• The Gerson therapy is a complex regimen that has been used to treat cancer and other diseases (see Question 1 ¹).



• The key parts of the Gerson therapy are a strict diet, dietary supplements, and enemas (see Question 1 ¹).



• The theory is that disease can be cured by removing toxins from the body, boosting the immune system, and replacing excess salt in the body's cells with potassium (see Question 3 ²).



• The Gerson therapy requires that the many details of its treatment plan be followed exactly (see Question 4 ³).



• Few clinical studies of the Gerson therapy have been published (see Question 6 ⁴).



• Taking too many enemas of any kind can be harmful (see Question 7 ⁵)



• The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved the Gerson therapy for the treatment of cancer or other diseases (see Question 8 ⁶).



• Cancer patients should talk with their health care providers about an appropriate diet to follow (see Question 8 ⁶).

Glossary Terms

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical trial.

The things a person eats and drinks.

A product that is added to the diet. A dietary supplement is taken by mouth, and usually contains one or more dietary ingredient (such as vitamin, mineral, herb, amino acid, and enzyme). Also called nutritional supplement.

The injection of a liquid through the anus into the large bowel.

An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called FDA.

A diet plan that has been claimed to be a treatment for cancer, migraine, tuberculosis, and other diseases. It is a vegetarian diet that includes eating organic fruits and vegetables and 13 glasses of fresh juice each day. It also includes supplements with iodine, vitamin B-12, potassium, thyroid hormone, liver extract, and pancreatic enzymes. No clinical trial to test Gerson therapy has been reported.

The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.

A metallic element that is important in body functions such as regulation of blood pressure and of water content in cells, transmission of nerve impulses, digestion, muscle contraction, and heartbeat.

A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of treatment.

A poison produced by certain animals, plants, or bacteria.