The adjusted medication levels are
generally maintained for nine to fourteen months. Supplemental
adjustments are often made based on the diagnostic blood work and other
diagnostic means. Note that this follow-up protocol differs significantly from the
information in Dr. Gerson’ s original book “A Cancer Therapy .” Patients
must now be kept on higher dosages of the three main medications for
longer periods than in Dr. Gerso n’s day. When medications are reduced too
rapidly (such as scheduled in A Cancer Therapy),  patients often have
difficulties and experience a slowing of recovery or a recurrence of disease. For those special patients who have under gone chemotherapy before
undertaking the Gerson Therapy , following the instructions in this chapter
will ensure health improvement and potential recovery from disease. References for Chapter Fifteen
1
Morra, M.; Potts, E. Choices: Realistic Alternatives in Cancer Treatment. New Y ork: A von Books, 1980, pp. 174, 175. 2
Moss, R.W Questioning Chemotherapy . Brooklyn, N.Y: Equinox Press,
1995, p. 173. 3
Bognar , D. Cancer: Increasing Your Odds for Survival. Alameda, Calif.:
Hunter House, 1998, p. 10. 4
Buckman, R. What You Really  Need to Know about Cancer . Baltimore:
The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997, p. 9. 5Op. cit.,  Morra, M.; Potts., E., p. 176. 6
Ibid. 7
Dollinger , M.; Rosenbaum, E.H.; Cable, G. Everyone’ s Guid e to Cancer
Therapy , rev. 3rd ed. Kansas City, Mo. : Andrews McMeel Publishing ,
1997, p. 67. 8
Ludlum, D.B. “Therapeutic agents as potential carcinog ens.” In
Chemical Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis,  ed. by PL. Grover; C.S. Cooper , Berlin, Germany: Springer -Verlag, 1990, pp. 153-175. 9
Marselos, M.; Vainio, H. “Carcinogenic properties of pharm aceutical
agents evaluated in the IARC monographs programme.” Carcinogenesis. 12:1751–1766, 1991. 10
Houston, S.J., et al. “The influence of adjuvant chemotherapy on
outcome after relapse in patients with breast cancer .” Proceedings of the
Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cancer Oncologists. 11:A108, 1992. 11
“Side glance: laboratory-bred mice.” Journal of the National Cancer
Institute. 87:248, 1995. 12
Gerson
  Therapy Practitioner ’s Training Seminar Workbook. Bonita,
Calif.: The Gerson Institute, 1996. 13
Gerson, M. A Cance r Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases and The Cure of
Advanced Cancer by Diet Therapy:  A summary of thirty years of Clini cal
Experimentation. Bonita, Calif.: The Gerson Institute, 1999. OceanofPDF .comChapter Sixteen
MODIFIED THERAPY FOR SEVEREL Y WEAKENED CANCER
PATIENTS
From Montreal, Quebec, Canada , Joergon van Zsidy , M.D., N.D., wants
people to know that he is a recovered liver cancer survivor . Dr. van Zsidy
entered the Gerson therapeutic program on his own when he was in the
most weakened state of his form er degenerative illness. He’s in great shape
now, but during that terrible time for him, Dr. van Zsidy affirms, “I was just
short of death and sicker than anyone could ever imagine experiencing. Unquestionably , the Gerson Therapy saved my life and it’s still working for
me today .”
In 1988, Dr. van Zsidy , a former practicing psychiatrist in the
Netherlands, but currently a naturopathic physician and university professor
working in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, noticed his prolonged, extreme
tiredness and energy lack—wh at is now recognized and referred to as
chronic fatigue syndr ome. Simultaneously and close on the heels of his
fatigue, Dr. van Zsidy develope d the additional discomforts of itchy spots
over the length of his body , depression, severe headaches, and nausea. At
first, he tried treating himself. “Even so,” he now admits, “I had a fool for a
doctor and a second fool for a patient.”
For the next several weeks, Dr. van Zsidy felt no improvement from his
personal ministrations. And then chronic constipation came upon him and
lingered for an overly long period. The constipation became so severe that,
at times,  he didn’ t move his bowels for five days. As a complication to his
constipation, chronic joint pain was always with him as a resul t of a long-
standing osteoarthritis, especially in both of his knees. To offset the ongoing knee pain, Dr. van Zsidy took aspirin and other
painkillers. How ever, with no letup to any of his symptoms, he began to
query health practioners he knew personally . Medical doctor s whom he
finally consulted professionally for his diverse discomforts offered sometreatment suggestions from nebulous to insulting. Consequently , he decided
to merely live with his health problems and treat them as best he could. A year later, the naturopathic physician turned patient had to cope with a
different set of signs and symptoms. His new difficulties involved fatty
lumps (lipomas)  that appeared under the skin, which, upon his under going
biopsies at several skin sites, proved negative for malignancy . But blood
tests which were part of his full diagnostic workup suggested hepatitis had
come upon him, and he proceeded to turn yellow with jaundice. Then
weight loss began for Dr. van Zsidy , and it became serious. After six
months, by the time he had dropped 50 pounds, he had been hospitalized
seven times to stop his vomitin g, extreme weakness, and swollen lymph
nodes. Of course, the patient had long since stopped treating himself and a
bevy of medical  specialists were tending to his diverse needs. But nothing
helped, and the vast number of signs and symptoms remained. Even under repeated examinatio ns, no cancer was found until an internist
who took a computerized tomographic (CT) scan uncovered three lymph
nodes which did appear positiv e for malignancy . From under going many
additional labor atory and clinical tests, finally it was discovered that the
right lobe of Dr. van Zsidy’ s liver had a number of small malignant tumors
growing on it; in addition, the liver’s left lobe showed a larger neoplasm 2
cm by 3 cm in size. If the original diagnosis of hepatitis had been correct, it
now had turned into a verified hepatic cancer . Fate still was not finished with the unfortunate man, for further
disabilities struck. The patient’ s feet swelled; his abdomen filled with fluid
(ascites); the cancerous liver greatly enlar ged; food nauseated him; and pain
in his knees grew to be excruciating. Moreover , Dr. van Zsidy’ s abdomen
ached and cramped continuously  from what could be described  as “chronic
indigestion.” The man felt absolutely miserable, weak and worn out, and he
longed to be put out of his misery . However , chemo therapy was rejected by both his attending internist and
the consulting oncologist becau se they agreed that their patient was too far
gone for the cytotoxic agents to do any good; prednisone was ruled out
owing to his having had a prior bout with tuberculosis as a child. (Giving
corticosteroids is contraindicated when old and walled-of f tubercular
lesions are present.) When Dr. van Zsidy’ s weight dropped to just 97 pounds, and he was so
weak he couldn’ t leave his bed to eliminate body wastes, the patient and hisdoctors were convinced that he would not survive more than a couple of
days. The man told his brother that he wanted to die at home in the
mountains surrounding Montreal, where he could view the river and hills. So the brother immediately arranged for him to be taken there by
ambulance. At his request, the next-door neighbor , whom he considered a
close friend, dug a grave in the private family cemetery on the van Zsidy
property . It was a sad undertaking. Since he was incontinent and could no longer bear the loss of his
personal dignity , Dr. van Zsidy impatiently waited to die and seriously
contemplated speeding the event along by committing suicide. He tried this,
but his complete  physical weakness prevented him from actually carrying
out the act. So the patient waited and suffered through his private hell on
earth. Despite his ingesting large numbers of painkilling drugs, bouts of
gnawing, aching, and sticking pain constantly interrupted the man’ s sleep. Observing his condition, one would be hard put to find any person more
frail, miserable, and weak than Joer gon van Zsidy , M.D., N.D.
