How does one measure the overall health of the liver? How does one know if their liver is strong enough to be restored by the Gerson Therapy?

There are all the usual blood tests that don't tell a doctor much until a disease process or damage has already been quite severe or extensive. We have seen this so many times. Therefore, these tests hold only a little value for evaluation purposes. The liver has literally hundreds of functions, so it is very hard to know the overall health of the liver. In today's world there are many thousands of toxins in every known form surrounding us. Some people may have healthier, stronger systems and are better equipped to handle the necessary detoxification processes to maintain a healthy liver. Others can, and sometimes need to give more support and help to the liver by way of a healthy lifestyle; physically and mentally. Having tests done by other means [besides blood]: hair and saliva analysis perhaps; and by doing the classic "Spring and Fall" cleansing through a juice and detoxification regimen under the guidance of a qualified advisor. Generally with the Gerson Therapy, a 25% to 50% functioning liver can have good results, and is restorable. However Charlotte Gerson has stated she has seen good results with even less. As you know, the liver is the only organ that can completely regenerate itself and does so over time on a regular basis.

What is the correct amount of Vitamin B-12 to take?

The Gerson Therapy advises to take Vitamin B-12 with the liver injections. The correct amounts are recommended as follows: Crude Liver .90 (9/10) ml (one ml equals one cc) mixed with Vitamin B-12 .10 (1/10) ml (or cc) on a daily basis. Remember to inject some air (just slightly more than you are going to withdraw) into the bottles beforehand so a vacuum is not created. Then the patient draws up the .10 of Vit B-12 and can go to the bottle of crude liver to withdraw up the remaining .9 cc for a total of one ml or cc into one syringe ready for injection into the gluteus medius muscle. Since this is a vegetarian diet, the above amount provides a highly absorbable form of Vitamin B-12 more commonly found in animal products. For a more detailed discussion of the Gerson Therapy medications we strongly recommend reading "A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases" (Dr. Max Gerson, Gerson Institute, ISBN 0-9611526-2-1) and the Gerson Therapy Handbook.

Is there any danger in taking niacin?

Dr. Gerson felt strongly about the use of increased amounts of Niacin (Vitamin B3) in cancer patients from the beginning of treatment and without too much interruption. However after using 50mg six times a day for four to six months, it should not be diminished too fast as well. Niacin helps to bring back sufficient glycogen into the liver cells. It also helps in protein metabolism, acts to open small arteries and capillaries (of course it would be discontinued with any bleeding problems.) It raises electrical potential in cells. In addition, this information can be found on page 209 of "A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases" (Dr. Max Gerson, Gerson Institute, ISBN 0-9611526-2-1) The best to you and your healthy children.

When should the clay pack be used and when should the castor oil pack be used?

The clay pack is used as an anti-inflammatory and it draws out toxins through the skin into the clay. It is excellent for all bites such as mosquito or spider bites. It is also good for rheumatoid arthritis at the painful joints, boils, cysts etc. Remember, to discard the clay pack after each use. Each pack should only be used one time. The castor oil pack increases circulation in the area and stimulates the lymphatic system to carry off toxins. It is excellent for organ pain, especially liver, pancreas and kidney pain. It aides in detoxification and gives relief

What is the proper procedure for preparing a Castor Oil Pack?

First, gather together three 8 X 10 sized pieces of previously washed, white or organic cotton or wool flannel. Place one sheet down on a non-porous surface (counter top or glass table). Apply a thin coat of castor oil over the entire sheet. Follow the same procedure with the second and third sheets applying one on top of the other. Then take the ãpackä and apply it to the affected area, cover with plastic (***IT STAINS ANY CLOTHING OR LINENS IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH). Apply a hot water bottle (better than electric) to keep it warm. You can sleep with it or use it as long as it provided relief. It will open capillaries and the castor oil acts as a healing agent. ***NOTE: You can save and reuse this pack time and time again. Wrap it in waxed paper and plastic and place it in the refrigerator until next use. ALSO NOTE: This is different from the clay pack which MUST BE DISCARDED after each use, as it absorbs toxins through the skin into the clay.

