal range.
 Total cholesterol = 169
 Triglyceride = 98 HDL = 53 (40 - 60) LDL = 101 (0 - 130).
 TSH = 1.57 (0.40 - 6.0).
 Free t4 = 1.03 (0.71 - 1.50).
 Ph = 7.0 = alkaline. Moderate amount of leukocytes, also a trace of protein was
found, the rest of the analysis was normal with no signs of any bacterial infection.
 She is very happy because her baby

was born with no complications. Her
doctors performed on April/29/2009
at trans-abdominal & pelvic
sonograms and this was the
impression:
 (copy of report page 24)
229
 This was great news = no left ovarian
cancer and no more free fluid in the pelvic
cavity!
 Her doctors could not believe it and did not

know where the left metastatic ovarian cancer
went? What happened to the ascites?. Her lab
work continues to be good. She will continue to
follow her Gerson Therapy program and will
begin nursing. She continued to drink 6 to 7
juices and 2 coffee enemas x day. The rest of
the supplements stay the same, no thyroid and
2 drops of lugol x day.
 Name: R. S.
 Social status:
Married for 18 years and has 2 sons: 36 and 37 years old.
 Age & Sex:

Male 64 years young.
 Profession:
Retired Electronic Engineer: work in Oil companies like in Venezuela and
other countries.
 Address:
Texas = capital of Allergies and toxic environment due to Industry.
 Religion:
Catholic.
 Date & Place of birth:

Born October 18 /1949 in Sandusky, Ohio, U.S.A.
230
 PAST HISTORY
Family Medical History:

Paternal aunt diagnosed with brain cancer and died young at age 40 years. Father
past away of cardiac arrest at age of 72 years old, mother died at age 72 years old due
to complications of Diabetes with dementia and Alzheimer Disease. Brothers 2 of ages
60 and 63 years old, his younger brother has muscle skeletal disease.
 SOCIAL HISTORY
Smoking use: smoked from age 15 and smoked for 46 years and stopped smoking in
2003 (he smoked 1 pack x day).
Alcohol use: On occasions would drink a beer.
 Drug abuse: marihuana, cocaine during high school and University days.
 SURGERIES:
Tonsillectomy at age 7, appendectomy at age 30. Anal fissure repair in 1993.
The Other surgeries of his cancer will be described in the HISTORY OF PRESENT
ILLNESS.
 BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS:
In 2007 received 2 units of whole blood during his surgeries.
 ALLERGIES:
Allergic to morphine, adhesive tape, antibiotics: Levofloxacin, pain killer
hydrocodone.
 TRAUMA INJURIES OR FRACTURES:

He only suffered fracture of toes of right foot when he hit his foot on the table, he
was 14 year old.
 IMMUNIZATIONS/VACCINES:
All of them.
 DIABETTES: negative.
 ARTERIAL HIPERTENSION: negative.
 OTHER DISEASES: Dentist in Ohio had to remove all his teeth due to severe
infection.
 This is a 62 year old male patient from San Antonio, Texas; he was diagnosed in
2003 with a Urine Bladder carcinoma and received the conventional oncological
therapy with the BCG vaccine, and was monitored by his Drs. in M.D. Anderson
with lab test, urinary cytology, CAT scans. In 2006 the urinary cityology
demonstrated hematuria, his Dr. recommended a cystoscopy in
December/2006, in January/2007 biopsy was taken and was positive. He
initially underwent a right nephroureterectomy for a T3a, grade 3 urothelial
carcinoma of the right ureter with focal urothelial carcinoma in situ involving the
right renal pelvis and proximal ureter extending to the resection margin or
proximal ureter as well as invasive urothelial carcinoma present in the distal
resection margin or the ureter and bladder cuff. Patient proceeded with 4
cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. He was taken to the operating room for
surgical consolidation in 07/2007 with a radical cystoprostectomy with ileal
conduit urinary diversion. Pathology revealed urothelial carcinoma in situ focally
involving the margin or urethral resection. The urethral final margin also was
noted to have focal urothelial carcinoma in situ. Because of this the patient
underwent a delayed urethrectomy in 10/2007 with no evidence of residual
tumor. In 2009, CT scan revealed indeterminate thickening of the left ureter
suspicious for malignancy. FNA of this did reveal poorly differentiated
carcinoma. It was recommended that he proceed with additional chemotherapy
in anticipation of ureterectomy in the future. The patient then proceeded with 5
courses of chemotherapy. He was taken to the OR on 10/28/2010 for a subtotal
distal ureterectomy with a revision of his ileal conduit which was moved from
the right side to the left side of the abdomen.
231
 Pathology of the left ureter was negative for any cancer. The male patient is
now 1 years and nearly 3 months status post recent surgery, and presents to
clinic for follow up. He has been doing specific diets to protect his renal
function, and also to help with his history of high cholesterol as well. He is
following up with his PCP for history of high cholesterol. He states that he
has a decrease in his cholesterol and does not need to be on additional
medications for this.
 In regards to his urinary issues, the patient is changing his urostomy bag
every 3 - 4 days and empting it every 1 - 1/2 to 2 hours. Of note, the
patient had a CT urogram, CT abdomen and pelvis which showed mild
diffuse urothelial skin thickening as described with no filling defects or
obstruction in the upper urinary tracts. His Drs. told the patient there were
no obvious signs of recurrence or metastatic disease.
 At his arrival to our Clinic in Tijuana, Mexico he had 15 months after his last
surgical procedure
 LABORATORY DATA: The male patient labs are otherwise within normal
limits. His creatinine = 1.21 (0.6 - 1.1 mg/dl) and BUN is slightly elevated =
26 (normal BUN: 6 - 19)
 Digestive: He refers to have a history of gastro-esophageal reflux

that has improved since he has changes his diet and loss some
weight (male patient with a BMI = 32.7 with a Nutritional Diagnosis
of obesity grade II). Diverticulitis discovered thru colonoscopy, he
has had 3 colonoscopies: 2004, 2007 and 2010 = removing 5
polyps in the first one, 4 polyps removed in the second one and 3
polyps removed in 2010 = all benign.
 Respiratory: No history of shortness of breath or bronchial asthma.

During allergy season he suffers chronic sinusitis with congestion
and occasional cough.
 Cardiovascular: No history or chest pain or palpitations.
 Genito-Urinary: Already described in the History of present illness.

History of urothelial carcinoma of the right kidney and ureter.
Urothelial carcinoma of the urethra. Urothelial carcinoma of the left
ureter.
 Central Nervous System. He refers to suffer

occasional anxiety and takes Xanax.
 Osteomuscular: No history of muscle or joint
pain; he also had bone scan done in
October/2010 with negative results for bone
metastases.
 Skin: Refers he suffered dermatitis and skin
sensitivity post-chemotherapy.
 Sensorial organs: The patient refers that his voice
also changed after the chemotherapy. Suffers
bilateral Hipoacusia secondary to the abuse of
hearing loud music and due to the exposure to
loud sounds of Industrial work (Work for oil
company). In 1993 his ophthalmologists practice
a radiocheratomy and was recently diagnosed
with cataracts.
232
 Vital Signs:
BP: 110/70 HR: 78 x minute RR: 20 x minute
TEMP: 35.9'C O-2 SAT: m 98 %
 Weight: 123 kg Height: 194 cm BMI: 32.7
 Nutritional Diagnosis: Obesity grade II
 Outdoors Habits:
He is a nice-pleasant Caucasian 62 year old male
patient that is tall with a strong constitution, he is alert
and well orientated x 3. He is cooperative to the
medical questions about his past history; he walks with
no assistance and has no signal of distress or pain.
 Head: Atraumatic, skull Normocephalic with well

implanted hair.
 Eyes: Pupils are equal, round isochoric and isometric

with good response to the light, sclera is white
anicteric with no visible irritation.
 Nose: Permeable with pink nasal mucous with no

septum deviations. Oral Cavity: oropharyngeal with
no inflammatory process or signs of thrush and
tonsils absent due to amigdalectomy. Ears: auditive
duct permeable with tympanic membrane intact.
 Neck: Without masses or adenopathies and thyroid

gland not palpable. Supraclavicular space without
masses or palpable adenopathy.
 Thorax: Chest is symmetrical; Lung fields are clear and well ventilated with no
limitations or increased respiratory effort. Heart sounds with regular heart rate and
sinus rhythm with normal S1 - S2, no murmurs are heard during the auscultation.
In Posterior thorax at the level of the lumbar spine of L5 has on the right side a
black skin irregular lesion of 2 cm approximately in diameter.
 Abdomen: Abdomen with multiple surgical scars well healed: appendectomy, right
nephrectomy, right closed ileostomy, left ileostomy with urostomy bag for urine
collection with thickening of the epidermis surrounding the urinary bag. Patient
with a surgical scar from the previous revision of his ileal conduit on the right side
of the abdomen, on the left side of the abdomen the ileal conduit is present with a
pink clean and healthy stoma and is draining clear yellow urine with no blood
present in the urostomy bag. Peristalsis present in all the abdominal quadrants,
abdomen is soft not tender with no palpable masses or organemegally after
finishing the bimanual examination.
 Pelvis: with no masses or palpable adenopathies.
 Extremities: With no focal atrophy or edema or cyanosis, peripheric pulses present.

No palpable lymph nodes.
 Neurological: All Cranial nerves grossly intact
233
 Bladder carcinoma Diagnosed in 2003 with recurrence in 2007
Diagnosed with right ureter carcinoma involving the right kidney
and underwent right nephrectomy for T3a, grade 3 urothelial
carcinoma of the right ureter with focal urothelial carcinoma in situ
involving the right renal pelvis and proximal ureter extending to
the resection margin of proximal ureter as well as invasive
urothelial carcinoma. Post chemotherapy receiving 4 cycles.
Surgical consolidation in 07/2007 with a radical
cystoprostatectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion.
Pathology reported urothelial carcinoma in situ involving the
prostatic urethra with pagetoid features extending into the
periurethrial glands, prostatic ducts and now Diagnosed with
urothelial carcinoma involving the margin of urethral resection.
The urethral final margin also was noted to have focal urothelial
carcinoma in situ reason the patient also underwent a delayed
urethrectomy in 10/2007 with no evidence of residual tumor.
In 2009 CT discovered indeterminated thickening

of the left ureter suspicious for malignancy, FNA
was done and discover poorly differentiated
carcinoma. More chemotherapy was
recommended and received 5 courses of
chemotherapy. He was admitted to the OR on
10/28/2010 for a subtotal distal left ureterectomy
with a revision of his ileal conduct which was
moved from the right side of the abdomen to the
left side of the abdomen.
 PLAN: Gerson Therapy.
 DATE OF VISIT: February/29/2012
 We received his medical records first on

February/14/2013 with the Diagnosis of Urothelial
carcinoma of the left Ureter Diagnosed on
January/18/2012, the patient wrote on his
questionnaire that the primary location of his primary
tumor was the ureter, also mentioned that he received
his last chemotherapy treatment in September/2010 of
5 courses: we will mentioned the chemo agents:
Gemacitabine, Cyclosphosphamide, Cisplatin. His
oncologist reported he tolerated well his chemotherapy
without any nausea or vomiting and was able to
maintain an adequate oral intake, but they did report
that he developed a rash over his forearms and was
recommended to take Benadryl (antihistamine) and a
increase in the dose of dexamethasone for 3 days after
the chemotherapy.
234
 His Lab work in his medical records to see if he would
be accepted to come to the Clinic and start the
Gerson therapy demonstrated a Kidney Insufficiency:
 1) B.U.N. = BLOOD UREA NITROGEN = 25 mg/dl
(normal ranges 8 - 20).
 2) CREATININE SERUM = 1.21 mg/dl (0.70 - 1.30).
 We also had to consider all the surgeries performed
on this patient which are many has mentioned before
but we will mentioned them again:
 - RIGHT NEPHROURETECTOMY
 - RADICAL CYSTOPROSTATECTOMY WITH ILEAL
CONDUIT URINARY DIVERSION
 -URETHRECTOMY
 - SUBTOTAL DISTAL LEFT URETERECTOMY
W/REVISION TO THE ILEAL CONDUIT WHICH WAS
MOVED FROM THE RIGHT SIDE TO THE LEFT SIDE OF
THE ABDOMEN.
 Another important point had to be consider before

accepting this patient was all the medications he was
recommended when he was discharged from MD
Anderson Hospital:
 -Flexeril 10 mg by mouth if needed.
 -Lovenox 40 mg subcutaneously for blood clot
prevention.
 -Phenergan 25 mg by mouth every 8 hours as needed
for nausea and vomiting.
 - Salt and soda mouth rinse, swish and spit 5 times a
day.
 - ABH capsules by mouth every 5 hours for 24 hours
after chemotherapy, than every 6 hours as needed for
nausea.
 - Aspirin 81 mg by mouth daily.
 - Dexamethasone 8 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 3
days after chemotherapy.
 -Senokot 2 tablets by mouth as needed.
 - Xanax 0.5 mg by mouth as needed for Anxiety.
 Male patient 62 years old arrived to the clinic and was

recommended a modified Gerson Therapy due to his
Kidney dysfunction, Initial Gerson Treatment:
 1) Juices 6 x day of 8 oz = juices received: 8 am orange,
11 am Carrot, 1 pm Apple Carrot, 2 pm Green, 4 pm
Carrot and 6 pm Apple/Carrot.
 2) Potassium compound teaspoons Juices = 2 teaspoons in
3 juices = 2 x 3 x day = 8 am, 1 pm 6 pm.
 3) Acidol: 2 x 3 x day = 2 capsules before each meal.
 4) CoQ-10 60 mg: 2 capsules during each meal.
 5) Pancreatin 325 mg = 3 x 4 x day = 3 tablets after each
meal and at 5 pm.
 6) Thyroid grain: pending lab results, after receiving the
Lab results of Tsh, T-4, we recommended = 1/2 tb. 50
mcg levothyroxine = 1 grain = at 8 am with Breakfast.
 7) Lugol’s solution half strength 2 % drops in juices except
the green juice: started with 2 drops per day and after
adding the thyroid grain increase to 3 drops per day add
in juices: 8 am, 1 pm, 6 pm.
235
 8) Inflazyme tablets: take 3 tablets 30 minutes before
meals = 7:30 = 3, 12:30 = 3, 5:30 = 3 = 3 x 3 x day.
 9) Liver capsules: 4 capsules 3 times x day = 11 am, 3 pm
and 4 pm, usually the dosage is 2 x 3 x day but when the
patient is anemic we increase the dosage.
 10) Niacin 50 mg tablets = Did not start this supplement
due to skin rash post-Chemotherapy. We later started
taking Niacin during his 3 week stay starting on
March/15/2012 = 1/2 tb. Niacin = 25 mg (we were
concern about his skin rash and history of pulmonary vein
thrombosis), he tolerated it well later was increased to 1/2
tb. 3 times x day = 1/2 tb. x 3 x day = 8 am, 1 pm, 6 pm;
on March/17/2012 we increase the dosage to 1 tb. x 3 x
day with his meals; patient left the Clinic on
March/20/2012 tolerating well the Niacin.
 11) B-12 + Liver injection = was not given because he was
sick of so many injections he received in the Hospital
during the last years so we recommended only oral B-12 =
500 mcg x day at Breakfast and because he did not get the
Liver injection we increase his dosage on the Liver
capsules to 4 x 3 x day
 12) Colostrum capsules 500 mg = take 2

capsules 15 minutes before each meal = 2 x 3 x
day.
 13) NO Castor oil treatment due to extensive
chemotherapy he received which cause him many
problems like: weak Immune system response,
Severe Peripheral Polyneuropathy in hands and
specially in the feet (the patient later will talk
more about his side effects he experienced
during chemotherapy and some that he still
suffers like the periphery polyneuropathy).
 14) He was taking Lovenox because he suffered
in MD Anderson a Pulmonary vein thrombosis but
has stopped taking this medication.
 The patient tolerated well his new modified

Gerson Therapy very well and immediately
started to feel the Gerson healing changes in his
body, skin, allergies, polyneuropathy, energy but
he started to feel like many of our patients better
in the first week of treatment.
 The patient stayed for 3 weeks and tolerated very
well the modified Gerson Nutritional Therapy.
 His first LAB WORK done at arrival on
February/29/2012 = showed his BUN = 16.0 (
our Lab range is from 7.0 - 18 mg/dl) and his
CREATININE = 1.4, he started to get good kidney
function test results because he started the
Gerson diet at home already. In
January/17/2012 his BUN = 26 (8 - 20) and
CREATININE = 1.21 (0.70 - 1.30).
236
 When we repeated the LAB WORK in 7 days we notice
some very positive changes in his KIDNEY FUNCTION
TEST:
 1) BUN = 7.0 (normal range 7.0 - 18.0 mg/dl).
 2) CREATININE = 1.1 (normal range 0.5 - 1.4)
 3) BUN/CREATININE RATIO = 6.4 ( normal range 4.0 -
40).
 WHEN WE GOT HIS FIRST WEEK RESULTS ON
MARCH/03/2012 WE TOLD HIM HE COULD STAY AND
CONTINUE DOING IS MODIFIED GERSON THERAPY
BECAUSE HIS KIDNEY FUNCTION WAS IMPROVING, THE
PATIENT AS YOU CAN IMAGINE WAS VERY HAPPY AND
SAID HE HAD NEVER IN THE LAST YEARS OF FIGHTING
THIS DISEASE A BUN OF 1.1, HIS DOCTORS IN TEXAS
WERE VERY SUPRISED AND HAPPY AND SAID THAT
WHAT EVER HE WAS DOING TO IT BECAUSE IT WAS
WORKING VERY WELL.
 ON HIS THIRD LAB WORK DONE MARCH/15/2013 HE CONTINUES TO

HAVE VERY GOOD KIDNEY FUNCTION:
 1) BUN = 8.0
 2) CREATININE = 1.2
 THE MALE PATIENT AND WIFE WERE VERY HAPPY AND WERE SO GLAD
THEY HAVE PERSUED THE GERSON THERAPY AND TO THIS DAY
CONTINUE IMPROVING AND DOING THE GERSON THERAPY WITH
MONTHLY PHONE MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS, WE TALK ABOUT HIS
LAB RESULTS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY HOW HE FEELS AND ALWAYS
WE TALK ABOUT THE NEW CHANGES, IMPROVEMENTS AND MANY OF
DIFFRENT TYPE OF HEALING REACTIONS LIKE: CHRONIC SYNUSITIS
WITH ALLERGIES, PERIPHERIC POLYNEUROPATHY, SKIN RASH, ENERGY
AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF HIS HEALTH
IMPROVEMENT WAS THE WEIGHT LOSS.
 WHEN HE STARATED THE GERSON THERAPY HE WEIGHT = 272
pounds = 123 kg, Height 194 cm = 6'4" with a BMI = 32.7 with a
Nutritional Diagnosis = Obesity grade II. He started to lose weight in
the first week and on our last medical phone consultation he told me
he weight at home = 214 . Loosing this weight also a very important
part of his healing process.
 Our last medical phone consultation was done on April/11/2013, this

day was very special for us because this was the day the patient confirm
that he would be coming to San Diego to give his patient testimonial .
The patient celebrated his first year on the Gerson Therapy (patient
started on February/29/2012 biciest year) on March/01/2013 and we
are happy to say he continues to improve and feel better with every juice
and every coffee break he takes. His wife also has a lot to do with his
success because as you now this treatment is a team effort and the love
and understanding of the family is extremely important (moral support).
Both have followed the Gerson therapy in a modified fashion and both
have lived and experienced the beautiful changes of the Gerson
Nutritional Therapy.
 Because this patient received so much Chemotherapy and suffer severe

peripheric polyneuropathy and many side effects of the Chemotex he
was not recommended to do the Castor oil treatment.
 * Another important aspect was that because he urinates thru the
ileostomy urinary bag urine analysis were done but we did do ph strips
from the oral cavity and would always give us alkaline result of above 7
most of the time, some occasions reaching to 7.5 - 8.5.
 * Later after 6 weeks organic non fat plain yogurt is recommended but
some patients like in this case the patient is lactose intolerant and we
recommend for this patients another good source of protein besides
drinking gruel or having more oatmeal, they can also use organic Bee
Pollen.
 * Also the organic cold pressed Flax seed oil is reduce after 6 weeks of
doing the Gerson Therapy from 1 tablespoon twice per day to half a
tablespoon twice per day taken at lunch and dinner time
237
Graphic 1
WBC
12
11
10
8
Axis Title
WBC
6
L
5
H
4
Graphic 2
NEUTROPHILS
80
75
70
65
60
Axis Title
55
NEUTROPHILS
50
L
45
H
40
35
30
238
Graphic 3
LYMPHS
55
50
45
40
Axis Title
35
LYMPHS
30
L
25
H
20
15
Graphic 4
MONOCYTES
21
19
17
15
13
Axis Title
11 MONOCYTES
9 L
7 H
Graphic 5
RBC
7
6.5
6
Axis Title
5.5
RBC
5 L
4.5
239
Graphic 6
HEMOGLOBIN
18
17
16
Axis Title
15
HEMOGLOBIN
14 L
13
12
Graphic 7
HDL
58
53
48
Axis Title
43
HDL
L
38
33
28
240
Graphic 8
LDL
140
130
120
110
100
Axis Title
90 LDL
80 L
70 H
60
50
Graphic 9
VLDL
50
45
40
35
30
Axis Title
25
VLDL
20
L
15
H
10
Graphic 10
CHOLESTEROL
210
200
190
180
170
Axis Title
160 CHOLESTEROL
150 L
140 H
130
120
241
Graphic 11
TRIGLYCERIDES
235
215
195
175
155
Axis Title
135
115
TRIGLIERIDES L H
95
75
55
35
Graphic 12
BUN
25
20
15
Axis Title
BUN
10
5 H
242
Graphic 13
CREATININE
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
Axis Title
0.8
CREATININE
0.6
L
0.4
H
0.2
Graphic 14
BUN/CREAT RATIO
45.0
40.0
35.0
30.0
25.0
Axis Title
20.0 BUN/CREAT RATIO
15.0 L
10.0 H
5.0
0.0
Graphic 15
POTASSIUM
6
5.5
5
Axis Title
4.5
POTASSIUM
4 L
H
3.5
243
Graphic 16
TOTAL PROTEIN
8.5
7.5
Axis Title
TOTAL PROTEIN
6.5 L
H
6
5.5
Graphic 17
ALBUMIN
5.5
4.5
Axis Title
ALBUMIN
4
H
3.5
Graphic 18
GLOBULIN
4
3.5
2.5
Axis Title
GLOBULIN
1.5
L
1
H
0.5
244
Graphic 19
TGP (ALT)
35
30
25
20
Axis Title
TGP (ALT)
15
L
10
Graphic 20
ALKALINE PHOSPHATE
160
140
120
100
Axis Title
80
ALKALINE PHOSPHATE
60 L
H
40
20
Graphic 21
GAMMA GT
60
50
40
Axis Title
30
GAMMA GT
20 L
H
10
245
Graphic 22
LDH
300
250
200
Axis Title
150
LDH
100 L
50
OSMOLARIDAD
290
285
280
275
270
Axis Title
265
OSMOLARIDAD
260
L
255
H
250
245
240
Graphic 24
URINE PH
9
5
Axis Title
4 URINE PH
3 L
2 H
246
Graphic 25
WEIGHT IN lbs.
290
270
250
Axis Title
230
WEIGHT
210
Low BMI
190
High BMI
170
150
247
Presented by: Diane Ake
What we will discuss

1) Indoor pollution and toxins
- living room
- bathroom
- personal care items & cleaning supplies
- bedroom
2) Electro-magnetic fields
3) Outdoor pollution and toxins
4) Kitchen cautions and set-up
5) Air and water purification
6) Get help in the home 2
Living Room
• Remodeling
• New carpeting
• Carpet cleaning
• New furniture – fire retardants
• Cigarette smoke
• Fireplace
• Extermination
• Remove shoes before coming into the house 3
248
Bathroom - Cautions
• Tile & tub
• Drain
• Toilet bowl
• Mirrors
• Floor
• Air Freshener
• Avoid new plastic shower curtain (PVC/phthalates)
• “Green” products
4
Personal Care Items - Cautions
• Don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t put
in your mouth
• Bypass detoxifying liver enzymes
• 1938 FDA and Cosmetic Act
• 10,500 products in N. America
Personal Care Items

Replace Remove
• Toothpaste • Deodorant
• Shampoo • Lotion
• Conditioner • Perfume
• Soap • Make-up
• Shaving Cream • Hair coloring
• Nail polish
• No baking soda or
sodium
249
Fragrance
• Trade secrets
• Chemicals, carcinogens, including formaldehyde &
hormone disrupters
• “Natural fragrance”
Cleaning & Body Products Resources

• Environmental Working Group Skin Deep
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
• http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/research
• Make your own products
• Small companies e.g. Etsy.com
• The Safe Shopper’s Bible – David Steinman
• Toxic Beauty – Samuel S. Epstein, MD
• The Story of Cosmetics – YouTube video

8
Bedroom - Cautions
• New furniture & mattress
• Furniture polish & floor cleaner
• New paint (VOCs)
• Dry cleaning
• Attached garage
• Cordless phones or cell phones charging
250
Bedroom Light
• Light disrupts circadian rhythms & melatonin
production
• Night lights - red bulb
• Bright screens - 2 to 3 hours before bed
• www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Health_L
etter/2012/May/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
10
Bedroom – EMFs
• Alternating current - disruption of cells
• Electric fields suppress melatonin production & deep stage 4

sleep
• Waterbed, heating pad, electric blanket
• 6 feet away from electrical fields
• Turn off circuit breaker
• www.createhealthyhomes.com
• www.gusenviro.com
• www.lessemf.com 11
Computers
• Laptops – grounding methods
• Shielded AC power chord
• Move away from body
12
251
EMF
Radio Frequency Field Exposure
• Wi-Fi routers
• Cordless phones
• Cell phones – worse inside of cars
• Headset with plastic air tube
13
Outdoor Pollution
• Cell phone towers
• Radio & TV broadcast
towers
• High voltage power lines
• Pesticides
• Air pollution
14 14
Stretch Break
15
252
Earthing
• Free electrons from the Earth transfer to the body
• Stand/sit on the ground
• Earthing mats
• Earthing: The Most Important Health
• Discovery Ever? by Clint Ober
• www.earthing.com
16
Kitchen – Cautions
• Dish & dishwasher soap
• Cleanser
• New vinyl flooring
• New cabinets
• Teflon and aluminum cookware
• http://tuberose.com/Teflon.html
• No pressure cookers
17
Microwave Ovens
Microwave cooked food:
• Molecular damage
• Weakens immune system
• Exposure to electromagnetic radiation
18
253
Safe Cookware
• Stainless steel with tight fitting lids
• Glass
• Cast iron unpainted
• Enamel
• Crockpots – without lead glaze, less than 120◦ F
19
Second Refrigerator
20
Location of Juicer
21
254
Purchase Equipment
-Two refrigerators
-2 Step juicer
-Reamer juicer
22
Other Useful Supplies
23
Post Recipes
24
255
Post Schedules
25
Pure Water
1. Reverse Osmosis
2. Distillation
3. Carbon filters
4. Bone Char
26
27
256
Air Purifiers
28
Plants that Clean the Air

• Philodendron
• Spider Plant
• Ferns
• Peace Lily
29
Areca
Palm
Mother-in-law Tongue
Pothus
30
257
Recruit Ongoing Help in Your Home
• Hire an ongoing caregiver
• Get volunteers (from church, neighbors, etc.)
• Message boards at health food stores
• Place an ad in local health magazine
31
Home Set-up Trainer

• Will come to your home.
• Thoroughly trained to help

you get started correctly.
• Can be vital to the success

of your treatment at home.
• They do not give medical

advice.
32
Home Set-up Trainers
33
258

Setting Up The Gerson Therapy At Home

Walking into the kitchen of a Gerson patient is not unlike walking into a restaurant kitchen during lunch or
dinner hour. Commonly, there are cases of fruits and vegetables everywhere, and the refrigerator is stuffed so
full of produce that it can’t hold anything more. The large juicer hums loudly, pouring out fresh juice, while the
meal cooks on the stovetop.
There are ways in which a Gerson kitchen differs from a normal one. Max Gerson believed in making
every effort possible to improve the patient’s chances of overcoming illness, which attention must be paid not
only to the food itself, but also to the procedures and equipment used in its preparation. We have compiled
from our clinical experience and from the thousands of patients who have graciously “shared their secrets” over
the years the following suggestions as to how best organize your Gerson kitchen.

Equipment

While we at the Institute are not aware of any studies linking the use of particular utensils to the
development of disease, there is sufficient anecdotal evidence suggesting toxicity in certain metals, ceramic
glazes, and other materials commonly found in kitchen equipment to warrant attention.

On the Gerson Diet, use pots and pans made of any of the following materials:
• Stainless Steel
• Glass
• Porcelain

Several studies and reports point to the toxicity resulting from the long‐term use of aluminum cookware. Dr.
Gerson suggests specifically avoiding the use of aluminum.
Crock‐pots and ceramic cookware may be used if you are sure that the ceramic glaze is free of lead or other
toxic materials.
Do not use Silverstone, Teflon, and other non‐stick coatings.
Cutting boards should be made of wood or plastic. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Some reports
indicate that wood cutting boards are actually lower in residual bacteria than plastic; other reports claim the
opposite. In any case, all surfaces used in food preparation should be disinfected frequently with food‐grade
hydrogen peroxide (not with bleach or other chemical disinfectants).
Knives and other tools can be of any material except aluminum, and should be of high quality and easily
sharpened. Knives will be used more often and become dull more quickly in the Gerson household than in
others. A variety of knives, large serving spoons, and other task‐specific utensils will make food preparation
easier and more enjoyable.

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Water
Drinking water is not permitted on the full Gerson Therapy. In addition to the 104 ounces of juice, a
typical patient will also receive significant fluid intake from soup, and some liquid is certainly absorbed through
the gut wall during enemas. Patients who are thirsty may have additional juices, or virtually any amount of
peppermint, Pau d’Arco, or other appropriate herb teas.

Water – Cooking, etc.

All water consumed internally (i.e., used in cooking, soups, teas, enemas, etc.) must be purified and
distilled. If fluoride is not added to local water supplies, reverse osmosis combined with carbon filtration may be
used. If local water contains fluoride, water must be distilled and carbon filtered. Spring and well water can be
used in some cases, but we have seen numerous analyses of some such water showing significantly high levels
of certain minerals and even chemical residues. We recommend having your own analysis done on a regular
2
basis.

Water – Bathing/Swimming

The evidence for the damaging effects of chlorine and fluoride, even at extremely low concentrations,
appears to warrant the limitation of use of chlorinated and/or fluoridated water. We do not recommend that
patients bathe or swim in water containing fluoride or chlorine.
Fluoride cannot be completely removed except by distillation. If the patient’s municipal water source is
fluoridated, we advise against tub baths, swimming in pools, hot tubs, and other extended contacts with water.
Even showers should be limited to short, “navy style” showers in most cases. Sponge baths in distilled water can
be used; for a seriously ill patient, it may be advisable to limit showers in fluoridated water to one or two per
week for only 5 minutes. If water is not fluoridated, a chlorine shower filter should be used.
Pools and hot tubs that use chlorine, bromine, or other chemicals are not recommended. They may be
used if water is not fluoridated, and is disinfected solely with ozonation, UV, or hydrogen peroxide.
Water softeners are not recommended, as they add sodium ions to the water.

Washing and Cleaning

Due to the volume of use of equipment and dishware in the Gerson kitchen, we strongly recommend a
dishwasher (either human or machine). Non‐toxic detergents are best. If a disinfectant is to be used, as with
severely immune‐compromised patients, we recommend food‐grade hydrogen peroxide, rather than chlorine
bleach. White vinegar is also an excellent, inexpensive and safe cleaning agent.

Storage
Since the Gerson Therapy requires that foods be as fresh as possible, it is preferable to make only
enough for immediate consumption and to avoid storing foods prepared in advance. Of course, there will be
occasional exceptions, times when it is necessary to prepare and store a meal or between‐meal snack for later,
260


or foods such as the soup, in which enough is made for two days. A glass or stainless steel container with a lid is
best for food storage with minimum loss of nutrient value.

Quality of Food

Fresh, live, organically grown produce is essential to the Gerson diet. The Gerson diet consists primarily
of organically grown fruits and vegetables, supplemented with small quantities of organically grown grains.
Commercially grown foods contain pesticides that have been taken into the plant through its root system, and
cannot be washed or scrubbed away. These poisons contribute to the cause of disease. Once again, it is critical
to the success of the Therapy that they be eliminated completely. Besides, all processed foods are salted.
Canned, bottled, or otherwise processed food is forbidden. Vital nutrients –‐ the fragile enzymes,
vitamins, and minerals necessary to rebuild the damaged body and restore health ‐‐ are lost from food during
processing.