Then something  happened which dramatically changed all aspects of his
situation. Dr. van Zsidy’ s brother brought him a dog-eared copy of the third
revised edition of Dr. Max Gers on’s book to read, and it was an eyeopener
for him. This patient became determined to try the dietary therapy—a final
attempt that he would make to survive. Dr. van Zsidy set about following the Gerson program. People around
him, family, friends, and neighbors, helped him to accomplish the Gerson
approach to cancer therapy . Among other procedures for this near-dead
individual, he regularly undertook detoxification by means of coffee
enemas. In fact, Dr. van Zsidy went overboard with the enemas by
increasing their number to one every hour (perhaps eight to ten more per
day than he should have taken). His loved ones helped him perform the
procedures, and results from these enemas were amazing to the patient and
those who gave them to him. The patient has reported to us that he saw
massive number s of parasites in his stools and smelled awful odors coming
from them. Also the man embarked on drinking huge amounts of fresh- squeezed,
raw, organic vegetable and fruit juices, eating organically grown vegetables
as much as he could hold, and taking the prescribed medications. Subsequently , Dr. Joergon van Zsidy gained weight at the rate of up to 1½pounds per week. Soon his weakness left and energy returned. After eight
months, the arthritis in his knees disappeared entirely and, from walking
miles along the mountain paths,  he switched to jogging them. Dr. van Zsidy
faithfully remained on the Gerson Therapy in this manner for two years,
during which he states for publication here, “I felt better than ever I had
before.”
That beginning experience with the Gerson Therapy for Dr. Joergon van
Zsidy took place over seven years ago. Today he continues with most of the
program and eats only organic vegetables and fruits. No animal protein and
no grains are included in his diet. He drinks lots of fresh, organic vegetable
and fruit juices and keeps up with taking coffee enemas, sometimes
regularly but mostly irregularly . To complete his case record Dr. van Zsidy says, “For the past seven
years, I have not felt the resum ption of weakness of any kind, and I never
come down with colds, flu, headaches, arthritis, or any other pains. My liver
cancer is gone. Thanks to the Gerson Therapy , I don’t experience the
symptoms of illness or even vague discomforts anymore. Thanks to God
and Dr . Max Gerson I’ve become a healthy person once again.”
THE GERSON  PROT OCOL FOR A  CANCER  PATIENT  WHO IS  WEAKENED
Dr. Gers on’s nutrient, diet, and medication protocol for the treatment of a
cancer patient existing in a severely weakened state, whether or not
chemical pretreatment has been taken, generally is ultraconservative. Modified Gerson Therapy involv es particular guidelines that we give in this
chapter . Self-treatment precautions regarding the Gerson Therapy
procedures for this class of enfeebled patient are announced in the
paragraphs that follow . Further more, extra care should be taken by the
attending physician to monitor regularly for electrolyte imbalance,
bleeding, dehydration, or other complications related to cancer , no matter
the type of malignancy . A weakened physical condition for the cancer
patient about to engage in Gerson therapeutics is a perilous position to be
in. As repeated below , there are risks directly related to the deprivation of
strength. Anyone participating in the Gerson Therapy—patient, caregiver ,
physician, or other health care professional—must recognize that thedetoxification and salt/water management aspects of the Gerson protocol
are extre mely powerful. No overstimulation of the body systems is allowed
because the seriously impaire d patient will not be able to mount an
appropriate healing if the process is brought about too quickly or intensely . The patient’ s variables will include the body’ s overall condition,
symptomatology , blood work results, age, diagnosis, and several other
factors. Please note: All patients with a history of chemical pretreatment should
receive the reduced Gerson protocol, and those in a weaken ed physical
condition with or without having taken chemotherapy should be given this
less intense pr otocol as well. This chapter presents the appro priate reduced Gerson protocol for the
described type of weakened cancer patients. The program offered is a
modification of the standard Gerson Therapy that was described in chapter
14 and varies somewhat from the modified treatment plan discussed in
chapter 15. For each of the medications, their dosages, time intervals,
contraindications, dietary considerations, and follow-up after the first year
of therapy are discussed below beginning with the consumption of juices. JUICE DRINKING BY THE  PATIENT  LINGERING IN A  WEAKENED  STATE
We must emphasize that juice drinking on the Gerson Therapy is a
critical aspect of the regimen. The juices provide most of the vitamins,
minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals, and other nutrients essential to healing,
along with adequate fluid intake. Drinking fresh-squeezed, organically
grown vegetabl e and fruit juices allows for greater absorption and
utilization of all of the nutrients found in foods from which the juices are
made. Patients who are victimized by degenerative diseases almost always
experience difficulty 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. Gastrointestinal debilitation like
this is the same  reason that many patients have difficulty digesting and
absorbing vitamin and mineral pills or capsules. After Dr. Gerson treated a weak ened patient—frequently somebody in a
terminal state—it became his goal to find ways of increasing the absorption
of nutri ents. He did this in order to bring about steadily  increasingphysiological healing and to produce remissions or cures in the otherwise
terminal patients . His clinical experimentation showed that fresh  juice from
organically grown raw foods provided the easiest and most effective means
of furnis hing high-quality nutrition, and such fresh juice drinking produced
the best clinical results. The Gerson Institute personnel  continue to evaluate the effects of the
recommended juices. They have  considered the addition of other juices and
juice products too, and they look for ways to both enhance the healing
process and minimize hardship in the practice of the Gerson Therapy . No
one says the Gerson approach is easy. As yet, the staff members have not
found any means of reducing, substituting, or eliminating any of the juices
that have already been recommended. Additionally , it must be emphas ized that preparing the juices fresh at the
time of consumption  is mandatory . This procedure works, which is why the
Gerson Institute  is reluctant to make changes. It’s difficult for the Gerson
staff members to justify risking lives for the sake of experimen tation when
there already exists a proven protocol for treating and healing degenerative
diseases. QUESTIONS ABOUT  JUICE-DRINKING  GUIDELINES
What are the functions of juice in the healing process? Why have certain