Are cucumbers high in sodium? What is the reason they are not allowed?

Cucumbers per se are not high in sodium. The main reason they are not allowed is that they can be hard to digest for many people, especially in conjunction with the juices. They cause intestinal upset, gas and discomfort. This is avoided by eliminating a food that has proven to be troublesome.

What kind of coffee should be used for the enema preparation?

Choose a fine ground, light roast, ORGANIC coffee. It may be from any number of places, that is not important and there is no specific type of coffee for any specific ailment (recent question sent to us). What is equally important is the preparation. One needs to follow the "enema recipe" (in the handbook) in order to simmer off the volatile oils and then strain through a tea strainer to allow the sediment to pass through. The sediment holds additional palmitates, an essential component, which is ultimately enhancing in the removal of many toxic radicals from the blood. An in-depth explanation can be found in the Gerson Handbook on page 75: A Coffee Enema? Now I've Heard Everything.

Is almond milk (made by soaking blended almonds overnight in distilled water) an acceptable substitute for soy or rice milk?

While rice milk may be used as a substitute for soy milk, because it is a non-fat milk made from rice, it is not used for the purpose of obtaining phytoestrogens for hormonal balance. On the other hand, almond milk is a nut milk with high fat content. Due to this fact, Gerson patients must not use almond milk. Any liquids, other than juices, should be used in limited quantities as the number of juices required in the Gerson Therapy is quite high. Taking in other fluids will detract from one's ability to consume the proper amount of juice needed for the Gerson Therapy.

Are ginger, turmeric, red cayenne pepper powder and Braggs Liquid Amino allowed in the Gerson Therapy?

Spices are not permitted, nor is Braggs Liquid Amino, which has a high sodium content. There are a number of herbs that can be used for seasoning food, as well as lemon and garlic. The topic of permitted foods for the Gerson Therapy is discussed extensively throughout pages 237-243 in A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases

Since soy products are not recommended with the Gerson Therapy, what can I sue as a safe, healthy, non-dairy substitute for Soy Milk?

The most obvious substitute for soy milk is, of course, rice milk. However, did you know that the rice milk you find on the grocery store shelves has salt and oil in it? To find a healthy replacement for soy or rice milk, cook organic brown rice until tender, then while fresh and hot, put it into the blender with just enough distilled water to get it to blend smooth. Once blended, then slowly add more distilled water until the milk is at the desired consistency. You can add a small amount of unpasteurized honey to it if desired for slightly sweeter milk. After it is well blended, pour the milk through a fine, stainless steel strainer to remove any solid particles.

Flaxseeds vs. Flax Oil - What‘s the difference? or, Why can‘t ground flaxseeds be used instead of, or in addition to flax oil?

