Gerson therapy

The Gerson therapy uses a special diet, supplements and also coffee enemas to detoxify and stimulate the body’s metabolism.

History/providers

Originally devised by Dr. Max Gerson (a German doctor 1881-1959), the Gerson approach is now headed by his daughter Charlotte Gerson, who presently leads the Gerson Institute in the United States (US). The Gerson Institute is linked to the “Baja Nutri Care Clinic” in Tijuana, Mexico and a Hungarian clinic, which have both been licensed to practice the therapy by the Gerson institute. The Gerson therapy is unlicensed in the UK 1.

Claims of efficacy/mechanism(s) of action/alleged indications

The intensive treatment, based on nutrition and detoxification, is thought to restore and revitalise the body, strengthen the immune, enzyme and hormone systems and correct the function of the essential organs. The Gerson therapy is not targeted at any one specific symptom or disease, instead it is thought to treat the underlying cause of the disease, therefore restoring health to the whole body. By supplying nutrients that are claimed to be “easily absorbed” and utilized by the body it is thought that this provides the optimum conditions for healing. After restoring the body with “hypernutrition” it is thought that excess sodium and toxins (due to previous poor nutrition and exposure to environmental pollution) are released. With the release of toxins into the system it is thought necessary to support the liver in removing these damaging by-products. This is achieved by administering coffee enemas, as these are thought to stimulate the toxin-removal activity of the bile ducts, liver, and bowel. A variety of medication and supplements may be administered on the Gerson regime, making this therapy highly complex. Such medication includes: potassium supplements, Lugol’s solution (an inorganic solution of iodine with potassium iodide), thyroid hormone, injectable crude liver extract, vitamin B12, Coenzyme Q10, niacin, pancreatic enzymes, Laetrile, clay packs, castor oil enemas, “live-cell therapy”, glucose, hydrogen peroxide and ozone treatment.

Importantly, the Gerson therapy is an alternative therapy, it does not encourage the use of chemotherapy alongside its regime. This is because it is believed that those undergoing chemotherapy prior to Gerson therapy have an immunological disadvantage. The use of radiotherapy is considered more compatible with Gerson therapy 2.

Prevalence of use

Until recently, the only medical facility licensed by the Gerson Institute was the Baja Nutri Care Clinic, located in the Playas area of Tijuana, Mexico (currently there is no medical facility linked to the Gerson Institute) There is now also a clinic in Hungary that has also been licensed by the Gerson Institute. 1.Treatment in the Baja Nutri Care Clinic is administered and overseen by two physicians (Dr. Melendez and Dr. Bravo). Charlotte Gerson and the Gerson Institute staff visit the clinic on a regular basis. The Gerson Institute supplies support and advice to anyone wishing to carry out the therapy at home.

According to one independent, outside (but now rather old) report the Gerson clinic in Mexico treats approximately 600 patients a year 5. Only estimates can be obtained in terms of numbers of people following the therapy worldwide, and an overall figure of 1,000 people has been suggested 9. The Gerson Institute itself is not able to provide figures for patients worldwide 3. The following information was obtained from the Gerson Institute’s website 1: There are twoc licensed Gerson treatment centres in the world (one in Mexico and one in Hungary). The treatment is unlicensed in the US. The Gerson Institute recommends a list of medical professionals that have been to Mexico for Gerson training, there are four practitioners in the US, two in Canada, three in Australia, and one in Holland, Korea and the UK. The Gerson Institute also provides contact details of support groups run by long-term recovered patients. These groups provide networks for obtaining Gerson equipment and supplies and also provide advice and usually publish a newsletter (there are four groups in the US, two in Australia and one in Canada, and the UK). The Gerson Institute publishes its own newsletter and also provides a “Gerson support service” which facilitates the development of other support group networks. For US patients there are contact details of Gerson-trained caregivers and home set-up co-ordinators who facilitate the therapy when practiced at home. The Gerson Institute offers a list of “Recovered Patient Referrals” to prospective new patients. This list details the testimonials of 150 people who have found the Gerson therapy beneficial to them. Lastly, to publicise the therapy as much as possible, Charlotte Gerson tours the world lecturing and providing workshops with patients and health care professionals. Further details of the Gerson network are set out on their website.

Costs

It is estimated that the treatment at the clinic costs approximately $5,500 per week and usually lasts around three weeks, after which the therapy is continued at home for on average 18 months 3,29. The weekly fee for the stay at the clinic pays for medications, meals, tests and treatment, with the addition of a companion’s lodging. With the additional cost of the airfare to Mexico and its associated fatigue 4, a visit to the Gerson clinic is expensive and demanding. Continuing the therapy at home may also tap many of the patients’ resources. To support their progress, every six weeks telephone consultations with the physicians in Mexico are available at the price of $50 for half an hour. However, it is estimated that only 25% of patients do this 5. Medication for the Gerson diet costs approximately $500 a month, and the specialist Norwalk juicer required is thought to cost $1,000 minimum second-hand6 and $2,400 minimum new 6,7. Other costs include: buying organic coffee (specific to the therapy), thyroid supplements, flax oil, special rye-bread, water distillers, ozone machines, non-toxic house goods. It is estimated that 12 to 16 hours a day will be taken up by shopping, preparing food and medication and cleaning the juicer. Juices cannot be made ahead of time as it is thought necessary to drink the juices as fresh as possible. The Gerson Institute advises that a patient follows the Gerson regime for about 18 months at home to rid the body of cancer1, a patient will therefore need to hire a helper to maintain their needs for some considerable time. About 50 kg of fruit and vegetables are needed each week. If organic vegetables are difficult to obtain in the area the patient lives this may further add to the price of the therapy 8. In total the Gerson therapy consumes large amounts of time, money and other resources and only dedicated individuals will be able to stick to the demands of the therapy.

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