juices been chosen? Why are they used in specific ways? For what reasons
must the juices be made fresh? These are only a few of the questions asked
of us by Gerson patients. W e answer them in the following manner:
During the course of Dr. Max Gerson’ s thirty years of clinica l practice
(1928 to 1958) his anti-degenerative-disease therapy changed considerably . The variation occurred 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 the sixth
edition of Dr. Gerson’ s book, A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases,  as
a road map to healing (see his “T ables” and “Combined Dietary Regime”).1
While most treatment protocols prescribed by Gerson Therapy physicians
will follow the revised guidelin es in this book, patients under  the care of
experienced Gerson physicians may see their “juice prescription” changed
in respo nse to their blood test results, healing reaction respons es, or othersigns and symptoms. Severely damaged or weakened patients often require
alterations or modifications of their medications and juices almost daily
during the first weeks of the treatment. Those health professionals who advise about the Gerson approach admit
that they do not clearly understand how those very special organic, fresh-
squeezed juices enhance healing , except for the obvious vitamin, mineral,
enzyme, and trace mineral supplementation that they provide. The nutrient
supplementation alone is proba bly not enough to explain why there is a
difference betw een juices consumed immediately after preparation and
those consumed  several hours later. Surely , oxidation of a quantity of juice
that’s been sitting for an interval of time causes loss of certain vitamins and
enzymes. Oxygen will do that. There has been much discussio n of the enzyme activity in the juices
when they are fresh. The importance of these enzymes in numerous
biochemical functions is well accepted. Yet, as any biology student knows,
enzymes are immediately destr oyed 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 the
fresh juice are absorbed directly through the mucous membranes in the
mouth and esophagus, before reaching the stomach. This theory is borne out
by the observati on that patients fed through a nasogastric or stomach tube
do not respond favorably to the Gerson Therapy . Another possibil ity, from the esoteric medical literature which deals with
human and plant energies, is that there is a form of plant “vital force,” “qi,”
or “prana” present in the juices when freshly made. Some believe that this
“vital force” benefits the patient’ s vital force. Such juice promotes healing
at the energetic or psychic level rather than at the cellular or biochemical
level. The Gerson Institute possesses  little evidence to support any of the
assumptions stated above, but its personnel do not wish to rule out any
possibility that gives all of us greater understanding. In addition to the
nutritional supplementation, the juices also serve to flush the kidneys by
virtue of their high liquid content. So, however the healing process occurs from drinking juice as
recommended by the Gerson Therapy advocates, it is vital to recognize that
true physiological restoration comes as a result of the intake of fresh juices. Doing so must be consistent. The process has been validated by long-termpositive outcom es. All this gives the Gerson Insitute personnel reason
enough to follow Dr. Max Gerson’ s original directives regarding the
drinking of juices to overcome cancer and other degenerative diseases. THE MANNER OF  JUICE DRINKING BY  WEAKENED  CANCER  PATIENTS
In most situations, it is advisable to start the juice-drinking regimen of a
weakened cancer patient with 4 ounces per dose. Temporarily eliminate the
three carrot-only  juices. The juice dosage will depend on the condition of
the patie nt and his or her ability  to tolerate the juices, and the potential side
effects which may result. If the patient can tolerate the smalle r amount of
juice, juices may be increased after four to seven days, which typically
entails raising the quantity from 4 ounces to 5 or 6 ounces per dose. 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 ef fects. The schedule of juice drinking should follow the guideline offered here. Each day drink:
1 orange juice
4 green leaf juices
5 apple/carrot juices
3 carrot juices alone
Gruel may be added to any of the juices—up to 50 percent by volume—
to reduce nausea and increase tolerance. MEDICA TION AND  OTHER  PROT OCOL  CHANGES FOR THE  WEAKENED
CANCER  PATIENT
A frustrating factor for someon e with a growing malignancy is that the
same food calories that support the healthy metabolism of normal cells can
be used by malig nant cells hungry for energy. Such a situation tends to lead
to weakness, debilitating weigh t loss, lack of energy, early fatigue, and
absence of any strength to accom plish even personal tasks such as combing
the hair, cooking  a meal, or shopping for food. This is known as cachexia,  a
general bodily decline associate d with almost any chronic disease. It goestogether with weakness for the cancer patient whether or not chemotherapy
or immunotherapy or radiation therapy has entered the treatment picture. Why does weakness associated  with cachexia occur? One hypothesis is
that the patient,  simultaneously with his or her malignancy , additionally
suffers from “hypermetabolism,” a state in which the immune-impaired
body burns up its stores of energy too quickly . A second theory is that the
chronically ill patient cannot manufacture lean body mass normally ,
although fat tissue is readily created. The weight gain that such persons
might experience is probably only fat and water weight, not muscle and
lean tissue substance. However , keep in mind that both of these theories have failed their
various testings by leading onco logists even in face of repeated clinical and
laboratory investigations.1,2
A third likely cause is that the digestive system of the cancer patient is
unable to break down fats and animal proteins (“standard foods”) to their
end product that can be used to feed normal tissues. These foods, partially
digested, canno t nourish the normal body cells. However , tumor tissue
thrives on these “intermediate”  products. Thus, the patient loses weight
while the tumor is fed and grow s. On the other hand, foods supplied by the
Gerson Therapy are rich in nutrients and enzymes that are not only easily
digested even by the damaged digestive system of the chronic disease
patient, but the enzymes in fresh  raw foods and juices help to destroy tumor
tissue. That is why patients not only maintain (or gain) weight, but are able
to break down tumor tissue. Staff members and patients who follow the guidelines laid down by the
Gerson Therapy know that the patient’ s weakness, with or without having
under gone chem otherapy , requires a special altered protocol. For the sick
individual depri ved of strength and unnerved by such an exper ience, listed
below are some alterations from the standard Gerson protocol. Note that
instructions in this chapter , except for some exclusions or dosage