(The short answer) First of all, all seeds including flaxseeds have an important substance within them that keeps them, well, seeds. That substance is an enzyme inhibitor. Gerson patients particularly are working to promote vital enzyme absorption for healing purposes. Second, flaxseed oil is rich in the amino acid: lysine, also valuable for healing. Ground flaxseeds on the other hand are rich in arginine (a nonessential amino acid except during infancy when it is "essential"). Arginine can depress the immune system response, a this works directly against the goal of the Gerson Therapy. Third, flaxseed oil is a valuable carrier of Vitamin A from the carrots and other vegetables, and in the reabsorbing of tumor masses. Fourth, Flaxseed oil is a rich source of linoleic acids and unsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) essential in nutrition when used in proper amounts. (The long answer - by Charlotte Gerson) We are frequently asked why patients should not use flax seeds when they are supposed to use flax seed oil. There are a number of reasons. Flax seeds, like all seeds and legumes, are nature's way to preserve life for the next generation. In order for those seeds not to sprout when conditions are not right, for instance, on a hard floor or table, or in a sack with many more seeds, nature endows them with an enzyme inhibitor. This preserves the seeds in a 'dormant' condition until they are in a warm, moist soil. This enzyme inhibitor, however, also inhibits human digestive enzymes. Therefore seeds and legumes interfere with good digestion. Patients already have enough digestive problems; we must not add to those, since these inhibitors tend to cause gas. That is why sailors are said to have gas since they eat a lot of beans. A second point is that the flax seed oil is important to carry vitamin "A" to all the cells of the body, thus activating the immune system. However, Vitamin "A" is fat soluble and works better with the flax seed oil as a carrier. In order to obtain an adequate quantity of oil from the seeds, a huge quantity would need to be consumed, along with the enzyme inhibitors. Another reason for not using the flax seeds is that all nuts and seeds, while they are fairly rich in proteins, contain proteins that are not in good balance. These seed proteins are usually high in l-arginine (one of the amino acids) and low in l-lysine (another amino acid). That is not acceptable, this ratio should be reversed, since l-lysine stimulates the immune system while the high l-arginine depresses the immune system. It is very important to obtain the right amount of flax seed oil. Rather than the seeds, the oil contains adequate amounts of the invaluable linolenic and linoleic acids. These help to dissolve and carry off cholesterol plaque that has formed in the arteries of virtually all people. Thus, circulation improves and plaque clears, also preventing possible heart attacks and/or strokes. Some people consider flax seed oil unpalatable. It is actually very tasty and can be used as part of the salad dressing (with vinegar or lemons) or as a dressing for baked potatoes - after these have cooled down from excessive heat. Never cook or bake with flax seed oil!

What is the difference between potassium chloride and potassium compound salts? What are the dangers?

Here at the Gerson Institute we get a lot of questions about what is right and wrong to do with the Gerson Therapy. One of the more troubling areas seems to be in understanding the dangers of potassium chloride and how it differs from potassium compound salts. Here's the quick, but albeit complete answer. What is potassium chloride (K-Cl)? K-Cl is a compound, a combination of 2 elements: Potassium + Chloride. The Chloride element portion of the compound is damaging to the metabolism. What can potassium chloride do to your body? Liquid Potassium Chloride may cause fibrillation and cardiac arrest. It also prevents potassium and enzymes to enter the cells for the healing process. Potassium Chloride pills may cause perforation in the walls of the small intestine and death can occur. What are potassium compound salts? Potassium Compound Salts are used as supplementation in the Gerson Therapy. They are a 10% solution of gluconate, acetate and phosphate. The word "Salts" in Potassium Compound Salts refers to a chemical term only, not necessarily sodium chloride, or "salt" as we more commonly know it. Even with Potassium Compound supplementation in the Gerson Therapy, lower serum (blood), K (potassium) figures may show best healing, because the depleted tissues reabsorb K, while high figures may be found in failures, because the tissues lose K

Why are berries and some other fruits and vegetables not allowed on the therapy?

Some vegetables and fruits contain substances that are detrimental to patients on the therapy. In the case of berries, Dr. Gerson had some experiences where patients had difficulty digesting them, and he eliminated berries from the diet. Some fruits, such as pineapple (and probably some berries as well) contain strong aromatics (essences detected by our senses of smell and taste) that disrupt normal immune function. The overall verdict as to whether these products are actually harmful is still out, but at this time we feel it is better to err on the side of conservatism and keep them out of the diet. Other vegetables such as celery are not allowed due to their high sodium content, while avocados are forbidden because they are very high in fat.

Why can't I use any soy products?

While frequently viewed in a positive light by health-conscious people, soybeans present problems for the average Gerson patient and should be avoided. Two problems exist: Soy products are usually high in protein (something that is reduced to an absolute minimum on the therapy.) Evidence has surfaced recently stating soy products contain enzyme inhibitors. Since the Gerson therapy supplies fresh juices and foods full of enzymes. and the therapy, in part, works by encouraging enzyme function in the liver, any substance that inhibits or suppresses enzymes is avoided.