1
Filters on reverse osmosis units must be checked and frequently changed. Studies from Canada show bacterial growth very hazardous
to the cancer/immune‐compromised patient.
261


Healthier Cleaning Products
Introduction
All of the products below were rated as “A” in the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database (an
online database). The EWG defines the “A” category as having “Few or no known or suspected hazards to health
or the environment. Good ingredient disclosure.” To search for other products in the “A” category or to look up
other specific products or ingredients, visit http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners.
The Gerson Institute does not have expertise in product toxicity or chemistry. We used the EWG database to
research some of the least toxic products we could find to get you started with a few in each category. Feel free
to conduct your own research on non‐toxic products and to make your own products as well. If you find other
good products, please let us know.
You may not be able to find the products listed below at your local health store and may have to order them
online. Also note that you may not find some of the products from your local stores in the Environmental
Working Group database.
Make sure to look for organic products whenever possible. Always read the label for ingredients. There are
some small companies that don’t reach the markets and may be reliable sources of homemade products. You
may find them at farmer’s markets, local co‐ops, and on‐line sites such as www.etsy.com. You can research
their individual ingredients on the internet.
Books: Safe Shoppers Bible, Samuel Epstein

Product List

All Purpose Cleaners
‐Dr. Bronner's 18‐in‐1 Hemp Pure‐Castile Soap Baby Mild
‐Bon Ami Cleanser

Bathroom Cleaners
‐Bon Ami
‐Earth Friendly Products Toilet Kleener, Natural Cedar
‐Green Shield Organic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
‐Seventh Generation Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner, Emerald Cypress & Fir
‐Attitude Bathroom Mold & Mildew Cleaner

Dishwashers
‐Nature Clean Automatic Dishwasher Pacs
‐Nice! Dishwasher Packs Single Dose Detergent
‐Nature Clean Rinse Agent
262


Dish soap
Better Life Dish it Out Natural Dish Liquid, Unscented

Carpet Cleaner
‐Martha Stewart Clean Carpet Stain Remover
‐LA's Totally Awesome Power Oxygen Base Cleaner

Upholstery

Floor
‐Aussen Natural Floor Cleaner Concentrate

Mirror/Glass
‐Attitude Window & Mirror Eco Cleaner
Laundry Bleach & Additives Alternatives
‐OxiClean Laundry Baby Stain Soaker
‐Ecover Non‐Chlorine Bleach Liquid
‐Nature Clean Oxygen Bleach
‐Earth Friendly Products OXO Brite Non‐chlorine Bleach
‐Ecover Non‐Chlorine Bleach Powder
‐Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Bleach, Free & Clear
‐GrabGreen Bleach Alternative
‐Rit Laundry Treatment Color Remover
‐Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster & Household Cleaner

Laundry Soap
‐ Green Shield Organic Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
‐ Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
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Things to watch out for:
1). Fragrance and botanicals: “Natural” doesn’t always mean safer.
“Fragrance,” a catchall term often used in ingredient lists, can refer to more than 3,000 different substances.
Some raise health concerns but others don’t. The same is true of “essential oils.” Being naturally derived rather
than synthetic does not necessarily make for a safer ingredient. Some synthetic fragrances and essential oils are
known to cause allergies in people. In the European Union, they must be properly labeled. Fragrance‐free is the
best.
2). Information about Seventh Generation products: Many of their products score well on the Environmental
Working Group Skin Deep database, but there are a few exceptions.
A few products score poorly because they contain the preservative methylisothiazolinone and others because
the ingredients include the cleaning agent sodium borate. Methylisothiazolinone is toxic in the environment and
may cause allergic reactions. Sodium borate is listed as an endocrine disruptor in the European Union.
3). Disclosing Ingredients: Complete information is essential for safety.

Consumers are often in the dark about what’s in cleaning products. Manufacturers can use nearly any substance
they want in cleaning products, even those known to be health or environmental hazards. And they can hide
information about virtually all their ingredients from consumers. It’s an unregulated industry that puts hundreds
of products with potentially harmful ingredients on store shelves. Choose products with a complete list of
ingredients.

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Healthier Body Products
Introduction

All of the products below were rated as “A” in the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database (an
online database). The EWG defines the “A” category as having “Few or no known or suspected hazards to health
or the environment. Good ingredient disclosure.” To search for other products in the “A” category or to look up
other specific products or ingredients, visit http://www.ewg.org/skindeep.

The Gerson Institute does not have expertise in product toxicity or chemistry. We used the EWG database to
research some of the least toxic products we could find to get you started with a few in each category. Feel free
to conduct your own research on non‐toxic products and to make your own products as well. If you find other
good products, please let us know.

We left out products that contained sodium chloride and a lot of oils.

You may not be able to find the products listed below at your local health store and may have to order them
online. Also note that you may not find some of the products from your local stores in the Environmental
Working Group database.

Make sure to look for organic products whenever possible. Always read the label for ingredients. There are
some small companies that don’t reach the markets and may be reliable sources of homemade products. You
may find them at farmer’s markets, local co‐ops, and on‐line sites such as www.etsy.com. You can research
their individual ingredients on the internet.

Books: Toxic Beauty, Samuel Epstein
Safe Shoppers Bible, Samuel Epstein

Other Websites:
www.safecosmetics.com
www.preventcancer.com

Link for wallet size shoppers guide to safe cosmetics:
http//static.ewg.org/skindeep/pdf/EWG_cosmeticsguide.pdf

Product List

Body Wash and Soap

‐Be Green Bath and Body Lavender Hand & Body Soap
‐Be Green Bath and Body Lemongrass Foaming Hand & Body Soap
‐Ekota Kids Body Wash suitable for all sensitive skin

Shampoo
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‐Dr. Bronner's 18‐in‐1 Hemp Pure‐Castile Soap Baby Mild (www.drbronner.com)
‐Soap for Goodness Sake Shampoo and Body Bar
‐Baby Organic 2 in 1 Coconut Foam Coconut Shampoo & Body Wash
Caution‐ Dandruff Shampoos: Most of the active ingredients approved by the FDA for use in dandruff shampoos
have significant safety concerns, such as selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and coal tar.

Conditioner
‐Korres Silk Milk Conditioner
‐Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve Hair Tea Rinse
‐Miessence Protect Hair Repair, Certified Organic

Toothpaste
Make sure that it does not contain fluoride, sodium or baking soda
‐Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel
‐Vita Myr
‐Just the Goods vegan toothpaste (unflavored or anise)

Natural Solutions
A Gerson patient should not use any topical skin care products. Glycerin and water can be used as a moisturizer.
You can also try castor oil as a lotion and hair moisturizer/styling product.
You can use apple cider vinegar as a cleanser, toner and moisturizer 2‐3 cups distilled water + ½ cup raw
unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar (The brand Bragg’s is available in most stores and online).
Deodorant
Lemon juice while bathing ‐ put on at beginning of shower/bath then rinse off with soap at end of shower/bath.
Clay powder
Swab with hydrogen peroxide or pure grain alcohol
Clay powder
Apple cider vinegar
Ingredients to avoid
“Fragrance”: This catch‐all term can include hundreds of chemicals and trigger allergic reactions. Federal law
doesn’t require companies to list on product labels any of the chemicals in their fragrance mixture. Recent
research from Environmental Working Group and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found an average of 14
chemicals in 17 name brand fragrance products, none of them listed on the label. Skip products that use the
term “fragrance” in the list of ingredients and instead opt for those that list each fragrance ingredient. Better
yet, use fragrance‐free products.
266


Ingredients can have harmful contaminants: Many common ingredients can contain impurities linked to cancer
and other health concerns. Avoid these common ingredients:
‐Benzalkonium chloride
‐BHA
‐Ceteareth
‐Coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients (including Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine)
‐DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (momoethnanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine)
(All Petroleum derived ingredients)
‐Diazolidinyl urea
DMDM hydantoin & bronopol (2‐Bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol)
‐Formaldehyde
‐Hydroquinone
‐Imidazolidinyl urea
‐Lead
‐Mercury and mercury compounds
‐Methyl cellosolve (or methoxyethanol)
‐Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone
‐Nanoparticles
‐Nitromethane
‐Oxybenzone
‐Parabens (Propyl, Isopropyl, Butyl, and Isobutylparabens)
‐PEG/Ceteareth/Polyethylene compounds
‐Petroleum distillates
‐Phenacetin
‐Phenolphthalein
‐Phthalates
‐Placenta/Progesterone
‐Polyethylene glycol and PEG
‐Resorcinol
‐Retinyl palmitate and retinol (Vitamin A)
‐Toluene
‐Triclosan & Triclocarban

267


Excerpts from Safer Use of Computers
Written by Oram Miller, BBEC
http://www.createhealthyhomes.com/safercomputers.php
Introduction
There are several kinds of EMFs, and you find all the three at a computer work station. These are magnetic
fields, electric fields, and a relatively new form of EMF at computers, wireless frequencies. These are each
discussed separately below.
Magnetic Fields
The most harmful type of EMF at computers, although it is fast becoming the least common, is magnetic field
exposure from the old cathode ray tube style of monitor, which is really a TV set. We would never sit as close to
a television set as we do in front of a computer monitor. The field can extend three to four feet in all directions,
even through a wall into another room.
This is rapidly becoming a non‐issue with the use of flat screen monitors and laptops, both of which use LCD, or
Liquid Crystal Display, technology or even newer LED, or Light Emitting Diodes to light up the screen. Neither
LCD nor LED monitors emit magnetic fields beyond a couple of inches from the base.
If you still own a cathode‐ray tube monitor, the best solution is to replace it with a flat screen stand‐alone
monitor or a laptop as soon as possible. They are much more affordable now than initially. If you are still really
sensitive to even a flat screen monitor or laptop, then purchase a remote keyboard and move the flat screen
monitor or laptop further away. Find the setting in the Control Panel to change the pixel size on the screen
(usually under "Display," and then click on the tab labeled, "Settings"). This way you can increase the size of the
icons and font on your screen to see them from farther away. You can also purchase radiation screens and anti‐
static shields from Less EMF (remember you need to ground the shield).
There are also magnetic fields around every transformer that you have plugged into the power strip. The field
extends out about 1‐2 feet. The solution is to move the power strip away from your feet by at least three or four
feet. A little distance makes a big difference.
There are also small magnetic fields produced from the motor of the hard drive inside the computers, but that is
relatively small. Still, you should move a computer tower away from your knees by a few feet rather than having
it right against your knee. Ideally move it outside the desk to the side as far away from you as possible. Once you
move the computer, purchase extension data cables from Radio Shack, Frye's or Best Buy if your existing data
cables do not reach between the computer and your keyboard, monitor and peripheral equipment.
Finally, if you have a laptop computer, there will be a magnetic field around the in‐line transformer. Just move it
as far away as the cord will allow and you should be fine.
Electric Fields
You can reduce electric field levels at your computer workstation by replacing the electric power cords of most
desktop computers, monitors and some printers with a shielded AC power cord available at Radio Shack for $10.
If the existing power cord pulls out from the back of your computer, monitor or printer, take it to Radio Shack
and show it to the clerk. Ask for the AC Shielded Power Cord, Part # 61‐206, to replace it. Use that shielded
268


power cord instead of the cord that came with the computer (unless you already have a shielded power cord,
indicated by the word "Shielded" mixed in with the lettering imprinted on the cord itself).
Replacing the AC power cord with a shielded cord is not possible with most inline transformers, unless you have
one that has a detachable AC power cord that has a plug on the appliance end that matches the shielded AC
power cord from Radio Shack.
Laptop computers can also be sources of high electric field exposure while they are plugged in if they are
ungrounded. (This is not a problem with desktop computers as they are already grounded through a three‐
pronged plug, but you must make sure the outlet has a properly working ground‐‐see below.) Many laptops use
a two‐pronged plug at the wall outlet. When ungrounded, placing your hands on the keyboard can produce
significantly high electric field exposure. This is particularly a problem if you spend hours each day on an
ungrounded laptop computer, like several clients of mine who complain of marked fatigue and agitation when
doing so.
If the 120 Volt line voltage AC power cord is already grounded (three‐pronged), then the laptop will be grounded
and there will be no problem. When the plug has only two prongs, however, then the laptop will be
ungrounded. You also have an ungrounded situation when the computer plug is grounded but the outlet is an
older ungrounded two‐pronged outlet and you are using a so‐called "cheater plug," or, the outlet has a third
prong but a circuit tester shows that the ground is non‐functional (you can purchase a Circuit Tester from any
hardware store for $11).
When the laptop gets grounded, then instead of seeing 5,000 milliVolts (mV) or higher of electric field exposure
on the body voltage test when you touch the keyboard, as I have seen with many clients with ungrounded
computers, the level drops down to a healthy 100‐200 mV. That is the range, or close to it, you want to see. If
the electric field level drops but to a higher level, then what remains would be coming from non‐metallic,
plastic‐jacketed "Romex" circuits in the walls, but at least you won't be tired all the time when you use your
laptop.
If the laptop's power supply is not already grounded, there are several workarounds:
 Use the laptop on battery mode and only recharge it when you don't use it.
 Purchase a replacement AC power supply that is grounded from building biologist and computer expert,
Patrick Last, of Moncton, Ontario at 855‐363‐2845 or emfatik.com
 Use the grounding path of a printer that itself has a grounded plug on its AC power cord. Always keep
the printer cable from your USB port on the laptop always connected to the printer. That will
automatically ground your laptop even if the printer is not on because the ground connection is not
switched. If the printer AC power cord is not grounded, you will have to use one of the other options to
ground your laptop.
 Avoid using a two‐pronged ungrounded extension cord if you do have a grounded plug on your laptop
AC power cord.
Reducing Electric Fields at Computers with Grounding and "Earthing" Pads
The discussion above has relevance to a topic that is big in the alternative medical community these days, and
that is, grounding or "earthing" pads for your bed and computer work station. If you have high electric fields at
your computer, some advocate that you simply put your feet on a grounded earthing pad.
While a body voltage meter will show a reduction in electric field exposure when you do this, the German
building biologists found that you are in fact passing microcurrent and microvoltages through your body to the
269


earth. Fortunately, the beneficial ions that are "pushed" up into the body from the wired connection to the
earth are strong enough to counteract the deleterious electric field around you, especially when you touch the
keyboard of an ungrounded computer, but many in my profession, including me, believe you are still better off
grounding an ungrounded computer first and foremost using one of the options given above and then using an
earthing pad for all of its benefits, rather than just solving the problem by using an earthing pad alone. You will
be better off in my opinion if you do both.
Wired Versus Wireless (Wi‐Fi) Routers and Local Area Networks (LANs)
The most significant EMF at computer work stations today is wireless frequencies. Your network to the world
wide web can either be hardwired, as it was in the "old days," or wirelessly between your computer and an
Internet router. You can also connect to other computers and your printer through wireless, also known as Wi‐
Fi.
Wi‐Fi networks are in fact being used for many more purposes today, allowing you to connect your smart cell
phone, camera and even appliances and your electric meter with your computers and with each other. The plan
is to eventually have a total grid within and between homes securely sharing information. The problem is,
research shows this to be detrimental and many have fallen ill as a result of exposure to these technologies.
Our goal is to show you how high speed Internet service can get to multiple computers in your house on the
same Internet account without using Wi‐Fi. We recommend that you set up a hardwired network or local area
network (LAN). It doesn't matter how the data stream gets into the home (DSL from phone lines, or from cable
or satellite). There is no problem with that from an EMF standpoint.
First you need to determine how many computers you have in use in the house and where they are located. The
choices for a hardwired LAN are to run Ethernet cable from the router to each computer directly, or to have a
hardwired network of Internet cable, most likely Category‐6, installed in your walls. If your computers are all in
the same room, you can simply run Ethernet cables that you purchase at the store from each computer to the
router in the room.
If you have computers in different rooms or your router is in a different location than your computers, you
would have a home‐run wire installed in the wall from the router to a wall jack in each room where you plan to
use a computer. Then you can purchase Ethernet cables of whatever length you want and plug into the wall. You
can have portability within the room while being tethered to a wall Internet jack.
Once you have determined how you will get the data stream from your router to your computers, you next need
to disable the Wi‐Fi broadcast feature of the router. This can be done through the Internet browser (Internet
Explorer, Firefox or Safari on a Mac) on any computer that is connected to the router (from any room) with an
Ethernet cable or built‐in Cat‐6 cable. The router will stay on and function as a hardwired router with the Wi‐Fi
turned off. I can assist you with this if you are in Southern California, or you can call the Technical Services
department of your router manufacturer and they will walk you through it.
Once you have done all this, you will still need to disable the Wi‐Fi on your laptop or desktop computer (if it has
built‐in Wi‐Fi), since this feature will continue to put out frequencies even if you are connected to your router
with a hardwired cable as the computer tries to find a Wi‐Fi router in the area.
To disable the Wi‐Fi on your laptop, there is often a button that turns this on and off. If not, open the control
panel and click on "Network Connections." You will see an icon for the "LAN or High‐Speed Internet," which will
say "Connected." That means you are connected through the Ethernet cable. Leave that alone. Look for the icon
that says "Wireless." You want to right‐click that and click to make it "Disabled."
270


Excerpts from Steps to Protect Yourself from Harmful Cell Phone Frequencies

Written by Oram Miller, BBEC
http://www.createhealthyhomes.com/cellphone_safety_list.php
Introduction
I should start off by saying there is no such thing as a "safe" cell phone. It is simply a matter of how much
exposure are you willing, or able, to tolerate and how proactive you want to be in protecting yourself.
All cell phones generate potentially harmful frequencies, no matter how you use them. It is a question of how
long you use the phone, how often, and how far it is held from your head and body.
At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself, "How many cigarettes did I smoke today? Two? A half a pack?"
Sooner or later, cell phones will affect your health. It is just a matter of how well your body's cells can repair
themselves from the micro damage they cause day after day and how much damage you can tolerate over your
lifetime before you become symptomatic.
How many of you smoke cigarettes today? Probably almost none. We are at the same point we were as a society
with cigarettes forty years ago. Now we know better about the effects of smoking tobacco, including second‐
and now, third‐hand smoke. Almost no one smokes anymore and all public places in the US are smoke‐free.
Think of cell phones in the same way and you will be well ahead of the curve.
To sum it up, the safest way to use a cell phone as far as we are concerned is to use it as little as possible. Our
two guiding principles are:
 Reduce use
 Increase distance
Keep these two principles in mind as you look over the recommendations below.
Give yourself the freedom and permission to be different, to buck the trend and do something other than what
all your friends are doing, and be ready to explain why.
I also suggest you don't try to convince anyone else to do the same as you do, especially if they are your own
teenagers. No adult or teenager likes to be told what to do, no matter how much they know you love them. In
my experience with numerous clients, you will have better luck just explaining the changes you made for
yourself. Then if and when they are ready, they will look into the matter for themselves and consider adopting
these changes because of your example.
List of Steps to Protect Yourself from Cell Phone Frequencies
With all that in mind, I present below my list of steps to protect you from cell phone frequencies, from least to
safest.
1) Continue to use your cell phone right against your head as you have been doing without implementing any
of the recommendations below. This is really not a good idea in light of all the evidence that is available today,
especially from Europe.
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2) Use a speaker phone, if your phone has a jack for one, and hold the cell phone away from your head at
arm's length. This is a reasonable solution for most asymptomatic (non‐EMF‐sensitive) people. This is not an
option when you need privacy for your call, in which case you will end up putting the phone right next to your
head part of the time, close enough to cause long‐term harm. Because that will happen more often than you
think, I would not count on this option to help you much in the long run, but it's better than holding the phone
right against your head.
3) Text more. This likewise keeps the phone away from your head and body and actually reduces radio
frequency exposure compared to using the speakerphone. This is because the phone only sends out a pulsed,
digital frequency when you hit "send," rather than almost continuously when you are on speakerphone. There
will also be bursts of radio frequency as your phone synchs up with the tower for other functions (incoming
email, software updates). This option is also better than holding the phone right next to your head.
4) Use the earphone provided by your cell phone manufacturer and hold the phone at arm's length when you
make a call. This is also better than putting the phone next to your head, but is not the best solution because
most earphone cords can carry frequencies up the cord and concentrate them at your head.
5) Use the earphone provided by your cell phone manufacturer and install two ferrite snap beads on the cord.
This is better than using a wired earphone by itself. Purchase the snap beads from Less EMF.com. In California,
you can purchase them from John Black in Costa Mesa (949‐891‐7369 or 949‐261‐7352 cell), Robert Brandolino,
also in Costa Mesa (949‐235‐0561), or Camaraw Long in Tustin (949‐387‐2084). Place one at the bottom of the
cord where it plugs into the phone and the other about 3/4 of the way up (the earphones from Robert have a
different configuration). This blocks radiation as it comes out of the phone. It also blocks radiation picked up by
the cord through the air from your own cell phone antenna as well as frequencies transmitted by other cell
phones and cell towers nearby.
Robert Brandolino in Costa Mesa (949‐235‐0561) has wired earphones that have been tested by an engineer and
certified to be 99% EMF‐free at the earbud, and 99.9% EMF‐free if you put a ferrite bead on the cord.
6) Purchase an air tube earphone and hold the phone away from your body. Don't keep the phone in a pocket.
You can purchase air tube earphones from Less EMF.com; 888‐537‐7363.
In California, you can purchase them from:
 John Black in Costa Mesa (949‐261‐7352),
 Robert Brandolino, also in Costa Mesa (949‐235‐0561), or
 Camaraw Long in Tustin (949‐387‐2084)
Once you have an air tube earphone, be sure to install two ferrite snap beads onto the cord (again, Robert's
have a different arrangement). This is the least harmful option. The plastic air tube in the six inches closest to
the earbud keeps all frequencies from your head, but you can still have frequencies travel up the cord right out
of the cellphone and from cell towers and other cell phones through the air, which then radiate off the cord as it
drapes against your body. That is why the snap beads are still needed.
Specify the type of phone you use so that LessEMF and the folks in California who sell the earphones can provide
the correct plug at the end of the cord to plug into your cell phone.
If you use the earphone provided by your cell phone manufacturer instead of an airtube ear phone, you must
use two snap beads to block the frequencies that will inevitably come all the way up the cord to the side of your
head.
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7) Avoid using your cell phone altogether except for a few moments at a time, and only a few times per week.
This is actually the safest option.
To accomplish this easily, you should:
 Keep your home's telephone landline with the phone company or with the cable company
 Use a corded telephone rather than a cordless telephone on your landline (you can still purchase these
at Radio Shack, Frye's, Staples or Office Depot)
 When you need to make outgoing calls at home, use your corded landline telephone, not your cell
phone
 When calls come in to your cell phone while at home, you can forward those calls to your home
telephone number. Be sure to reverse that feature when you leave home
 You can also do as I do when calls come in on my business line (a cell phone) when I am home. I ask the
client if I can call them back from my landline and I verify that the number they are calling from that
appears on my identa‐ring is correct. I then hang up and call them back from my landline. That way I
have no radio frequencies near me, I don't use up cell minutes, and the conversation is always much
clearer.
8) When in the car, use a roof‐mounted external antenna, available from
http://www.alternativewireless.com/cellular‐antennas/cell‐phone‐antennas.html . Make sure your cell phone
has a jack for an external antenna. If you have one, the jack will be located on the back of the phone near the
base of the antenna, under a rubber plug or inside the back cover. Be aware that newer cell phones usually do
not have these jacks. You may need to purchase a refurbished model. See below for a much more detailed
explanation of how to use cell phones safely inside cars.
9) We do not recommend the use of a Bluetooth headset because you are still exposing the cells of your head
and brain to so‐called "low‐frequency information‐carrying radio waves," which are the most harmful
frequencies emitted by wireless devices. While the power output of the carrier wave transmitted by a Bluetooth
is only 1/50th the strength of the carrier wave transmitted by a cell phone, the Bluetooth still transmits low‐
frequency information‐carrying radio waves.
This also goes for use of a Bluetooth in the car (see below in the section, "Cell Phone Use in Cars" for
alternatives).
Using Cell Phones for Email and Other Internet Uses, and the Use of Wireless Pads (iPad, etc.)
More and more of us are using our cell phones as mobile computers, allowing us to access email and the web
away from home. We are also using various wireless pads, which essentially function as thinner, more portable
laptops.
The problem is that these devices only access email and the web through wireless connections either directly to
a cell tower or to a nearby Wi‐Fi network. You can connect to the Internet from your laptop or desktop
computer using only a hardwired Ethernet connection, as discussed on the page, "Safer Use of Computers."
These portable pads and smart cell phones, on the other hand, do not have an Ethernet jack. A smart phone and
pad can connect to a computer through a cable to the computer's USB port, allowing you to transfer files back
and forth and recharge the device, but you cannot access the web on the computer through the pad or smart
phone.
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This is a design decision by the manufacturers, particularly of the pads, that locks them into a wireless‐only
connect mode to the Internet, unfortunately exposing users to harmful radio frequencies. EMF‐sensitive
individuals are able to stay hardwired with a laptop or desktop computer, but that is not possible with the pads
or smart phones if you want to connect to the net.
My only suggestion is to minimize your use of an iPad or smart phone when away from home and use your
hardwired computer when at home to access email and the net. You can always take a laptop with you when
away from home and bring an Ethernet cable to plug into a router at your friend's home or into the Ethernet
data port in most hotel rooms. You can also plug into the Ethernet cable at Fed Ex Office (the old Kinkos).
Safer Cell Phone Use in Cars
Using your cell phone in the car presents many health and safety challenges. Using a cell phone without a hands‐
free set‐up is illegal in many states, including California. From our standpoint, there is the added problem that
the signal being broadcast from your phone to the cell tower outside is not fully penetrating through all the steel
that surrounds you, and it bounces back inside. This coalesces into a potentially harmful "sweet spot" of
increased radio frequency exposure. It can also trigger the cell tower to send a command to the cell phone
telling it to boost its power output to push the transmission through the steel. This also pushes more radio
frequencies into your brain as you hold the phone to your head.
If you must be on the cell phone while driving, the answer is to transmit from a roof‐top antenna that is
connected to your phone by a cord, not from the antenna inside the phone, and not from a Blue Tooth. Using a
Blue Tooth adds more wireless transmitters inside the car, and the final transmitter to the cell tower is still your
cell phone, likely sitting on the seat next to you trying to broadcast through all that steel.
Instead, you must first purchase a cell phone with an external antenna jack. If you want a smart cell phone, you
can try to purchase an LG Ally (sold by Verizon and which unfortunately is being discontinued) or other model
that has an external antenna jack on the back (sometimes found under the back cover). There are also several
flip phones available with external antenna jacks. Sometimes the sales reps are not even aware that the phone
has one. Ask to see what the truckers use.
Once you have found a cell phone with an external antenna jack, locate the make and model number. Then
order a car rooftop external antenna from http://www.alternativewireless.com/cellular‐antennas/cell‐phone‐
antennas.html . Probably the best antenna for most people's use is the Wilson 3db Dual Band Mag Mount
Antenna FME F for $29.95. You can reach them at 888‐399‐4932.
You will need to tell them the model number of your cell phone. That way they can send you a rooftop antenna
that includes a shorter cord with the appropriate plug that goes into the jack on the back of your phone (which
shuts off the onboard antenna inside the phone). The other end of this short cord is screwed into the end of a
longer wire that is attached to the antenna on the roof.
Place the antenna above your head on the metal roof of your car. The magnet in the base of the antenna will
keep it from moving as you drive. There is a "dead spot" right under the antenna and the metal roof of your car
acts as a shield to protect you as you sit inside from the frequencies that are broadcast from the antenna. If you
have a sunroof, move the antenna back so that the metal roof as it meets the back edge of the sunroof casts an
imaginary shadow along a line from the top of the antenna to a point above the top of your head as you sit
inside the car. The idea is to make sure that the metal roof shields your head completely from frequencies
broadcast from the rooftop antenna, because the glass of a sun or moonroof will let the frequencies pass right
into the car, and you don't want your head to be in that path.
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Then run the wire in through the back door on the driver's side. Run the cord around the seat belt where it is
attached to the door post and then down and behind the driver's seat and up between the two front seats.
When I get into my car, I first connect the antenna cord to the jack on the back of my phone, plug in my
earphone, and I am ready to go. Remember, the important thing is that when you plug this cord into the
external antenna jack on your cell phone, it disables the onboard antenna that is inside the cell phone, so now
you are broadcasting only from the rooftop antenna, not from inside the car.
Protection Against Incoming Radio Frequencies In Your Home from Outside Cell Towers
In regards to the question about a safe distance to live from cell towers, there is no simple answer because the
amount of radio frequency power density can vary from one cell tower to another and from one time to another
with the same tower. This is due to the amount of traffic of calls that are in progress at a particular time and the
direction that the antenna is pointed.
Also, does a person's house have Low‐emissivity (Low‐e) windows or a thermal film, both of which are metallic,
or old style metal mesh window screen? All three block radio frequencies from coming in through glass, which,
like plastic vinyl screen material, lets radio frequencies right through the aperture (hole) in the wall that is the
window. Walls block radio frequencies to some degree. Stucco siding, foil‐lined insulation under the siding, and
metal siding all block radio frequencies even more (concrete absorbs and metal reflects radio frequencies).
It therefore depends on all these factors. What a person needs to do is have the radio frequency exposure levels
measured, which I do as part of a healthy home assessment using my radio frequency meter.
If you want to do this for yourself, you can purchase the Electrosmog meter (Catalogue number E495) from
LessEMF.com in Albany, New York for $199 (888‐537‐7363). That is one of the most affordable and accurate
radio frequency meters on the market.
If levels are elevated and you don't have metal siding, you can use a radio reflective paint called Y‐Shield to block
radio waves from penetrating a wall. This is a carbon‐based primer that can be painted inside or outside the
exterior wall, with another paint used over it as a top coat (you may need two coats of top coat as the Y‐Shield
paint is black) to seal and protect the Y‐Shield layer. Y‐Shield is non‐toxic, and you should use a non‐toxic low
VOC topcoat such as AFM Safe Coat.
Don't try to use a cell phone from inside the room, as radio waves will bounce back in and when a call is in
progress, the tower will tell the phone to boost power output because the signal is weak. You don't want that. Y‐
Shield is available from LessEMF.com.
There are also radio wave‐blocking fabrics you can hang on your walls like a tapestry or drapes, also available
from LessEMF.com. They have a wide variety of effective fabrics to choose from. They can send you a sample kit
for $10 with swaths of fabric, so you can be sure you are not sensitive to it if that is a potential problem.
The windows still need to be taken care of, and that can be done with simple metal mesh window screen, either
steel or aluminum, but not plastic vinyl, which is what is generally used today or the transparent shielding
materials available from LessEMF.com.
Discussion of the Use of EMF‐Reducing Chips and Diodes
The building biology profession does not recommend the use of so‐called EMF‐reducing chips and diodes that
some people stick on their cell phone as your only protection against harmful frequencies while continuing to
275


hold the phone against your head. Contrary to what the chip or diode manufacturers claim, studies by Dr.
George Carlo contradict their assertion that these devices are fully protective against harmful EMFs from cell
phones. Dr. Carlo is Founder of the Science and Public Policy Institute. He is one of the leading researchers on
the health risks of exposure to wireless technologies and information‐carrying radio frequencies.
Dr. Carlo's website is no longer active but we have obtained a copy of his former website through archive.org.
Dr. Carlos provides a "Medical Alert: Aggravated Symptom Relapses Reported after Use of Widely‐Available EMR
Protection Products," dated June 17, 2008. He provides reasons why he discovered that so‐called EMF‐reduction
chips, while reportedly helpful for some, had caused "serious symptom relapses" and a worsening of symptoms
after roughly 9 to 18 months in those who had noticed initial improvement.
If you do chose to use one of these devices, we recommend that you do so in conjunction with the steps listed
above and that you do not use them as your sole means of protection.
Dr. Carlo also provides "Interventions to Maximize Health and Minimize EMR Risks Recommendations from the
Safe Wireless Initiative" to combat the ill effects of exposure to cellphones and other wireless communication
devices.
276


Excerpts from Electric Fields, Melatonin from the Pineal Gland, and a Deep Night's
Sleep: What's the Connection?
http://createhealthyhomes.com/articles_EMF_3.php
When was the last time you tossed and turned in the middle of the night for no good reason, unable to fall back
asleep? Do you have all the latest gadgets plugged in by your bed: clock radio, cordless telephone, cell phone
charger?
If you are savvy about EMFs, you probably moved your clock radio away from your head, but did you know that
another type of EMF comes from your lamp cord? "But it's turned off when I sleep," you say. "There's nothing
there." You also may say, "I checked my bedroom with a gauss meter and found no EMFs."
"Yes, but did you measure electric fields," I ask? It turns out there are several kinds of EMFs. We already talked
about radio frequencies in previous articles. There are two more types of EMFs caused by house wiring,
magnetic and electric fields. Both occur at 60 cycles per second, or Hertz (Hz), but they differ from one another
in their effects on our health.
Magnetic fields are produced by current running through a wire‐‐and anything else metallic, including water and
gas pipes. They also come from "point sources" such as transformers (clock radios) and motors (refrigerators).
Magnetic fields from electric current are like water flowing out of a garden hose.
Electric fields, on the other hand, come from voltage, not current. Voltage is the pressure of electricity in circuits
and AC power cords in your house, much like the pressure of water in your garden hose. The trick is, you can
have the water spigot open and pressure in the hose but no water spraying out. That's like having the circuit
breaker on and the lamp plugged in but turned off. Voltage is still there so that when you turn the lamp back on,
the bulb lights up.
Yet when you turn the lamp off, the voltage (or electrical pressure) remains, and so does its field. Electric fields
extend six to eight feet from all plastic‐jacketed wires, including those in walls (called Romex) and those plugged
into the wall. That field, which is present whether the lamp is turned on or off, oscillates between positive and
negative charge 60 times a second (the frequency of 120 Volt AC electric power in North America) (Actually, the
field oscillates back and forth between positive and negative 120 times per second, but there are 60 full cycles,
with a positive phase and a negative phase, per second.)
How does all this affect your health? When you try to sleep, all the cords and plastic Romex circuits in your
bedroom walls within a six to eight foot radius around your bed affect every cell in your body. The electrically
charged particles in your cells‐‐ions, protons and electrons‐‐are constantly attracted and repulsed from these
wires, sixty times a second, causing a subtle (or not so subtle) agitation when you try to sleep. Now you
understand one big reason why you may toss and turn while you sleep and awaken every morning feeling
fatigued.
The best attempts to induce good sleep, from warm milk to pills, fail to overcome this agitating influence. As a
result, you don't get enough deep Stage Three and Four sleep in the four to five sleep cycles we experience
every night. Your pineal gland also doesn't produce its normal dose of melatonin while you sleep, no matter how
dark the room.
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Gauss meters only measure magnetic fields, which are actually more harmful but less common than electric
fields. If you don't measure magnetic fields, don't assume you're free of EMFs in the bedroom. You likely do
have electric fields, even if your Tri‐Field Meter doesn't show them on the "Electric Field" setting.
Building biologists use the "Body Voltage Test" to measure electric fields where you sleep. The client lays on
their bed and holds a metal cylinder and volt meter grounded to earth in one hand and a walkie‐talkie in the
other. They tell us what the electric field readings are when we shut off all circuits at the breaker panel. We then
turn them on again one at a time looking for those circuits that raise the electric field levels in each bedroom to
determine which ones need to be shut off when the client and their family sleeps at night.
If you're lucky enough to live in a home or apartment with metal‐clad wiring in the walls, either flexible metal
sheathing ("flex," "MC cable," "armored cable," or the old "BX") or rigid metal pipe ("EMT"), you don't need to
shut off any circuits at night. You only need to unplug all lamps and any other electronic appliances where cords
are within eight to ten feet of your bed in all directions (up, down, sideways and through the wall in adjoining
rooms). You can purchase a plug‐in switch from the hardware store, which you first plug into an outlet, then
plug your lamp into the switch. Turn off the lamp at the outlet, not at the lamp, and the plastic cord goes dead
when the lamp goes off.
You can also purchase shielded plastic AC power cords from LessEMF.com and have a small appliance repair
shop replace your bedside lamp cord so you don't need a plug‐in switch. That way, there are no electric fields
from the cord and the metal in the lamp even with the lamp turned on. I can provide a protocol for the shop to
follow. Grounded cords are only partially helpful because they still emit an electric field. A shielded cord has a
special aluminum sheath under the plastic insulation that completely keep electric fields from being emitted into
the room from the "hot" wire inside. They cannot be purchased at a hardware store and are only available from
LessEMF or other online sources.
These solutions only work if you have metal circuits in your walls. Most homes in America, however, are wired
with plastic circuits, called Romex or NM (for "non‐metallic") wiring. In that case, you need to shut circuits off at
night at the breaker panel that pass in and through all rooms where people sleep. Be sure to keep circuits on
that power smoke detectors and other appliances that need to run overnight (refrigerators, furnace, hot water
heater fan, etc.). Sometimes new dedicated metal‐clad circuits need to be run for these appliances. You can use
battery operated clocks and flashlights by the bed.
To avoid traipsing out to the garage or basement every night and morning to turn circuits off and on, an
electrician can install one or more Demand Switches next to the breaker panel that automatically shut off
circuits when you turn your lamp off. Talk to a building biologist about this option.
Remember, it is plastic circuits and lamp cords that pass through an eight to ten foot bubble around your
sleeping body that elevate electric field levels, not the lamp itself, and it doesn't matter whether the lamp is on
or not.
If this sounds complicated, it can be, and we honestly recommend that you contact a building biologist in your
area to conduct this test and map out a strategy rather than trying it yourself. Go to www.buildingbiology.net
and click on "Find an Expert" to locate one in your state.
Oram Miller, BBEI, is a Certified Building Biology Environmental Inspector. He provides EMF (electromagnetic
field) evaluations for homes and offices locally in Southern California and nationwide over the telephone. You can
contact Oram at 310.720.7686 or www.createhealthyhomes.com.
278