deviations, are quite similar to those directions provided in chapter 15. Potassium Compound Solution (Liquid)
The recommended starting dosage for potassium compound solution
suggested is 1 tsp ten times per day, which represents approx imately 500mg or 12.5 mEq each of potassium (K) acetate, gluconate, and
monophosphate. This is a total K combination of 1.5 grams or 37.5
mEq/day . In patients experiencing extreme weakening, no potassium
supplementation should be received for three to five days, or until
conditioning improves and stabilizes. The normal dosage of 10 tsp per day
may be cautiously increased to 2 tsp ten times per day after five to seven
days. If no adverse side effects are observed, increase the dosage to 3 and
then 4 tsp ten times per day , as the patient is able to tolerate. There are contraindications to K compound solution: Patien ts with a
history of renal insuf ficiency or generalized kidney dysfunction, gastritis,
nausea, significa nt bone metastases, or any indication of bleedin g problems
should be started with 1 tsp of K ten times per day. Dosage may be slowly
increased after observation of the compound’ s effects. Anyone with a
history of cardiac insuf ficiency , myocardial infarction, or congestive heart
failure should not receive potassium until blood laboratory work has been
analyzed by a physician. Lugol (Potassium Iodide, KI, Half-Str ength)
The KI in Lugol is ingested at the rate of one to two drops per day. There
are contraindications to taking Lugol for weakened patie nts. If the
individual has a history of allergy to iodine, Lugol is not indicated, at least
initially; howev er, it can be cautiously added after three to five days, one
drop to start, then increasing as tolerance allows. Weakened patie nts presenting with hepatic (liver) insuf ficiency , primary
or metastatic tumor activity in the liver , hepatitis, or hepatic cirrhosis should
be started on one to two drops of Lugol per day, to avoid bleeding or a
decrease in blood platelets. Those patients with bone metastases should also
receive reduced Lugol to avoid excessive bone deterioration and pain. Any
patients known to be affected by heavy metal toxicity should additionally
receive doses of one to two drops per day initially . Thyr oid HormoneThyroid hormon e is taken in zero to 1½-grain doses once per day. But
there are contraindications to thyroid usage similar to those for Lugol. Watch for signs of hyperthv roidism, including tachycardia, anxiety ,
insomnia, tremo rs, and other complications. Reduce dosage levels if any of
these signs and symptoms are present. Also note that transient tachycardia
alone is often indicative for a toxic or flare-up reaction. Patients presenting
with a history of cardiac insuf ficiency or other cardiac incidents should be
started on the lowest dosage possible of thyroid daily . Niacin (Nicotinic Acid), or V itamin B3
This vitamin B3 nutrient has a dosage of 50 mg three times per day . Some
contraindications do exist such as for patients who present with hepatic
insuf ficiency , primary or metast atic tumor activity in the liver, hepatitis, or
hepatic cirrhosis. They should receive a maximum of 100 to 150 mg of
niacin daily . Patients with a medical history of bleeding, ulcers, or gastritis
and those concurrently receiving prednisone, other steroids, or Coumadin
should not receive niacin. Pancr eatin
This pancreatic enzyme from the pig allows for a dosage of three 325-mg
tablets taken four times a day . It’s contraindicated for sarcoma patients. Crude Liver/V itamin B12 (Cobalamin) Injection
This combinatio n is taken once  daily as an intramuscular injec tion in a
dose of 100 mcg of vitamin B12 with 3 cc of crude liver extract. Other than
the patie nt attain ing excessive levels of vitamin B12 and occasional allergic
reactions, there is no known contraindication for the crude liver/B12
injection. AcidolThe gastrointestinal enzyme product known as Acidol  (betaine
hydrochloride and pepsin) is taken in a dose of two capsules daily , three
times a day with meals. There are contraindications to taking this digestive
aid consisting of gastric ulcers, gastritis, severe nausea, intestin al bleeding,
or esoph ageal problems. Patien ts with these difficulties and those taking
Coumadin concurrently with Gerson treatment should not receive Acidol. Coenzyme Q10
While not a vitamin, coenzyme Q10 has vitaminlike properties. It
provides for an initial dose of 90 mg once per day. If no side effects in the
form of tachyca rdia or arrhythmia arises, on the second day of taking it
increase CoQ10 to 300 mg daily , and on the third day increase the dose to
600 mg. Remain at that higher dosage thereafter . Wobe-Mugos and Megazyme Forte
These gastrointestinal enzymes are used primarily when the patient
suffers from severe, excessive  gas. Some reports also indicate that the
enzymes may be helpful in reducing tumor masses. Laetrile
Laetrile, known generically as amygdalin, is indicated for the treatment
of bone metastases, and it may be useful in the treatment of lung cancers as
well. When laetrile is available, it is used primarily to reduce pain levels,
although this effect requires ten days to two weeks of daily administration
for optim um results. The dosage is 2 grams (5 cc) intravenously once per
day. It may be useful for severely weakened cancer patients who have or
have not under gone chemotherapy . A physician must make that
determination. Brewer ’s YeastThis type of food yeast derived from the brewing of beer is not
recommended under most circumstances because of the potentially
increased risk of the yeast syndrome (candidiasis) developing or worsening. Also, many people taking brewer ’s yeast report extreme abdominal
distension and gas. Castor Oil T reatment
This plant oil is contraindica ted in patients who have undergone
chemotherapy pretreatment. In nonchemotreated patients who are much
weakened, castor oil treatment may be applicable after six to nine months
on the Gerson Therapy . Yet it should be taken with great caution, as
extremely toxic side effects can occur from the body’ s resulting elimination
of prior  chemotherapy residues . Castor oil is a powerful detoxifier , and
long-buried cytotoxicity can come out of the tissues. Such a release may
produce severe healing reactions. Coffee Enemas
Coffee enemas are standard for cancer patients who are sapped of
strength. The dosage is a 32-ounce enema once or twice per day. In some
people, this dosage will be reduced to half strength by mixing 16 ounces of
chamomile tea with 16 ounces of coffee. The coffee enema dosage may
gradually be increased as needed, but care must be taken not to
overstimulate the liver and cause extremely toxic side effects from the
elimination of noxious chemotherapy residues lodged within the body . FIRST-YEAR FOLLOW -UP THERAPY  FOR THE  DEBILIT ATED CANCER
PATIENT
Follow-up therapy is required on this reduced Gerson protocol for the
debilitated cancer patient. Chan ges in the medications will be made during
the first year of Gerson treatment. For instance, approximately one month
after dischar ge from the inpati ent treatment center (probably six to nine
