Written by Helen Seers, Helen Cooke and the CAM-Cancer Consortium.
Updated November 20, 2009

Gerson Therapy

Abstract and key points

  • Gerson therapy uses a special diet, supplements and coffee enemas to detoxify and stimulate the body’s metabolism.
  • No substantial evidence exists in the scientific literature to support the view that the Gerson therapy is an effective alternative therapy for cancer.
  • Some evidence exists to suggest that elements of the therapy (coffee enemas in particular) are potentially dangerous if used excessively.
  • The specific safety problems, advice to stop conventional cancer therapies and the lack of substantial evidence for efficacy outweigh any benefits associated with the Gerson therapy.

The Gerson therapy uses a special diet, supplements and also coffee enemas to detoxify and stimulate the body’s metabolism. Proponents of the Gerson therapy have made claims that it is an effective treatment for cancer and other illnesses, through balancing the levels of potassium and sodium in the body, removal of toxins and regeneration of liver function and also improving overall nutritional status. No substantial evidence exists in the scientific literature to support the view that the Gerson therapy is an effective alternative therapy for cancer. Some evidence exists to suggest that elements of the therapy (coffee enemas in particular) are potentially dangerous if used excessively. In addition to this the excessive demands of time, money and other resources on the patient undergoing the therapy may be extreme. In light of a recent moderately positive case review however, it appears further research to assess the efficacy of this regime may be warranted.

Citation Helen Seers, Helen Cooke, CAM-Cancer Consortium. Gerson Therapy [online document]. http://www.cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Biologically-Based-Practices/Gerson-Therapy. November 20, 2009.

References

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