Please clarify small details on the coffee enema preparation: Do the directions refer to rounded or heaping tablespoons?

Rounded Tablespoons.

When should coffee be strained, immediately when turned off from simmering, or after it settles a while?

It doesn't matter. Strain through strainer lined with a cloth, such as a piece of clean, white sheet (this can be washed and re-used.)

The juicing is so tedious, with all the grinding and pressing. Isn't there an easier and faster way, or a cheaper juicer that I could use?

Dr. Gerson said in his address to a group assembled in Escondido, California in 1956: "At first I thought that liquefiers would be the most wonderful thing. All the material was there, nothing was lost. But it didn't work." The rotating blade gives rise to a "dynamo effect", causing electricity to be generated, thus killing enzymes. The same is true of centrifugal juicers. Juices must be made by grinding the vegetables first, mixing them, and then pressing them in a press. We have come across cancer patients who tried to heal themselves on the Gerson Therapy using a centrifugal juicer, but they experienced no improvement. When they tried the Therapy with a Champion juicer, they did well. More seriously ill patients still need the grinding plus pressing type of juicer like the Norwalk to properly heal. In response to a question from a patient about the two step juicing process, Dr. Gerson wrote that "the malic acid (contained in the apples) mixed with the ground carrots helps to release the minerals from the carrots." In other words, it is necessary to first grind the apples and carrots together into a bowl, using a grinder. Norwalk, K&K or Champion juicers can all be used as grinders, but the Champion cannot be used as a press. The ground materials are mixed and then the mixture is placed in a press cloth and put under pressure in the Norwalk or K&K press. This process produces the best extraction, that is richest in minerals, and best in taste. Juice produced by the Champion juicer alone separates into a transparent liquid at the bottom and mush on top after a very short time. This juice is also harder for the patient to drink because of the particles, and is not as rich and homogeneous in nutrients. More recently the Green Power juicer was introduced. It does a better job of extraction than the Champion when used as a juicer, but it offers no way (as the Champion does) to block the juicing action. It is impossible to use the Green Power juicer solely as a grinder, as it grinds and juices in one operation. While it extracts juice quite efficiently, it does not fulfill Dr. Gerson's requirement of mixing the ground apples and carrots thoroughly before pressing.

When and how do I get "off the Therapy"? When do I add new foods such as pasta, fish, or chicken?

This is a more complex situation. It is very difficult to fix an exact time when the patient is "cured" and is presumably able to handle foods other than the non-toxic, highly nutritious foods of the Gerson Therapy. We assume a general time for healing and rebuilding the body (involving restoring the liver and essential organs to full function) to be about two years. If a patient started in a severely debilitated condition, or has previously been treated with chemotherapy, it will take longer - how long is almost impossible to say. So what is the answer? To "get off the Therapy", it is certainly not wise to immediately switch from the full Therapy (13 juices, all organic foods, only pre-digested, fat-free milk proteins, and one or two enemas a day) to a "Standard American Diet" (S.A.D.), complete with two or three protein meals, meat, cheese, chicken, eggs, etc., and commerical foods. If the patient has remained in good condition, has normal blood and urinalysis results and remains stable for a period of about 2 years, then the patient can begin by reducing the number of juices from 13 a day to perhaps 8 glasses: 1 orange, 4 apple/carrot, 3 green. He can also start to reduce the daily enema to one every other day. If these changes do not cause new problems, and the patient continues in good condition, with good energy, having normal bowel movements daily, and has good blood tests results, then the diet could be modified to add fish perhaps once-a-week. The fish should be boiled or broiled, not fried or breaded. Salt should always be avoided. One wwarning to remember is that even the deepest deep-sea fish have been found to contain mercury. Fish is not especially healthy, and you don't have to eat it if you don't care for it. If any new symptoms appear, the patient should immediately return to the full Therapy for at least a month or two, and stop any of the new modifications. The best thing to remember in making changes in diet and lifestyle, is not to make a number of changes all at once. This will allow you to know which modifications cause trouble for you and which ones are okay.