weeks after admission to the Gerson hospital and start of the GersonTherapy), thyroid, potassium, and Lugol medications are adjusted. If the
patient has been on extremely reduced levels, these medications may be
increased by 25 to 50 percent. Other supplements are generally kept at
initial levels. If the patient was receiving normal levels of the Gerson protocol (e.g., 40
tsp of potassium and eighteen drops of Lugol), these medication levels are
reduced by approximately 50 percent, assuming the patient  is making
satisfactory progress and gaining in strength. If the patient has been
receiving norma l levels of medications such as 40 tsp of K and eighteen
drops of Lugol, such medicatio n levels are reduced by appro ximately 50
percent. The adjusted medicatio n levels are generally maintained for nine to
fourteen months . Supplemental  adjustments are often made based on the
diagnostic blood work and other diagnostic means. Note that this follow-up protocol differs significantly from the
information in Dr. Gerson’ s original book “A Cancer Therapy .” Patients
must now be kept on higher dosages of the three main medications for
longer periods than in Dr. Gerso n’s day. 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. For prostrate, vulnerable, or exhausted patients who have or have not
under gone chem otherapy before undertaking the Gerson Therapy , following
the instructions in this chapter will ensure health improvement and potential
recovery from disease. The weak ened state for almost any indiv idual can be
overcome by accepting the recommendations originally put forth by Max
Gerson, M.D. References for Chapter Sixteen
1
Gerson, M. A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases: A Summary of 30
Years of Clinical Experimentatio n and The Cure of Advanced Cancer by
Diet Therapy , 6th edition. Bonita, Calif.: The Gerson Institute, 1999, pp. 223–248. 2Nixon, D.W ; Zanca, J.A. The Cancer Recovery Eating Plan: The Right
Foods to Help Fuel Your Recov ery. New York: Times Books, 1994, pp. 23–26. OceanofPDF .comChapter Seventeen
MODIFIED THERAPY FOR NONCANCER P ATIENTS
At the beginning of a weekend in February 1995, Pittsbur gh,
Pennsylvania, resident Pamela Ptak, now thirty-four years old, drove to her
parents’ home in Springfield, Massachusetts, for their regular visit. When
she woke up the next morning in the bed she had occupied as a teenager ,
she noted that a large gray spot was stuck in the center of the field of vision
of her left eye. When she stood  in front of the mirror and closed her right
eye, she could no longer see her head. It was blocked by the central eye
spot, which appeared dark, warped, rippled, and in a shade of gray. Moreover , this spot in Pamela’ s left eye caused much of her color vision to
be lost. Alarmed, she returned to Pittsbur gh, depending on her right eye to see
while driving. Once home, she consulted an ophthalmologist who had been
recommended to her by the local hospital in her east Pittsbur gh area. The
eye doctor thought that his new patient’ s problem was central serous
retinopathy , a condition that often disappears by itself. Central serous
retinopathy  is marked by acute localized detachment of the neural retina or
retinal pigment epithelium in the region of the macula. Unfortunately for the patient, this specialist was wrong. Rather , her
blocking eye spot did not go away and stayed with Pamela Ptak until June
1995. During the ensuing four-month period, the spot’ s symptomatic effects
had worsened. After revisiting the same physician, she was put through another
diagnostic procedure called fluor escein angiogram,  which showed that
multiple spots were now forming layers on the retinas of both the patient’ s
eyes. The ophthalmologist obser ved that tissue behind the retina  was “eaten
away” and pitted. From his viewing scope he saw that a kind of “bird’ s
nest” group of blood vessels had formed, which had hemorrh aged in thecenter . This graphic description caused her great uneasiness and moved her
toward consulting another ophthalmologist for a second opinion. The second eye specialist diagnosed the young woman as suffering from
a different condition— ocular histoplasmosis,  and he urged immediate
surgery to remove the nest of blood vessels. But eye surgery for the
correction of her ocular histoplasmosis held no attraction for the patient. Ocular histopla smosis is an acute degenerative infection of the eye
resulting from the inhalation  of spores of the fungus Histoplasma
capsulatum. The infectio n, which can become chronic, remains
asymptomatic until some alteration in the retina occurs. This second doctor
traced her eye disease to her work in a highly toxic job at an advertising
agency where she was constantly exposed to spray glues, toxic art
materials, lots of deadline pressure, and severe emotional stress. Pamela
Ptak also regularly sprayed her apartment with roach poison and other
pesticides because of infestation  by biological pests. One of them may have
been the same fungus causing her disability . While she was debating whethe r to under go the eye operation , a friend
suggested that Pamela look into the Gerson Therapy as an alternative
method of healing. It does work  against any degenerative disease, chronic
or acute, including those brought about by pathological microor ganisms. Since the young woman was familiar with the treatment’ s conce pt (she had
watched two friends who had been diagnosed with cancer save their own
lives by its application), she decided to start on Dr. Max Gerso n’s healing
program herself . She found it to be no hardship, for a health food
supermarket located just down the street furnished their clientele with
organically grow n produce at fair market prices, and it comprise d almost all
of Pamela’ s diet. Thus, for just one month, from the end of June to July 31, 1995, Pamela
Ptak faithfully performed the Gerson Therapy at home, including the taking
of two coffee enemas, one before she left for work in the morning and a
second immedia tely upon her arriving home in the evening. The juices she
made in quantit y and took along with her in thermos bottles for drinking
regularly throug hout her workday . She hoped that the Gerson program was
working during the weeks that followed, but, although her vision seemed to
become much less blocked by the gray spot, she was not sure. On August 1, the patient visited the second retinal surgeon once more to
discuss his sugg ested eye operation. When the doctor looked at his patient’ sleft retina, he was truly surprised , but pleased. The spot had shrunk and was
so small it was almost invisible. There was no sign of hemorrhaging. The
Gerson Therapy  had so stimulated the woman’ s immune system that it had
spontaneously killed off Histoplasma capsulatum  on its own. She needed
no antifu ngal, antibiotic medications and no operation. The spot eventually
stopped blocking her vision, and today she sees just fine. The therapy took slightly over a month. Pamela Ptak happily reports to us
for publication: “Here is one more condition healed by the Gerson
Therapy .”