Presented by: Carol Beard
Food is Medicine
“Foods are the primary prescription for healing,
comparable to a drug in allopathic treatment.
Significant deviation from the diet can be as serious
for Gerson patients as missing an insulin shot can be
for a diabetic patient.”
Compliance to the Diet
• Rare, mild deviation
• Best results are achieved by following the guidelines
to the letter
• Diet must be applied over a long period of time
• Long term compliance is vital to overcoming disease
279
Gerson Diet Different
• Gerson Therapy similar but not the same
as other nutritional approaches
• Gerson Therapy has served as a foundation for other
nutritional healing programs
• Usually not effective when mixed with with other
treatments
• Guidelines activate specific biochemical processes
that promote healing 4
• Dietary guidelines were established after extensive
clinical experimentation
• Certain foods were eliminated for compelling reasons
based on clinical experience
• Diet maximized the body’s ability to function with
minimal effort
• Diet high in potassium and low in sodium and
restriction of protein/salt helps to increase sodium
elimination and reverse TDS
5
Food/key elements
of the Gerson Therapy
1. Macronutrient
2. Feeding‐juices
3. Sodium Restriction
4. Protein Restriction
5. Fat Management
6. Detoxification/ Coffee
Enemas
6
280
Gerson Diet Mostly Raw
• 20 pounds of food each day
• 3 to 4 pounds of cooked foods – (meals) patient’s
daily consumption
• 17 pounds raw foods, mostly made into juices
• Oil‐ flax oil only, 2 Tbsp daily (reduced to 1 Tbsp after
6 weeks)
• Yogurt/or cottage cheese, homemade buttermilk
(saltless and creamless)
7
Protein
• Yogurt, must be nonfat, plain and organic
• Bee pollen
• Spirulina
Food Allergies/Sensitivities
• Oatmeal/gluten
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Apples
281
How is the Gerson Food Different?
• Must be organic, fresh
• Soft cooked food, soft bulk helps appetite, eliminates
gas, easy to digest
• Prepared with minimum 1 Tblsp soup stock, or
onions
• Cooked on low temperature, provides a buffer for
volume of juices
10
11
12
282
Cost
• Produce for one month‐ Est. $1000‐$1500
• Coffee – (5 lbs. )‐ $38
• Miscellaneous: tea, clay, castor oil: $50.
• Juicer: Norwalk ‐ $2400 New
• Champion/Press ‐ $600.
• Water purifier: Distiller‐$300 or RO Unit‐$300
• Supplements for 3 months –min. $1000
• 2‐weeks at the clinic: $11,000 13
Amount of Food One Patient
Needs in a Year
• 1800 pounds of carrots
• 1300 pounds of apples
• 145 heads of red cabbage
• 400 heads of lettuce
• 125 pounds of green peppers
14
13 Juices ‐ one served
each hour
• CARROT APPLE-5 (8 oz. glasses)
• GREEN-4 (8oz. Glasses)
• CARROT ONLY-3 (8 oz. glasses)
• ORANGE JUICE-1 glass (not required)
15
283
Two Most Important Rules of Food
1. Food must be varied/tasty
2. Fresh organic food consumed
in the most natural form
cooked on low heat and slow
16
Food, Basic Rules:
• Eliminate all processed food, canned, jarred, bottled,
frozen, salted refined, sulphured, smoked, pickled,
microwave or treated must be strictly avoided
• All fats except flaxseed oil
• Only fruits and vegetables certified organic
17
Dr. Gerson
“It is not necessary for healthy persons to care so much
about enough or too many carbohydrates and proteins,
and their caloric value should be ignored. However, one
cannot ignore the absolutely necessary minerals,
vitamins and enzymes in their most natural composition
and in sufficient amounts for a relatively long term and
remain unpunished.”
18
284
Food List
• Desirable Foods
• Occasionally Allowed Foods
• Prohibited Foods
19
Desirable Foods
(Required)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Juices
• Special soup, Hippocrates Soup
• Oatmeal
• 13 organic fresh juices, 3 meals, soup
20
Protein Foods
• Oatmeal, high in protein/potassium, B complex, soft
bulk
• Potato, high Potassium and protein
• Carrot juice, also high in protein, calcium and
potassium
• Special soup, alkalinizing, cleansing, and good for the
kidneys‐minimum 2 servings a day
21
285
Occasionally Allowed‐
(not necessarily desirable)
• Bread‐rye,
• Quinoa‐ (replaces rice)
• Corn
• Yams and sweet potatoes
• Maple syrup honey sucanat
(2 teaspoons per day)
22
Prohibited
• Salt and sodium
• Oils and fats – except flaxseed oil
• Proteins – animal proteins, nuts and seeds, soy
legume, (spirulina and chlorella, exceptions)
• All processed foods
• dairy products
• Alcohol
• Pineapples and berries
23
Prohibited (cont’d)
• Cucumbers
• Some spices with high content of aromatic acids
• Soy beans
• Dried beans
• Sprouted alfalfa
• Avocados
24
286
Common Mistakes
• Failure to restrict animal protein
• Patient not eating a good amount of oatmeal
• Failure to add protein after 4‐6 weeks.
• Inappropriate protein, not fat, soured dairy proteins
or bee pollen are recommended.
• Preparing the more difficult‐ time consuming recipes
in the beginning
25
Avoid Mistakes
• Potato is best baked at 350 degrees, twice a day
• Carrot juice should be served fresh, not prepared in
the morning for the day, stored juice will cause gas,
bloating/digestive problems
• Special soup simmered on low for 2‐3 hours, make
only enough for two days, cooled before refrigerated
26
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
juice‐1 glass
Oatmeal‐large portion sweetened with stewed fruit, or
honey
Bread rye unsalted (optional)
LUNCH
Large plate of raw salad, flax oil/vinegar
8‐10 ounces of special soup
1 glass juice
Large baked potato
1‐2 vegetables, cooked
27
287
LUNCH MENUS
1 2
Salad Large raw salad
Asparagus Carrots and Honey
Cooked mixed greens String Beans
Yoguefort Dressing Herb salad dressing
Soup Soup
Potato Salad Baked Potato
1 glass of juice 1 glass of juice
28
SAMPLE MENU (Cont.)
DINNER
A large plate of raw salad/dressing
8‐10 ounces soup
Baked, boiled, mashed potato
1‐2 vegetables (varied)
Raw or stewed fruit for dessert
29
DINNER MENUS
1 2
Mashed Potatoes Baked Potato
Zucchini Spinach
Spinach Beets
Salad Salad
Salad dressing Salad Dressing
Soup Soup
1 glass juice 1 glass of juice
30
288
Food Preparation
• Cooked without water, may use soup stock, onions,
leeks, or tomatoes for liquid
• Low flame
• Exceptions; beets, potatoes
• Do not peel or scrape them
• Pans must have tight fitting lids
31
Frequently Asked Questions
• Why aren’t vitamins included, “No, they bring the system
out of harmony. With calcium you can produce cancer, no
other minerals. Some vitamins and V‐E gravitate to the
tumor and cause it to grow Cancer thrives on it.”
• Food is tasteless, what can I do?
• Do I have to eat so much food?
• Can I freeze my vegetable?
• Why not drink water?
32
RESOURCE FOR FAQ’s
• A Cancer Therapy, appendix II
• Healing the Gerson Way
33
289
PATIENT SCHEDULE
• 5:30 AM Castor oil by mouth • 1:00PM Lunch, C/A juice
• 7:00 AM Coffee enema • 2:00PM Green juice
• 8:00 AM Breakfast • 3:00 PM Carrot juice
• 9:00 AM Green juice • 4:00 PM Carrot juice
• 9:30 AM C/A Juice • 4:30 Enema
• 10:00 AM C/A juice • 5:30 PM Dinner, Juice
• 11:00 AM Carrot juice • 6:30 PM Green juice
• 12:00 PM Green juice • 6:30PM Enema
34
The Treatment
“ The practice of the treatment is a difficult task.
The treatment in the home requires somebody’s
help all day long. We will need homemaker’s
who will devote their lives to the benefit of
maintaining a healthy family.”
35
Home Set‐up Trainer
36
290
Characteristics of Successful Patient
• Wants to do a natural therapy
• Has a genuine desire to live
• Understands what is involved
• Determination, endurance, & clear understanding
• Has support, and help with the work
• Able to rest/relax, practices discipline
37
PATIENTS: COMMON PROBLEMS
• Not understanding the Therapy
• Not paying attention to detail with protocol
• Organization at home
• Inability and inexperience cooking this type of food
• Lack of help
• Long duration of treatment
• Not taking situation seriously
• Opposing views of friends 38
More Problems
• Unfavorable environmental influences
• The patients will to live/mental condition
• Expensive preparation of the dietary food
• Absence from work necessary for strict cooperation
39
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Frequent Mistakes
•Preparing the days juices in advance
•“A little bit” of forbidden foods
•Vegetable must be prepared properly and in an
appetizing manner
40
41
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Gerson Protocol: The Role of Protein Carbohydrates and Fats

What Is So Different About the Gerson Diet?

People often comment that the Gerson diet is similar to many other nutritional approaches. It may be
similar, but is not the same. The macrobiotic approach, for example, recommends cooked foods almost
exclusively and is high in sodium. Another dietary approach recommends large quantities of nuts and seeds. Still
another stresses the importance of pH balance in foods. The Ann Wigmore diet recommends raw foods
exclusively.
All of these diets have their supporters, and all have successfully treated some patients. There are many
different schools of thought about how diet affects health and many different paths to wholeness. The approach
you take to your own healing must be your own decision, but we encourage you to choose one approach and
stick with it, adding aspects from other approaches only when they are known to be compatible. The Gerson
Therapy usually is not effective if its dietary guidelines are mixed with those from other treatments. While the
Gerson diet is similar to, and has served as the foundation for, many other nutritional healing programs, its
guidelines activate specific biochemical processes that promote healing in a unique way.

Consistency Counts!

The foods and juices consumed on the Gerson diet constitute its primary prescription for healing
comparable to a drug in allopathic treatment. Significant deviation from the diet can be as serious for a Gerson
patient as missing an insulin shot can be for a diabetic, or as missing a chemotherapy or radiation appointments
can be for a cancer patient undergoing an allopathic treatment.
We have found that the best results are achieved by following these guidelines to the letter. Of course,
we recognize that sometimes it will be impossible to meet all of the guidelines, whether for logistical, financial,
or other reasons, and many of those who must “cut corners” will still achieve optimal healing with the Gerson
method. Rare, mild deviation from the Therapy does not seem to affect outcomes significantly.
A patient will not fail to heal simply because he missed one glass of juice a couple of times in a month. A
patient will, however, reduce his chances of success if he cuts too many comers. How many corners can be cut?
There is no good answer to that question, because every patient, every diagnosis, responds differently to the
Gerson Therapy.
On the other hand, many patients have followed the guidelines in Dr. Gerson’s book, A Cancer Therapy,
without medical assistance, and have healed themselves, but the Gerson Therapy must not be considered a
“paint by numbers” approach to healing. Care is optimal when individually supervised by a trained (and
experienced) Gerson practitioner.

Review of the Detoxification Diet and Nutrition of the Gerson Therapy

Much of degenerative disease lies in the inability of the gastro‐intestinal tract and the cell to absorb
nutrients and eliminate toxicity at cellular level. The cell needs energy for healing and regeneration and
carbohydrates provide the major source of energy. Degeneration occurs if body tissues are mobilized and
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broken down by the gluco‐corticoid hormones and if proteins and fats are used as the main energy source due
to nutritional deprivation. This is equivalent to burning “dirty fuels”.
Insulin is a key factor at cell membrane level where it acts to ensure the acceptance of glucose. If this
process is inefficient, blood stream levels of insulin remain raised and blood glucose fails to fall, triggering
further secretion of insulin. Today there appears to be an increase in diabetes, hyper‐insulinanemia and late
onset diabetes in children.
The reason why the cell membrane deteriorates and is not responsive to insulin is due to the prolonged
use of damaged fats, such as polyunsaturated fats and cooking oils that are rendered biologically inert and may
be toxic. This, together with cholesterol and saturated fats, clog the cell membrane, inhibiting signals and
transfer, and disrupts the whole energy system, setting off a fermentation process. The cell membrane is
composed of a double layer of fatty acids with protein “gateways”; it is reliant on adequate intake of the correct
fats for membrane integrity and efficiency. A cell membrane becomes increasingly inert due to the ingestion of
the incorrect types of dietary fats leading to uncontrolled inflammatory mechanisms and a diminishing response
to hormone stimuli.
As healing and regeneration take place slowly, the diet must be applied rigidly over a long period of
time. Within 18 months to 2 years one can notice a substantial difference as a significant amount of body tissue
(cells) have been replaced and repaired. Long‐term compliance and a holistic approach are vital to overcoming
disease states. We need to recognize that what you eat today become your cells and tissue of tomorrow, and it
takes a considerable period to increase the vitality and resistance of the body to overcome chronic degenerative
disease.

Carbohydrates

Foods such as oatmeal, potatoes, vegetables and fruit provide the chief source of clean fuel that will
provide energy for a recovering patient, but must be taken in larger quantities, as they are low in kilojoules. On
the Gerson Therapy the high vegetable content is taken mostly in juice form that provides sufficient energy for
daily energy requirements and the higher energy demand of regeneration. When carbohydrates are oxidized
they do not leave an acidic waste in the body as do protein and fats. The end products are carbon dioxide and
water that promote an alkaline environment. This encourages the elimination of sodium from the tissues,
reduces toxicity and acidity and enhances the passage of potassium into the cell.
It is essential that the cell respond to insulin for digestion at cell level and healing of the body. A therapy
loaded with carbohydrates will promote a good insulin response; however, many people with degenerative
disease have degrees of carbohydrate intolerance due to their weakened digestive system. This will be evident
in the gut and in other systems such as symptoms of low blood sugar (lethargy, fatigue, poor concentration,
mood swings, panic attacks, hot and cold sweats, etc.) and ‘fuzzy’ head after ingesting carbohydrates.
Improvements from these symptoms can take days to months to occur, particularly in chronic fatigue
syndrome. A person may feel unwell initially on this type of diet but the all‐important uptake of potassium will
slowly improve at cellular level.

Fats

The diet must contain no fats except for flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil contains both essential fatty acids,
linolenic and linoleic acid, but is richer in the former omega 3 series. The biologically active, unsaturated oils
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belong to either the w6 series (linoleic) or w3 series (linolenic). When these molecules are transformed through
heating, refining and oxidation, they lose their electrical potential, cannot be incorporated into structural lipids,
and are used only as fuel.
Essential Fatty acids (EFA’s) will become part of the membrane of new cells and will also dislodge the
cholesterol. Dr. Gerson initially eliminated all fat with cancer patients as he found that it encouraged tumor
growth. Later he found that cold‐pressed and organic flaxseed oil at the dose of 2 tablespoons (20 ml) daily in
the first months and then reduced to 1 tablespoon was the maximum allowable.
The outer membrane of the cell and the membranes of the organelles within the cells cover a huge
surface area where much of the enzyme activity, energy transfer and oxidation of the cell take place. A healthy
membrane with EFA’s present can store energy and attract oxygen into the cell. This is a crucial factor in cell
metabolism, particularly to the brain, and a deficiency of EFA’s leads to oxygen starvation by the cell (Budwig,
1992)

Proteins

Protein is required for growth and tissue maintenance, but ingesting excess to our requirements creates
acidity and strains the kidney, eventually affecting the heart. The reason for this is the body does not lay down
excess protein but converts it to carbohydrate or fat by the liver. The nitrogenous portion (amine) becomes urea
and is eliminated by the kidneys. Urea is not only a poison, but also a diuretic, increasing calcium loss and
contributing to osteoporosis. This progressive dehydration accelerates the aging process, degeneration, and our
capacity for hydration. With that comes hardening, which ultimately leads to decrease in functional capacity
seen in wrinkled skin, brittle spinal discs, hardened arteries, brittle bones, and stiff joints to name just a few.
Protein metabolism is controlled by various hormones, and after the growth hormone drops off at
around age 30, high protein intake will not increase body muscle mass.
Exercising increases the muscles’ capacity to store carbohydrates, as muscles do not use protein for
energy.
Dr. Gerson found that inclusion of protein in the diet reduced sodium elimination and slowed the
process of detoxification down. The more acidity you produce from a high protein intake the greater the amount
of sodium absorbed by the kidneys. He also observed that dietary protein stimulated tumor growth, but that
when restricted for a short period (6‐12 weeks) the immune profile changed and the white T‐cell count
improved. This reinforced the immune response to tumors, fungi and viruses. An adverse effect on the immune
system is noted after this period so a form of soured milk product is introduced. The maximum amount allowed
is 8oz/200 g (1 cup) yogurt or 4oz/100g pot cheese. Raw, soured milk products are pre‐digested by the bacterial
conversion of lactose to lactic acid, but it is increasingly difficult to find raw skimmed milk. The pasteurization
process distorts the protein and kills the natural enzymes (Fallon 1995).
Dr. Gerson used the juice of fresh, raw veal liver and patients responded very well to the Therapy. Due
to cross‐contamination with campylobacter at abattoirs today it is generally unsafe for immune‐compromised
patient to do liver juicing.
Small amounts of protein taken in its raw form may not be a burden on the system.
Cooked protein, however, changes its structure from a globular to a straightened form that is not
recognizable to the body’s digestive enzymes; for example, the change in the white of egg. The impaired
digestive system of an older or sick person will show symptoms of bloating, flatulence, heartburn, indigestion,
irritable bowel syndrome, and allergies.
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Partially broken‐down proteins enter the systemic circulation as toxic and foreign, and if the liver cannot
cope in mopping them up, inflammatory reactions in the tissues and joints will arise.
In the initial 6‐12 weeks on the Gerson Therapy, potatoes, oatmeal, and carrots are the primary source
of protein. The protein molecule is less damaged due to the slow cooking of vegetables which also shortens the
long carbohydrate chains and makes digestion easier; thus vegetables generally taste sweeter in their cooked
state. Cooking at low temperatures also ensures maximum breakdown of indigestible fibers and maintains the
integrity of the enzymes, as well as the conversion of starches to easily digestible sugars.
Cooking water for food reaches a maximum of 100°C; fried food can reach 215°C, and some processing
methods such as puffed rice and cereals use high temperatures at 1500 pounds/square inch pressure. The more
damaged the protein the more toxic it becomes in the body. Recent research in Sweden revealed that starch‐
based foods that have been cooked or processed at high temperatures contain high levels of acrylamide, a
chemical used in water and waste treatment which is toxic and a potential carcinogen. The list of foods includes
puffed cereal grains, biscuits, snack foods, French fries/potato crisps, and chips.

Protein is found in most food in different quantities. The following are approximate amounts:

Meat ‐ 20%
Raw grains ‐ 12%
Raw legumes ‐ 25%
Nuts ‐ 20%
Vegetables ‐ 2%
Fruits ‐ 0.5‐3%

When grains and legumes are swollen with water when cooked, the protein content is reduced by two‐
thirds. The average requirement of protein is 1 g per kg of body weight; that is the equivalent of 200 g meat or
fish and 4 slices of bread (64 gram) in a 50‐70 kg person.
Initially on the Gerson Therapy the amount of protein in the diet comes from vegetable sources, which
includes the juices, potatoes, oatmeal, other fruits and vegetables, and plain organic non‐fat yogurt after 6‐8
weeks.
Later on in the Therapy as the juices decrease and as the digestion strengthens, other foods can be
included with discretion and understanding, starting with the lowest protein foods and moving up to grains, e.g.
brown rice and legumes. Nuts are high in fat so are added much later and need to be soaked overnight which
enables the protein and fat to chemically combine, making the fat water‐soluble and easier to digest.
Many of these products need to be pre‐digested if they are to be of nutritional benefit even to those
with a strong digestion. Many traditional indigenous cultures understand the need to prepare foods to make
them more digestible and ensure the nutrients become available. Natural souring, for instance, also contributes
additional enzymes from the bacteria and their action on the sugars increases the foods’ value. Salting, pickling,
chemical preservatives, processing, and refining are not healthy options for food preservation, and, although
they are used by the food industry in mass production, should be entirely avoided.
Grains, legumes and pulses are all seeds with the potential to sprout and produce. The anti‐trypsin
factor inhibits this process until conditions are favorable and allows for storage for long periods. This factor will
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also oppose human pancreatic enzymes and interfere with digestion. This can be prevented by semi‐germinating
the seeds in the following way:

1. Soak grains and legumes for 12 hours in pure water
2. Rinse, drain and leave in a glass dish at room temperature covered with a damp cloth for 12 hours.
3. In hot/humid climates rinse again – do not let seeds go moldy.
4. Cook as normal,

Another problem with legumes, grains and seeds is the amount of phytate they contain. Phytate is
found in the outer covering (bran) of the seed and binds magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc, stripping it from
the body. Soybeans are high in phytate. Soaking neutralizes the phytates in seeds. This applies to the soaking of
oats overnight, as the enzyme phytase is produced (which neutralizes the phytic acid) and in the leavening of
bread by the natural fermentation of flour in buttermilk or yogurt (we prefer the sour dough method, as yeast is
not easily digested in cancer patients).
Soybeans and soy products are forbidden on the detoxification diet, as phytosterols inhibit thyroid
functions and are high in anti‐trypsin. Phytates are associated with brain atrophy (Fallon 1995).

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Foods for the Gerson Diet
“Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food” - Hippocrates
The two most important aspects of the Gerson diet are freshness and purity. All foods ingested
must be fresh, organically grown, and consumed in their most natural form.
We strongly recommend that the patient does not add to or change the dietary guidelines without
the advice of a certified Gerson Therapy practitioner.
The following section lists the foods that are permitted and those restricted on the Gerson Therapy. If a
particular food is not listed, do not use it unless you get confirmation from the Gerson Institute.
Desirable Foods
-Asparagus -Mangoes
-Apples -Melons
-Apricots -Oatmeal
-Artichokes -Onions
-Beets and young tops -Oranges*
-Broccoli -Parsley and parsley root
-Brussels sprouts -Peaches
-Horseradish (grated, not bottled) -Pears
-Cabbage, white & red (smaller quantities -Pepper, green and red bell pepper
gas producing -Plums
-Carrots -Potatoes
-Cauliflower -Prunes
-Celery knob (celeriac root) -Radishes
-Chards, all kinds
-Cherries -Rhubarb
-Chicory -Rye bread (unsalted, non-fat)
-Chives -Spices: allspice, anise, bay leaves, coriander,
-Cilantro dill, fennel, mace, marjoram, rosemary, sage,
-Currants saffron, tarragon, thyme, sorrel, summer savory.
-Eggplant -Spinach (cooked only)
-Endives -Squash
-Escarole -Sweet potatoes
-Flax oil (organic, not high lignan) -Tangerines
-Fruit dried unsulphered as raisins, peaches, -Tomatoes
dates, figs, apricots, and prunes -Vegetables (except mushrooms, leaves of carrots,
-Fruit fresh (except all berries and pineapple) radishes, raw spinach, and mustard greens
-Garlic -Vinegar (wine, balsamic or cider)
-Grapefruit* -Watercress
-Grapes -Yams
-Green beans -Yogurt-non-fat, organic (used after the sixth week
-Honey on the
Gerson Therapy) or as allowed by physician.
-Kale -Zucchini
-Leeks
-Lemons*
-Lettuce (green leafy, Romaine)
* Patients with collagen related illnesses must avoid citrus juices and fruits. For all others, citrus juice is
optional. Only one citrus juice a day is allowed and may be replaced with a carrot apple juice.
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Occasionally Allowed Foods
 Breads made from whole rye – 1-2 slices a day (if all of the other foods are eaten first)
 Sweeteners: Use only organic brown sugar, maple syrup, organic light honey, unsulphured
molasses, Sucanat or Stevia, and only up to 2 teaspoons a day of all combined sweeteners, and
only when hypoglycemia, candida and/or diabetes are not present.
 Brown or wild rice – once a week (please note tha t since the discovery of arsenic in most
rice, we have discontinued recommending this)
 Yams and sweet potatoes – once a week
 Banana – ½ a week
 Organic popcorn – a holiday treat only (air popped)
 Corn – once a week
Those with candidiasis and diabetes should avoid sweets and amount of apple is reduced in the
juices.
Prohibited Foods
-Alcohol -Ice cream

-Animal fats -Legumes, beans, initially
-Avocados -Manufactured (processed) foods
-Baking soda -Margarine
-Berries -Meats
-Bicarbonate of soda in food, toothpaste or gargle -Mushrooms
-Black tea and other non-herbal teas -Mustard
-Bottled foods -Nut butters and any other source of dietary fats
-Butter -Nuts and seeds
-Cake -Oils and fats, and any foods that contain them.
-Candy This includes corn oil, olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil,
-Canned foods except flax seed oil, as specifically prescribed.
-Cheese -Pineapple
-Chocolate -Preserved; refined, salted, smoked, and sulfured foods
-Cocoa -Protein powders or supplements, including barley or
-Coconut algae based powders
-Coffee as a regular beverage -Proteins and high-protein foods
-Commercial beverages -Salt, table salt, sea salt, celery salt, potassium salt,
-Cream and other dairy fats vegetable salt, Bragg’s Aminos, tamari, soy sauce, “lite
-Cucumbers salt” or salt substitutes
-Epsom salts, sodium-based baking powders, -Seafood
and anything with “sodium” in its name -Soy and soy products
-Fluoride in toothpaste -Spices, pepper, paprika, basil, and oregano
-Frozen foods -Spinach – raw (cooked only allowed)
-Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils- -Sprouted alfalfa
Olean, Olestra, or other “fat substitutes” -White flour
-White sugar
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Prohibited Foods cont’d.
Salt and Sodium
Salt and sodium in all forms, including table salt, sea salt, celery salt, vegetable salt, Bragg
Aminos, tamari, soy sauce, “lite salt”, baking soda, Epsom salts, sodium-based baking powders, and
anything with “sodium” in its name, as well as salt substitutes.
Oils and Fats
Oils and fats, and any foods that contain them are prohibited. This includes corn oils, olive oils,
canola oils, and all other vegetable oils except flax-seed oil as specifically prescribed; butter, cheese,
cream and other dairy fats; all animal fats; all margarines or oil-based spreads; coconuts and avocado; all
hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils; Olean, Olestra or other “fat substitutes”; nut butters; and any
other source of dietary fats, except as naturally occurring in allowed foods.
Proteins and High-Protein Foods
Proteins and high-protein foods, such as meats, seafood, and other animal proteins; nuts and
seeds; soy or other legume-based food products; all protein powders or supplements, including barley.
Spirulina and chlorella are sometimes prescribed by a Gerson practitioner for protein supplementation.
Beef, pork, poultry, eggs, fish, seafood, and all other meat or animal flesh products are high in protein,
difficult to digest, often high in fat, and make additional work for the liver and excretory systems.
General prohibitions
All manufactured (processed) foods: bottled, canned, frozen, preserved, refined, salted, smoked,
and sulfured.
Dairy products
All milk and milk products (including goat’s milk), such as cheese, cream, ice cream, ice milk,
butter or buttermilk, except as specifically allowed under proteins. Dairy products are generally extremely
high in fat. Cheeses are usually very high in sodium. Even “fat free” cheeses usually have undesirable
additives, and are high in sodium. Buttermilk is prohibited because the commercial buttermilk now
available is “cultured”, rather than churned, and is high in fat and sodium. Plain, organic, non-fat yogurt is
allowed after 6-8 weeks.
Dr. Gerson also allowed pot cheese after 6-8 weeks but the non-fat, unsalted large curd type of
cottage cheese is no longer available. Current day cottage cheese is salted and cream is added. The
only way patients can use cottage cheese is if they are able to obtain organic skim milk and allow it to
curdle and pass through several layers of cheese cloth to separate the curds from the whey.
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Occasionally you may be able to find organic Farmer’s Cheese which contains no fat or salt. Some
bakeries produce Baker’s Cheese or Dry Curd which is acceptable if it has no salt or fat, or Dry Curd.
Occasionally, a patient is lactose intolerant and cannot handle the yogurt. Your doctor may
advise you to take spirulina, blue-green manna, or bee pollen. Bee pollen can sometimes cause allergic
reactions. If you are trying it for the first time, use just a few grains at first and increase slowly to the
prescribed amount. If it causes an allergic reaction then discontinue it.
Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited because it limits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, places additional strain
on the liver to detoxify and remove it from the body; and is, in general, toxic.
Pineapples and berries
Max Gerson found that a number of his patients were experiencing allergic reactions, apparently
to the aromatic acids present in pineapple and berries. He believed that the aromatics interfere with
healing. For this reason, pineapples and berries are prohibited.
Avocados
Avocados are too high in fats.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers, in combination with the juices, are difficult to digest and are high in sodium.
Spices
Spices (black pepper, paprika, basil, oregano, and others not listed b elow) are prohibited
because of their high content of aromatic acids that can interfere with the healing response and they are
also irritants.
Dr. Gerson limited use of herbs and spices to the relatively mild ones listed below and only in very small
quantities:
Allspice, anise, bay leaf, coriander, dill, fennel, mace, marjoram, rosemary, sage, saffron,
tarragon, thyme, sorrel, and summer savory.
Chives, onions, garlic, and parsley can be used in large quantities.
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Soy Beans and Products
Soy beans and products, including tofu, tempeh, miso, tamari, and other soy sauces, Bragg’s
Aminos, textured vegetable protein, soy milk, and all other soy-based products. These are prohibited for a
variety of different reasons including high fat, sodium and/or protein content, and the presence of toxic
enzyme inhibitors to nutrient absorption.
Dried beans and legumes
Lentils are introduced if patient is doing well at about 6 months at once every 2 weeks. Soak
overnight and sprout for one day before cooking.
Sprouted Alfalfa and Other Bean or Seed Sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts have been found to be high in l-canavanine, an immature amino acid that can
cause immune suppression. Patients without a prior history who have used sprouts in juices have
reported sudden onset of arthritic-like joint pains and other undesirable side effects. It is not
recommended to add them to the Gerson protocol.
Black Tea and Other Non-Herbal or Caffeine-containing Teas
Black tea and other non-herbal teas are prohibited because they contain caffeine, which is
undesirable when introduced by mouth and because they often contain undesirable aromatic acids (see
discussion under Berries above)
Candy, cake, muffins, pastries and other refined sweets
Candy, cakes, muffins, pastries, and other refined sweets are prohibited because they almost
always contain one or more prohibited ingredients, such as fats, oils, refined sugars or flours, salt, soda,
baking powder, or dairy products.
Note that some breads and pastries can be made using permitted ingredients, but only on special
occasions.
Drinking water
Contrary to the commonly heard recommendation to “drink 8 glasses of water a day”, Gerson
strongly believed that a Gerson patient should not drink water, so as to avoid diluting the stomach acid,
and to allow maximum capacity for nutrition from fresh foods and juices. If the patient is taking less than
13 juices, he/she may need to augment with tea or other fluid which could include some pure water away
from food or juice.
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Mushrooms
Standard white mushrooms are not a vegetable, but a fungus. They are difficult to digest, and
provide little nutrition.
Coffee and Coffee Substitutes by Mouth
Coffee and coffee substitutes by mouth, both with and without caffeine. Taken by mouth, coffee
effects undesirable stimulation of the digestive system and the caffeine acts as an undesirable stimulant
to the central nervous system. Coffee is also virtually devoid of nutrients. However, when taken rectally, it
has an entirely different and desirable effect on the body. It is transported to the liver first, does not affect
the stomach and has less systemic effect.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds, including almonds, apricot kernels, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, peanuts,
cashews, and all other nuts and seeds, are prohibited because they are high in protein, generally high in
fat, often salted, difficult to digest and abundant in enzyme inhibitors.
Commercial Beverages, Juices, Sodas of All Types
Commercial beverages, juices, sodas of all types almost always have refined sugars,
carbonation, or other undesirable additives, and are all but devoid of essential nutrients. In addition,
consumption of these beverages reduces capacity for desirable fresh, organic foods and juices.
Hot Peppers
Hot peppers (jalapeños, etc.) contain the same strong aromatics found in prohibited spices.
These may inhibit healing responses and should be avoided. Green, yellow, and sweet red peppers may
be used without limitation.
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The Gerson Diet
Required Foods
 Oatmeal
 Special Hippocrates Soup
 Potatoes
 Cooked vegetables
 Raw vegetable salads
 Juices of fruits, carrots and greens as prescribed (follow recipes)
Foods on the Gerson diet are easily and quickly digested; for this reason, patients will generally
require larger and more frequent servings. The patient is to eat as much of these foods as possible, even
during the night, if awake. As the body rebuilds, many patients develop ravenous appetites. Fresh fruit,
some fruit salad, applesauce, carrot sticks and the like should be available at the bedside, along with herb
tea or juice.
Preparation and Cooking of Vegetables
Dr. Gerson strongly believed that foods should be tender, easy to chew and digest in order to
help the weakened digestive system get the greatest amount of nutrition in the most accessible form from
the food consumed. The soft cooked foods also help to provide a buffer for the considerable volume of
juices and raw foods ingested. Note: A patient on the Gerson Therapy also receives the nutritional
equivalent of seventeen pounds of fresh, raw produce in his daily consumption of 104 ounces of juice
when on the full Therapy.
1. Cook all vegetables slowly, over low flame, with little or no addition of water. The slow cooking
process is very important, in order to preserve the natural flavor of the vegetables and keep them
easily digestible. All vegetables should be “done” or tender. Valuable components are lost in fast
cooking by excessive heat because the cells burst; the minerals go out of their colloidal
composition and become more difficult to be absorbed.
2. Cook vegetables with a minimum of water or soup stock (1 tablespoonful) slowly on low heat -just
below boiling (212 degrees) - until well done. Usually, this will take 1 hour to 1 hour and fifteen
minutes on stovetop. A stainless steel “flame tamer” may be used to lower the heat. Tomatoes,
apple slices, or chopped onion may be placed at the bottom of the pan to give up more fluid. In
some cases this also improves the flavor.
3. Onions, leeks, tomatoes and squash contain a lot of water, generally don’t need any added liquid
for cooking, and can also add flavor to the cooked foods. Celery is also good for flavoring. Only
spinach water is too bitter, contains too much oxalic acid and must be discarded.
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4. Carefully wash and clean all vegetables. Peeling or scraping is forbidden, because important
mineral salts and vitamins are deposited directly under the skin. Soak all vegetables for at least 5
minutes in a sink full of water with either 1tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide or 2-3 drops of Lugol’s
solution or any commercial vegetable wash. This will kill bacteria and insects. Rinse with pure
water. Wash enough produce for one day.
5. The cookware should be stainless steel with tight fitting lids (never aluminum) to prevent escape
of stream in order to maintain moisture. Lids must be heavy and fit well into the pots in order to
maintain moisture. Cooked foods (soup and fruit) may be kept in the refrigerator for 48 hours.
6. Baked vegetables, like eggplant and bell peppers, should be slow cooked in a “low” oven (180-
190ºF, use oven thermometer) for 2 and 1/2 hours, in a covered casserole with a tightly fitting lid.
This method of baking is virtually waterless. Use onions, tomatoes, or sprinkle with lemon to add
moisture when necessary. Potatoes are an exception and should be baked at 350ºF for one and
a half to two hours. Either gas or electric ranges can be used, and convection ovens are fine, as
long as the food is cooked slowly and evenly.
7. Stewed and simmered vegetables, (like broccoli and cauliflower) are cooked in a heavy pot with a
tightly fitting lid on top of the stove over a low flame, slowly with little or no added liquid.
8. Boiled vegetables (like corn, potatoes, beets and artichokes) are cooked on the top of the stove in
a heavy pot with a tightly fitting lid. Place 1 inch of cold water in the bottom of the pot, add the
washed vegetables and cover. Cook over medium heat, slowly bringing the liquid to a boil
(bubbles breaking on the surface and steam given off). Lower the flame as much as possible,
keeping the liquid boiling. Note: bring liquids to a boil only if the recipe specifically calls for it.
Studies indicate that microwave ovens may affect chemical changes in the foods they cook,
making them more difficult to assimilate. There is also evidence of certain microwave ovens emitting
significant amounts of radiation into the kitchen and “cooking the cook”. Do not use microwave ovens.
Pressure cookers are not recommended, for several reasons. First, they are frequently made of
aluminum. More importantly, they are designed to cook at high temperature, and Dr. Gerson believed that
the high heat damages the colloidal structure of foods and, consequently, the proteins (essential for
rebuilding the body.)
Crock pots are acceptable if the glaze has no lead. They are now also available in stainless steel.
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Preparation of Typical Gerson Foods
Oatmeal
A large portion of oatmeal, cooked slowly from ½ cup soaked (overnight) organic rolled oats or
steel cut oats and 1 (or a little more) cup of purified water should be eaten every day for breakfast. Other
cereals should not be used. Not only do oats supply healthy fiber, B-vitamins and needed proteins; most
importantly, they provide a soft cushion in the intestinal tract for the raw juices that harsh and grainy
cereals cannot. For variety, add raw grated apple, cooked apple sauce, papaya, or other fresh fruit.
Raisins or other dried fruit should be washed and soaked overnight and then stewed in the morning; A
small amount of either honey, 100% pure maple syrup, or unsulphured blackstrap molasses is optional.
No more than 1-2 tsp. a day.
Salads
It is essential that the patient eat as many salads of raw vegetables as possible. Raw fruit or raw
vegetables when finely grated or shredded must be used fresh as quickly as possible.
The following salad ingredients can be finely grated, chopped, or minced, mixed together or eaten
separately:
o Apples
o Carrots
o Watercress
o Green onions
o Knob or Branch Celery
o Lettuce greens
o Cauliflower
o Endive
o Chives
o Chicory
o Radishes
o Green peppers
o Tomatoes
o Watercress
o Escarole
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Salad Dressing
Dilute organic red wine or apple cider vinegar with water to taste. Add a little spray-dried, organic
cane juice (Sucanat), some herbs, onion, and/or garlic. Flaxseed oil, lemon juice and crushed garlic is
delicious and a healthy salad dressing.
Special Hippocrates Soup
This soup is extremely important. Dr. Gerson made it a staple for his patients for both lunch and
dinner. While much of the Therapy is directed towards cleansing the liver, this soup helps cleanse the
kidneys.
The following vegetables should be thoroughly washed, not peeled, cut into cubes, and covered with
water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to just under 200 degrees, and cook for 2 ½ hours. Put
everything through a food mill; only allow fibers and peels to remain in the mill strainer. The result is a
thick, creamy soup. Allow soup to cool before storing in refrigerator or it will turn sour. Make only enough
for about two days.
 1 medium celery knob (root) If it is not in season substitute 3-4 stalks of branch celery
 Parsley, only a handful
 1 ½ lbs. tomatoes (more if desired during the summer season)
 2 medium onions
 1 medium parsley root (rarely, if ever, available; if not, omit)
 2 small leeks (if not available, substitute with 2 medium onions)
 Several cloves of garlic
 1 lb. potatoes
Until patients are used to salt-free eating, raw pressed garlic can add a ‘kick’ to soup, vegetables,
salad, etc.
Potatoes
Dr. Gerson included potatoes for both lunch and dinner. You can replace them one time a week
with organic brown and/or wild rice. The preferred method of cooking is to bake in the skins but they can
also be served boiled in their jackets, mashed with a little soup, peeled (after boiling), or cut up and mixed
with salad dressing to make a potato salad. They also can be baked in a casserole with onion, tomatoes,
celery, etc. If non-fat yogurt is advisable after 6-10 weeks on the diet, add onions, chives or garlic to the
yogurt to dress your baked potato. Sweet potatoes may be served once a week.
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Cooked Vegetables
Choose from a wide variety of vegetables and cook slowly over a low flame with 1 tablespoon of water or
soup stock as described previously. Vegetables contain many phytonutrients and each color and variety
adds to a range of healthy nutrients. Choose from beets, green beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
cauliflower, kale, spinach, asparagus, artichokes, squash, bok choy, and collard greens.
Bread and Other Starches
Only after consuming the full required meal you may eat some salt-free, wheat free, fat-free rye
bread. Bread should not be the main part of any meal. When bread is dry, it can be grated and used in
recipes requiring breadcrumbs. If a gluten intolerance exists, do not use the rye bread.
Sample Menu
Breakfast
o 8 oz. of orange juice