Can you give me any names of patients that have been treated with my kind of cancer?

We maintain a list of former patients that have volunteered to speak with new and prospective patients of the Gerson Therapy. Names from this list are available to anyone seriously interested in undertaking the Therapy. Any one of our client service representatives can assist you with getting the name and number of a volunteer networker relative to your case or situation. Call 1-888-443-7766

What does the Gerson Therapy have good results with?

While there is an exception to every rule and every case is different, the therapy has had repeatedly good results with the following diseases: melanoma lymphoma ovarian cancer Duke's C colorectal cancer Systemic Lupus Erythematosus arthritis oat cell carcinoma of the lung In general, we have significantly higher success with any cancer or degenerative disease when we are able to work with the patient before the cancer has spread too far or before they have received extensive chemotherapy.

I thought that high colonics cleaned out the entire colon. Why shouldn't one do high colonics?

Aren't we trying to clear out the colon? Anyone who is at all familiar with the Gerson Therapy is well aware of the utmost importance of the coffee enemas. (Gerson Healing Newsletter #13, May, 1986). But questions arise from Dr. Gerson's instructions, specifically his warning: NO HIGH COLONICS. High colonics don't accomplish what coffee enemas do, which is namely to open the liver/bile ducts allowing the liver to release its toxins. High colonics also interfere with basic colonic functions: reabsorption of nutrients, vitamins and fluids, especially when used regularly. Let us first examine the basics: Dr. Gerson found that the primary problems facing all cancer patients are toxicity and deficiency. The goal of his therapy is to overcome both these difficulties. Dr. Gerson found that one of the important features of his therapy had to be the hourly administration of fresh vegetable juices. These supply ample nutrients, as well as fluids to help flush out the kidneys. When high levels of nutrients re-enter tissues, toxins accumulated over many years are forced into the blood stream, where they are then filtered out by the liver. The liver, easily overburdened by this continuous release of toxins is unable to release them all, and this can cause liver damage, even liver coma -- unless the liver is helped to release the overload. Dr. Gerson found that the caffeine in coffee, which, absorbed from the colon through the hemorrhoidal vein (which carries the caffeine to the portal system then to the liver) was able to relieve the liver's stress and allowed safe release of the stored toxins. This occurs as the caffeine stimulates the liver/bile ducts to open, releasing the poisons into the intestinal tract where they are then excreted as waste from the body. High colonics are usually not done with coffee, and therefore do not benefit the liver. Even if coffee were to be used, a high colonic forces the substance high into the transverse and ascending colon, where it is not absorbed into the portal system. It would be impossible, even dangerous, to do five high colonics daily. Colonics have another undesirable effect. The colon is a very important recycling organ which reabsorbs fluids, enzymes and minerals. It also produces some vitamins with the help of friendly bacteria. Regular high colonics disturb this activity, flushing out essential minerals, enzymes and friendly bacteria along with the waste materials. This could lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (washing out too many of the minerals the body needs). If a patient wishes to use one or two high colonics prior to starting the Gerson Therapy, we have no objection, but the often-suggested course of 15 or 30 colonics should not be undertaken! In addition, it is possible to stretch the colon, which then loses some of its normal muscle function. Most doctors and nurses are taught to have the patient lie on the left side to take their enemas. Dr. Gerson wanted the patient to lie on his right side. With the patient in this position, gravity will help the coffee flow past the descending colon, just around the "corner" of the splenic flexure, and into the transverse colon for higher penetration and better release of toxic feces. One more important note: When using the castor oil enema, it is necessary to add some soap to the coffee/castor oil solution so the oil does not float to the top. Do not grate soap into the solution. Too much soap will irritate and inflame the colon. Just rub a cake of soap for a few moments with your hand immersed in the (liquid) coffee. This will release enough soap to do the job.

How long will I have to be on the therapy?