THE GE RSON  PROT OCOL FOR  NONCANCER  PATIENTS WITH  DIFFERENT
DISEASES
No single diet/medication protocol for nonmalignant illnesses of different
types exists on the Gerson program simply because each disease shows
diverse dietary origins and variable treatment needs. Still, the standard
protocol that had been offered by Dr. Max Gerson’ s therapy does provide a
starting point which this chapter  discusses. There are many modifications of
diet, juicing, and medications for the dif ferent diseases. Please be assured that the proto col published here does work, although
there are variables. Variables prevail simply because of (a) the patient’ s
overall condition, (b) the results of the sick person’ s laboratory blood work,
(c) his or her symptomatology , (d) the patient’ s age, (e) the medical
diagnosis, and (f) numerous other factors. Yet virtually all types of health
problems respond to the Gerson Therapy . Beginning below  with “addictions,” a few of the more common  illnesses
which respond well to a modified Gerson Therapy protocol  have their
variable treatment programs described in this chapter . First, however , we
provide you with the genera l therapeutic program for patients with
nonmalignant diseases to follow . This general therapeutic program is the
basic format to follow when someone is weighed down by any acute or
chronic illness. Please assure yourself or loved ones you are helping that
any appropriate modifications required of specific diseases are incorporated
into the general protocol that follows. Please note: The use of a full, unmodified protocol of the Gerson
Therapy for noncancer ous diseases ordinarily remains inadvis able. Whilenot usually as danger ous as inappr opriate application of the therapy to
patients with a chemotherapy history , there are still considerable risks to
using the intensive pr otocol in the pr esence of some illnesses. Appropriate explanations must be given to anyone using the therapy
regarding the reasoning behind application 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. THE STANDARD  PROT OCOL FOR  NONCANCEROUS  ILLNESSES
Juices
The regimen for treating a noncancerous illness can begin with the daily
drinking of ten 8-ounce glasses of the juices, eliminating pure carrot juice. If the patient is in good physical condition, she or he should be able to take
the full 8-ounce  portions with no difficulty . However , if this person shows
any form of debilitation, start with smaller quantities of juice consisting
typically of 4 or 6 ounces. As always with the Gerson Therapy , be sure that the patient can tolerate
all juices without significant nausea or other side effects befor e an increase
in the juice quantity is consider ed. The schedule of juice drinkin g to be maintained by a rather ill but
noncancerous individual should be:
a. Orange juice
b. Green leaf combination juice
c. Apple/carrot combination juice
Potassium Compound Solution (Liquid)
The recommended starting dosage for potassium compound solution
suggested is 2 tsp ten times per day, which represents approxima tely 1 gram
(1,000 mg) or 25 mEq each of potassium (K) acetate, gluconate, and
phosphate (mon obasic). This is a total K combination of 3 grams or 75
mEq/day . Most of the time patients do not require the full 40 tsp of
potassium that cancer patients would require.There are contraindications to K compound solution: Patien ts with a
history of renal insuf ficiency or generalized kidney dysfunction, gastritis,
nausea, or any indication of bleeding problems should be starte d with 1 tsp
ten times per day. Dosage may be slowly increased with observation of the
compound’ s effects. Anyone with a history of cardiac insuf ficiency ,
myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure should not receive
potassium until blood laborator y work has been analyzed by a physician
who agrees that K ingestion would be beneficial. Lugol (Potassium Iodide KI, Half-Str ength)
The KI in Lugol is ingested at the rate of three to six drops per day. There
are contraindications to taking Lugol for certain sick but noncancerous
patients. If the individual has a history of allergy to iodine, Lugol is not
indicated, at least initially; however , it can be cautiously added after three to
five days, one drop to start, then increasing as tolerance allows. Other ill patients presenting with hepatic (liver) insuf ficiency , hepatitis,
or hepatic cirrhosis should be started on one to two drops of Lugol per day,
to avoid bleeding or a decrease in blood platelets. Those patients known to
be affected by heavy metal toxicity should additionally receive doses of one
to two drops per day initially . Thyr oid Hormone
Thyroid hormone is taken in a dose of 1 grain once or twice  per day. Typically , patients with nonmalignant diseases do not possess as serious a
thyroid deficien cy as cancer patients. In some cases, the Gerson-trained
health professio nals have found it beneficial for patients to start on up to 5
grains of thyroid hormone for only three to five days, rather than the
fourteen days commonly prescribed for those people with malignancies. Contraindications to thyroid usage are similar to those for Lugol. Watch
for signs of hyperthyroidism, including tachycardia, anxiety , insomnia,
tremors, and others. Reduce dosage levels if any of these  signs and
symptoms are present. Also note that transient tachycardia alone is often
indicative for a toxic or flare-up reaction. Patients presenting with a historyof cardiac insuf ficiency or other cardiac incidents should be started on a
maximum dosage of 2 grains of thyroid daily . Niacin (V itamin B3)
This vitamin B3 nutrient has a dosage of 50 mg three times per day . Some
contraindications do exist, such as for patients who present with hepatic
insuf ficiency , hepatitis, or hepa tic cirrhosis. These liver-impa ired people
should receive a maximum of only 100 to 150 mg of niacin daily . Patients
with a medical history of bleeding, ulcers, or gastritis, and those who are
concurrently receiving prednisone, other steroids, or Coumadin should not
receive niacin. Pancr eatin
This pancreatic enzyme from the pig allows for a dosage of three 325-mg
tablets taken four times a day. According to Dr. Gerson, pancreatin is
contraindicated for sarcoma patients. Crude Liver/B12 Injection
Taken once daily as an intram uscular injection of 3 cc of crude liver
extract, added to the extract in the same syringe is 0.05 cc of vitamin B12 to
make up a normal 100-mcg dose. Other than excessive levels of vitamin
B12, and occasiona l allergic reactions, there is no known contrain dication
for the crude liver/B12 injection. Acidol
The gastrointes tinal enzyme product known as Acidol (betaine
hydrochloride and pepsin), is taken in a dose of two capsules daily , three