o Large portion oatmeal with choice of fresh fruit or stewed fruit.
o Organic 100% rye bread, unsalted and fat-free, may be toasted and taken
Lunch
o Salad
o 8 oz. warm special soup
o 8 oz. apple-carrot juice
o Baked potato
o Freshly cooked vegetables
o Raw or stewed fruit (optional)
Dinner
o Same as lunch
It is important to vary meals by using different vegetables, different methods of preparing
potatoes, and other kinds of salads, as each different food will contain different vitamin, mineral and
phytochemical combinations that are important for healing.
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The Gerson Kitchen
Grocery List for a Week:
‐ Organic rolled or steel cut oats) 1 lb.

‐ Herbs and spices (see those permitted)
‐ Raisins—dried 1 lb.
‐ Coffee, organic #7 ground, medium roast 3-5 lbs.
For Juicing:
Organic Produce (for one person) The amount listed under juicing is for someone on the full 13 juices. If
one is taking less juice, then less produce will be required.
‐ Apples, 10-15 lbs.

‐ Cabbage red, 1 head
‐ Carrots, 35-40 lbs.
‐ Chard, 4 bunches
‐ Endive, 2 heads
‐ Escarole, 2 heads
‐ Grapefruit, 10 lbs. (approximately 10 medium if needed as a substitute for orange)
- Green Peppers, 8 medium
- *Lettuce, 10-15 heads (red leaf, green leaf, butter leaf) also for use in salads
- Oranges, 10-15 lbs.
- *Romaine, 7-14 heads depending upon size
- Watercress, 2-3 bunches
*Please note: the amount of lettuce will vary depending upon the size of the heads and what is
available—once you have practice in making the green juice, it will be easier to estimate the volumes
needed
For Soup:
(the amounts listed for tomatoes, potatoes, onions and garlic include what is also needed for other
purposes)
‐ Tomatoes, 10-15 lbs.

‐ Potatoes, 25 lbs. (for soup and baking for meals)
‐ Onions, 20 per week (purchase a 25 lb. sack)
‐ Leeks, 2 bunches
‐ Celery knob/root also called Celeriac, 2-3
‐ Celery (only use in soup if Celeriac root not available) 2-3 bunches
‐ Parsley, 1 bunch
‐ Parsley root, 2 bunches (if available)
‐ Garlic, 4-6 or more bulbs
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For Salad:
‐ Romaine or green leafy lettuce (included in estimate above)

‐ Tomatoes
‐ Cilantro
‐ Sliced or shredded raw vegetables
Vegetables for Cooking:
(choose 2-3 different ones each week, please see list of Desirable Foods for more options)
‐ Asparagus
‐ Beets
‐ Bok Choy
‐ Broccoli
‐ Brussels Sprouts
‐ Cauliflower
‐ Collard greens
‐ Green beans
‐ Kale
‐ Parsnips
‐ Spinach
‐ Squash, summer and winter varieties
Condiments and Staples (to have on hand but not everything is used on a regular basis—some things
are limited)
‐ Organic rolled or steel cut oats) 1 lb.

‐ Herbs and spices (see those permitted)
‐ Raisins—dried 1 lb. for 1 month
‐ Coffee, organic #7 ground, medium roast 3-5 lbs.
‐ Natural sweetener (honey, organic dried cane sugar or maple syrup) 1 small jar
‐ Dried fruits, soak before cooking (non sulphured)
‐ Flaxseed oil (in black or glass bottles) not high lignin
‐ Vinegar (red wine, apple cider, balsamic – 1 bottle will last more than 1 week
‐ Peppermint tea, 2 boxes or 1 qt loose
‐ Chamomile
‐ Lemons
‐ Yogurt, plain, organic, fat free (once it is allowed)
‐ Bee pollen (when allowed)
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Cooking Tips
Variety! In every aspect of selection, preparation and presentation:
 Different vegetables at lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.

 Color-alternate green, yellow, red, orange, purple, white, mixed colors. You can keep track on
a calendar!
 Shape: vegetables should be cut in different shapes, using different tools (knife, peeler,
grater, chopper) for appeal.
 Different “starts” (the liquefying vegetable used in the bottom of the pot initially)
 Varied herbs
Presentation of meals – after you have been on the Therapy 3-6 months and develop a routine
 Use different plates, glasses, placemats, etc.

 Serve meals in different locations in the house; on the patio, in the yard, by the fire, or on an
elegant tray in bed.
 Have an occasional “theme” meal; holidays, season changes, birthdays, anniversaries,
accomplishments.
 Change the mood: romantic with candles (non-scented), flowers, novelty decorations, and
children’s art.
 Desserts on special occasions
Proper Food Handling, Storage and Clean Up
- Work clean
- Have on hand a bowl or small bucket of hydrogen peroxide and water solution containing a
washrag for cleaning cutting boards and counter tops often
- Rinse off your knife in between cutting different vegetable. Eliminate cross contamination.
Practice good personal hygiene
 Clean and trim fingernails

 Wash hands thoroughly
 Do not touch face, hair, without then washing your hands
 After coughing and sneezing into your hands, wash them
 After any activity that would contaminate your hands, wash them
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 Do not eat while preparing food

 Bandage any cuts and abrasions; always wear gloves over bandages
Dish washing and drying
 Use hot water (with little soap) or a dishwasher

 Keep sponges clean – wash in dishwasher or soak in hydrogen peroxide
 Allow dishes to air dry do not use a drying towel
 Food stored in refrigeration should be held at 41ºF or below
 Store food in a clean and dry place away from chemicals and garbage.
The Gerson way of preparing and eating food naturally reduces the chances of contamination.
Here is a list of Gerson food items that are most susceptible to contamination:
Bananas: wash bananas; they harbor parasites on the surface of their skins.
Baked potatoes: put into refrigerator as soon as possible, uncovered.
Oil mixtures: only keep garlic-onion-dill oil mixtures for a maximum of 3 days.
Rice: refrigerate as soon as possible, first uncovered when cool; and then covered.
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Nutritional Benefits of Specific Foods on the Gerson Diet

Oatmeal ‐‐ high in protein and potassium. One cup contains: 307 calories, 55.9 g carbohydrate, 5.3 g
fat, 10.6 g protein, 42.1 mg calcium, 112 mg magnesium, 293 mg potassium, 4.9 mg sodium, 23.4 mg selenium
and small amounts of B vitamins
Potato ‐‐ high in protein and potassium. One large potato contains: 278 calories, 7.5 g protein, 63.2 g
carbohydrate, .4 g fat, 1600mg potassium, 29.9 mg sodium, 83 mg magnesium, 44.8 mg. calcium, 87 mcg, 29.9
mg, vit A, 28.7 mg, vit C 28.7mg, and small amounts of B vitamins. In addition to high amounts of vit C and iron,
the highly‐colored potato varieties are rich in antioxidants, anthocyanins and carotenoids which are associated
with a lower incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis
and cancer.
Cooked vegetable – choose from a variety of cooked vegetables, especially the cruciferous variety to get
the important phytonutrients. These include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, bok
choy, cabbage, arugula and watercress. A number of studies have shown that the bioactive components of
cruciferous vegetables have anti‐cancer effects. Other vegetable choices include beets, asparagus, artichokes,
green bean, squash and carrots.
Hippocrates soup ‐‐ the soup is a very important part of Gerson Therapy. Minimum of 8oz should be
taken at lunch and dinner. It is alkalinizing, cleansing, and good for the kidneys, along with being high in
antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vit K.
Watercress ‐‐ this is used in the green juice and belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and is high
in glucosinolates. In particular, PEITC is a form of glucosinolate which prevents tumors from sending the signal
to the body that requests a blood supply. Do not skimp on watercress in the green juice, it is a potent anti‐
cancer food. It is also a plant easily infested with parasites, so wash carefully!!
Carrot juice—a glass of juice made from 1 lb. of fresh carrots (approx. 8 oz.) contains: 12 g protein, 18 g
carbohydrate, 69 mg calcium, 1.3 mg iron, 636 mg potassium, 20,460 IU vit A as beta carotene, 15 mg vit C and
small amounts of B vitamins.
Carrot juice has a glycemic index between 43‐56, which is moderate.
**Carrots contain a compound called falcarinol which is a natural pesticide. It protects the roots from
fungal disease. A team of researchers from the University of Newcastle in England and Denmark found the
natural pesticide reduced the risk of cancer developing in rats by one third. Research has confirmed that this
substance has more anti‐cancer properties than beta‐carotene. While carrots lose some vitamins and minerals
in the cooking process, the amount of falcarinol is increased, although it is still available in raw carrots. This
information can explain in part why carrots may not exacerbate candida infections. It is still too early to know
everything about this new discovery, but it can help answer questions for people who are concerned about the
natural sugar in carrots.
Chard ‐This is used in the juice and the diet. Swiss chard is an excellent source of vitamins C, E, beta
carotene and the minerals calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, zinc and manganese, as well as about 3 dozen
antioxidant phytonutrients including the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and the flavonoid quercitin. These
phytonutrients provide excellent anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory benefits. The unique flavonoid
phytonutrients offer special benefits for blood sugar control. Chard inhibits activity of an enzyme called alpha‐
glucosidase which is used to break down carbohydrates into simple sugars. It also stabilizes blood sugar levels
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due to its high fiber and protein content. The ancient Greeks and later the Romans honored chard for its
medicinal properties.
Red cabbage ‐ This is an item in the green juice. Red cabbage contains high amounts of the omega 3
fatty acid called alpha‐linoleic acid or ALA. It also contains 6‐8 times the amount of vit C than in green cabbage.
Its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory nutrients include beta‐carotene, glucosinolates, anthocyanins and
glutamine. One of the glucosinolates called sinigrin has received special attention in cancer prevention
research, especially in respect to bladder, colon and prostate cancer. The glutamine content helps heal stomach
ulcers and inflammation as well as regulates any bacterial populations of Helicobacter pylori inside the stomach.
Apples ‐ They are in the juices as well as can be eaten raw or in apple sauce. Apples contain many
phytonutrients and antioxidant nutrients as well as fiber. Quercetin and other flavonoids inhibit carbohydrate
digesting enzymes like alpha‐amylase and alpha‐glucosidase. When these enzymes are inhibited, fewer
carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, which keep the blood sugars in balance. Apples have
antioxidant benefits that lower the risk of asthma and the risk of lung, colon and breast cancer. Other anti‐
inflammatory benefits are found to reduce blood levels of C‐reactive protein, mainly from the quercetin.
Apples also decrease the oxidation of cell membrane fats helping to prevent atherosclerosis. The fiber,
pectin, is linked to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by providing protection from oxidation of fats.
If there is little appetite, the oatmeal, potato, Hippocrates soup and cooked vegetables are the more
important with the raw salad last as the benefit of the raw vegetables are obtained from the juices.
**University of Newcastle upon Tyne (2005, Feb. 18) Carrot component Reduces Cancer Risk. Science
Daily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/02/050212184702.htm

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Cost Estimate on Gerson Therapy

This document is designed to estimate the cost for a patient on the full Gerson Therapy protocol. This protocol is
outlined on pages 196‐197 of Healing the Gerson Way. The price estimate for the produce for one month is a
calculation based on 17‐20 pounds of food a day. Supplement1 dosages will be adjusted depending upon
response to the Therapy, and such changes may increase or decrease the cost over time.

On page 15 in the Gerson Therapy Handbook, there is a grocery list for a week. It is recommended to make a
copy of page 15, and write on each line the cost per pound of produce, in order to find your cost estimate.

• 2‐week clinic stay: $11,000 (travel expenses not included)
• Juicer:
O Norwalk Juicer ‐ $2400 new
O Champion and Hydraulic Press ‐ $600
O Juice cloths (4 pack) ‐ $15 or refer to the Products & Resources List for cloth fabric at
$20/yard (fabric lasts 3‐4 months)
• Organic produce for one month – (full protocol 600 lbs.) $750‐1200
• Organic Coffee ‐ (5 lbs.) ‐ $38.50 + shipping (from Café Mam)
• Clay ‐ $11/lb.
• Castor Oil ‐ $15/pint
• Distiller ‐ $500 or RO Unit ‐ $300
• Chamomile Tea ‐ $18/lb.
• Peppermint Tea ‐ $15/lb.

1
Approximate Cost of Supplements for 3 Months – Est. $1000

(We recommend purchasing a second refrigerator due to the large amounts of produce Gerson patients need to
consume and store)

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JUICERS
• The two step Norwalk Juicer
• A hand operated press (Juice Press Factory) combined
with the Champion Juicer used as a grinder is priced
lower, does the same job.
Thirteen Juices
(1 juice served fresh every hour)
• 5 Carrot/green apple
• 4 Green
• 3 Carrot only
• 1 Orange juice
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Gerson Institute Position
Statement on Juicers
• Based on decades of Gerson Therapy experience, the
two‐step Norwalk juicer provides the greatest
benefits/on the full Gerson therapy.
• The Champion juicer combined with a hand‐operated
press/the Juice Press Factory is priced lower than the
Norwalk and does the same job but with more effort.
• The Champion alone or Green Power can be used for
non‐malignant conditions.
4
Juice Preparation
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Juicers & Juicing

Juices on the Gerson Therapy are a critical aspect of the regimen providing most of the vitamins,
minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals and other nutrients essential to healing, along with adequate fluid intake.
We are often asked why patients cannot simply eat the foods instead of making them into juices, as there is no
fiber content to the juice, and invariably some nutrition is lost in the juicing process.
Part of the answer can be found in the fact that the typical Gerson Therapy patient will ingest thirteen 8
ounce glasses – about 104 ounces of juice daily! This tremendous influx of liquid provides the nutritional
equivalent of almost seventeen pounds of food a day. It is then obvious that the consumption of that quantity of
food on a daily basis would be impossible.
A secondary reason for the use of juices has to do with absorption and utilization of all of the nutrients
found in the foods from which the juices are made. Patients suffering from degenerative diseases almost always
have difficulty properly digesting and absorbing food. This can be a result of toxicity, malfunction of the
digestive system, a decrease in stomach acid production, or a variety of other causes. This digestive weakness is
the same reason that many patients have difficulty digesting and absorbing vitamin and mineral supplements in
pill or capsule form.
In the patients Gerson treated he found it necessary to find ways of dramatically increasing absorption
of nutrients in order to effect healing, and produce the remissions and cures of the otherwise terminal cases
that he treated, His clinical experimentation showed that fresh juice from raw foods provided the easiest and
most effective way of providing high quality nutrition and most importantly, produced the best clinical results.
We continue to evaluate the effects of the juices, consider other juices and juice products and look for
ways to both enhance the healing process and minimize hardship in the practice of the Therapy. As yet, we have
not found any way to reduce, substitute, or eliminate any of the juices, or the necessity of preparing them fresh
at the time of consumption. We are reluctant to make changes without a complete understanding of the
underlying processes, and it is difficult to justify risking lives for the sake of experimentation when we have a
protocol that has been extremely effective in treating and healing degenerative diseases.
Questions also arise about the functions of the juice in the healing process, the choice of the specific
juices, the way in which they are used, and the necessity of making the juices fresh. During the course of
Gerson’s thirty years of clinical practice his Therapy changed considerably, and a review of the case files for each
of the cases he treated reveals considerable variation over the life span of his developing treatment regimen in
the quantity, volume, and type of juices prescribed. Over the years, many patients have successfully used
nothing more than the single table of juices and medications published in Gerson’s book A Cancer Therapy as a
roadmap to healing. While most treatment protocols prescribed by Gerson physicians will follow the revised
guidelines in this book, patients under care of experienced Gerson physicians may see their “juice prescription”
changed in response to blood results, healing reaction responses, or other symptoms. Severely damaged or
weakened patients often require changes in the medications and juices on an almost daily basis during the first
weeks of the treatments.
We do not clearly understand the process of exactly how the juices enhance healing, except for the
obvious vitamin, mineral, enzyme, and trace mineral supplementation they provide. The nutrient
supplementation alone is probably not enough to explain why there is a difference between juices consumed
immediately after preparation and those consume several hours later. Clearly, oxidation causes loss of certain
vitamins and enzymes. There has been much discussion of the enzyme activity in the juices when they are fresh,
and the importance of these enzymes in numerous biochemical functions. Yet, as any biology student knows,
the enzymes are immediately destroyed on contact with stomach acid. What makes the difference in healing
response between the fresh juice and the hours‐old juice? One possibility is that some of the enzymes present in
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the fresh juice are absorbed directly in the mucous membranes in the mouth and esophagus, before reaching
the stomach. This theory is born by the observation that patients fed through a naso‐gastric or stomach tube do
not respond favorably to the Gerson Therapy. Another possibility, from the esoteric medical literature (dealing
with human and plant energies) is that there is a form of plant “vital force” present in the juices when freshly
made, and that this “vital force” affects the patient, and promotes healing at the energetic, or physic, level
rather than at the cellular/biochemical level. We have little evidence to support either assumption, but we don’t
want to rule out any possibility that gives us greater understanding. In addition to the nutritional
supplementation, the juices also serve, by virtue of their high liquid content, to help in flushing the kidneys.
However the process occurs, it is important to recognize that the healing that comes as a result of the intake of
fresh juices is consistent, and has been validated. That along with the long–term positive outcomes that we
regularly observe, is, in our opinion, enough reason to follow Gerson’s original directives in this regard.

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Juicers

Dr. Gerson believed the method of juice extraction decidedly affects the concentration of those
nutrients. This has been demonstrated through the analysis of juices produced by each type of machine, and the
clinical results experienced by patients using each type of juice proved further support for Gerson’s
recommendations.

The following types of juice extractors are currently being manufactured:

1. Triturator/Press Combination
This type of juicer has two separate components, a grinder to grind the vegetable into a fine, moist, pulp
and a hydraulic press to extract the juice of the vegetable from the pulp by squeezing it under high pressure (as
much as 2,000 PSI). Dr. Gerson felt strongly that this type of juicer was the only acceptable choice for cancer
patients. He recommended mixing the pulp of different vegetables together thoroughly before pressing to
enhance the extraction of certain nutrients. This, of course, is only possible with a juicer that separates the
grinding and pressing functions. Research in this area, although limited, indicates that juice produced by the
grinder triturator/press can be as much 50 times higher in certain essential nutrients.
Also, the juice itself is much fuller and richer tasting than that produced by other types of juicers, and is
free of pulp. Generally, this type of juicer will produce 25 to 50% more than other juicers from the same amount
of raw produce, and even more when extracting from leafy vegetables.
The Norwalk tends to be large and heavy, usually of all‐steel and/or stainless steel construction. It is also
generally more expensive than other types of juicers (current price $2,495). More than 80% of Gerson patients
choose the Norwalk for their Therapy.

2. Masticating Juicers
These grind the vegetables and extract their juices in one step. These juicers are generally not as heavy‐
duty as the grinder/press models. They produce a fairly good quality of juice, although it comes high in
vegetable pulp and separates more readily than the juice produced from two‐step machines. A study we’ve seen
indicates that juice produced from masticating juicers is richer in nutrients than that from centrifugal juicers
(which should not be used), but not as rich as that from grinder/press juicers.
Some reports indicate that masticating juicers can produce a very high heat inside the grinding chamber
that may be damaging to the juice. Some patients have successfully combined a masticating juicer and a
separate hydraulic press to produce a juice much closer in quality to the grinder/press combination but at much
lower cost. Manufacturers of masticating juicers include Champion and Green Star. Gerson patients can use the
Champion as a grinder only in conjunction with the Juice Press Factory press. The price for both juicer and press
will be around $600.

3. Centrifugal Juicers
These are by far the most common and generally the least expensive juice extractors. Unfortunately for
the patient suffering from a degenerative disease, they are also the least desirable. The centrifugal force throws
the pulp against a basket screen through which the juice is strained, while the pulp remains. There are several
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problems with this method: first this juicer does not grind produce, particularly greens, as finely as other
extractors. Also, centrifugal force is less effective than the pressing action of other juicers in extracting juice.
Without the pressing action, many minerals and phytochemicals in the pulp remain in the pulp, and so what
juice is rendered in less rich in healing nutrients than that from grinder/press or masticating juicers. Gerson
describes another problem with centrifugal juicers: “When the grinding wheel rotates against a resistance with
insufficient access of air, positive electricity is produced and induces negative electricity on the surrounding wall.
The exchange of positive and negative (ions) kills the oxidizing enzymes and renders the juice deficient.” He
goes on to say that in his many years of clinical experience, patients who used centrifugal juicers did not have
success with the Therapy. We have some indications that the enzyme deficiency problem may be present only in
centrifugal juicers with a vertical wall basket (such as the original Acme Juicerator available in Gerson’s lifetime)
and not with the angled wall juicer baskets such as those found in newer centrifugal juicers (Juiceman, Braun,
Hamilton‐Beach and others). Even if this is the case, however, we must still contend with the overall lack of
nutrients and reduced quantity of juice when compared with juice produced by other types of juicers.

4. Wheatgrass Juicers
Wheatgrass juicers are small, specialized machines designed specifically to extract the chlorophyll‐rich
juice of wheatgrass. We generally do not use wheatgrass on the Gerson Therapy, as most patients find it to be
extremely harsh on the stomach and because the desirable components in wheatgrass are also found in the
Gerson green leaf juice.

5. Citrus Juicers
Citrus juicers are reamer‐type juicers used to juice orange and grapefruit juice.

6. Blender/Liquefiers
These, such as Vita‐Mix, are not really juicers at all. They grind the produce into a fine pulp but they
don’t extract its juice. Since there is no reduction of bulk with a liquefier, to derive the nutrients equivalent to
those in 104 ounces of juice, a patient would have to ingest an alarming quantity of produce ‐‐ 6 pounds of
carrots, 8 pounds of apples, and four heads of lettuce every day, in addition to three regular meals!

A Note about Juicers
Finally, any juicer is better than no juicer at all. Even a centrifugal juicer will provide more nutrients than
could be consumed in the equivalent quantity of produce. For many patients however, the choice of an
appropriate juicer can be a life‐or‐death matter. We have observed a number of cases in which patients
rigorously following the Gerson Therapy, but with a centrifugal juicer, did not see either reduction in tumor
masses or healing reactions even after many weeks. When these patients switched to grinder/press juicers,
healing reactions occurred rapidly, and several patients saw dramatic improvement in their condition. While
these observations were not part of a controlled study, they clearly point to the quality of juicer as a major
factor in patients’ progress. Also, when considering investment in a juicer, bear in mind that the higher‐priced
grinder/press juicer produces more juice from less produce than other types, and so, given the quantity of
produce used by the Gerson patient the more expensive juicer will probably pay for itself in less than a year.

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Making the Juices
The schedule of juices (which one, when, and the medications that go with them) varies based on
disease and conditions of the patient. The procedures below will tell you how to prepare the produce, make the
juices, and describe some practical aspects and common problems.

Practical Aspects of Juicing
Since either the patient or someone else will spend much of each waking day in front of the juicer, it is a
good idea to give thought to the location of the juicer so that it’s convenient and, if possible, near a window or
someplace nice ‐‐ but also close to the sink. Some people place the entire juicer on a large cafeteria tray, so that
the juice that invariably goes astray doesn’t end up all over the countertop or floor.
Also, compulsive neatniks may need to meditate or do something to relax a bit; every Gerson household
we’ve ever heard of has had occasional episodes of “salad on the ceiling”, when a little pulp from the juice
grinder flies up and gets stuck on the ceiling, cabinets, or elsewhere. Particularly in the first weeks of the
regimen, while the juice person is “learning the ropes,” episodes will occur (particularly with the green juice)
where the pulp in the press sneaks out of the cloth and makes a beeline for the shirt or the face of the juice
person (or sometimes an innocent bystander). A large apron is highly recommended. Practice in learning to fold
the juice cloth, and a good attitude will go a long way. We can assure you that skill in this area improves
dramatically in a short time. After a while, the juice person will develop a rhythm that will make the process
efficient and quick, with minimal difficulty.

Preparation of Fruits and vegetables for Juice
Over time the juice person will develop a good idea about how many carrots, apples, green, peppers,
chard and red cabbage will be required for each day’s juice. These can be scrubbed and washed in advance, cut
and put into bags of sufficient quantity before each juice. One patient makes her clothes washer into a giant
“salad spinner” by putting all of her greens for the day in a mesh bag, then running them through the “damp
dry” cycle on her washer for a few seconds to get rid of the excess water. Another uses small pillowcases
wrapped inside large garbage bag to hold all his greens to keep them from getting limp before use. You will find
many ways to improve on the efficiency of the process as you become more familiar with the routine. Just take
care that efficiencies don’t inadvertently affect elements of the Therapy that would have an adverse impact on
healing.

A Note on Produce and Produce seasons
It should be obvious by now that all produce used for the juice must be organically grown. If possible, a
variety of greens should be purchased two or three times per week for freshness, rather than letting them sit for
an entire week. Apples and carrots are more stable, and will keep for quite some time.
Invariably, several times of the year some of the necessary produce becomes unavailable. Organic apples go out
of season between early June and mid‐August. Organic carrots are sometimes unavailable between mid‐July and
late August. Some greens are seasonal as well. During these times, some patients arrange in advance with their
produce distributor to buy and pay for a couple of month’s supply of apples and/or carrots (greens won’t keep),
which are then held in the distributor’s cooler. Long‐term success is not usually achieved without the use of
organically grown produce as the main source of nutrition.

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Care of the Juicer
Even though it is in use throughout the day, we recommend that the juicer part be removed and rinsed
off after each juice is made, to avoid excess bacteria on the food contact surfaces. We highly recommend a
disposal unit in the sink, and a sprayer hose. With these, you can quickly rinse the parts, reassemble the juicer,
and be ready for the next juice in just a few minutes.
If you are using a press‐type juicer, special attention must be paid to caring for the cloths used for
pressing pulp. After each use these should be rinsed off to remove pulp, and then lightly scrubbed with a
vegetable brush, wrung out, then placed in a resealable bag and put in the freezer. We suggest having separate
cloth for the different juices, although this isn’t a necessity. At least once per week, soak cloths in one capful of
hydrogen peroxide in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes. When you start noticing the taste of the juice starts to be a
little off, it’s time to replace the cloth with a new one. Over time, the pores of the cloth get clogged with fibers
from the juice.

Juices
Citrus Juice (Orange and Grapefruit)
Gerson felt that this was the least important juice and added it primarily for the convenience of the
patient in that so many people are used to orange juice to start the day. Recent research indicates that there
may be some undesirable aspects to orange juice, such as excess mucus formation when large quantities are
consumed, but we have not experienced this with Gerson patients. Any patient experiencing adverse reactions
or simply dislike for the orange juice may, unless otherwise indicated, replace it with apple juice or one of the
other standard Gerson juices. Take no more than 1 citrus juice a day.

Requires: 3‐4 oranges or 1‐2 grapefruits

Preparation: Use a reamer‐type juicer, either manual or electric. Some models have aluminum screens or
reservoirs for the juice. These should be avoided in favor of plastic or stainless steel.

We do not recommend the use of non‐reamer type juicers into which a half orange or lemon is inserted
whole. The citrus peels contain undesirable fatty and aromatic acids, as well as commonly being coated with
beeswax or another protective sealant.
You can use any kind of orange or grapefruit, as long as it’s organically grown.
Oranges and grapefruits should be kept refrigerated. If you prefer juice to be closer to room
temperature, remove three or four oranges from the refrigerator before going to bed.