Though Dr. Gerson specifies about 18 months in A Cancer Therapy, with today's more toxic environment we are finding patients need to be on the therapy for at least two years, and in many cases three. Non malignant diseases such as arthritis and Lupus fall on the shorter end of that scale, while advanced cases of cancer fall closer to the three year range.

Where can I get a juicer that is OK for a Gerson patient?

Based on many years of experience, the best juicers are the Norwalk and K&K juicers. Norwalks are single units with a grinder mechanism that turns at a slow rate, and a separate, motorized hydraulic press that extracts the juice from the ground pulp. The K&K juicer is actually two separate units, one a grinder and the other, a manually operated press. These are usually less expensive but more labor-intensive than Norwalks. The Gerson Institute also maintains a list of used juicers that members and patients are selling. We can fax or mail this list to anyone without charge (you can reach us at (619) 685-5353) Norwalk juicers are available from Richard Boger (800) 405-8423. K&K juicers are available from Al Hasser, at (707) 928-5970.

Why must I use a particular kind of juicer?

Since juicing is a crucial part of the Gerson Therapy, it is extremely important to have a juicer that will not only be very durable, but one that will produce the highest quantity and highest quality of juice. For gaining the best quality and volume of juice, we have found it is essential to first grind the foods together and then press them. Juicing in this manner extracts the juice (containing the vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and enzymes) and leaves the dry pulp (fibers) behind. Many common juicers are not acceptable for use with the Gerson Therapy. While many of these products are probably fine for normal use by a healthy person, we do not recommend any other process for producing Gerson Therapy juice. The following is a description of some 'common' juicers and their problems: Centrifugal Juicers (most common, least expensive): Centrifugal juicers are fairly common and are generally the least expensive on the market. They operate by grating the food against a metal disk which is spinning at a very fast speed. The main problem with this kind of juicer is that the juicing method is extremely inefficient for extracting all the nutrients, vitamins and other essential from the produce being juiced. The resulting juice is deficient in vitamins, minerals and micronutrients, while unused pulp fibers are left containing the bulk of the valuable materials. With the average Gerson patient juicing about 18 pounds of produce a day, use of a centrifugal juicer would force them to buy much more produce (to gain the same results) than a two-step, grind & press juicer would require. Angel Life, Champion, Royal: These masticating juicers are relatively good products. They grind and extract in one step, but do not produce the high quality of juice that a two-step, grind & press juicer does. Overall their juice contains more pulp than others and separates faster. Some masticating juicers tend to heat the juice in their process of juicing, which compromises both the quality and content of juice they produce. While this option is less expensive than many of two-step, grind & press juicers, we do not recommend them for cancer patients. Vita-Mix and other liquefiers: The Vita-Mix and similar products are not true juicers but actually blenders, and are not acceptable at all for Gerson patients. They do not separate juice from pulp, but simply blend the two together. Since there is no reduction of bulk with these products, a patient would have to consume an alarming amount of produce every day (in addition to regular meals) to receive the proper amount of nutrients. The following quote comes from A Cancer Therapy, Appendix II, P. 406: "At first I thought that liquefiers would be the most wonderful thing. All the material was there, nothing was lost. But it didn't work."

What is the proper position to use while taking an enema?

There is some controversy about the best position for taking an enema, as conventional protocol is backwards from Dr. Gerson's instructions. Most doctors and nurses are taught to have the patient lie on the left side while taking their enema. Dr. Gerson insisted that the best position was for the patient to lie on their right side, legs comfortably pulled up, relaxed, and breathing deeply. Lying on the right side allowed gravity to assist in passing the coffee flow past the descending colon, just around the "corner" of the splenic flexure and into the transverse colon for higher penetration and better release of toxic wastes

When will I see a noticeable improvement from the therapy?