times a day with meals. There are contraindications to this digestive aid,
including gastric ulcers, gastritis, severe nausea, intestinal bleeding, oresophageal problems. Patients with these difficulties and those taking
Coumadin concurrently with Gerson treatment should not receive Acidol. Coenzyme Q10
While not a vitamin, coenzyme Q10 has vitaminlike properties. It
provides for an initial dose of 90 mg once per day. If no side effects in the
form of tachycardia or arrhyth mia arise, on the second day of taking it
increase CoQ10 to 300 mg daily , and on the third day increase the dose to
600 mg. Remain at that higher dosage thereafter . Wobe-Mugos and Megazyme Forte
These two groups of gastrointestinal enzymes are indicated primarily
when the patient suffers from severe, excessive gas. Some reports also
indicate that the enzymes may be helpful in reducing tumor masses. Laetrile
Laetrile, known  generically as amygdalin, is not indicated for the
treatment of conditions other than cancer . Brewer ’s Yeast
This type of food yeast, derived from the brewing of beer, is not
recommended under most circumstances because of the potentially
increased risk of the yeast syndrome (candidiasis) developing or worsening. Also, many people taking brewer ’s yeast report extreme abdominal
distention and gas. Castor Oil T reatment
This plant oil, if used at all, usually is administered one or two times a
week. It should be taken with great caution as castor oil is a powerfuldetoxifier , and long-buried toxins can come out of the tissues. Such a
release may produce severe healing reactions. Coffee Enemas
Coffee enemas are standardly taken by ill patients who are following the
Gerson Therapy in a 32-ounce enema once or twice per day, and the enemas
may be increased in number up to five a day. Remember that coffee enemas
tend to stimulate the liver and can cause toxic side effects from the
elimination of some long-retained noxious residues lodged within the
body’ s cells. FIRST -YEAR FOLLOW -UP THERAPY FOR THE  PATIENT  NOT ILL WITH
CANCER
Follow-up therapy is required on this reduced Gerson protocol for the
person who suffers from an illness other than cancer . Changes in the
medications will be made during the first year of Gerson treatment. For
instance, approximately one month after dischar ge from the inpatient
treatment center  (probably six to nine weeks after admission to the Gerson
hospital and start of the Gerson Therapy), thyroid hormone, potassium, and
Lugol medications, if at normal levels, are adjusted downward. Other
supplements are generally kept at initial levels. Supplemental adjustments
are often made based on diagnostic laboratory blood examinations and
other means of diagnosis. Note that this follow-up protocol differs significantly from the
information in “A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases.”  Patients must
now be kept on higher dosages of the three main medications for longer
periods than in Dr. Gerson’ s day. When medications are reduced  too rapidly
(such as according to the schedu le published in A Cancer Therapy: Results
of Fifty Cases),  patients often experience difficulties and go through a
slowing of recovery or a recurrence of disease. Nevertheless, almost any nonmalignant health problem will benefit from
being treated with the Gerson Therapy . At the beginning of this book we
cite at least fifty-two verified diseases that respond exceedingly well to theGerson treatment program. We have witnessed their improvement, reversal,
or outright cure. SOME NONCANCEROUS  ILLNESSES  REVERSED BY  THE GERSON  THERAPY
Here are eighteen examples from the vast number of acute or chronic
degenerative health problems that almost anyone can eliminate by
following the modified Gerson approach to healing (discussed  above) and
by living  the pristine lifestyle originally recommended in the book by Max
Gerson, M.D. : (1) addictions of almost all types, (2) atherosc lerosis, (3)
chronic fatigue syndrome, (4) reversible colostomy , (5) diabetes types I and
II, (6) a variety of genetic disorders, (7) emphysema, (8) heart disease and
vascular disease , (9) hepatitis A, B, and C, (10) kidney disease, (11) heavy
metal toxicity , (12) multiple sclerosis, (13) osteoarthritis, (14) osteoporosis,
(15) steroid treatment, (16) systemic lupus erythematosus, (17) rheumatoid
arthritis, and (18) ulcerative colitis. In accordance with the efficacy of the Gerson approach to treatment, we
offer below some commentary on a tiny sampling of these ills. All are able
to be corrected permanently using modifications of the Gerson protocol. ADDICTIONS
Addictions may be reversed or eliminated entirely by the habituated
individual by adapting the Gerson program. The addictions most readily
responding to some change in the standard Gerson approach are:
Codeine, Morphine, Nicotine, Amphetamines, Sedatives/Hypnotics
Those unfortunate people seeking treatment for these enslavements
should be regarded as types of chemotherapy patients, and the addictive
drugs in question must be curtailed over a three- to ten-day period. Otherwise, if the treatment is too aggressive, extremely heav y reactions
such as diarrhea and an inability to eat and drink may result. There will also
be the possible complications involving electrolyte imbalance. For those
cases in which the addictive drugs were originally prescribed as medicalrelief for pain control, placebo s may be required in the early stages of
addiction treatment. Heroin, Cocaine
Based on a limited number of patients treated with the Gerson Therapy ,
our expe rience is that withdrawal symptoms are almost absent by means of
applying the full, intensive Gerson treatment plan. No program
modifications are required. However , we cannot rule out the risk of the
severe reacti ons warned about in the narcotic/sedative-
hypnotic/amphetamine protocol  described immediately above, particularly
given the likelihood of multiple drug abuse. These addicts must  be watched
carefully for reactions, and appropriate interventions by supervising health
professionals must be given when necessary . Alcohol
The Gerson Therapy has not often been employed for chronic
alcoholism, but we believe that alcoholics could readily be treated with the
narcotic/sedative-hypnotic/amphetamine addiction protocol described
above. Liver function must be watched carefully , and the warnings that
apply regarding hepatic insuf ficiency or weakness would be appropriately
applied to these unhappy people. Nicotine
No special modification to the Gerson protocol is required for
overcoming nicotine addiction. Some smokers may temporarily call for
mechanical props such as some thing to put into the mouth or hold in the
hands. These props may suffice to replace the physical activity  associated
with smoking. Niacin is a good adjunctive nutrient to take as a food