Carrot/Apple Juice
This juice is one of the two “core” juices (excuse the pun!) used on the Gerson Therapy. It has a pleasant
flavor, is easy on the digestive system, and is usually consumed in larger quantities than any other juice (Five
glasses per day in the normal regimen).
Research has revealed an apparently synergistic relationship between the carrots and apples that proves
greater nutrient absorption when the apples and carrots are juiced together than when the juice of either is
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used alone. It is not known exactly what factors contribute to this; we do know that malic acid present in apples
assists in absorption of beta‐carotene in the carrots.
There are, of course, many other elements derived from the juices in addition to beta‐carotene. This
juice is high in calcium, provides protein, trace minerals and numerous other minerals, vitamins, and
phytochemicals.

Requires: Approx. 3‐4 carrots to 1 medium apple make an 8 oz. juice

Preparation: Tart apples are preferred; Granny Smith, Macintosh, Ida red, Pippin and Gala are all good choices.
Red and gold delicious are least desirable since the sweeter apples are higher in sugar, and can raise blood sugar
levels unacceptably high, but in a pinch any apple will work.

Wash apples, cut and remove core and seed, but do not peel. An inexpensive apple corer makes this
easy! Wash carrots and scrub with a brush or nylon scouring pad, but do not peel or scrape.
Using a two‐step (grinder/press) juicer, grind apples and carrots and collect pulp in a bowl, rather than
the juicing bags that come with some juicers. When all produce has been ground, stir thoroughly (but not so
much as to introduce unnecessary air into the pulp), then place 1 to 2 cups in juicing cloth, fold and press. Using
multiple juicing cloths, you can prepare a second cloth/pulp package and press it again to get a little more juice
out of the pulp.
The remaining pulp will be almost dry. It is virtually devoid of nutrients and should be discarded. If you
have a garden, it makes excellent compost. We’ve also heard of patients using pulp like clay to sculpt with!
The carrot/apple juice, like all of the other juices, should be consumed immediately after pressing, but
may be kept for 2‐3 hours in a glass‐lined thermos if the patient has returned to work or must go out of the
house for any other reason. (The preparation of juices in advance should be done only when there is no other
alternative or, on consultation with an experience Gerson physician).

Carrot Juice
This juice was seldom used by Gerson, but was introduced to the standard Gerson protocol in 1989,
when it became obvious that the quality of veal liver available was so substandard that juice made from it could
no longer be used as a regular part of the Gerson Therapy. The carrot juice is usually used three times per day,
at times when the liver/carrot juice was formerly used.
Preparation and comments are the same as the carrot/apple except for exclusion of the apples.
It will usually take 12 to 16 ounces of carrots to produce one 8‐ounce glass of juice.

Green Leaf Juice
This is the other “core” juice of the Gerson protocol. Most patients are underwhelmed at the first
mention or sight of this juice, but it is not unpleasant and many patients truly enjoy both the taste and the
health benefits of this juice. The green leaf juice is extremely rich in iron and other minerals, is very high in
chlorophyll, a substance similar to human hemoglobin, and is the richest source of oxidizing enzymes in the
Gerson protocol. It is extremely live and active, often having a foam “head” at the top of the glass when fresh
out of the press. This juice is a little more difficult to tolerate, and patients feeling nauseated will frequently
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have some difficulty drinking it and keeping it down, but it proves tremendous benefit to the patient. It is often
prescribed in higher quantities in anemic patients to raise hemoglobin levels. It also replaces some of the
carrot/apple juices in diabetic, hypoglycemic, and candida patients, as it is lower in sugar.
The “recipe” for the green leaf juice is a bit more varied than the others. Of the following list, some
items will be available, some may not be available in your area, and some are seasonal. Use whatever is
available, but let your choices be dictated more by what is actually available than your like or dislike of a
particular ingredient. It is noteworthy that the darker stronger‐flavored items (chard, red cabbage) are richer in
chlorophyll and other nutrients than the lighter, less flavorful vegetables. Also please don’t use any greens or
ingredients other than the ones listed. Do not substitute other items.

Obtain as many of the following as possible. The suggested quantities assume that about half of the
listed items will be available at any given time. Adjust accordingly.

• Dark green lettuces: red and green leaf lettuces, romaine, endives
• Iceberg is useless and do not use
• Escarole
• Beet tops (young inner leaves)
• Watercress – 6‐7 leaves
• Red cabbage – 2 or 3 leaves
• Green pepper – ¼
• Swiss chard – little
• Green apple – 1

Preparation: Follow above directions for preparation of apples.

Greens should be washed, taking care to rinse off sand or soil that is often present at the base of the
leaves. Shake off water or put in salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Cut off bottom portion of stems of
chard or any other fibrous leaves.

Using a two‐step (grinder/press) juicer, grind and collect pulp in a bowl. When all produce has been
ground, stir thoroughly, but not so much as to introduce unnecessary air into the pulp.

If you’re using an electric press raise the juice part slowly to avoid having pulp squirt out of cloth and
onto the juice person.

Using multiple juicing cloths, you can prepare the second cloth while the first one is pressing. Also, some
people will fold over the squashed cloth/pulp package and press it again to get a little more juice out of the pulp.

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After pressing, the remaining pulp in the juice cloth can be discarded.
The green juice is much more active than the carrot or carrot/apple juices and should it be consumed
immediately. Dr. Gerson did not recommend storage of the green juice for any length of time before
consumption.
Liver/Carrot Juice
This juice is no longer used as a standard part of the Gerson regimen, due to the poor quality of veal
liver presently available. There are severe risks with the use of raw baby veal liver due to campylobacter bacteria
contamination in a significant portion of veal livers. Nonetheless, we have observed several cases of patients
who did not respond to the vegetarian juice regimen, and showed dramatic improvement immediately after
introduction of the liver juice. The liver juice is not currently in use at any Gerson‐certified treatment center but
it is occasionally suggested with full disclosure of risks, to some patients with particular conditions.
The precise action of the liver juice is not known, but it is high in iron, enzymes, vitamin A, and
hormones. Again, it is possible that absorption of critical components is taking place in the mucosa of the mouth
and throat or that there is some action or “vital force” effecting healing outside of the physical/biochemical
realm. Gerson added liver juice at a time when patient response to the therapy began to decline, shortly after
World War II and the introduction of the pesticide DDT to the food supply. He hypothesized that the liver juice
might assist in helping the body eliminate pesticide residues. Patient responses after addition of the liver juice
improved significantly; it then became a permanent addition to the therapy during Gerson’s lifetime.
Raw liver contains large quantities of enzymes and certain vitamins not otherwise available to the
Gerson patient. Coenzyme Q‐10, now a standard part of the Gerson medication regimen, is found in large
quantities in calf liver.
Whatever the actions of the juice, it is clear that certain diseases do not appear to respond effectively
without liver juice even with the re‐introduction of supplements Gerson used before he incorporated liver juice,
and even with the new addition of Coenzyme Q‐10.
Due to the risk of campylobacter contamination, we do not recommend the use of liver juice without
the specific recommendation and supervision of an experienced Gerson physician. The information on
preparation of liver is provided here only for use under appropriate, supervised conditions.
Fresh, baby veal liver must be used. It must be consumed within 60 hours of slaughter and cannot be
frozen. Livers must weigh less than three pounds whole: larger livers are from older animals and have not been
found to be effective. Likewise, livers from sources other than veal have not been found to be useful.
Most patients do not enjoy either the flavor or texture of the liver/carrot juice although it is not nearly
as bad as one might imagine. Generally patients “hide” the taste by eating a piece of orange, “chugging” the
juice, then immediately eating another pieces of orange.

Storage of Juices

Preparing juices in advance is never a desirable choice but may be necessary for patients who must work
or who wish to get out of the house for several hours. In these cases, a glass‐lined vacuum bottle (Thermos) may
be used, but should be completely filled to avoid excess exposure of the juice to air. Another useful method is to
fill an 8oz. “jelly”/Ball canning jar to the rim, slide the lid over the top and then screw the cap on tightly. This will
prohibit air from getting in and oxidizing the juice. Maintain in a chilled or refrigerated environment. Drink at
room temperature. Store only carrot/apple juice, not green.
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While we do not have any definitive research in this area, Dr. Gerson’s experience strongly supported
the value of making each juice fresh and consuming it immediately. Both Gerson’s own experience and our
twenty years of observation indicate that patients who make and consume juices throughout the day have a
higher success rate than those who regularly prepare juices several hours in advance.

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Dr. Gerson’s Green Juice
By Kathryn Alexander

Many of my Gerson patients will add various “greens” that they have read about to their green juice. Bit
by bit they keep sneaking ones in, particularly when ingredients may be difficult to get hold of, and it isn’t until I
do a check or inadvertently ask an innocent question that I discover that the Gerson green juice is no longer the
medication that it was designed to be. We have to remember that on the Gerson Therapy the food and the
juices are the medication and that failure to take all the foods in their correct quantities or according to the
recipes is akin to changing the medication. This is also true for the Hippocrates soup. This soup is to the kidneys
what the coffee enema is to the liver. It is the high natural sodium content in the Hippocrates soup which
supports kidney detoxification. This soup is tremendously beneficial to anyone with kidney stress, pain or
infection and I have treated many with these symptoms successfully just with the soup.
Dr. Gerson’s Green Juice Recipe
Dr. Gerson recommended that one procured as many of the various kinds of leaves as possible from his
selected list and to use no others. His list included: lettuce, Swiss chard, endive, escarole (a variety of endive, but
less bitter), romaine (cos lettuce), watercress, beet tops (young inner leaves), red cabbage, green capsicum
(green pepper) and sprouts of seeds and grains. You can see that this list does not contain members of the
brassica family (other than red cabbage), nor does it contain celery. So the list is quite specific. You may note
with interest that Dr. Gerson allowed the juicing of sprouts of seeds and grains. These are no longer permitted
as they have been found to cause immune deficiencies, particularly in those with an autoimmune component to
their condition, due to the high level of the immature amino acid, L‐canavanine.Many of these vegetables,
particularly those that are bitter (such as endives) have a specific action on the liver, and beet tops, which are
high in betaine, will stimulate many of the liver detoxification pathways. The actual beetroot does not fulfill this.
Dr. Gerson regarded beetroot to be too high in sugar when juiced (it is allowed cooked or grated raw in salads)
and it will not fulfill the same function as the beet tops in stimulating the liver. The more variety that you can get
from the list supplied, then the greater range of nutrients you will provide the body. However, it is not always
possible to get all the ingredients and as such, it is important not to substitute with vegetables that aren’t on
the list or create a mix that is too strong and too bitter which could make you nauseous. The rule of thumb is
that if your green juice looks anything but green (i.e. brown or dark red) then you will have the wrong
proportions. To be on the safe side, use the recipe below until you get used to what your juice should look and
taste like.
‐1 small wedge red cabbage (@ 70g)
‐1/4 green capsicum (@ 35g)
‐1 leaf endive
‐1 leaf chard or young silver beet
‐2 leaves beet tops
‐2 sprigs watercress
large handful of cos, green or red leaf lettuce (not iceberg)
‐1 medium green apple, cored
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Explanation of the juice recipe: we use predominantly red or green lettuce (not iceberg) for the bulk of the
green juicing, to which we add ¼ green capsicum, a thin wedge red cabbage (no greater than 1cm at its widest),
2 springs of watercress (if you can get or grow this), 1 apple and then just a few young dark green leaves which
may be a mix of the ones in the recipe – chard, silver beet, beet tops, endive. If we cannot get any of the
recommended vegetables then we do not substitute with others but stick to the ones we can get which will
generally be the 4 staples of the green juice: green apple, red or green lettuce, red cabbage and green capsicum
and hopefully a dark green leaf.
Why some vegetables are preferred and why some are avoided:
Celery: has a poor potassium/sodium ratio of around 3.25 whereas most vegetables have a ratio between 5 and
10. This means 5‐10 parts of potassium to sodium. The juices need to have a high potassium ratio, amplified
with the additional potassium salts. The juices are a medicine, taken hourly to flush the cells and allow
potassium to gain entry into the cells in order to dislodge the sodium. Sodium inside the cell will suppress
oxidation and lead to changes in the conditions at cell level which do not support healing. Therefore, as a
medicine, it is important not to disturb the mineral balance by adding vegetables that would reduce this capacity
for flushing and cleansing.
The brassica family (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, kale, turnips) are goitrogenic
which means that they interfere with the production of thyroid hormone by inhibiting the uptake of iodine by
the gland. They can induce hypothyroidism in those predisposed or borderline. However, these vegetables,
when cooked, do not have the same goitrogenic capacity. Cooking for 30 minutes significantly reduces the
amount of goitrogens. Red cabbage is, however, used in the juices due to its added nutritional benefits. It
contains up to four times the amount of phytonutrients than green cabbage, such as the anthocyanin
polyphenols, and 6‐8 times more vitamin C than green cabbage. The “red” color of the cabbage is due to its high
content of the anthocyanin polyphenols. On the Gerson therapy where we are looking to support thyroid
function, it would be counter‐productive to include goitrogenic vegetables in juicing, and one should be careful
to remain within the guidelines for the red cabbage.
Vegetables high in oxalic acid: Most vegetables contain varying amounts of oxalic acid which is lost with
cooking. Oxalic acid, in high amounts, can interfere with the absorption of calcium and magnesium and it also
interferes with the uptake of iron from vegetable sources (non‐heme iron). So although foods, such as spinach
and parsley, may be very high in iron and calcium, they are also high in oxalic acid which will reduce the
bioavailability of these two minerals. Therefore, it is best not to juice vegetables high in oxalic acid (such as
spinach and parsley), and stay with the ones recommended and in the quantities prescribed for the Gerson
green juice. Cooking these foods will get round the problem of nutrient availability as heat destroys oxalic acid.
Oxalic acid may also aggravate certain health conditions, such as kidney stone formation and gout. If you have a
high uric acid or are predisposed to either of these conditions, then be mindful about juicing these vegetables.
Here are a couple of websites which you may find useful:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/Other/oxalic.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=48
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Green apples: the green apples are sourer than the red variety; and the sourer they are the better for juicing
purposes. Sour apples are higher in potassium malate and higher in pectin (good for chelating heavy metals),
they can also extract higher amounts of nutrients from the pulped vegetables due to their higher acidity, so you
end up with a more nutrient‐rich juice. Dr. Gerson added three potassium salts to the juices: potassium acetate,
potassium gluconate and potassium mono‐phosphate. He did not add potassium malate as the green apples
delivered sufficient amounts of this potassium salt. The combination of these four specific potassium salts
encouraged a faster elimination of sodium and toxins from the cells and sped up the detoxification and healing
process. In colder climates cooking apples may be used, such as the Bramley apple.
Dr.Gerson spent 6 years and 300 experiments perfecting the potassium blend to achieve the results he
was looking for. He also spent many years experimenting with the exact blend of vegetables for the green juice
to fulfill the criteria of his program. The green juice, in addition to supporting cellular detoxification, will also
build the blood and support liver detoxification. It will also support the bones being high in both calcium and
vitamin K. If you get the recipe wrong then you could risk ending up with a sodium‐rich juice that will oppose the
potassium shift, a juice that may suppress the thyroid or inhibit the uptake of valuable nutrients such as calcium,
iron and magnesium.

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Presented by: Dr. Kayla Smith, ND
May 19-23, 2013 San Diego, CA

1
• Many uncomfortable symptoms can

accompany the body’s attempt to
detoxify
• Castor oil packs and clay packs can be
used in many situations to alleviate
these symptoms
• See pages 182-183 in HTGW
• Mobilized toxins can affect muscles

causing stiffness, muscle tension, spasms,
cramping and bone pain. Castor oil packs
can help with these symptoms as well as
provide many other benefits
• Be sure to read the article on Castor Oil
Packs by Harvey Grady in your binder
331
• Stimulation of liver and gallbladder
• Stimulation of the GI tract and lymphatics
• Improved elimination from intestines
• Reduce scar tissue and adhesions
• Drainage of congestion and acidity
• Loosens mucus from intestines and lungs
• Improve flow of blood and lymph to an
area
• Relief of pain, muscle spasm and
inflammation 4
See page 234 in your Gerson Basics binder
• Useful in managing the symptoms of toxic

flare-ups
• Has very strong absorption power—will
absorb many times its weight in toxins
• Best suited to hot inflammatory pain in joints
and tumors with swelling and/or infection
• Can alleviate congestion and spasms in the
deep organs of liver, gallbladder, kidneys as
well as muscle spasms
• Internally can help stomach pains and diarrhea
6
332
• Therapeutic clay belongs to the smectite
series called Montmorillonite
• Should be virgin and untreated
• Colors range from white to pale green to
yellow-brown or red.
• Green is the most powerful and least
tolerated if sensitive
• Can order from STAT or ISHI
7
• Can be administered twice a day for 2-3

hours or until the pack is dried out
• When placed on the liver it draws out
toxicity
• Can be applied to the head for
headaches
See page 237 in your Gerson Basics binder
333
• Useful for food poisoning and viral
gastroenteritis
• Can help constipation and diarrhea
• Patients on the Gerson Therapy can take
¼ tsp of clay with ¼ tsp of potassium
gluconate in peppermint tea for diarrhea
10

11
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Uses of Clay
Clay
Clay is useful in alleviating pain, dealing with toxicity, managing flare‐up and healing crises, and dealing
with gastro‐intestinal problems. It is a very effective first line treatment for patients doing the Gerson Therapy.
Clay packs are used to alleviate headaches, hot inflammatory pain, joint pain, arthritis, reduce tumor
inflammation and areas of fluid retention caused by trauma, infection, or generalized edema. They absorb toxins
and alleviate congestion and spasm in the deep organs of the liver, gall bladder, and kidney, as well as muscle
spasm. They are useful in bone rebuilding, for stomach pains, and diarrhea.

Properties, Practicalities and Chemical Structure
Clay should be finely powdered, and the colors are pale green, red, yellow, or white. Broken clay for
external use comes in uneven lumps and is usually green, red or yellow. Green is the most powerful and
versatile and belongs to the smectite series (montmorillonites). White clay has less absorption and is less
“layered” in structure (Vogel, 2001).

Quality and Colors
Make sure it is virgin and untreated. Green is the most active and the least tolerated in the
hypersensitive person.

External Use and Preparation
Clay packs are often administered twice a day, for 2‐3 hours or until dried out when applied to the liver
area, as it actively draws out and holds toxicity. This also applies to brain tumors and metastases but it can be
placed on any area. Refer to Instructions for Preparing and Applying a Clay Poultice.

Internal Use
Only need a little – acts by radiations. It aids the organism to fix the missing elements. After breakfast or
in the evening it has a different effect. If it causes constipation take several times during the day between meals.
Oral dose: 1 teaspoon for adults, ½ teaspoon for children of green clay/Ion Min in half glass of unboiled distilled
water.
Use wooden spoon/spatula to mix 12 hours beforehand and leave to settle. Take on rising or going to
bed or an hour before eating. One can start with drinking only the water and build up to mixing and drinking the
clay as well.
Patients on the Gerson Therapy are advised to take ¼ teaspoon of clay with ¼ teaspoon of Potassium
gluconate in peppermint tea to relieve diarrhea. Clay for internal use is usually the Montmorillonite clay (not sea
clay).
References:
Vogel, Marijke – 2001 – The Earth on Which We Live. Vogel and Dextreit, Raymond – 1979 – The Healing Power of Clay.
Vogel, London. Geneva:Editions Aquarius S.A.
Abehsera, Michel – 1977 – The Healing Clay. Swan House Knishinsky, Ran – The Clay Cure Healing. Arts Press, Rochester,
Books. Vermont.
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Instructions for Preparing and Applying a Clay Poultice

1. In a glass dish, using a wooden spoon or tongue depressor, mix enough clay with warm water to form a
paste; add the clay to the warm water until it is a consistency similar to creamy peanut butter. Prepare enough
to cover the area to be treated in a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch. Do not use metal spoons or spreaders.
2. Spread (with the same wooden utensil) the warm clay onto a piece of clean, natural, porous cloth (i.e. muslin,
cotton, flannel, wool) large enough to cover the area being treated.
3. Lay prepared clay poultice directly on top of area being treated with clay next to skin. Cover cloth backing
with plastic to protect clothing or bedding, if necessary.
4. Note: In cases where applications are needed over large areas of the body and/or applied 2‐3 times daily, a
disposable pad such as a cotton/plastic “incontinence” pad may be cut up and used.
5. Tape in place (light bandaging tape works well) and leave on overnight or until dry, approximately 4 hours. If
the clay is very moist or well‐sealed it may not dry.
6. Peel and remove clay when solid and dry. To further clean skin, dampen clay and gently rub area treated with
a cold wet cloth.
7. If possible, use latex gloves when removing clay, to avoid reabsorbing any toxins through the pores in skin.
8. Place used clay in a closed container, and dispose of it in the rubbish, to avoid further contact.
9. Repeat process as needed.

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Castor Oil Pack

The use of castor oil is centuries old and recent research has found it effective as an antitoxin agent and
3
beneficial for the lymphatic and immune system. Grady (1988) found an increase in lymphocyte production
and the activity of T‐lymphocytes. Packs are often used in conjunction with clay packs to relieve symptoms.

Therapeutic actions
The detoxification process mobilizes toxins that can affect muscles, causing stiffness, contractions, and
pain. Warm packs can be used for muscle tension, spasms, cramping, and bone pain. They improve circulation to
the area, assist in releasing the muscles, and dispersing the toxins. The neck and shoulder area are often
affected but it is also useful over the abdomen for intestinal spasms and cramps. Other therapeutic actions
include:
• Stimulation of the liver and gall bladder
• Stimulation of the gastro‐intestinal tract
• Improved elimination from intestines
• Reducing scar tissue and adhesions
• Promotion of healing
• Drainage of congestion and acidity
• Improved loosening of mucous and elimination from lungs and intestines
• Improved blood and lymph supply to an area
• Relief of pain, muscle spasm and inflammation

3
Castor oil packs: scientific tests verify therapeutic value, H. Grady, July/August 1988.
337


Instructions for Applying the Castor Oil Pack

Equipment needed:

1. Flannel cloth (many health food stores carry the cloths, or you can purchase flannel at a fabric shop).
Wool flannel is best. Wash in mild detergent and rinse well to remove any impurities before using.
2. Plastic sheet: medium or large kitchen garbage can liners work well.
3. Bath towel
4. Hot water bottle
5. Good quality castor oil: Heritage or Home Health brands are good.

Procedure:

1. Fold 2 to 4 thicknesses of flannel cloth about 10” to 12” for pelvic and abdominal application. It can
be smaller size for small areas.
2. Pour castor oil onto the cloth (put plastic sheet underneath cloth). Pour on all layers and spread
evenly. It should be well saturated but not dripping. Apply the cloth to skin over the lower abdomen,
liver and spleen. Lay the plastic sheet over the soaked flannel cloth.
3. Place hot water bottle over belly. You could heat the pack first in the oven in a large glass‐baking dish
to provide warmth right away. Don’t overheat – just to skin tolerance. Then apply hot water bottle.
4. Wrap towel over the entire area and secure
5. Pack should remain in place for a minimum of 1 1/2 hours and can be kept on overnight if one can
easily sleep on one’s back. Apply for a minimum of 4 days in a row each week for general colon and liver
stimulation and detoxification. For pain and abdominal discomfort from healing reactions, use as
needed.
6. After treatment, wipe skin with paper towel or dry cloth to remove as much oil as possible, and then
wash with washcloth and mild soap.
7. Flannel cloth can be kept in a plastic container for future use. This same pack can be used over and
over. Just add more castor oil each time.

338

1
1
1
1
MODULE I

1
3 tablespoons
Recipe (1 full-strength coffee enema): Organic
Medium roast
1. You will need the correct type of coffee Medium ground
Caffeinated
2. Boil 1 qt. of distilled or filtered (RO) water in a saucepan

3. Add 3 rounded tablespoons of coffee into saucepan
4. Boil 3 minutes uncovered and then simmer covered for 15 minutes.
5. Use fine strainer (metal mesh or cotton cloth)
6. Add water to complete 1 quart

7. Let it cool to body temperature
339
Recipe (4 full-strength coffee enemas):
1. Place in saucepan:
- 12 rounded tablespoons of coffee
- 1 quart of distilled or RO water
2. Boil for 3 minutes uncovered.
3. Cover, lower heat to minimum and simmer for 15
minutes.
4. Strain, pour into a 1 qt. jar and add water to make a full
quart.
5. May be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days. 4
1. Wash bucket before first use
2. Snip off end of tubing in order to attach to red rubber catheter. You may
cut a larger portion if desired
3. Break or cut 2 ridges of connector for better flow
4. You will also need:
5. Eat a small piece of fruit to activate the gastric tract if taken on an empty
stomach
6. Enema bucket height: no greater than 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) above the 5
body
1. Connect transparent tube,

connector and red catheter
correctly
2. Clamp the tube first before filling

bucket with coffee solution
3. Pour coffee solution in bucket and

run it through to the end of the
tube to expel the air
4. Check temperature (98 F – 37 C)
5. Clamp the tube again and place

6
the bucket at 18-24” high.
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1. Hang the enema bucket or place it on a flat surface (toilet seat or
bathtub)
2. If hanged, make sure the bucket is not too high from the ground
3. Lie on your right side with your knees bent
4. Lubricate tip of catheter

5. Place catheter into the rectum, before releasing the flow, about 5-8 inches
6. Open clamp as coffee will start to flow slowly
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7. If cramping occurs, lower the bucket or close clamp for 30 seconds.
Then, raise back to original level.
10
8. If solution doesn’t flow, lift the bucket for 30 seconds or until coffee
starts to flow again. Then, lower back to original level.
11
9. You may need to mix the coffee solution to avoid blockage of tube by
coffee silt.
12
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10. Once bucket is empty, hold coffee enema for 12-15 minutes.
11. Then release in toilet.
13
Remember: Accidents happen. Be kind and patient with yourself.
• Check temperature of solution

• Check how far tube is inserted
• Check height of bucket
• Slow the flow by adjusting height or clamp
• Deep breathing
• Hot water bottle on abdomen
• Add 2 tsp. of potassium solution (no more
than 2-3 days)
14
• First enema of the day can be most difficult—

do a plain chamomile enema first—don’t need to
hold for long
• Instill only ½ the coffee solution and hold for
10-12 min, release and then instill the remainder
• Dilute coffee solution with chamomile to relax
bowel
• Lower bucket to expel air
15
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Ingredients:
• 4 tbsp. organic chamomile flowers, dried
• 1 quart distilled water
Procedure:
• Boil 5 minutes and strain
• Use when cooled to body temperature
References: Gerson Therapy Handbook, page 18. 16
Ingredients:
• 1 cup organic chamomile flowers, dried
• 2 cups distilled water
Procedure:
• Simmer 10 minutes in a covered pan
• Strain and press flowers to extrude fluid
• Add distilled water up to 16 oz.
Keep no longer than 3 days. Recipe makes 4 enemas
of 4 oz. each.
References: Gerson Therapy Handbook, page 18. 17
• For a blocked tube pinch at level of the

blockage and ease tube in and out of rectum
• If enema is not released, take another coffee
enema
• Add ¼ tsp. food grade 3% hydrogen peroxide
to coffee solution
•Work reflex points on the body
18
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Contraindications:
• Chemotherapy—maybe after 6 months—start
with 2 tbsp. by enema only
• Extremely weakened liver—hepatitis, liver
disease
• Ulcers/bleeding/inflammation in the GIT
• Diarrhea
19
Procedure by Mouth:
5.30 am: 2 tbsp. of castor oil by mouth, followed by ½-1 cup of coffee
sweetened with sugar.
Flushes castor oil out of the stomach
Stimulates secretion of stomach acids
and peristalsis
ONLY IF unable to tolerate coffee due to allergies or strong reactions:

hot peppermint tea with lemon
6.00 am: Take a normal coffee enema.
10.00 am: Take the castor oil enema.
20
To Make the Castor Oil Enema:

- One prepared coffee enema
- 3-4 tablespoons of castor oil
- ¼ - ½ tsp. ox bile powder
- Squirt of vegetable (castile) soap
Procedure:
- Use separate bucket for castor oil enema. No red catheter or connector is
needed.
- Pour warm coffee enema into bucket and mix soap into it
- Warm the castor oil in its bottle (place in pan of warm water)
- Add castor oil, ox bile and soap (previously mixed). Mix until emulsified.
- Administer the enema as you would the normal coffee enema.
- Keep stirring while enema solution flows in.
Remember: This enema is difficult to hold, so just do your best (about 5 min is alright). 21
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Procedure:
• 2 tbsp. of castor oil by mouth @ 5:30 am (or as
early as possible)
• Follow immediately with ½ to 1 cup black coffee
with a little sucanat and a small piece of fruit
• If unable to tolerate coffee, use hot peppermint
tea with lemon
• Take regularly scheduled coffee enema that
morning
22
Taken 5 hours after oral intake

Procedure:
• Use separate bucket for castor oil
• Warm tube and bucket by immersing in hot
water
• Add 3-4 tbsp. castor oil, ¼ tsp. ox bile and a
squirt of organic liquid soap—mix until emulsified
• Put coffee solution and hot water in bucket and
keep stirring
23
• Lubricate tube and insert. Proceed as for

coffee enema
• It is NOT expected that you retain the castor
oil solution. Evacuate immediately or within 2-3
minutes
• Clean as before but can use paper towel to
wipe out oil from bucket before cleansing
24
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Enema bucket:
• After each use, rinse with hot, soapy water, running it through the tube
as well. Then, run clean H2O.
• Place it upside down, leaving some room for air to flow and dry it out.
Or dry out with a clean cotton towel
• Deep cleaning: run through 1 part food grade hydrogen peroxide and 3
parts water
• Caution: If plastic tube is kept attached to the bucket, it will become
loose and slip off.
• Do not share your bucket.
Castor oil bucket: *Personal hygiene is also very important *

- Rinse with hot soapy water and
- Use paper towel to remove oily
residues. Reference: Healing the Gerson Way book, pg. 17225
Enema bucket:
• STAT Pharmacy – California - www.stat-mx.com
• ISHI Pharmacy – California - 619.428.6085
• Health and Yoga (Stainless steel bucket) www.healthandyoga.com
• The Key Company – Missouri – 1.800.325.9592
• Gerson Institute www.gerson.org orders@gerson.org
• Time Honored Formulas – Connecticut – 1.855.216.3002
Coffee:
• Café Mam - www.cafemam.com
• Any store as long as it is organic, medium roast, medium ground and
caffeinated
Castor oil:
• Health food store as long as it is organic (Whole Foods, Jimbos,
Henry’s, Trader Joe’s)
Lubricant (Non petroleum, water based):
• Any health food store 26
MODULE I

27
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The Coffee Enema and Enema Techniques
“You are doing what with coffee?”
“Do you take it plain, or with cream and sugar?”
“A coffee enema, now I’ve heard everything!”

Without a doubt, the coffee enemas are the most unusual, most controversial and, to those who refuse
to consider the voluminous scientific research in this area, the most obvious means of proclaiming the Gerson
Therapy to be “quackery.” The thought of coffee enemas can provoke mirth, astonishment, and sometimes
disgust among those who prefer to drink their coffee. Enemas go back to the ancients, and are described in
literature through the ages (i.e. The Essene Gospel of Peace, from the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as in the 18th
Century French comedy by Moliere, Le Malade Imaginaire).
We have yet to meet a Gerson patient who, before starting the regimen, was overwhelmed with
excitement at the thought of doing coffee enemas. A few weeks later those same patients would probably
rather lose their little fingers than relinquish their enema buckets! Patients regularly report that coffee enemas
provide relief from headaches, pain, depression, disorientation or confusion, as well as the more general
detoxification that gives rise to symptomatic relief.
Before we go on, it is important to address the question that is almost undoubtedly running through
your mind. Is there a way I can do the Gerson Therapy, but not do the enemas? The short answer is “No.” If you
are suffering from a degenerative disease, it is virtually impossible to heal without the lifesaving detoxification
provided by the enemas. Occasionally, healthy people have come to a Gerson treatment center and decided to
go on the full juice regimen, but without the enemas. Usually, by the second day, they are begging for an enema
bucket.
When you give the body tremendous nutrition, it will start to cleanse. If you don’t help it “empty the
trash” you can expect severe headaches, a “foggy” feeling, and a cancer patient with significant tumors could
actually run the risk of toxic liver coma. If you absolutely can’t abide the idea of the enemas, and are unwilling to
try, please don’t try the rest of the regimen. Without enemas, the therapy will likely make you miserable, until
you give up and return to a “normal” diet.
And to answer another question: No, sorry, you can’t drink the coffee instead of taking it rectally. A
typical patient consumes the equivalent of about 27 cups of coffee in enemas daily. Drink that much in a day,
and you’ll likely end up on Mars. Coffee by mouth is absorbed in the intestines, and carried throughout the body
by the bloodstream, where the caffeine acts as a stimulant. As you will see, the caffeine in coffee enemas is
absorbed in the colon, and then most is removed from the bloodstream via the portal venous/digestive system
circulation. Commonly, people who are kept awake all night by one cup of coffee at 4 pm can do a coffee enema
at 8 pm, and then go right to sleep. Occasionally, the caffeine sensitive will initially replace the 8 pm coffee
enema with a chamomile tea enema. But we are getting ahead of ourselves. Read on, and it will become clear.
We described Gerson’s overall philosophy earlier, the idea that degenerative diseases in almost all cases
stem from deficiency of nutrients and toxicity. We previously described the Gerson approach to foods and
juices; these are the primary means of addressing the deficiencies that contribute to disease.
This chapter will describe the other half of the solution, the Gerson approach to detoxification. Let us
now expand on the role of the liver in detoxification of the body.

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Role of the Liver in Detoxification
The bloodstream can be thought of as a trucking system for the blood. All nutrients and oxygen that are
supplied to the cells of the body arrive there by way of the bloodstream. Likewise, virtually all cell waste and
toxins are eliminated through the bloodstream. Just as a swimming pool has a system to circulate, heat, and
clean all of the water in the pool, all of our blood passes through the liver, kidneys, and lungs where cell wastes,
carbon dioxide, and toxins are removed from the blood so that it can carry oxygen, nutrients, hormones,
enzymes, and other things necessary for the body to function. Just in the time it has taken you to read this far
into the chapter, all of the blood in your body has passed through your liver and been filtered. It will do so every
3 minutes, every day of your life.
Although it would be a gross oversimplification to characterize the liver as merely a filter for blood (it
has over 1,000 known functions, and probably many more unknown ones), it is the detoxification function of the
liver that we are most concerned with in this chapter. The liver is primarily responsible (along with the kidneys,
lungs and skin) for removing cell wastes, foreign substances, and other undesirable elements from the
bloodstream. The waste materials thus removed by the liver are transferred to bile ‐‐ the bitter, alkaline fluid
sometimes vomited when one is severely sick.
Bile serves two purposes: to act as a carrier for the waste products removed from the bloodstream by
the liver and to emulsify and break down dietary fats and oils as they pass through the digestive system so that
they can be absorbed and utilized by the body. We will later see how the role of bile in fat digestion is exploited
by the Gerson Therapy to enhance detoxification. Bile is manufactured in the liver, concentrated in the gall
bladder and passed into the small intestines. The bile ducts that control bile flow normally dilate to secrete bile
when fats or oils present in the intestines need to be emulsified before assimilation, thus at once eliminating
wastes removed by the liver and emulsifying fats in the digestive tract.