The time it takes to see results on the therapy varies greatly from patient to patient, but a good guideline to follow is; the faster-moving the cancer, the quicker it is controlled and eliminated. In cases of melanoma and lymphomas we have seen cases of extremely fast tumor reduction. Bone cancers and bony metastases take the longest to heal, often requiring 12-18 months. Multiple Sclerosis takes at least several months to respond, and the symptoms often appear worse before they improve. This is not to say that when patients see improvement they are ready to discontinue the treatment. It is of utmost importance that patients continue the full therapy according to their doctor's instructions for the full length of time, not just until symptoms improve.

What is your success rate?

Success rates with any alternative therapy are extremely difficult to obtain. For cases to be used in any study, potential patients must meet many requirements, among which is that they must never have been treated in any way for the disease being studied. The majority of the cases we see are those of patients for which conventional cancer treatment has failed. While we are able to help many of these cases, often achieving long term cures, we cannot use such cases as part of a success study. One study of the effectiveness of the Gerson Therapy was published in Alternative Therapies magazine. Please view this Melanoma Study.

Do I have to take the enemas?

Yes. The coffee enemas are a must for anyone doing the therapy. As the juices begin rebuilding the body and encouraging toxins to be released from the cells into the bloodstream, a great deal of stress is placed upon the liver. The liver alone, especially in cancer patients, cannot deal with a sudden influx of toxins into the bloodstream. The coffee enemas increase liver filtering, greatly aiding the liver's ability to remove serum toxins. If a patient has received chemotherapy, his/her schedule will be altered to reduce the number of enemas and eliminate the castor oil enemas, but some detoxification of this nature is always needed.

Can I do the therapy and Chemo or Radiation therapy at the same time?

There are a few instances where chemotherapy is of limited benefit. These include cases of Acute Leukemia, Testicular cancer, and fast-moving cancers where it is beneficial to quickly, if temporarily, stop the cancer so that a non-toxic intervention can be used. Under these circumstances, the Gerson Physicians occasionally recommend using both the full intensive Gerson therapy and chemotherapy together, if the patient starts the Gerson protocol first and is carefully monitored by a doctor. This is not a frequent occurrence with our patients, but it is an option for some. While we do not recommend it except in rare, specific circumstances, if a patient insists of doing chemotherapy concurrently with the Gerson Therapy, there is no reason why it cannot be done. In such a case we recommend that the Gerson Therapy be started prior to chemotherapy, and that the patient be monitored by an experienced Gerson Therapy doctor. Radiation therapy is often effective for relief of bone pain or to shrink a tumor to facilitate surgical removal. While it does have some negative effects, radiation, used judiciously, can be an appropriate addition to the Gerson Therapy

Can I use a particular therapy/product with the Gerson Therapy?

Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is often juiced for many reported health benefits. While there may be some benefits to its use in healthy patients, it is harsh and puts a strain on the digestive system, making other juices difficult to drink.. For this reason it should be avoided in Gerson patients; our patients, due to their diet, already have a taxed digestive system. Additionally, the green juices of the Gerson Therapy contain higher amounts of the same nutrients as wheatgrass juice. Barley Green: Barley Green is a powdered green juice product that many people use, often on the advice of Rev. George Malkemus, a preacher that advocates nutritional cures for health problems. While this product may not be problematic, no powdered product should ever take the place of fresh, live juices of the Gerson Therapy. Also, there are two products, one that contains sea kelp and one without. We recommend that patients following Gerson dietary guidelines do not use the product with kelp, as it and other sea vegetables contain high amounts of sodium. Essiac Tea: Essiac tea is an herb combination developed by Native Americans that is reported to have anti-cancer properties. While not a part of the therapy, its use presents no problem. Shark/Bovine cartilage: Shark or Bovine (cow) cartilage is reported to have anti-cancer properties. These products are gaining in popularity recently, and while not a part of the therapy they have been used with the Gerson Therapy. At this time we are reconsidering their use due to their high protein content Shark or Bovine (cow) cartilage is reported to have anti-cancer properties. Gerson doctors have reported some success with these products in reducing bony or hard tumor masses. 714-X (Gaston Naessens): 714-X is a product developed by Gaston Naessens, a French-Canadian researcher. We know little about it or its proposed immune-supporting actions and do not officially have a position on its use, but we have heard a few anecdotal cases professing remission through its use. Laetrile: Laetrile is one of the more infamous alternative cancer treatments. Sometimes called Vitamin B-17, it is not used by Gerson Physicians for its claimed anti-cancer properties but for pain relief when used over several weeks in conjunction with Hydrotherapy for deep bone pain. Its use presents no problem for Gerson patients. Coley's Toxins: Coley's toxins is used at some cancer clinics (including CHIPSA) to "jump start" immune responses. The toxins, claimed to be harmless themselves, are reported to cause the body's immune system to respond quickly to fight off this new invader, creating a "false alarm". Once realizing that the toxins pose no danger, the immune system then supposedly turns to fight cancer within the body. While there may be some benefit to this kind of therapy, Gerson felt that any vaccine-based therapy was appropriate only after the immune system had been reactivated, and was not suitable for general use. HBO (Hyperbaric Oxygen): HBO is the tank device used to treat divers with "the bends". The concept behind its application as a cancer treatment is that when you saturate the blood with oxygen, as this machine does, you improve the body's immune system and increase its ability to kill tumor tissue. However, according to the Gerson doctors that observed its use at CHIPSA while on staff there, HBO treatments did not help most patients, and in a number of cases increased tumor size. At this time, we do not support the use of HBO, nor do we use it at our facilities. Ozone: Ozone therapy is an additional way to increase the oxygen supply to the body, thus promoting healing. We support the use of ozone therapy, and have used it rectally at previous facilities. We also support and recommend the use of room ozone generators as additional sources of ozone.

Dr. Gerson strongly prohibited any fats or oils, yet A Cancer Therapy says to use flax seed oil. What is the source of this contradiction?

Dr. Gerson was very much aware that patients require the intake of essential fatty acids. He experimented with various substances, including sunflower, safflower, olive and other oils to try to satisfy this need. He even tried fresh, unsalted butter. In all cases, fats administered to patients, even after they were already free of tumor tissue, caused the regrowth of cancers. Therefore, Dr. Gerson stated repeatedly and emphatically when describing the practice of the Therapy "NO OILS, NO FATS." In 1958, after his book had been published, Gerson found the work of Dr. Johanna Budwig. Dr. Budwig described her successful use of flax seed oil (linseed oil) in cancer patients. Dr. Gerson tried this substance and found it very beneficial. It supplies the essential fatty acids, helps to carry Vitamin A through the blood stream and supplies linoleic and linolenic acids. In a letter to his long-time friend, Dr. Albert Schweitzer, Gerson described his protocol for the use of Flax Seed Oil: two tablespoons a day for the first month on the Gerson Therapy; one tablespoon thereafter. In the charts on pp. 235 and 236 of A Cancer Therapy, the reader will find that the use of flax seed oil is described. The reason for the "contradiction" is that, on the basis of Dr. Gerson's research in the last year of his practice, we added the flax seed oil prescription. We did not change the text in the book prohibiting all fats and oils, because we wanted to keep Dr. Gerson's original words as intact as possible. We hope that this explains any apparent contradictions the reader may find. Flax seed oil is made from organic flax seed, cold pressed, bottled in a light-proof container, and sealed in the presence of inert gas, not air. This careful handling keeps the oil from oxidizing, and becoming rancid. It must never be heated, and should never be used to cook, bake or fry anything. Unopened bottles may be stored in a freezer for up to six months; in a refrigerator for up to three months. Once opened and exposed to air, still refrigerated, the oil is only usable for three weeks. Patients should use the golden, filtered oil , not the brownish and viscous material that includes lignins. The lignins come from part of the fiber of the seed, which also contains certain undesirable proteins. These should be avoided. Also, when used by patients, only the oil should be taken, not freshly ground flax seeds, for the same reason. Some patients have been told by well-meaning friends that lignins or flax powder can be used and added to cakes. That is totally out of the question.