The Coffee Enema, the Bile System, and Glutathione
So what do the liver and bile flow have to do with coffee administered rectally? From the Gerson point
of view, everything! A typical coffee enema taken by a Gerson patient is made from organically grown, non‐
decaf ground coffee. The patient instills about 32 ounces of a regular (drinking strength) coffee solution, and
retains it for 12 to 15 minutes before releasing. During this time blood flow from the colon will carry caffeine
and at least two other important elements, kahweol and cafestol palmitate, from the retained coffee to the
liver. At the liver, two different and important events occur during this time. First, the palmitic acid salts are
taken from the bloodstream by the liver. These salts then enhance by 700% the production of glutathione‐S‐
transferase, an enzyme catalyst that is an extremely effective means of detoxifying carcinogens from the
bloodstream. This quickly and effectively enhances detoxification of blood by the liver. The second action occurs
when caffeine is removed from the bloodstream by the liver and dilutes bile. Here, the caffeine acts to dilate bile
ducts, facilitating an increase in bile flow, thereby further enhancing the ability of the liver to remove toxic
waste products and other foreign substances from the bloodstream. There is no other known substance or
method that increases glutathione production as quickly or as much as coffee enemas.

Enemas vs. Colonics, Mineral Absorption, and Electrolyte Imbalance
It should be obvious by now that the enemas are given primarily to enhance detoxification in the
bloodstream, and not for “rinsing out” the colon, although this is an added benefit. That is why we use coffee
rather than water. It is also part of the reason that Dr. Gerson did not recommend the use of colonics. One of
the claims that critics of the Gerson Therapy are quick to make is that enemas are dangerous, cause severe
dehydration and resulting electrolyte imbalance, and death. Enemas are dangerous in the same way that aspirin
is dangerous. Take too much of either and it could kill you. But rest assured that in spite of reports to the
contrary, no Gerson patient has ever died (or even gotten ill) from taking coffee enemas when following the
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procedures and guidelines recommended by Gerson‐trained physicians. In our opinion, enemas are much safer
than aspirin!
To understand the concerns about dehydration one must recognize that the colon far, from just being a
“storage place” for wastes, is also responsible for mineral absorption and fluid reabsorption. Much of the
mineral absorption takes place in the ascending and transverse colon ‐‐ the parts closest to the small intestine
and farthest away from the rectum. Gerson prohibited colonics because he was concerned about the loss of
minerals and possible dehydration.
Colonic irrigation procedures irrigate the entire colon; a typical colonic irrigation procedure can circulate
as much as 5 gallons of water through the colon. It is easy to imagine that regular use of colonics would almost
eliminate absorption of minerals, due to the constant washing away of the liquids from which the minerals
would be absorbed. When there is a severe insufficiency of minerals, it can result in an imbalance in serum
(blood) electrolytes. Left untreated, this imbalance can cause severe side effects and will eventually lead to
death. Electrolyte imbalance is not caused solely by colonics, it can occur in otherwise healthy people
(particularly babies) in the presence of severe diarrhea, or prolonged, recurrent vomiting.
By contrast, the coffee enema used on the Gerson regimen is 32 ounces, just enough to fill the
descending colon, and barely, if at all, reaching into the transverse colon. Mineral absorption is minimally
affected, and, of course, the coffee solution itself contains minerals (potassium) that are absorbed along with
the caffeine and palmitic acid salts. Nonetheless, as we said, reckless, gross overuse of enemas, and particularly
colonics, can cause the electrolyte imbalance, or dehydration that concerns physicians and others not familiar
with the Gerson regimen.
Another reason why dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are extremely rare in Gerson patients is the
extraordinarily large quantity of high‐quality, mineral‐rich fruit and vegetable juices consumed on the Therapy.
If, for some reason, a patient had to decrease the quantity of juice ingested, she would probably also have to
decrease the number of enemas taken just to be sure that the electrolyte depletion does not occur. A safe ratio
is three juices to one enema.
Patients going through intense healing reactions, particularly in cancers where tumor masses can be
very rapidly broken down (such as melanoma) may need more than five enemas during a reaction period. In
extreme cases patients have safely done as many as eight or ten enemas in one 24‐hour period. These are
exceptionally rare conditions where patients are rapidly detoxifying, and the body needs additional help
eliminating the waste products of dead tumor tissue. In these cases additional juices are consumed to prevent
dehydration and ensure that adequate fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained.
For the Gerson patient, the coffee enema is the first line of defense against many things: pain,
headache, grogginess, lethargy, sudden changes in mood or mood swings, and many other conditions. Do not
misunderstand; we are not implying that coffee enemas cure anything or that coffee enemas are the answer to
these symptoms under all circumstances. However, in the Gerson patient, the symptoms described are usually,
but not always, signs of toxicity. Toxicity is treated on the Gerson Therapy with coffee enemas.
The patient will learn to reach for an enema bucket the same way she used to reach for an aspirin or
other drug. In the early stages of the Therapy, the patient will rely on the clock to tell when an enema is needed;
as the patient learns to listen to the body it will become easy to tell when it is time, when additional enemas are
needed, and when the body is going through a healing reaction.
Now that you understand the basic principle and purpose of the enema, we can move on to the practical
details. Those with weak constitutions may find themselves a little squeamish; others may find the entire
discussion distasteful. Nonetheless, given that a Gerson patient will spend a significant portion of her day on
“coffee breaks,” it is both worthwhile and necessary to provide the following specifics. There are many
humorous aspects to this process, as well; hopefully, before you finish this chapter, you will recognize both the
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value of coffee enemas on the Gerson Therapy and some of the more “lighthearted” ways that patients have
learned to handle this part of the Gerson regimen.
Most people born after 1950 do not have firsthand experience with enemas. Those who do generally do
not have happy memories of them. This is usually because someone else was responsible for “giving” the
enema, and the unfortunate recipient usually experienced cramping and pain, as the rapid flow of liquid into the
colon (which is not expecting to receive a large quantity of liquid) sets up severe cramps as it tries to expel the
liquid forced in.
Gerson patients don’t have this problem; as they learn to do their own enemas, they control the flow of
liquid, thereby minimizing, and usually eliminating, cramps. Also, after just a couple of days, the colon becomes
accustomed to the influx of liquid, and discomfort is replaced by the positive feeling that comes from enhanced
detoxification of the blood.
Throughout this section, we will also pass on numerous hints and tips from patients and others that will
help make things easier, faster ‐‐ and maybe even pleasant.

The “Enema Parlor”
Given that patients will be spending at least 1 ½ hours a day on their “coffee breaks” during the early
stages of the therapy, it is worthwhile to give thought to the location where enemas will be taken. If possible it
should be a quiet, relaxing place where one can meditate, read, listen to music, look out the window, or
otherwise have something pleasant to look at or to think about. The “parlor” can be a corner of a bedroom, a
private area on an outside deck (in warm weather), a “meditation room,” or just a plain bathroom floor.
Each patient’s room in the Gerson treatment centers has a small “enema bench” measuring about
26”x54” and 18” high topped with foam rubber and covered with a waterproof vinyl material. A post at one end
with hooks on its end allows the enema bucket or bag to be hung at several different heights. Such benches can
easily be made, or one can use a camp bed. If the patient’s bedroom isn’t completely private, one could hang a
curtain around the bench for a little more privacy. Enemas can, of course, also be taken in bed; the only problem
is how to get the bucket above the height of the bed to the appropriate level. A coat or hat rack or an IV stand
will work for this purpose. The bedding has to be protected with a plastic sheet covered with a towel.
If there isn’t a good place in a bedroom or other room, some patients have rigged a wooden cover with
a foam pad on top that sits on top of the bathtub. Those more willing to “rough it” can, if they are able to get up
and down easily, put some soft padding on the bathroom floor, covered with plastic, a towel, and a pillow (a
lawn chaise pad is excellent), and lie down on the floor. The bucket can be propped up on the sink or commode,
or hung from a towel rack. In any case, the patient needs to be comfortable and warm. Until one is a pro at the
process (and some say even then), we recommend that a waterproof pad of some sort be placed between the
patient and the bed, carpet or whatever you happen to be lying on, in case of accidents or other mishaps. “Blue
chux,” also known as incontinence pads, are disposable 20” x 36” sheets of absorbent material with a plastic
backing. They are useful for this purpose, though costly and environmentally unsound.
Also, if the “enema parlor” isn’t actually in the bathroom, it should at least be close by. If someone other
than the patient uses the bathroom, some arrangement should be made to ensure that it would be vacant when
needed. Some patients set speed records moving between the enema bench and the bathroom; few things are
more annoying than needing the bathroom now only to find it occupied!

A Bucket or a Bag?
No, we’re not talking about fried chicken; the choice is far more important, and definitely healthier.
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Enema bags are more common than buckets; most drug stores carry them. These consist of a rubber or
plastic bag into which the solution is poured; the bag has a tube at the bottom, the end of which is inserted into
the rectum. A clamp on the tube controls flow. Often, these will double as vaginal douches with two different
tips, one for the douche and one for the enema. The bags with hard plastic tips, rather than just small, clear
tubing with a rounded end are not desirable. A plastic tip is uncomfortable in the rectum, and cannot be placed
far enough up to effectively “do the job.” Also, as some bags are rubber and stretch, the effect can be rather
like having your enema fed by a water balloon; the fluid is forced into the rectum rather than flowing slowly,
with gravity. There is another significant disadvantage to bags; they are much more difficult to clean effectively.
Patients attempting to do the castor oil enema (explained later) find that it turns the enema bag into a sticky,
gooey mess, and they usually end up tossing the bag after one such use. We’ve also heard that “backflow” ‐– the
flow of fluid from the rectum back into the tube to alleviate cramps – makes it impossible to effectively clean
out in some bags. Since sanitation is critical to the process, that is an unacceptable situation.
Much better are enema buckets (sometimes known in medical parlance as “kit,” “enema
administration,” or as “irrigators”). These are hard plastic buckets with a small fitting at the bottom where the
tube attaches, with graduations on the side for guidance when mixing the enema solution. For the luxury
minded, enema buckets are also available in stainless steel. At least one couple, both Gerson advocates,
received “his and hers” stainless steel enema buckets as wedding presents (a lifetime gift of health!).

Whichever you use (bucket or bag), it is useful to have a rectal catheter. This is a soft pliable rubber tube
that is much gentler on the rectum than the much stiffer PVC plastic that comes standard with the plastic enema
bucket. Rubber catheters are a little harder to clean than the PVC, but if the patient has any difficulty with
hemorrhoids or any other irritation of the rectum, it is worthwhile tradeoff.

Becoming a Coffee Connoisseur (or How to Choose and Prepare Coffee)
Gerson patients must use organically grown coffee. This is particularly important when one considers
that acceptable pesticide or fungicide residues in coffee are based on consumption. The average Gerson patient
will ingest the equivalent of 27 cups of coffee per day, far more than the average person. Using commercial
coffee could easily cause ingestion of seven to ten times any “acceptable” level of pesticides or fungicides.
Fortunately, it is not difficult to locate organic coffees; there are dozens of brands. In California, one can
buy organically grown coffee in major grocery chains. Even in the most obscure places one can usually locate
either a gourmet coffee store or a health food store. At least two resources, recognizing the market in providing
coffee to Gerson patients, provide custom roasting and grinding of organic coffee, and offer special discounted
pricing and nationwide shipping.
Which coffee to choose? To our knowledge, there are no taste buds in the colon so choice must be made
on another basis. Use light to medium roast, but not green; the darker roasts do not provide as much of the
desired elements. The coffee should be fine to medium ground, but not espresso grind. The coffee must not be
decaffeinated and must be marked “organic.”

Coffee Preparation
There are two different ways that coffee is prepared for use with enemas: full strength and coffee
concentrate. It is important to clearly understand the difference between the two and use them correctly.
Coffee concentrate is what most patients use. This is a concentrated solution that must be diluted with
purified water before use in an enema. It takes less space in the refrigerator and because it is mixed with water,
the dilution can be varied a little bit if need be. Temperature can also be adjusted up or down by adding water
of the appropriate temperature.
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To make 1 quart of concentrate (enough for 4 enemas), place 1 quart of purified water in a large soup or
stockpot and bring to a boil. Add one cup (8 oz. by volume) of ground coffee. Boil for about 3 minutes then cover
and simmer under lower heat for an additional 15 minutes. Use a tight fitting lid to avoid boiling away liquid. Let
it cool then strain through a fine mesh stainless steel tea strainer; don’t use coffee filters or cloth as the cafestol
palmitate has been shown by research to be fiber‐bound and it is therefore desirable to have a little bit of
“coffee silt” in the solution, so that the desirable palmitic salts can be absorbed in the colon. Once the liquid has
been drained off, measure and add enough purified water to refill to one quart (some water is lost in boiling and
straining), and place the jars in the refrigerator. When ready for use, the patient will add 8 oz. of concentrate to
24 oz. of water.
Regular strength coffee is used without further dilution. Gerson, in A Cancer Therapy speaks only of
regular strength coffee, and patients sometimes get confused. Just remember that the regular strength is never
diluted, and concentrate is never used without dilution.
To make regular strength coffee for one enema, place 1 quart of purified water in a large saucepan and
bring to a boil. Add three rounded tablespoons of ground coffee. Boil for about 3 minutes, then cover and
simmer under lower heat for an additional 15 minutes. Use a tight fitting lid to avoid boiling liquid away. Let it
cool, then strain through a fine mesh stainless steel tea strainer, adding purified water to restore to one quart.
Always use at body temperature.

Time for a Coffee Break!
People who are on the Therapy come up with a variety of euphemisms for enemas. Our unscientific
survey found “coffee break” to be the most common term. We think that having some fun with this aspect of
things can help to lighten things up, while also providing slight obfuscation when communicating in the presence
of others. Saying “Honey, I’m going to take a coffee break” in front of a guest is at least a little more cryptic than
“I’m going to do an enema now!”
The actual procedure for the enema itself is fairly straightforward. If the patient hasn’t eaten anything in
an hour or two, it’s good idea to eat a piece of fruit before starting (to normalize blood sugar). Also, if the bowel
is full, it’s a good idea to eliminate first before doing the enema, as it’s much easier to retain on an empty bowel
than on a full one.
The coffee (either regular strength or concentrate diluted with purified water) is warmed to body
temperature, and then placed in the enema bucket. To avoid “coffee showers,” before filling the bucket make
sure the tube is securely attached to the bucket and the clamp on the tube is fully closed! After being filled, the
bucket is then hung or propped at a height 18” to 20” above the rectum. Lubricate the end of the tube about 4‐6
inches, then open the clamp just long enough to get the coffee all the way to the end of the tube to get rid of
the air in the tube.
The patient should lay on his/her right side, with legs pulled up in a relaxed position. This will help the
coffee reach all the way into the descending colon, and just a little into the transverse colon. If due to pain the
patient is unable to lie on the right side, he may lie on his back also with legs pulled up. Lie on the left side only
as a last resort.
Insert the tube about 5” to 8” into the rectum, and open the clamp. Set the watch, timer, or whatever
you’ll be using to track the time. The fluid will begin to flow into the rectum. Usually, the first few times a
patient takes an enema there is some mild cramping, and the first impulse is to run to the toilet and eliminate.
It’s better to take a couple of slow breaths and try to relax. The cramp usually lasts only a few seconds. A patient
can also stop the flow of liquid either by closing the clamp or otherwise pinching the tube closed for a few
seconds, or by lowering the bucket or bag close to level of the body for a little while.
Also, don’t be discouraged by “accidents” early in the process. It might take a few days or sometimes
even weeks to allow the colon to get used to holding the full 32 ounces; in the intervening time, a little “spillage”
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isn’t uncommon; that’s why we recommend the waterproof pad. Sometimes cramps will appear every few
minutes but these will always go away within a few seconds with breathing and continued relaxation. Heat on
the abdomen will also decrease cramping and can be applied by a hot water bottle. This has a calming effect on
the irritated hyperactive intestinal tract. If you have persistent problems with cramping, the intestinal tract can
be calmed and soothed by the use of chamomile tea enemas or by adding potassium compound salts.
Chamomile tea enemas should be used full strength and given just prior to the regularly scheduled coffee
enema. Retain the tea enema for about five minutes. After release, the patient will immediately start the coffee
enema. For persistent cramping, add 1 tablespoon of diluted potassium compound salts to the enema solution.
The potassium is restored to the tissues and decreases spasms. Potassium compound salts should not be used
for more than 10 consecutive days.
Once fully infused into the colon, the clamp on the tube can be closed, and the tube removed from the
rectum. Some patients prefer to leave the tube in the rectum, to allow a little “backflow” during extreme cramps
(not recommended with enema bags). If you do this make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the bucket and
tube with soapy water and hydrogen peroxide at the end of the procedure.
The enema should ideally be held for 12 minutes (or about 15 minutes from when the coffee flow is first
started). By that time, all the blood in the body will have passed through the colon four or five times and almost
all of the desirable components of the coffee will have been absorbed. Retaining longer than 12 minutes isn’t
recommended, as the liquid will also be absorbed into the body.
In the beginning, it isn’t uncommon for patients to have difficulty retaining for the full 12‐15 minutes. If
this is the case, patients should just do the best they can; it won’t prevent healing to not hold all of the coffee
for the full time, and 6‐9 minutes will do just fine to start with. Eventually, 12 minutes is not a problem although
some patients, particularly those who are very toxic, may take several months to get to that point. A number of
patients at the start of treatment have trouble getting a quart of liquid into the colon. In that case, they can start
with whatever amount they can comfortably take and hold; expel it and then take the rest of the enema.
Some patients are able to take a full quart of coffee from the start –but at the time of the first healing
reaction they can’t even take half that amount. This requires the same procedure as described above: take as
much as is comfortable to hold; release and then take the rest.
Once the appropriate time has passed, the patient eliminates normally. Some patients have some
difficulties eliminating all of the liquid. Be a little patient; it can sometimes take five or ten minutes to release
everything. Massaging the abdomen a little bit often helps; so does sitting up straight. Holding both arms high in
the air often helps too.
Be sure to clean the bucket and tube thoroughly; the tube and bucket are fertile ground for the growth
of bacteria. Rinse out the bucket, and then run water as hot as you can get from the tap through the bucket with
a little bit of castile soap. Once per day, add a couple of ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the water to
disinfect the bucket.

Special Problems

Patients with Colostomy
A person with a colostomy can do irrigations with coffee after the surgery site is well healed and there
are no other complications. It is generally recommended to wait six to eight weeks after the surgery. The
patient then needs to be fitted with a coloplast deluxe irrigation kit. A doctor should be able to explain how to
do this and where to obtain the kit.
The total amount of solution used for the irrigation should not exceed 24 oz. The solution should consist
of equal parts coffee and chamomile. It may be advisable to start with only 16 oz. of solution of equal amounts
354


of coffee and chamomile, and slowly work up to the full 24 ounces. See Chapter 13 of Healing the Gerson Way
for instructions on how to prepare the coffee and chamomile solutions.

The irrigation bag is either hung or held at about 18 inches above the body. The patient lies on the right
side. Then lubricate the cone at the end of the irrigation tube, and place it into the stoma, while being careful
not to press too firmly. The solution then flows into the colon. Hold the solution for 10 – 12 minutes and then
release into the drain bag model #HOL3827 (stoma irrigator drain sleeve).
No more than two coffee irrigations a day should be used, therefore, a total of no more than 6‐7 juices
should be taken. Any patient with a colostomy will be on a modified level of the Gerson Therapy.

Bedfast patients
If a patient is bedfast, proceed as above; cover the bed with plastic and a towel; have the patient take
the enema in bed, hold it if possible for 12 minutes, and provide the patient with a bedpan or a urinal. If a
patient is incontinent, the enema has to be introduced while the patient is lying on the bedpan.

Irritable bowel, colitis, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or severe cramping
Patients suffering from these symptoms can use a pint of the regular coffee (or 4 oz. concentrate and 12
oz. water) with a pint of chamomile tea. This is soothing to the intestinal tract and usually helps to clear the
above symptoms.
If there is active bleeding with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, no enemas should be taken until the
bleeding and acute flare up have resolved.
In case of serious diarrhea (after ruling out bacterial causes –‐ check with your Gerson practitioner if
diarrhea appears without other flare‐up symptoms, or lasts more than 24 hours), it may be necessary to
eliminate the coffee and use only chamomile tea. Pure chamomile tea enemas are not held more than 5
minutes. Usually, as symptoms clear, some coffee concentrate can be added to the tea starting with 2‐4 ounces,
then 6‐8, (always maintaining the quart quantity) until the patient can again handle the full coffee enema.

Difficulty Sleeping
At the start of the Therapy some patients with an 8pm enema have experienced difficulty sleeping
immediately after completing the last enema. In these cases the coffee in the last enema can be replaced with
chamomile tea. After 3 or 4 days on the Therapy, the 8pm coffee enema doesn’t usually cause loss of sleep. The
chamomile tea enema is only retained for 5 minutes.
It is important to recognize that chamomile tea is not a replacement for coffee. The purposes are very
different. Chamomile does not have the detoxification effect on the liver, but is very soothing and healing to the
colon. We don’t recommend replacement of coffee enemas with chamomile except when recommended by a
Gerson‐trained physician.
The “2 am coffee break” is sometimes recommended for patients in severe reactions, patients
experiencing heavy tumor absorption, or in case of pain during the night. It is also sometimes recommended for
patients who are extremely groggy and lethargic upon waking. It is better for the patient to take a coffee enema
at 2 or 3 in the morning if he cannot sleep because of pain or discomfort and be able go back to sleep, rather
than to toss and turn and not sleep anyway.
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Surprisingly, these middle of the night enemas never seem to keep the patient awake. This night enema is also
extremely important for recovering drug addicts who wake up with nightmares due to toxicity. Before taking the
nighttime enema it is wise to eat a piece of fruit or have some applesauce or fruit salad (placed on the night
table by the patient’s bedside) to raise the blood sugar a little.

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Castor Oil Enema

For those familiar with it, “castor oil” can strike fear into the hearts of the squeamish. Older readers may
remember the use of castor oil as a laxative. On the Gerson Therapy, castor oil serves a different and very
important purpose.
In the beginning of this chapter, we discussed the functions of bile. One of the ways that Gerson found
to enhance detoxification of the liver was through the use of castor oil. Remembering that one of the functions
of bile is the emulsification of fats and oils, we can stimulate bile flow by increasing the intake of fats. However,
we don’t want to actually emulsify and absorb the fat because fats and oils in the diet promote growth of cancer
and are implicated in other disorders as well. Here is where castor oil can provide a unique benefit in enhancing
detoxification. Castor oil cannot be emulsified by the body. When it goes in through the mouth it comes out
unchanged at the other end. While passing through the small intestines large amounts of bile are secreted in an
attempt to emulsify this unemulsifiable oil. The result is a significant increase in bile flow, thereby enhancing the
ability of the liver to remove more toxins from the blood.
In most cases, the castor oil treatment is used every other day in early stages of the Gerson Therapy.
Patients who are extremely toxic or have been treated with chemotherapy prior to Gerson treatment do not
receive castor oil; the toxic residues can be released too rapidly, sometimes causing serious side effects from the
residues of the chemotherapy drugs still present in the system.
As to the inevitable question “Do I have to?” recognize that the castor oil is one of the most effective
ways we have of enhancing the detoxification of the liver. Because it serves a slightly different purpose from the
coffee enemas, one should not be substituted for the other. If it is recommended for the particular patient’s
condition, castor oil, like all other aspects of the regimen, should be considered an important part of the
treatment.

Castor oil procedure
Normally, the following procedure will be used every other day for the first six to eight weeks.
The patient is to take by mouth 2 tablespoonsful of castor oil at about 5 am followed by a cup of black
coffee (by mouth) with a teaspoonful of organic raw brown sugar (Sucanat is one commonly available brand).
The patient can then take her regular 6 am coffee enema. The 10 am coffee enema is replaced with a castor oil
enema, made as follows:
Preheat some castor oil to about 100 degrees by placing the castor oil bottle in warm water for a few
minutes. Then put 4 tablespoons of the warmed castor oil into an enema bucket (a bag is not recommended for
this procedure) and add a quarter teaspoon of ox bile powder. Put a squirt of non‐toxic castile soap into the
coffee just enough to get a little bit of soap into the solution. Add 32 oz. of regular coffee solution, heated to
body temperature. Stir the entire mixture until it forms an emulsion; some people find it best to use an electric
mixer. When mixed, the oil still tends to rise to the top ‐– so the patient will need to stir it while allowing it to
flow into the rectum. This can be quite a trick; if the patient can’t adequately contort to perform the procedure
alone, she/he can have somebody do the stirring as the mixture is taken. The castor oil enema may be difficult
to hold. Release when necessary, after no more than 10 minutes.
Some patients report at the start of the treatment that when they release the castor oil enemas it
“burns” the anus. The thing to remember is that the castor oil is not an irritant. The irritation is usually due to
the release of toxic materials. That is only one more indication of how important it is to take these castor oil
enemas. After two or three castor oil treatments, the burning is reduced and eventually disappears. This
indicates that the toxic level in the system is lower and no longer irritates the rectum and anus. If irritation
exists, use a little aloe vera gel to soothe the area. Calendula cream may also be used to soothe irritated tissue.
357


A number of patients, if they previously suffered from hemorrhoids, have a flare‐up of this situation. It can be
uncomfortable for a few days; but the patient should definitely NOT stop the enemas. Calendula cream, aloe
vera gel, or anusol suppositories may be applied locally. Hemorrhoids are usually caused by toxic pressure,
therefore detoxifying is extra important and stopping the enemas is entirely wrong. It has also been observed in
those patients that the hemorrhoids shortly disappear and do not recur. It just takes patience. Warm “sitz”
baths of distilled water and aloe vera juice or gel may be helpful.
The frequency of both coffee enemas and castor oil treatments is usually reduced after a period of time.
It is very important to recognize that each patient is unique. Toxicity levels, diagnosis, the particular spread of
the disease, pretreatment, prior diet, and other factors all affect toxicity. If a patient is too quick to reduce
enemas or castor oil, progress on the Therapy may be compromised. We cannot overemphasize that the Gerson
patient must learn to listen to her/his body. Any time she/he feels ill, toxic, or headachy, she should immediately
do an enema. If such feelings are commonplace, more detoxification may be required, but this must be balanced
with juice intake, and the previous treatment of the particular patient.

Flare‐ups
When flare‐ups (healing reactions) occur, the patient will need more enemas due to heavy toxic
releases, increased swellings pain, headaches, or lack of appetite. At such times, an extra enema or castor oil
treatment can work wonders.
Occasionally, flare‐ups are accompanied by diarrhea. At such times the patient should only take perhaps
two chamomile tea enemas daily to gently cleanse the colon. When the diarrhea lets up, the patient could take
one chamomile tea enema followed 4‐6 hours later with one coffee enema and another one of chamomile tea at
night. When the colon is calmed, the regular schedule may be resumed, but some of the coffee enemas can still
be mixed with chamomile tea.
Some flare‐ups are extremely intensive and cause a great deal of bile to be released by the liver. This
bile could flow over into the stomach. Since bile is highly alkaline, and the stomach cannot hold anything except
in an acid medium, the alkaline bile causes immediate severe nausea almost always accompanied by vomiting.
At such times omit the coffee enemas since they only stimulate more bile flow and more vomiting! Use only
chamomile tea enemas and immediately give the patient gruel and plenty of peppermint tea. When the flare‐up
is overcome and nausea and vomiting has stopped, resume the coffee enemas.
Some patients have problems with a great deal of gas. When there is much pressure from gas, it is
difficult to infuse the coffee. At such times it is possible to lower the bucket to the patient’s height or even
below the patient’s body (if he is in bed or on a bench) to allow the fluid to flow back into the bucket while also
allowing the gas to bubble out. If the gas is too high up in the intestinal tract this approach will not work.
In his book, A Cancer Therapy, (Chapter XXVII, p. 201), Dr. Gerson discusses some of the problems of
flare‐ups, including “difficulties with the coffee enema.” We already mentioned (see above) that during these
reactions patients occasionally have a problem with infusing the enema when this procedure went smoothly
previously. The other problem that occurs is that the patient takes an enema, holds it for optimum 12 minutes
and then goes to release it – but it won’t release. This is caused by intestinal spasms or cramping, not necessarily
accompanied by pain or discomfort. There are several things the patient can do: lie down on the bed, on the
right side with legs pulled up, possibly with a warm water bottle over the abdomen. Don’t panic. If, after a little
while, the coffee still cannot be released, take another coffee enema, adding one to two teaspoons of 3% food
grade hydrogen peroxide. If that still does not work, take a castor oil enema. For the next few days, put two
tablespoons of the regular potassium compound into each coffee enema. DON’T CONTINUE THE POTASSIUM IN
THE ENEMA FOR MORE THAN 2‐3 DAYS, THE COLON CAN BECOME IRRITATED. At no time is there any danger to
the patient even if he is not able to release the coffee; it is easily absorbed through the colon and excreted
through the kidneys and urine.
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There are still other ways to use the enema. These are not really cleansing enemas but rather rectal
implants. In a few cases patients during a healing reaction vomit almost everything they take in. They become
dehydrated and hypoglycemic. At such times it is easy to warm the regular carrot juices (including the
medications) to body temperature and put the 8 oz. of carrot juice into the bucket or bag and let it run into the
rectum (Use only carrot/apple and green juices NOT orange juice, do not add water to the juice). This implant
should NOT be expelled. Consisting of only 8 oz. it can easily be held until it is fully absorbed. It can be repeated
every hour, as the juices are ready. This is particularly helpful when green juices are not being tolerated by
mouth. As soon as the patient is able, he should start to drink the juices again.
Somewhat in the same areas, Dr. Gerson also suggested in cases of severe ulcerations of the uterus or
cervix to use a douche made up of green juice. This is gently cleansing as well as detoxifying and stimulates
healing.

Potassium Compound in Enema Solution
Potassium compound in enema solution can help relieved spasm by supplying potassium to the
depleted intestinal tract. This solution is the same as that used in the juices. The dosage is two tablespoons in
each enema, strictly limited to 2‐3 days maximum. At times, lesser amounts of water in the enemas may need to
be used. These same spasms may also lead to retention of the enemas. The same procedures noted above can
be followed. Should a second consecutive enema be retained, a castor oil enema should be taken immediately.
It will pass the spasm causing the retention and release the trapped fluid. This should be done regardless of the
hour or the fact it may not be castor oil day.

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Scientific Basis of Coffee Enemas

We would like to briefly reiterate the purpose of coffee enemas because many people new to the
therapy ask about this, and also as a reminder to “veterans” for how we can explain this to others.
Coffee enemas are a vital part of the detoxification process of the Gerson Therapy. The purpose of the
enemas is to remove toxins accumulated in the liver and to remove free radicals from the bloodstream. In the
1920s, two German professors tested the effects of infused caffeine on rats. They found that the caffeine travels
via the hemorrhoidal vein and the portal system to the liver, opens up the bile ducts and allows the liver to
release bile, which contains toxins. The theobromine, theophylline, and the caffeine in coffee dilate blood
vessels and bile ducts, relax smooth muscles, and increase the bile flow.
Doctors at the University of Minnesota showed that coffee administered rectally also stimulates an
enzyme system in the liver called glutathione S‐transferase by 600%‐700% above normal activity levels. This
enzyme reacts with free radicals (which cause cell damage) in the bloodstream and makes them inert. These
neutralized substances become dissolved in the bile, are released through the bile flow from the liver and
gallbladder, and are excreted through the intestinal tract. A Gerson patient holds the coffee enema in the colon
for 12‐15 minutes. During this time, the body’s entire blood supply passes through the liver 4‐5 times, carrying
poisons picked up from the tissues. So the enema acts as a form of dialysis of the blood across the gut wall.
The purpose of the coffee enema is not to clear out the intestines, but the quart of water in the enema
stimulates peristalsis in the gut. A portion of the water also dilutes the bile and increases the bile flow, thereby
flushing toxic bile (loaded with toxins by the glutathione S‐transferase enzyme system) out of the intestines.
A patient coping with a chronic degenerative disease or an acute illness can achieve the following
benefits from the lowering of blood serum toxin levels achieved by regular administration of coffee enemas:
1) increased cell energy production
2) enhanced tissue health
3) improved blood circulation
4) better immunity and tissue repair and
5) cellular regeneration
Additionally, coffee enemas can help to relieve pain, nausea, general nervous tension and depression.
References: A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases by Dr. Gerson, Healing the Gerson Way by Charlotte Gerson
, and Liver Detoxification with Coffee Enemas by Morton Walker, DPM excerpted from July 2001 edition of
Townsend Newsletter.

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Coffee Enema Procedure

Coffee enemas are part of the Gerson Therapy, which also includes the diet, juicing, and specific supplements.
Their purpose is to detoxify the body by lowering serum toxins.

Coffee: Organic, medium roast and medium ground.

Recipe: Take 3 rounded tablespoons of drip ground coffee and add to a quart of boiling distilled or filtered
water. Boil for 3‐5 minutes uncovered and then simmer covered for 15 minutes.

To strain: A fine strainer can be used or if a coarser one, use a piece of white cotton cloth (T‐shirt type). Some
water is lost with the boiling process; add water to complete a quart. Let it cool to body temperature.

Needed for the enema:
‐Plastic enema bucket, connector and a red rubber tube (Contact the Gerson Institute for resources)
‐32 oz. jar of coffee solution
‐Distilled water
‐Pad to place under you
‐Lubricant such as Unpetroleum jelly (bees wax‐based) If not available, then Petroleum Jelly.
‐Castile soap to clean the equipment

Getting the bucket ready:
• Wash bucket before first use
• Eat a small piece of fruit to activate the gastric tract if the enema is taken on an empty stomach
• Create a system whereby the enema bucket can be adjusted to different heights no greater than 18‐
24 inches above the body
• Snip off the end of the tubing in order to attach the soft red rubber tubing snugly
• Dilute concentrate with distilled water to correct strength. The patient may want to start out with
only 24 ounces of solution the first time
• Coffee solution should be at body temperature, not too hot nor too cool, find where is most effective
for you
• Clamp the tubing first before filling bucket with coffee solution
• Run the coffee solution through to the end of the tubing to expel the air (a little air at the end is ok)

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Administering the enema:
• The enema can be administered on a bed, enema bench or on the floor protected with washable
protective rubber sheet (more environmentally sound and much less expensive) or disposable
incontinent pads and a towel.
• While lying on the right side, pull legs towards the chest in a relaxed position, covered with a blanket
to keep warm and with a pillow to rest comfortably.
• The enema bucket should not be more than 18 inches above you, to allow a slow flow.
• Lubricate the tip of red rubber tube for 2 inches and insert into rectum 5 to 8 inches
• Open the clamp and administer enema at a slow steady pace
• Enema can be slowed or stopped quickly just by bending or pinching the tubing (for instance if
cramping suddenly arises)
• If spasms occur, lower the bucket for 20‐30 seconds before slowly raising back up to original level
• Pinch tubing to help regulate as well
• Once the bucket is empty, hold the coffee enema for 12 to 15 minutes, then release in the toilet.
• Remember “accidents” happen to the best and most skilled of Gerson patients, be kind and patient
with yourself.

Enema Reactions and Remedies

Intestinal Spasms and Cramping:
• Use one cup coffee concentrate to three cups of chamomile to equal 32 ounces total or 6 oz. coffee
concentrate with 2 oz. chamomile concentrate
• Apply heat by hot water bottle over the abdomen
• Add 1 tablespoon of Potassium Compound Solution to 1 to 2 enemas per day for 2‐3 days, then
discontinue
• A warm 12 oz. distilled water enema can be used first, to empty the colon. Please note that a plain
water enema would not be given each time—only first thing in the morning.

Recommend for reading:
‐ A Cancer Therapy, Results of Fifty Cases by Max Gerson, MD;
‐ Healing the Gerson Way, by Charlotte Gerson;
‐ The Gerson Therapy Handbook, by the Gerson Institute.

362


1
• The condition of the teeth, gums, and

periodontal tissues has great impact on
one’s health
• Compromise in these tissues can weaken
the immune system
• It is always recommended to seek the help
of a biological dentist who is a member of
the IAOMT www.iaomt.org
2
• Association with a number of health risks

• Bacteria in pockets can enter bloodstream
causing systemic exposure and increases risk
of developing:
–Endocarditis and hypertension.
–Low birth weight babies, osteoporosis,
diabetes and Alzheimer’s
363
• A preliminary study found a small but
significant risk of developing cancer overall
and lung cancer in smokers
• June 2008 Lancet Oncology
A study conducted by Harvard School of

Public Health and Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute found periodontal disease was
associated with an increased risk of cancer of
the pancreas.
“A Prospective Study of Periodontal Disease and Pancreatic Cancer in U.S. Male Health
Professionals”, JNCI 2007; 99; 1-5
• Very toxic
• Compromises the immune system
• Gerson patient should wait 6-9 months
before removing
• Patient must be detoxified and immune
system stronger
• Biocompatible testing—
www.biocomplaboratories.com
6
364
• Not recommended
• Bacteria resides in tubules in teeth and
spreads to other parts of body and causes
immune suppression
• Bacteria secretes toxins that may be a
factor in the development of cancer
• Root canaled teeth should be extracted as
soon as possible if in good condition
7
• If patient is weak, may need to delay the

extractions until stronger
• Options after extractions are implants, a
bridge or partial plate (flipper)
• The Root Canal Cover Up by George E.
Meinig, DDS
• A Gerson patient is well detoxified and has

a higher threshold to pain and more
sensitive to drugs
Advise dentist:
• No epinephrine added to anesthesia
• Use 1/3 of average dose
• Start promptly
365
• Do not use fluoridated toothpaste or those
containing baking soda
• Only need a tiny amount
• Weleda childrens; Vita Myr safe
toothpastes
• Floss after meals
• Irrigate daily (see Dr. Kennedy’s handout)
• Rinse mouth after carrot juices
10
Robert Gammal, DDS -

www.robertgammal.com
Alternatives to Mercury Fillings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgIUrj7s3P
A&list=UUl3qju6_PAWoAg2FZOqABvA&index=6
&feature=plcp
11

12
366

General Dental Guidelines

The health of the teeth, gums, and periodontal tissues has great impact on one’s general health and
compromise in these areas can weaken the immune system. The following guidelines are intended to help
address issues regarding dental conditions:

Abscesses
Abscesses should be eliminated promptly, and the foci cleared of infection.

Amalgam Fillings
There is considerable literature regarding the toxicity of silver/mercury amalgam fillings. While research
tends to support the validity of removing these fillings, we do not recommend removal of amalgam fillings in
the early stages of Gerson treatment. All methods we are aware of for mercury removal can result in ingestion
of some portion of mercury, increasing toxicity. Once the patient is stronger and showing improvement, the
silver amalgam fillings may be removed, but not before 6‐9 months on the therapy. When scheduling removal of
mercury fillings; never remove all mercury fillings at once. Prescribe 5g of vitamin C orally, five days before they
start and during treatment. It may be wise to utilize other natural chelating supplements as well before, during,
and after the removal.

Root Canals
Many patients do not believe in the effects/risk and damage of root canals or they do not want to pull
out the root canal for cosmetic reasons. In order to convince the patient how important it is to pull out the root
canal, the physician in charge needs to know and believe how the bacteria in teeth act much like cancer cells
that metastasize to other parts of the body. These bacteria in the mouth similarly metastasize and as they
migrate throughout ones system, they infect the heart, kidneys, joints, nervous system, brain and eyes. These
infections are responsible for a high percentage of degenerative disease that has become an epidemic in our
country today.
The work of Weston Price, D.D.S., as reported by George Meinig, D.D.S. appears to offer strong evidence
of immune suppression caused by the presence of root canalled teeth. This work is empirically supported by the
work of Joseph Issels, who states that as many as 90% of his cancer patients have root canals when they present
for treatment. Issels states that he has not experienced a single recovery from cancer in patients who preserve
root canal treated teeth. If the patient is in good condition, immediate extraction of the root canal is
recommended. If the patient is not in good condition, root canals should be removed at the first signs of
improvement. Prescribe 5 g of vitamin C orally, five days before they start and during treatment. Patients in
poor condition should wait until the general condition improved. No dental work is recommended.

Toothpaste
Do not use fluoridated toothpastes. Baking soda toothpastes are also prohibited due to sodium content.
We have observed one patient who experienced a recurrence apparently related to the use of baking soda
toothpaste. The removal of baking soda, with other modifications, resulted in regression of tumors and
continued improvement.

367


Proper hygiene of the teeth is very important.
1. Brush with a Bass (POH) toothbrush. It can also be used for massaging the tooth‐gum margin.
“Weleda” brand toothpaste for children is safe as well as the brand “Vita‐Myr”. You only need to use a
very small amount of toothpaste.
2. Flossing after each meal is recommended.
3. Irrigate daily. It is recommended to use a solution of H2O2 and distilled water. Lugol’s solution can
also be used at 1‐2 tsp. per irrigation tank in distilled water. This will dislodge hard to reach debris in
pockets and will kill harmful micro‐organisms.
4. To minimize the chances for the formation of cavities, it is advisable to rinse and/or brush your teeth
after every juice.
It is highly recommended that any dental work be done by a biological dentist who uses materials and
procedures that are safe and systemically compatible.

Relevant Sources:
‐ ENVIRONMENTAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION (EDA), California
‐ HUGGINS APPLIED HEALING, Colorado Springs, CO To receive a list of dentists in your area who have
completed a Huggins Seminar, call (868)948‐4638 or visit: www.hugginsappliedhealing.com
‐ INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE AND TOXICOLORY (IAOMT), Champions Gate, FL
(863) 420‐6373 www.iaomt.org
‐ PRICE‐POTTENGER NUTRITION FOUNDATION –
http://www.ppnf.org/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=194
‐ Book ‐ ROOT CANAL COVER‐UP ‐ A Founder of the Association of Root Canal Specialists Discovers Evidence that
Root Canals Damage Your Health, Learn What to Do by George E Meinig D.D.S, F.A.C.D
‐ Robert Gammal, BDS – www.robertgammal.com

368

MODULE I

1
“ It does not so much matter what sort of

cancer the patient has as what sort of
patient has the cancer.”
-Anonymous
• They question everything. They don’t buy into the

prevalent beliefs regarding cancer. They interview
cancer survivors. They ask for studies and references
and what might happen with certain choices. They are
proactive.
• They accept responsibility. They are humble and do
not blame things or people outside themselves. They
take charge of their lives. Are there changes I need to
make in my life?
• They nourish their body with all the essential nutrients
and cleanse it internally. They become expert
nutritionists through their research. They seek
commonalities in other successful therapies. 3
369
• They learn what their stressors are and how
to deal with them in a healthy way. They
question standards and expectations that
have been imposed upon them in their
lives, especially those in regard to
relationships with others. This includes self-
imposed standards that may not be realistic
or healthy.
4
• They cultivate kindness and a loving attitude

toward others. They address issues of
forgiveness of themselves and others.
• They believe in a higher power and surrender
control. The cooperate with a higher power
rather than thinking they are in control or
someone is in control.
• They may consider this an initiation and may
come to realize that whatever the final
outcome—the deepest level of healing can
happen. 5
• As Gerson practitioners what role can we

play in facilitating healing on all levels?
370
• Create a safe space through total listening and
non judgmental attention
• Build a healing partnership with the patient,
turning him/her into an active ally, able to
share responsibility for the therapeutic process
• Dispelling the superstitious fear attached to
cancer—reframe harmful concepts
• Explore the patient’s belief system and family

dynamics. Encourage patient to address negative
issues. This may be a family affair— a whole
family may have unhealthy ways of relating.
• Orient patient to deal with resentment and
unfinished business—forgiveness of self and
others
• Offering support to the patient during drastic
mood swings that can accompany the
detoxification process
8
“Find out if they have a zest for life—what

feeds their soul—are they singing their own
life song…”
“Find out what up to this point what is
inside that they have not given expression.”
‐ Lawrence LeShan, PhD
(Considered the father of body-mind medicine and author of
Cancer as a Turning Point)
9
371
• The calm, positive and reliable presence of
the practitioner
• Teaching relaxation techniques
• Using simple meditations
• Creative visualization linked to self-healing
• Teaching affirmations
• Develop a referral bank for these and other
therapeutic modalities
• Refer them to our Body Mind Resource
Guide
10
• Free e-book download about a holistic

mind body approach to recovery and
wellness.
• http:/www.smashwords.com/books/view/20
8846
11
“Rest and calm are vital components in your

framework of healing. Congratulate yourself
for paying attention to your needs.”
-Lawrence Le Shan
Landscapes of the Mind
12
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How do you view your role in facilitating
this aspect of the healing process?
13
MODULE I

14
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Psychological Aspects of The Gerson Therapy
Part I
One of the most important aspects for patients and practitioners interested in the Gerson Therapy is to
have a deeper understanding of attitudes, beliefs, and value systems. Not so infrequently, practitioners may not
have taken the time to realize the impact of their own attitudes, values and beliefs when it comes to being a
primary or secondary health care provider of an alternative therapy.
Self‐reflection then may be a good place to start. What are our true feelings and fears when helping a
person make a significant and potentially serious decision about what method of treatment to embark upon?
Many patients will have a clear direction about what therapy will be most beneficial for them. Others will look to
the health care professional for guidance and support.
It is no surprise that patients feel empowered and deeply supported if they sense the professional is not
only knowledgeable, but also a firm believer that this Therapy can heal and offer the best potential for their
recovery. So this is where we need to reflect on our own beliefs and experiences, as the Gerson Therapy asks a
great deal of the patient, family, friends, and health care professional.
What may be some important key questions to ask of us as health care practitioners (also known as
guides, motivators, those who inspire, givers of hope) when considering the Gerson Therapy as a
recommendation?

• What is our personal philosophy about health and healing?
• How do we approach our own health maintenance?
• What is our response when a patient inquires about not only our knowledge but also our personal
experience using the Gerson Therapy (This is to include juicing, vegetarian diet and of course coffee
enemas).

Patients frequently approach the practitioner in a state of shock. They may have been given very grave,
life threatening diagnoses. Cancer in any form or degree frequently strikes nothing short of panic, and can
engender anger, fear, and states of high anxiety alternating with severe depression. The significant other and
family as well as close friends frequently experience these same emotions.
Bearing this in mind, it is important for the practitioner to be able to clearly express to the patient an
assessment of his/her condition, offer the possible options, and then proceed with that which is congruent with
their values and beliefs. If this is clearly an alternative therapy, Gerson Therapy may well be recommended,
keeping in mind whether the goal is curative, maintenance, palliative, pain control, etc. Now is the time when
the questions noted above may come into play.
So then, how do you integrate your values and beliefs with your own personal plan for maintaining your
health? Patients clearly need to hear that you believe, at the very least, the potential for the Gerson Therapy to
help them heal. Are the basic core concepts of the Gerson Therapy part of your health regimen? Patients
frequently want to know, as this increases their trust and belief in the practitioner.
In their hyper‐alert state of “flight or fight,” they will need to sense a sincere belief that the practitioner
believes fully that this Therapy can help in some significant way. They need a sense that the practitioner is very
knowledgeable and views them holistically; that is, one who can listen first, understand the issues and fears at
hand, discuss possibilities, and proceed to create a mutual plan of care that combines the expertise of the
practitioner with the empowerment of the patient/family to begin the not so easy journey of healing with the
Gerson Therapy.
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It is often said we must know that the patient and caregiver are actually physically capable (ambulatory
plus able to eat, drink and eliminate) and also have sufficient energy (man/woman‐power) to do the work
involved. It is important that he/she has determination and commitment. Additionally, the belief systems of the
patient must be in congruence with alternative therapy. Then we may continue to encourage not by giving false
hope, but neither by giving false despair.
Last but hardly least is the coffee enema. What is your attitude about being able to actually take a coffee
enema? Does the thought of it make you somewhat or very uncomfortable? If yes, then just imagine what it
means to tell a patient that they may need to do as many as five per day initially ‐‐ and will likely continue with
two to three for many months to come. Perhaps you have never had the need or occasion to have an enema, or
it was so long ago in your childhood that you simply don’t recall what it was like. This would be unusual because
most people can remember this specific childhood experience. Take a moment to imagine (as a “healthy
person”) you are about to take a Gerson “coffee break.” What kinds of thoughts or feelings come up for you?
Patients will look at the practitioner for great reassurances about this procedure, its necessity, and its effects.
Personal experience speaks volumes.
Our advice to practitioners is to actually do the Gerson Therapy at home on at least a modified basis.
This accomplishes two things: 1) you improve your health through good nutrition and detoxification and 2) you
can look at your patient and honestly describe this experience. The key word here is “honestly,” for there is a
great power in honesty. The practitioner who is able to say that they have taken a coffee enema will instill
confidence, reassurance, and empathy for what this patient is about to experience.
This is also true for the castor oil taken by mouth and in combination with the coffee/castor oil enema.
This is a powerful detoxifier. Reactions vary a great deal, but to at least be able to say that you have experienced
this conveys insight. Castor oil days can be frightening to the toxic, fearful patient. Some patients remember
castor oil given as a punishment. This kind of negative experience can severely impact a patient’s ability to take
this treatment. Patience, reassurance, creativity, and possibly even humor may be needed to help shift this to a
positive, powerful, healing aspect of the Therapy. And it is vital. Here again, practical understanding speaks
volumes about your belief in this Therapy.
Naturally none of the above is mandatory, but from experience, it is highly recommended for many
reasons you can well surmise.

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Psychological Aspects of The Gerson Therapy
Part II
Excerpted from a presentation by Beata Bishop, author of A Time to Heal, at the Gerson Institute Practitioner
Training Program, 1996.

Any cancer diagnosis equals trauma, with reactions ranging from despair and panic to apathy or rage, all
of them powerful negative emotions. Psychoneuroimmunology tells us that feelings, moods and general outlook
affect the immune system, which is boosted by a hopeful, determined outlook, and undermined by a despairing,
helpless attitude. To put it simply, our every thought and emotion equals a biochemical act.
Dr. Gerson stated that more human beings die of panic than cancer. The body involves but one part of
the illness. When the sickness also produces fear, the combination causes the accumulation of more and more
toxins in the body and a quickening of deterioration. A better understanding of fear and the other negative
emotions and what they do to the healing body is essential.
Since the aim of the Gerson Therapy is to rebuild the damaged immune system, we must make sure that
psychological factors do not sabotage the physical healing. The patient’s traumatized negative inner state must
be re‐programmed and made positive. Body and mind are inseparable; they sicken together, and must also be
healed together. The patient must learn to handle these negative emotions or chances for success in regaining
health will be greatly lessened.
Gerson patients bear an extra heavy psychological burden. Some come to the therapy after having run
the gauntlet of orthodox treatment – extensive, unpleasant, uncomfortable and costly diagnostic procedures
and examinations, biopsies, radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. The cancer patient has been especially
traumatized by the widespread belief that nothing can be done for cancer; that it is, in the end, unbeatable. The
patient and his family are depressed and, in many situations, taken over by the range of negative emotions:
worry, grief, fear, anger, irritability, and self‐centeredness. Other patients, starting from an earlier, less damaged
stage, may have fewer difficulties. Either way, they embark on an unfamiliar treatment outside the bounds of
orthodox medicine, and face a long, demanding, monotonous, lonely labor, with strong hope, but no guarantee
of success at the end.
Negative emotions have a devastating effect upon the function of the body, and especially the nervous
system. The stress experienced from these emotions causes stimulation to autonomic or involuntary division of
the nerves – both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate,
and oxygen consumption is increased. Glucose is needlessly used up. Kidney filtration, gastrointestinal
secretions and activity are decreased, affecting digestion and the release of body wastes and toxins. Insomnia,
fatigue, loss of appetite, listlessness, avoidance and boredom are noted.
On the other hand, positive emotions are powerful tools for healing. Norman Cousins, in his book
Anatomy of an Illness has shown how important it is for the patient to mobilize his body’s own natural healing
resources and has proved what powerful weapons all the positive emotions can be in the war against disease.
Laughter, courage, tenacity, love, and consideration for others ‐‐ and a connection to the patient’s own
understanding of spirituality ‐‐ are all positive aspects essential for healing. Lacking these, the patient’s total
healing will be slowed.
According to a brief but precise definition, in holistic medicine the physician treats the patient, not the
disease. This certainly applies to the Gerson Therapy, which heals by restoring the health of the whole body,
rather than concentrating on a specific complaint. But its powerful effects extend to the patient’s non‐physical
self as well. In order to make the Gerson program fully holistic, the psychological aspects of healing must also be
considered.
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Body and mind are two sides of one coin. They sicken together and must be healed together. Whatever
affects the one will affect the other. Our task is to evoke the patient’s self‐healing potential and make sure that
some disregarded psychological problem does not sabotage the therapeutic process.
There is now solid scientific evidence to prove that our moods, emotions and general outlook have a
direct and measurable impact on our immune system. The proof comes from psycho‐neuro‐immunology (PNI), a
new medical specialty that has been rapidly developing since the late seventies, thanks to a better
understanding of brain chemistry and of the subtle connections that exist on the cellular level within the body.
In a nutshell, the limbic system of the brain and the central nervous system release certain hormones that fit
into receptor sites all over the body, causing them to release various secretions. The quality of the hormones
and the secretion determines whether the immune system is boosted or weakened, switched on or off, and that
quality, in turn, depends on our emotions, beliefs and prevailing psychological orientation.
A positive, hopeful, determined attitude strengthens immune competence, while despair, negativity,
and fear weaken it. Lasting unhappiness or a traumatic event can overwhelm our cells. It is no exaggeration to
claim that our every thought and emotion equals a biochemical act. In the words of neuroscientist Dr. Candace
Pert, co‐discoverer of endorphins, “Cells are conscious beings that communicate with each other, affecting our
emotions and choices.” It is equally true that our emotions and beliefs affect the activity of our cells.
Clearly, the patient’s emotional health is of vital importance if we want to ensure that the Gerson
Therapy brings optimum results.
Any cancer diagnosis equals a major trauma. It evokes powerful emotions: panic, fear, rage, or, at the
opposite pole, resignation, numbness, despair. Either way, most patients experience a sense of isolation, of
being cast out of normal life and deprived of a future. Harrowing memories of personally known cancer victims
arise – contributing to a superstitious fear of the disease.
This fear springs from two sources. One is rational, based on the very real threat of suffering,
disfigurement, drastic treatments with vile side effects, and probably no cure in the end. But there is non‐
rational fear, too, which sees cancer as an intruder, an evil alien that has breached our defenses and may kill us.
In their panic‐stricken state very few patients realize that tumors don’t come from outer space but from the
faulty functioning of their own bodies. All these emotions are negative – heavy, distressing. And they are made
worse by the average physician’s response that is normally defensive and reserved, if not downright cold (it was
certainly cold in my experience when I presented with a secondary tumor and my previously friendly surgeon‐
oncologist suddenly turned icy, implying with his manner that by producing a lump in my groin I had somehow
let the side down.)
If the patient then spends time in an average hospital, the additional handicap of dependence, loss of
adult autonomy, and privacy will make things even worse. The patient becomes a massive sufferer, with no say
in what is being done to him or her. In the telling phrase of philosopher Ivan Illich, “Modern medicine turns the
patient into a limp and mystified voyeur in the grip of bioengineers.”
These observations apply to cancer patients diagnosed and treated in an orthodox medical framework.
But as almost all patients come to the Gerson Therapy from that system, we must recognize their depressed,
fearful or numbed state and do something about it – fast. Ordinarily, humanity demands that we try to relieve
their sense of isolation, fear and hopelessness, by giving them time, space and permission to unload their huge
emotional burden.
But beside ordinary humanity, in the light of PNI’s findings, there are also sound medical reasons for
urgently re‐programming the patient’s inner state from negative to positive. “No attempt should be made to
cure the body without the soul,” wrote the Greek philosopher Plato, nearly 2,400 years ago. In today’s terms,
even the brilliant Gerson program cannot do its best if something deep down in the patient’s consciousness
keeps saying “No” to life.
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And that something may be a totally separate diagnosis. It may have to do with what Lawrence LeShan,
pioneer researcher of the body‐mind link in malignant disease, dubbed “the cancer‐prone personality.” Other
researchers soon confirmed his observation that certain personality traits seemed to pre‐dispose some people
to cancer. In LeShan’s formulation, these traits include low self‐esteem, difficulty in expressing anger or
aggression, a tendency to please others and ignore his/her own needs and feelings. In other words, the true self
of such a person has disappeared behind a false self, developed probably in early childhood and maintained in
adulthood, although no longer necessary.
Naturally, this personality profile is only a model and does not apply to all cancer patients, although in
my work with sufferers over nearly fourteen years I have often come across these character traits. What matters
is that –‐ together or separately ‐‐ they signal a negative outlook on life which a cancer diagnosis can turn into
bleak despair; and PNI tells us clearly what that means in trends of reduced immune competence.
It is well known that cancer often appears 18 months or two years after some untoward life event, such
as bereavement, divorce, career crisis, fiscal blow, and so on. Experience with clients has shown me that those
events only represented the last straw that ultimately broke the camel’s back; that, indeed, those people had
long existed in what they had felt was a life trap, an impossible existential situation that apparently could
neither be borne nor changed. LeShan and Carl Simonton, M.D., describe this life trap in detail. My own case
material bears out its existence, and also the fact that those who feel unable to escape eventually reach a stage
when they don’t care whether they live or die. As many of them have told me, “Something snapped.” I suspect it
was the last strand of their will to live.
And, as the well‐known saying has it, “Cancer is a socially acceptable form of suicide.”
What we are dealing with here is the mysterious interaction of biochemist and emotions, a vast new
area of body‐mind medicine that we are only beginning to explore. But there is already enough orthodox
clinical, as opposed to anecdotal, evidence to prove that inner attitudes can make a big difference to survival.
In a known classical study, British researcher Stephen Greer interviewed a group of women three
months after they had undergone mastectomies, to find out how they were coping. He found four distinct types
among them who showed, respectively, fighting spirit, denial, stoic acceptance, and hopelessness. After 5 and
10 years, 80% of the fighters, but only 20% of the hopeless had survived. These rates had nothing to do with
medical prognoses.
In the US, David Spiegel, M.D., of Stanford, invited a group of 56 women with metastasized breast
cancer to attend weekly meetings for a year, where they could share worries and sorrows, encourage each
other, and change their mental attitude. A control group of 50 women attended no such meetings. Spiegel only
wanted to discover whether the group activity enhanced the members’ quality of life, which it certainly did. But,
to his amazement, he found that they also lived twice as long as the non‐attendees.
These studies, as well as my own case histories suggest that the fighters, unlike the despondent
patients, give positive non‐verbal messages to their bodies that boost their immune system, and get results
accordingly. Not always. Humanity’s mortality rate remains obstinately 100%, but we don’t all have to go at
once.
Still, on the orthodox side, an interesting insight comes from US oncologist‐surgeon Bernie Siegal, M.D.,
author of several best‐selling books, which have helped to extend public understanding of the body‐mind link in
health and sickness. He claims that 15‐20% of cancer patients unconsciously or consciously want to die, no
doubt to get out of a bad life trap; 60‐70% wish to get well but are passive and expect the doctor to do all the
work; 15‐20%, however, are exceptional, they refuse to play victim, they research their disease, don’t obey the
doctor automatically but ask questions, demand control and make informed choices. In Bernie Siegel’s words,
“Difficult or uncooperative patients are most likely to get well.” Apparently, they have more killer T‐cells than
docile patients. I suspect that many Gerson patients would qualify for membership in Bernie Siegel’s groups of
Exceptional Cancer Patients.
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So how do we go about promoting a positive outlook and a fighting spirit in the patient? The best I can
offer is what I have learned and practiced over the years. The following steps refer to all patients with cancer or
other chronic degenerative diseases; the specific needs of Gerson patients will be discussed afterwards. The first
step is to de‐mystify the disease, discuss it openly, in a natural voice, without euphemisms or technical jargon.
This helps to provide a safe space where the patient can find emotional release, encouraged by being listened to
with total, non‐judgmental attention.
I always ask the initial question, “Do you want to live?” If the answer is yes, I ask “Do you want to live
unconditionally?” Another firm “yes” settles that matter. But often a “yes, but…” reply identifies an undecided
individual, and the need for further exploration.
It is important to build a therapeutic partnership with the patient and give him or her responsibility and
an active role to play. We must be totally honest, have the courage to say, “I don’t know” when we don’t refuse
any kind of prognosis. If a patient tells us that 85% of people with his condition die within three years, we invite
him to join the 15% who don’t. (I recall with joy and admiration the fragile little lady riddled with cancer who,
when told that she had six months to live, brightly replied, “Oh good, I have six months to get well.” And get well
she did, on the Gerson Therapy…)
The 18‐24 months of the patient’s life prior to the diagnosis can yield valuable clues. Did some major
stress drive the patient to drink, drugs or other destructive habits that caused significant liver damage? Gentle
questioning often allows us to identify some life trap; the next task is to show that there is a way out, other than
dying.
To flush out the inner saboteur, we need to help the patient recognize and release self‐defeating
patterns, old unwished business, and resentment – especially resentment, since the repeated reliving of old
hurts, rage or pain put the autonomic nervous system into distress mode, which is the last thing the patient
needs.
Reprogramming means shifting the emphasis from negative to positive. To quote LeShan once again, his
basic question is “What’s right with you?” What are your special ways of being, relating, creating? What is
blocking their expression? What do you need to fulfill yourself? Above all, what do YOU want to do with your
life?
I agree with LeShan’s claim that under the circumstances it is permissible to ask questions which one
would avoid otherwise. Questions like: If you had another thirty years to live, would you remarry your spouse?
Or stay with your partner? Or remain in your present career?
Once these important basics have been clarified, it is time to switch from the passive to the active mode
and point out the enormous potential open to the patient, if only he or she will act, not just react, and start
making personal decisions. After all, there is nothing to lose.
If possible, the family dynamics should also be explored. A toxic relationship – to a spouse, an over‐
demanding parent or antagonistic children ‐‐ may contribute to the disease. Without recognizing the situation
there is no way to ease it.
A great deal can be achieved in a short time. The main tool of the physician or therapist is his or her
personality and calm, reliable presence. Often this presence is the only solid support to the patient’s confused,
chaotic world. Other tools, such as teaching relaxation techniques, simple meditation, and creative visualization,
focused on self‐healing, can and should be used later, by suitably trained counselors and therapists.
Beside the trauma and psychological needs experienced by cancer sufferers in general, Gerson patients
have extra burdens to bear. Far too many come to the therapy as a last resort, after conventional treatments
have failed them, leaving behind a sense of disappointment, betrayal, and a range of severe after‐effects. For
them, embarking on the Gerson Therapy is like taking a mad gamble, an end‐of‐the‐line decision.
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Others choose the Gerson path at an earlier, less serious stage of their disease, with fewer preventable
changes in their bodies, but with a poor prognosis. Either way they embark on an unfamiliar treatment, much of
which sounds bizarre at first.
They step outside the boundaries of orthodox medicine, the network of doctors, consultants, hospitals,
referrals; a whole system which has been unable to heal them yet still cries an aura of great power. Some may
have been shown the door by their physician. Others face pressure and doubts from family members and friends
who don’t see how a weird, never‐heard‐of therapy can succeed where modern high‐tech medicine has failed.
The would‐be patient’s own doubts spring largely from the sheer length of the therapy. In the more
familiar allopathic field of medicine there is a pill for every ill, you either recover or you die, but at least things
happen fast. To face two years of unremitting effort, strict discipline, and monotony sounds pretty horrendous,
especially because there is no guarantee of success at the other end. This explains why only a small percentage
of inquirers chooses to embark on the Therapy (in the UK, the uptake is around 20%) after digesting the first
batch of information.
We can assume a certain toughness and determination, or sheer despair, in those who are willing to
make a start. At this stage, their main need is for reassurance, for sober hope mixed with honest realism. They
need to hear that theirs is a serious disease indeed, but it is possible to recover from it, and the Gerson Therapy
is the most logical way to regain their health. This is when the cognitive approach works best, explaining the
“how” and the “why” of the Gerson program. It needs no medical background to understand why rebuilding the
immune system is a better idea than knocking it out with radiation and a cocktail of toxic substances.
And so, by this stage having settled the emotional overload of the patient, we work along rational lines,
explaining, answering questions, and not asking anything to be taken on trust. This reinforces the patient’s
involvement in the healing process as an equal partner and ally of the doctor or specialist counselor.
To get an overview, it helps to imagine the two or more years of the Gerson Therapy as a drama in three acts.

Act One
Starting out. A time of excitement and exploration, unfamiliarity, drastic changes in lifestyle, diet, daily
routine. Much to learn all the time. It is a great advantage to start the therapy at a Gerson clinic. But, sooner or
later, there follows the expulsion from that Garden of Eden where evening is done for the patient, and reality
must be faced at home. For the patient who starts at home, chaos sets in temporarily from Day One.
At first, the sheer tasks of the day seem impossible: preparing juices, food, enema coffee, washing up
endlessly, securing deliveries, checking on the helper, cleaning up after the helper – above all, remaining sane.
At this stage, practical help is essential almost around the clock, to stop the patient from giving up at once.
Act One is so busy and active that there is little space and time for psychological matters.

Act Two
This is the main part (possibly the longest second act on Earth). The daily routine has been established
and is rolling along, but even with helpers it demands time, effort and perseverance. The monotony and
boredom begin to tell on the patient, who feels restricted, under virtual house arrest. In theory, it is possible to
go out after dinner, in practice it does not happen often.
Then, there is the problem of flare‐ups or healing reactions which can be vile yet have to be welcomed,
since they signal that the body is responding to the Therapy. By way of psychological support the reasons and
symptoms of flare‐ups must be explained in advance, so that the patient does not panic (while feeling terrible).
“This, too, will pass” is the best comfort we can offer.
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An opposite problem, admittedly much rarer, is when there are no flare‐ups for a while, and the patient
immediately concludes that the Therapy is not working, there is no hope left. I remember my own despondency
all those years ago when, except for one almighty flare‐up, I did not have any for months. It really worried me.
Then I had twenty‐six in a row, which gave me something else to worry about.
Physical detoxification inevitably brings about psychological detoxification, too. Toxins passing through
the central nervous system evoke strange reactions and out‐of‐character behavior: violent mood swings,
snappiness, anger, instability, unfair accusations, and aggression. The patient’s normally civilized behavior gives
way to drives and emotions that have been denied and repressed for a long time, perhaps since childhood. The
adult “censor” within is pushed aside by a raging infant, at least for a while, and then takes over again, amidst
profuse apologies.
This, too, has to be prepared for, and not taken personally; it is part of the process. In whatever capacity
we work with the patient, we remain calm, caring, unchanged, and waiting for the inner upheaval to pass.
However, we need to be more active if depression sets in. This, too, can be the result of the
detoxification process, or of some small adverse symptom, which is immediately seen as ominous. A bad result
in the latest blood test or an apparent change in a palpable tumor can plunge the patient into black despair. This
has to be dispelled fast by pointing out that there are many ups and downs and fluctuations within the healing
process, so that single symptoms are not signals of doom.
Depression can also set in when the patient gets terminally fed up and wants to quit the Therapy,
although improvements are noticeable. It is best not to contradict the patient’s grumbles but, on the contrary,
agree that the process is demanding, monotonous, restricting and boring; and then point out the good results so
far, ask tactless questions, such as, “Would you rather have chemotherapy?” or “All right, you give up – and then
what?” and wait for the answer.
Remember this: this, too, will pass.
Taking life day by day, one day at a time, is a good way to handle the apparent endlessness of the
therapy, without losing sight of the ultimate aim. In fact, interim goal‐setting – what would the patient want to
achieve in one week, one month and three months ‐‐ helps even further to break up the monotony. The aims
should be realistic and modest, and warmly acknowledged when they are achieved. Those that did not work out
can be rephrased or postponed but not written off as failures.
Food can be a major issue during the main part of the therapy. Many people take to Gerson food at
once and enjoy it. Others do not. When resistance wells up and turns mealtimes into the adult equivalent of
nursery tantrums, we are up against the deep emotional investment many people have in certain types of food,
however unhealthy. Their attachment is probably to the food mother gave them in childhood when food
equaled love, even if it was low‐grade junk. At a fraught time, such people may feel that what they eat is their
last area of free choice, and even though on a mental level they accept the rightness of the Gerson diet, on a
deeper non‐rational level they reject it, sometimes literally.
This is where wise counseling is needed. The patient must be reminded that the food on offer is
medicine, that the diet is not forever, and that accepting it now is a sound investment in the future. I have found
it helpful to make a solemn contract with the patient who undertook to stick to the diet meticulously for a
fortnight. As a rule, quick improvement followed and extending the contract proved easy.
The need to observe the rules cannot be overstated. Small lapses and occasional exceptions, often asked
for by patients, are out of the question, for what exactly is small, and how often does an occasional exception
occur? Once the rules are broken, the safe boundaries of the Therapy are damaged, and the consequences can
be serious. However, as caregivers or therapists we must enforce the rules with tact and affection, otherwise we
may end up in the role of the over‐strict parent, with “Thou shall not” written all over us.
During the long main part of the Therapy, the patient’s boredom can be relieved by providing relevant
reading material and tapes, set up networking with other Gerson Persons, or encourage a fresh hobby or study
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that can be fitted in between juices, enemas, and meals. Friends’ behavior can be crucial. Can they bear the
patient’s illness and face their own fears, or do they fade out of the picture? And how

are the family members coping? Are they bearing the burden of the Therapy without making the patient feel
guilty?

Act Three
Winding down. The intensive therapy is over. Now is the time to taper it off more and more, cutting
down gradually on juices, enemas, medication and preparing to re‐enter the world.
This can be a very tricky phase. The same patients who used to ask, “Is there life after Gerson?” now are
reluctant to let go of the routine. It has become a way of life that has served them superbly. They feel and look
well; they are symptom‐free, with good test results and no complaints. But they do not want to come off the
Therapy.
By then, it has become their safety device and symbolic life‐and‐health insurance, with the implied fear
that stopping the therapy may bring on a relapse. This fear must not be dismissed lightly: it requires a careful,
patient “weaning process” to ensure that the tube of the enema bucket does not turn into a substitute umbilical
cord. Continuing with the Therapy beyond the required period is not a good idea; sticking with the dietary
principles set out by Dr. Gerson is, on the other hand, very necessary for the rest of one’s life, in order to
safeguard one’s bravely rebuilt health.
There are others, of course, who have to be restraining from rushing back into their erstwhile disastrous
eating habits at the end of Act Three. As a rule, the attempt is doomed: their detoxified, cleared, optimally
nourished systems tend to shrink away from so‐called normal food, heavy with fat and painfully salty. If their
understanding does not object to junk food, their taste buds will.
In my experience, after recovery there is no way back into the pre‐disease state. The experience of the
holistic Gerson Therapy changes you, not only in your lifestyle and eating habits but also in your value system,
priorities and general outlook. You have been reborn without the need to die first, and you may easily and
naturally decide to help others, by way of repaying a debt to life.
“Increasingly, in the medical press, articles are being published about the high cost of the negative emotions.
Cancer, in particular, has been connected to intensive states of grief and anger or fear. It makes little sense to
suppose that emotions exact only penalties and confer no benefits. At any rate, long before my own serious
illness, I became convinced that creativity, the will to live, hope, faith, and love had biochemical significance and
contribute strongly to healing and to well‐being. The positive emotions are life‐giving experiences.” Anatomy of
an Illness, p.86, by Norman Cousins
Emphasizing positive emotions is by no means easy. Effort must be placed into coping with the negative
emotions. The French Nobel physicist Marie Curie states, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be
understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” Understanding of the disease
process and its cause should be the first step. Identifying the underlying cause will enable the patient to
comprehend the purpose of the Gerson program.
A basic understanding of the Gerson program brings confidence and a willingness to become involved in
such a rigid, comprehensive program. The critically ill will find it difficult to concentrate on this learning stage
and the family or accompanying person must assist with this function. The simple act of understanding and
accepting the Gerson Therapy takes away some of the fear. It shows there is hope of reversing the disease
process.
382


Words, though, will not take away all of the fear. Results are really what counts. Early improvement in
the diseased state will do more than anything else to resurrect hope. Many arriving patients have lost the will to
eat and drink. The Gerson program helps the patient over this period, giving them simple foods and juices that
the body is able to easily digest. There is a restoration of circulation. Body function picks up. The nervous system
function improves. The patient begins to eat, drink and sleep much better. Almost immediately, the patient
begins to feel strengthened. Their interest in life is stimulated. For the first time since the patient heard his
diagnosis and prognosis, he realizes there can be a future.
A drastic change of lifestyle, the inevitable ups and downs and healing crises of the process mean a
severe test for even the most committed patient. It is our job to lighten that burden with steady support,
empathy, and well‐focused counseling.

Tasks:
‐Creating a safe space through total listening and non‐judgmental attention.
‐Building a healing partnership with the patient, turning him/her into an active ally, able to share
responsibility for the therapeutic process.
‐Dispelling the superstitious fear attached to cancer. Re‐programming the patient’s consciousness,
helping to reframe harmful concepts; identifying self‐defeating patterns.
‐Exploring the patient’s belief system and family dynamics. If the latter is negative or hostile to the
Therapy, to reverse it.
‐Dealing with resentment and unfinished business.
‐Coping with the drastic mood swings and sometimes antisocial behavior that can accompany the
detoxification process.

Tools:
‐First and foremost, the physician/therapist’s own personality and calm, positive, reliable presence.
‐Teaching relaxation techniques
‐Using simple meditations
‐Creative visualization linked to self‐healing
‐Teaching affirmations

Methods:
The cognitive approach is important. Patients are more willing to cooperate if they understand why they
are asked to follow certain rules. Educating and developing the imaginative power of the right brain is equally
valuable, as it complements and balances the purely mental approach. Besides, we are only beginning to know
the therapeutic value of imaging work.

383


The Role of a Gerson Practitioner
A certified Gerson practitioner guides people on the Gerson Therapy in an out‐patient office setting. Many
people are unable to attend one of our certified Gerson clinics and they want to start the Therapy from home. A
Gerson practitioner can provide a very valuable service for these individuals. Since in most cancer cases, it takes
at least 2‐3 years of continuous application of the Therapy, this is a long‐term commitment.
Description of the Service
Once a patient has been pre‐screened and determined to be a good candidate for the Gerson Therapy, they
meet in person with the practitioner who will review their medical records, take a full medical history, do any
relevant physical exam and develop the appropriate Gerson Therapy protocol. It may require two office visits of
several hours to do this as well as to explain the dietary guidelines, proper food and juice preparation, home
set‐up procedures and answer all questions.
Follow‐up consultations are provided every month at the beginning and later may be extended to every 6 and
then 8 week intervals depending upon how the patient is responding. A follow‐up visit will consist of reviewing
the patient status, including blood work and the information on their Follow‐up Consultation Form. This
provides the basis for any adjustments to the protocol. Sometimes additional testing is needed. The
practitioner needs to be available between visits to answer questions and to provide support for difficulties that
may arise. To be an encouraging coach is very helpful.
As you can see, the structure of service working with a Gerson patient is much different and more time
consuming that one’s regular patient visits. Most practitioners will continue with their regular practice and
Gerson will be a specialty in addition to this. The Therapy is not a tool to add or mix with other therapies.
Considerations
Having an interest and understanding of the importance of nutrition in healing disease and restoring the body is
very helpful. Understanding the biologicial and physiological basis of the how the Gerson Therapy heals is also
important. Explaining the Gerson diet and teaching how to prepare the food and take a coffee enema, although
time consuming is pretty straightforward.
The majority of people who want to undertake the Therapy have advanced cancer, are on prescription
medications and often have multiple health conditions.
A Gerson practitioner must be skilled in understanding pathophysiology and the interpretation of blood work
and other diagnostic tests in relation the patient’s condition and response to the Therapy. Proper adjustments
and fine tuning of the protocol depend on one’s ability to assess patient medical status as well as the ability to
distinguish between a healing and or detox reaction versus progression of disease or crisis situation. These are
the reasons we have developed our criteria of qualifications for entry into the Module I training. . Module I
provides the classroom training and Module II provides the clinical experience with remote supervision.

384


Module II
Module II is done within ones’ own practice. Suitable patients that contact you with a serious interest in doing
the Gerson Therapy and are approved by the training doctor as good candidates, will be guided by the
practitioner under remote supervision. This will include submitting proper work‐up and rationales for the
prescription and protocol assignment as well as for the ongoing follow‐ups. It also requires good charting and
maintaining patient records. The practitioner will learn how to put what they have learned in Module I into
practice and learn ongoing case management skills.
In Summary
The work of a Gerson practitioner is very time consuming and requires an interest and understanding of the
unique principles of the Gerson Therapy as well as astute medical skills and the ability to work autonomously in
a setting that patients can access.

385


OVERVIEW OF MODULE II
Over a period of approximately 24 months, you will take on a minimum of 3 Gerson cases that you will manage
with remote supervision. A potential client needs to be approved before accepting the case. As a new
practitioner, I suggest you start with a stable case without advanced cancer. One case needs to be approved
and well underway before the second case is chosen.
Here is the paperwork that needs to be presented for a case:
l. A cover sheet (include summary of the case)
2. Patient Medical History Form
3. Appropriate medical records. (need only most pertinent records, copy of interpretation of diagnostic
tests, i.e., CT scans, MRI, PET scans, etc. & physician notes)
4. Initial Lab Report and all subsequent reports should be sent (you can additionally send the “Lab Values
Summary form)
5. Your initial protocol (use “Hourly Schedule for Patient on the Gerson Therapy”) Attach a separate report
on any special dietary guidelines and the rationale for your prescription and dosage recommendations
for each of the Gerson medications, juices, coffee enemas and castor oil enema procedures.
6. For follow‐up consultations, submit the Follow‐up Consultation Form completed by the patient, the
recent lab report, your new protocol with rationale and a brief update and assessment of the status of
the case. If the patient does not speak English, you will need to translate this information.

You can mail, fax or e‐mail the above materials I will then review the case presentation and email you an
evaluation of the initial work up and protocol assignment and answer any questions you may have. If it is
convenient for you, we can also have telephone conversations. I will be using the following criteria for
evaluation:
1. Adequate intake process including gathering of medical history, medical records and lab reports.
2. Appropriate Gerson protocol and rationale for prescription.
3. Recommendations for follow up, i.e., your plan for monitoring and subsequent contact.
4. Skills in case management over time.
Once the case is underway on a suitable protocol, I would recommend the next consultation to be in
approximately one month or when the first lab work is reviewed and initial changes are made. This will vary
from case to case depending upon how serious the condition and how the client is doing. Typically,
consultations are done every 4‐6 weeks and often there is telephone contact in the interim for questions that
arise.

Keep good notes, not only for your own records, but for summarizing client status from follow‐up consultations
as well as a final summary of the case at the determined end point of the supervised case review.
I realize that it is not always possible to anticipate how long a client will ultimately be working with you, and I
will make adjustments and modifications to the number of clients and time period involved if needed. The
objective of this training is for you to gain experience working with Gerson clients while under supervision, and
through this interaction, I can evaluate your ability in Gerson case management and your readiness to be added
to our official published referral list.
386


I recommend you review your training manual and other published resources before starting Module II. Once
you have registered for Module II, you will be sent electronically the forms you need for managing the case.
You will need to recommend the books and other educational materials you wish the client to order as well as to
prepare your personal initial orientation packet. As a new practitioner, you need to see the patient in person for
at least the first visit.
Please contact Dr. Kayla Smith if you have any questions on the above information or how to proceed with
establishing your first case.

387

388

CHECKLIST OF CONSIDERATIONS IN PREPARATION
FOR MANAGING CASES IN MODULE II

‐Be prepared—study and review the Gerson books and the Training Manual.

‐Obtain a good oncology reference book.

Personalize the medical history questionnaire and follow‐up forms for Gerson clients. Prepare and organize
other forms: informed consent, protocol sheets, vitals record, patient log, etc. (these will be sent to you
once you register for Module II)

‐Plan your manner of assisting your clients to obtain the Gerson supplements‐‐ ordering a 3 month supply.
Will you stock them or have the patient order from the suppliers? Are you able to prescribe the thyroid,
crude liver, B‐12 and syringes and needles for injections?

‐Facilitating the monthly lab work. Will you give requisitions?

‐Providing a list of resources‐‐local suppliers of organic produce and other products.

‐Recommendations on obtaining the juicer.

‐How will you educate your client on proper food preparation and juicing techniques?

‐How will you educate the client on setting up the home—proper cookware, making the home non‐toxic,
acceptable body care products, dental issues and water purification issues?

‐Design your fee structure. This may include a letter of introduction and orientation to your services in
providing the Gerson Therapy to those who inquire.

‐Designing your system for on‐going guidance and case management.

389


RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTITIONERS OFFERING
UNCONVENTIONAL CANCER THERAPIES

1. Become familiar with your State Licensing Board’s rules and statutes, scope of practice guidelines and
general standards of expected professional competence and conduct for the discipline for which you
hold a license to practice medicine or your specialty. Find out if
your state has regulations making it illegal to use certain unconventional cancer treatments.

2. Ascertain that every potential client has had a diagnostic work up and has consulted a trained oncologist
(if a cancer diagnosis). If not, you should recommend this to the patient and chart that you have done
this.

3. Review the recommendations made by the oncologist with the patient. It may be that some of the
recommendations such as surgery are worthy of consideration. Chart that you have done this.

4. Have the patient sign a fully informed consent form. (example attached) Make no absolute or
unfounded claims for success of the therapy. Discuss any potential adverse reactions or attendant risks.

5. Keep excellent medical records charting all conversations in relation to patient’s report of symptoms
and your recommendations, cautions or concerns. Follow‐up with any patient who reports adverse
reactions and chart your findings, recommendations or referrals.

References:
http://miracleii‐4u.com/cancer‐practitioners‐laws.htm
390


REQUEST TO CONSIDER PATIENT FOR MODULE II

Today’s date:____________________
Practitioner:__________________________
Date client contacted you:____________________________________
Client Name: _________________________Age______Gender________
Diagnosis and date of original diagnosis: (If a cancer patient, include staging, grading, location of any
metastasis:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________
Previous treatment undertaken and dates: (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy,
radiation)____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Current Prescription Medications:__________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Synopsis of current lab (abnormal values) and other diagnostic procedures, i.e., imaging, scans, etc. Attach
lab report
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________
Additional Comments:
391

(Example)

REQUEST TO CONSIDER PATIENT FOR MODULE II

Today’s date: 03/02/12

Practitioner: Miven Donato, DPT, DC

Date client contacted you: 02/06/12

Client Name: Sandra Rapp Age: 76 Gender: Female
Diagnosis and date of original diagnosis: (If a cancer patient, include staging, grading, location
of any metastasis:
Serous Uterine Cancer 02/06/12

Previous treatment undertaken and dates: (ie., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
Hysteroscopy with fractional D&C 01/30/12
Robotic assisted total laparoscopic:
Hysterectomy, removal of fallopian tubes, ovaries, omentum, lymph nodes 02/23/12

Current Prescription Medications:
Bisoprolol 10 mg, 1 per day x 3 yrs.

Supplements:
Bromelain 2040 GDU 1‐3 daily
Vit D3 1000 IU, 2 per day
Corn Silk 1 per day

Synopsis of current lab (abnormal values) and other diagnostic procedures, ie, imaging, scans,
etc. Attach lab report
Uric Acid (serum) 8.5 (reference range 2.5‐6.5 mg/dL)
C‐Peptide 3.2 (reference range 0.8‐3.9 ng/mL)
Cholesterol 244
LDL 155
Triglycerides 173
CA 125 43 (reference range 0‐35 U/mL)
CA 15‐3 19
CRP High Sensitivity 7.5 (reference range <3)
Surgery Report for complete hysterectomy 02/23/12 (not available yet)
Pathology Report: Endomentrium, Curettings: Serous Adenocarcinoma 02/03/12
CT Abdom/Pelvis: Heterogenous uterus/endomentrium, Hepatic steatosis 02/09/12
Pelvic Ultrasound: Abnormally thickened endometrium 12/23/11
Colonoscopy: 1 small adenomatous polyp in rectum, diverticulosis 12/09/11
Mamm screen bilat: No malignancy 07/01/11

392
Additional Comments:

Patient had left breast cancer in 1997. She underwent lumpectomy, 4 months of chemo
(adriamycin, cytoxin, methotrexate) but discontinued because she could not get the T‐cells up.
She also underwent 7 weeks of radiation therapy.

Patient’s daughter Becky Lindgren called 02/06/12 to schedule her mother to see me the next
day for an interview for nutritional therapy. Her daughter has attended a
dietary/nutrition/lifestyle course in September 2011.

She has full spousal support and family (daughters) support. She has purchased a refurbished
Norwalk Juicer. She has viewed The Gerson Miracle documentary and is reading the book
Healing The Gerson Way. She already stopped eating animal products and is eating more
vegetables and fruits. She has tried some of the meal recipes. She also has done some juicing
already on her own. She has tried a coffee enema but could only hold for less than 5 minutes.
This was done on her own accord.

Her oncologist wants to do chemo and radiation but patient wants to try a natural approach
first. She wants to see how she feels after 2 months of nutritional/dietary approach using the
Gerson program.

She has agreed to be a module II case if approved.

She had the initial consultation at my office on 02/29/12. She understands the Gerson Therapy
is work intensive and knows the estimated costs in following the program. She says she is ready
to start.

393

GERSON THERAPY EVALUATION
PATIENT NAME: Sandra Rapp
TODAY’S DATE: 02/29/12
REASON FOR EVALUATION: Serous Uterine Cancer (Diagnosed 02/06/12)
DATE OF BIRTH: 04/02/1935
CURRENT AGE: 76
EMAIL: chetrapp55@charter.net
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 555, Talent, OR 97540
PHONE: 541‐535‐5483
SUBJECTIVE:
Patient is a 76 y/o female with the diagnosis of serous uterine cancer 02/06/12. She underwent surgery last
Wednesday for hysterectomy, removal of fallopian tubes, ovaries, omentum and lymph nodes. They did not find
any serous cancer. There is a stage 3 “garden variety slow growing cancer outside of the uterus”. She was told
she needs to have chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She wants to put it off for 2 months and wants to
concentrate on the natural therapy to improve her health before she decides what else to do. If she gets better
from this alternative therapy she will not pursue further conventional treatment. She already has a Norwalk
Juicer.
She has a mentally supportive husband (he says he will cook his own meat dishes and will let her do her own
thing). She will be helped by her grown daughters in whatever is needed. Her husband will also assist at home
in whatever capacity. Patient has already been able to go on several juices per day the 2 weeks following her
question/answer session here on 02/07/12. She already felt physical improvement.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY:
Breast Cancer 1997. That year she underwent lumpectomy and 4 months of chemo (adriamycin, cytoxin,
methotrexate) but discontinued because she could not get the T‐cells to go up. She also underwent 7 weeks of
radiation therapy.
Patient is on Bisoprolol 10 mg, 1 per day (the past 3 years) for her high blood pressure.
GYNECOLOGICAL HISTORY:
Patient started menses at age 14 and her last period ended sometime in 1989.
He has h/o yeast infection and vaginitis. She also has h/o fibroids (found via ultrasound). Her last PAP 2011 was
normal. Her latest mammogram in 2011 was normal.
394


REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:
Mouth & Throat: Denies any trouble with eating or swallowing.
Digestive: Normal.
Respiratory: No breathing problems.
Cardiovascular: She has high blood pressure and is on medication. Her ankles tend to swell.
Genito‐Urinary: Inability to hold urine (weak pelvic floor)
Central Nervous System: Normal.
Musculoskeletal: General muscle weakness.
Skin: Seborric Keratosis.
Endocrine: She has intolerance to hot/cold (possible under functioning thyroid)
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS;
Bromelain 2040 GDU 1‐4 daily, Vit D3 1000 2 per day, Corn Silk 1 per day.
HEALTH ASSESSMENT:
Patient is an obese female who has been drinking coffee and alcoholic beverages until recently when she
decided to improve her diet. She sleeps 8 hours per night and wakes up rested. She does not feel she has good
stamina especially since the recent surgery. She has no known food allergies.
OBJECTIVE:
HEIGHT: 5 feet 5‐3/4 inches
WEIGHT: 210 pounds
ABDOMINAL GIRTH: 46 inches (largest area)
%BF: 47.3
BMI: 34.2
BP: 136/86
HR: 59
TEMP: 97.6 (armpit)

395

Protocol Rationale
Patient Age 76 DOB 04/02/1935
Today’s Date: 03/04/12.
Gerson Prescription Protocol Rationale: Adjusted to good physical condition but had chemo
treatment in 1997 for breast cancer.
Juice: 8 ounces 10 times per day. She has been able to tolerate several juices per day 2 weeks
prior to her complete hysterectomy on 02/23/12. Grapefruit juice only instead of OJ because
she is pre-diabetic.
Acidol: 6 per day. No contraindications.
Potassium compound solution: 2 tsp per juice 10 times per day. No contraindications. Serum
potassium is 4.2.
Lugol’s ½ Strength solution: 3 drops per day adjusted with 1 grain thyroid per day. No known
allergy to iodine. No known liver disease or metastases.
Armour Thyroid: ½ grain twice a day. No contraindications. Will increase to 2 grains/day in 2

wks if tolerated well.
Niacin: 50 mg, 6 times daily. No contraindications.
Pancreatin: 325 mg, 4 times daily.
Liver caps: 2 caps, 3 times daily with carrot/apple juices.
CoQ10 30 mg caps: 90 mg (3 caps) 3 times per day. No contraindications.
Inflazyme Forte: 2 caps, 3 times per day 30 min before meals.
Selenium 200 mcg: 1 per day.
Vitamin D3 2000 IU/cap: 3 times per day (total of 6000 IU per day). Will re-check blood level in
4 weeks.
B12 Drops: 25 per day (1000 mcg) sublingual methylcobalamin
Coffee enemas: 3 per day. No castor oil enema because of chemo treatment in 1997.
Diet: Regular 3 meals per day.
Bread/Protein: None. Patient needs to lose weight, so there will be no bread
396
Patient's Name: __________ Age: 76 Diagnosis: Serous Uterine Cancer (02/06/12)
Physician's Name: ________ Official Protocol Start Date:
Date Protocol Assigned: ___ 3/4/2012 Modifed Gerson Therapy Protocol
TIME
8:00 9:00 9:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00
JUICE 8 oz. Grapefruit Green Green Green Green
FLAX SEED OIL
1 1
1 Tbs. 1 Tablespoon/serving
ACIDOL 2 2 2
POTASSIUM
COMPOUND SOLUTION 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
No Supplements
No Supplements
No Supplements
tsp in juice 2 teaspoon per juice
LUGOL'S SOLUTION
1 1 1
Medicine Dropper
THYROID
1 1
1/2 Grain
NIACIN
1 1 1 1 1 1
50 mg tab May cause harmless flush
PANCREATIN
3 3 3 3
tabs - 325 mg Take at end of meals
LIVER CAPS 2 2 2
CoQ10
3 3 3
caps 30 mg
INFLAZYME
2 2 2
(30 min before meals) 30 min before meals
SELENIUM
1
(200 mcg)
VITAMIN D3 2000 IU
1 1 1
per cap
B12 Methylcobalamin
25 Drops under the tongue once a day DIET Regular 3 meals per day - See Gerson Recipes in Book
Sublingual 1000 mcg
Number of COFFEE
BREAD
ENEMAS and times 3 daily (early and late AM, early PM) No
(rye, optional)
prescribed
CASTOR OIL
TREATMENT NO PROTEIN No
Prescription
Next LAB TEST required TSH, Free T3, Free T4, CBC, CMP14, CRISK, LDH, Uric Acid,
NEXT REVIEW March 30, 2012 Friday at 10 AM
and Date CRPHS, CA125, VitD3, UAR
NOTES: After 2 weeks, if tolerating well, increase thyroid to 2 gr/day and lugol's to 6 drops/day. Questions? call me at 541-857-2678 or email dmiven@msn.com
397
My Experience in Module 2
Dr. Miven Donato, DPT, DC
Certified Gerson Practitioner
Dolphin Health & Education
Medford, Oregon, USA
May 23, 2013
Max Gerson, MD
1881‐1959
Forever Grateful! Changed my Life!
With Dr. Kayla Smith, ND With Charlotte Gerson
Gerson Institute Medical Director
3
398
4
My Tools of Trade
• Computer literacy (MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint,
Adobe Acrobat)
• PC, big screen, printer/copier, credit card proc.
• Mobile Device (smartphone, tablet)
• Apply for Membership to Nationwide Lab
• Apply for CoSign digital signature
• Apply for fax‐over‐email account
• Apply for 1 main phone line, 1 private line
• Outsource: call center/messaging/scheduling
5
Cancer Case
• Jane Doe
• 76 Years Old
• Dx: Serous Uterine Cancer (02/06/12)
• Scheduled for Q & A 02/07/13
• L Breast Cancer 1997
• Lumpectomy
• 4 months chemo
• 7 wks radiation
399
Q & A Session 60 Minutes
• Discussed patient’s oncology diagnosis
• Discussed Gerson Therapy
– Reason client chose Gerson Therapy
– Overview of the 4 Legs of the GT
– Norwalk Juicer
– Cookware
– Home Assistance or Caregiver
– Financing
– Length of Program
Request Form for Module 2 Case
• Use template from Module 1 or request from Dr.
Smith’s office
• Submit the Summary of Candidate’s Information:
– Date client contacted you
– Client Demographics
– Diagnosis
– Current Prescription Meds
– Supplements
– Current Abnormal Labs, Diagnostics
– Commentary on PMHx, Oncology workup, Client’s
choice, Client’s agreement
Schedule Initial GT Consultation
• Set appointment date/time (1‐2 wks advance)
• Request records:
1. Medical chart report from latest oncology encounter
2. Surgical pathology/biopsy report
3. Imaging report (MRI, CT, PET, US, Mammogram)
4. Lab results
5. Completed medical questionnaire form
6. Completed medical history form related to cancer
diagnosis
400
Order Lab Studies
• Complete Blood Count (CBC with Diff)
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP14)
• Urinalysis, Routine (UAR)
• TSH, Free T3, Free T4
• Lipid Panel
• Vitamin D, 25‐OH
• Uric Acid
• Inflammation Markers – CRPHS, ESR
• Tumor Markers – CA125, CA15‐3, CEA
10
Initial GT Consultation
• Discuss Medical Questionnaire Form
• Discuss Medical Records
• Vitals
• Anthropometrics
• Physical Exam
• Review Baseline Lab Results
• Discuss GT Dietary Guidelines & Protocol with last minute
revisions
• Discuss GT Vendors/Supplements/Medication
• Discuss Juicer/Cookware
• Discuss Client Binder
• Initial GT Report
11
Submit to Dr. Smith
• Initial GT Consult Report
• Initial prescribed GT Protocol (GT Template)
• Prescribed GT Protocol Rationale
• Initial Lab Test Results (blood, urine, and etc)
• Lab Recording Sheet (GT Template)
12
401
Monthly Follow‐Up Consult
• Vitals
• Anthropometrics
• Focused Exam
• Review Follow‐Up Consult Form
• Lab Results
• Revise/Update/Change Protocol
• Follow‐Up GT Report
13
Submit to Dr. Smith
• Follow‐Up Consultation Report (GT Template)
completed by client (copy of original)
• Follow‐Up GT Consult Report
• Lab Recording Sheet (GT Template)
• Official Lab Results (copy of original)
• Revised/Updated Protocol (GT Template)
• Protocol Rationale
14
02/07/12 04/03/13
5 feet 5‐3/4 in. 5 feet 6 in.
Weight 210 lbs Weight 127.5 lbs
Ideal Weight 118 lbs Weight Lost 82.5 lbs
Body Fat 47.3 percent Body Fat 32.0
Body Mass Index 34.2 Body Mass Index 20.6
Abdominal Girth 46 in. Abdominal Girth 30.5
Lymph percent 23 Lymph percent 30
Uric Acid 8.5 Uric Acid 6.5
ALT 41 ALT 15
Cholesterol 244 Cholesterol 200
LDL 155.4 LDL 119
Triglycerides 173 Triglycerides 92
CRPHS 7.5 CRPHS 0.99
Vitamin D 26 Vitamin D 73.7
CA125 43 CA125 13.3
15
402
GERSON MO
G DULE I PRAC
CTITIONER TTRAINING PR
ROGRAM
Modu
ule I Evaluatio
on

Name: _________
___________ ________ Date: _____________________
____________

We aare very apprreciative of yo
our feedbackk. Please answ
wer the follow
wing questions: (Please ciircle yes or no
o)

1. Was the admin
nistrative stafff at the Gersson Institute h
helpful in you
ur registratio
on process?
Yes No
2. Was the Module I Training M
Manual and o
other resourcce materials aadequate?
Yes No
3. Was the Module I training w
worth your m
money and tim
me?
Yes No
If no,, please expla
ain:
________________
___________
____________
___________
_________________________________________________________
_
________________
___________
____________
___________
_____________________________
4. Would you reco
ommend thiss Module I inttensive to a ccolleague?
Yes No
5. Would you sugggest any mod
difications to
o the Module I training pro
ogram?
Yes No
If yess, please explain:
________________
___________
____________
___________
_________________________________________________________
_
________________
___________
____________
___________
_____________________________
6. Baased upon the
e information
n you have le
earned, would
d you recomm
mend the Geerson Therapyy to a patientt?
Yes No
ession of the Gerson Theraapy changed during the co
7. Haas your impre ourse of this Module I traaining? If so, h
how?
________________
___________
____________
___________
_________________________________________________________
_
________________
___________
____________
___________
_____________________________
8. Haas your underrstanding of tthe role of a practitioner cchanged duriing the coursse? If so, how
w?
________________
___________
____________
___________
_________________________________________________________
_
________________
___________
____________
___________
_________________________________________________________
_
9. What questions about Gerson Therapy, if any, were n
not answered
d during the course of thee Module I traaining?
________________
___________
____________
___________
_________________________________________________________
_
________________
___________
____________
___________
_________________________________________________________
_
________________
___________
____________
___________
_________________________________________________________
_

10. On scale of 1 – 5 (1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent) how would you rate: (Please circle)

‐ Training Manual 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Presentations on the Physiological and Biological Basis of the Therapy – Day 1 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Explanation of Gerson Meds and Adj. Therapies – Day 1 1 2 3 4 5

‐ Initial Screening and Case History Taking ‐ Day 2 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Lab Testing with Gerson Interpretation – Day 2 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Mind/ Body Medicine I – Day 2 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Medication Prescription Guide – Day 2 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Practice case experience – Day 2 1 2 3 4 5

‐ Application of the Gerson Therapy – Day 3 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Surgery, Chemo, Rad. – Healing reactions, Pain Control – Day 3 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Palliative Care – Day 3 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Presentation of Specific Cases – Day 3 1 2 3 4 5

‐ Home Set‐up & Non‐Toxic Home – Day 4 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Gerson Diet and Rationale/ Food prep demo – Day 4 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Juicers and Juicing – Day 4 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Castor oil & Clay packs – Day 4 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Coffee Enema Technique – Day 4 1 2 3 4 5

‐ Gerson Dental Guidelines – Day 5 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Mind/Body Medicine II – Day 5 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Overview of Module II – Day 5 1 2 3 4 5

‐ Patient Testimonials 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Your accommodations 1 2 3 4 5
‐ The quality of the meals 1 2 3 4 5
‐ Your overall evaluation of the training 1 2 3 4 5

11. Are you still committed to becoming a licensed Gerson Practitioner?
Yes No
Please explain:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. Are you ready to register for Module II in the near future?
Yes No
13. Please add any comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

DR Max Gerson, Charlotte Gerson - Gerson Therapy - Gerson Therapy Manual Training For Professionals (Gerson Insitute) - Gerson Therapy (2022)

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DR Max Gerson, Charlotte Gerson - Gerson Therapy - Gerson Therapy Manual Training For Professionals (Gerson Insitute) - Gerson Therapy (2022)

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The

Gerson Institute Practitioner Training – Module I

Dr. Kayla Smith, ND May 19-23, 2013

- A WHOLE BODY APPROACH TO HEALING

- REACTIVATES THE BODY’S ABILITY TO

• Pasteur versus Beauchamp

An important theme throughout Dr.

“What is essential is not the growth itself or

• Cancer is caused by an accumulation of

Little by little Dr. Gerson came to the conclusion

• A weak digestive system—unable to

• Loss of normal mineral balances

Environment can modify gene expression.

1. Freeman Cope, MD—Pioneering physicist

Gilbert Ling - Biophysicist

• Throughout the cytoplasm of cells, water is

• Potassium gathers at the negatively charged

• Cope and Ling maintained that it was the

• This is in agreement with Otto Warburg’s

• A cancer researcher particularly for breast

• 1997 landmark experiment

“We have to look at invisible mineral circulation with

“Behind the metabolism of minerals and matter,

“To bring the system to normal or near

• Uses low Na+, high K+ diet in heart disease

“The consequences are immediate. They

• Developed Polarizing Treatment

• Re-establish and increase oxidative

Re-establish and Increase Oxidative

1. Nutrient dense organic vegetarian diet including

• 20 lbs. of fruits and vegetables daily between

• May be the most important molecule to

• Cruciferous vegetables are a rich source of

• Broccoli and broccoli sprouts

• Orange, red and yellow pigmented vegetables

• Romaine and green leafy lettuces

• Must restrict dietary protein for 6-8 weeks to cause

• Guinea pig experiments to study immune

• Experiments with mice (some direct human

• Protein restriction also avoids feeding the

• Shift the major minerals to oxidative

• The metabolic governor of the body

• The thyroid follicles produce thyroid

• About 80 mcg of T4 are secreted daily

• Thyroid supplementation is given on the

Increase detoxification capacity of the liver

Chronic exposure to environmental pollutants

• Organic compounds resistant to

• Diabetes—with undetectable POPs, no

“For the first time in the history of the world,

• Process of detoxification typically involves two

• Phase II (Glucuronosyl Transferase, Sulfation,

• It is the Phase II Glutathione Transferase

• Cancer is a disease of a sick liver

In most degenerative diseases: liver is

A detoxification therapy without facilitating the removal of toxins by

• The palmitates (kahweol & cafestol) in the coffee increase

• Binds bilirubin & glucoronides for elimination from

• Coffee held in the bowel is absorbed through

• The quart of liquid stimulates the visceral

• Takes the detoxification to a deeper level

• Pre-treatment with Chemotherapy—wait at