supplement if there are no contraindicating factors to its use. Some patients
report that niacin provides a similar effect to nicotine. (Niacin’ s actual
chemical compo nent is, afterall, nicotinic acid.) In most cases, nicotineaddiction may be eliminated without any withdrawal symptoms appearing
for the smoker engaging in the Gerson Therapy . This treatment for a smoker ’s habituation or other addictions does work,
although some more generalized explanation might be offered  for further
clarification. Further General Information about Drug Addiction
Unquestionably , the first thoug ht that comes to mind when we think
about drug addiction is what happens on the street, especially in the inner
cities. Surely in the last two decades, the use of street or illegal drugs has
reached frightening levels; but there are other , possibly even more serious
drug addictions for which we have a suggested treatment already . To clarify: an extremely common addiction is that to alcohol—a legal
drug. Some 12 million Americans are known to be confirmed alcoholics
and an untold number of undeclared ones exist as well. Another publicly shared and accepted addiction is the use of another
legal drug: coffee drinking. Starbucks Coffee Shops have built themselves
into a multi-bill ion-dollar business, a major franchise operatio n based on
this addiction to coffee. Worldwide, the public has been fooled into
believing that drinking this muddy , dark-colored beverage is diversional,
nutritional, pleas urable, harmless, and socially acceptable, while in reality it
has none of these attributes. Rather , coffee drinking is a temporary brain
excitant which brings on early fatigue; a hypoglycemic producer , it forces
excesses of insulin into the bloodstream; a deteriorator of arteries,
especially those already advanced toward blood vessel hardening from
atherosclerosis, it blocks blood flow; a potential producer of birth defects,
one can only conjecture as to the number of babies who have paid the price
of their mothers’ addiction. As for the mothers, coffee drinking  is believed
by many  in the holistic medical movement to be the possible source of
breast cancer . Numerous drugs are used for stimulants; others are considered to be
recreational. In view of the terrible damage they do, the recreational  term is
unquestionably criminally misleading. Drugs are also used extensively in medical practice for pain relief. And
here we encount er a delicate line of demarcation between use and becomingaddicted to opioids (morphine  is common). The prescribed opioids are
taken for two reasons: paink illing and as an offshoot, psychological
addiction. At this point, therefore, we need some definitions when speaking
of prescribed drugs. Tolerance  indicates that increasingly heavier dosages have to be used
since the body systems do become accustomed to the drug. And tolerance  is
a contrasting term to physical dependence,  which indicates that withdrawal
symptoms occur if the drug substance is suddenly withdrawn. But addiction
is considered present when, in addition to tolerance and dependence,
psychological dependence  is also present, or the product is compulsively
used for nonmedical purposes.1
We belie ve that a number of addictions, including alcohol and cigarettes,
stem from a basic deficiency . The habituated person is awar e that he is
craving something, often actual ly nutrients, and is not really functioning at
his best level. When he consumes alcohol, cigarettes, or coffee, he feels
either calmer or stimulated to increased physical or mental achievement. When such a person then experiments with heavier drugs, street drugs,
amphetamines, marijuana, and many more, he is easily “hooked” and
cannot stop. One of the main  reasons for this situation of becoming hooked is that the
underlying deficiency has not been solved and the nutrient intake of live
enzymes, vitamins, and minerals remains inadequate. Worse, an alcoholic
may stop eating in favor of drinking and become severely deficient in
nutrients. A person addicted to cigarettes will smoke instead of eating a
nutritious meal, especially when under stress. The Gerson Therapy and Drug Addiction
In addition to the protocol we furnished earlier for specific forms of drug
addiction, we have some other thoughts about Dr. Max Gerson’ s
procedures. The Gerson Therapy has produced some remarkable results in
overcoming addictions, even to cocaine and heroin. When an addicted
patient is given thirteen glasses of freshly pressed vegetable and fruit juices
to drink , his basic craving is satisfied with optimum nutrition , and to his
own surprise, he no longer craves the drug.Yes, withdrawal may occur . When the withdrawal symptoms set in, at a
time when the body tissues begin to release the accumulated drugs from the
cells into the bloodstream, a coffee enema clears the toxicity . The nights
remain the only problem for the first few days. At night, no juices are
served and the patient coming off his or her drug addiction sleeps so that no
detoxifying enemas are taking place. During those first nights of coming off their addictions, the patients tend
to suffer from heavy nightmares  and wake up around 1:00 or 2:00 A.M. They
should then swallow some fruit or juice and get up to take an enema. This
relieves the toxicity and possibl e craving so that the patient can go back to
sleep. The nighttime problem also clears after less than a week. We have
seen excellent results in overc oming addictions, even the heaviest ones
involving not one but multiple drugs. One young man (see the story of Rob in chapter 7) had been into various
heavy drugs and on a particular day he was showing the symptoms. In his
middle thirties, he was lying on the floor , too weak to get up, having lost
some 45 pounds and feeling ready to die. His mother saved him by
providing the foods and juices as well as the enemas of the Gers on Therapy . In a few months, the son gained back 35 pounds and felt like his former
self. He had suffered virtually no withdrawal problems even at the start of
the treatment, and returned to normal life and activity . We see that the Gerson Therap y can also achieve prompt and dramatic
results in smokers and alcohol ics. (See Beata Bishop’ s book A Time to
Heal . )2 One of the Gerson Therapy patients, another young man who is now
thirty-four years old and addicted to cocaine (supposedly the most difficult
drug addiction to overcome), came to a Gerson hospital for treatment. He
reported that all of his close friends had died from cocaine use. This fellow admitted that he was having lung troubles as a result of street
drug use and would surely die within two months if the Gers on Therapy
was unable to help him. He was also a heavy smoker . After becoming a
Gerson patient, the man went through nightmares similar to those we had
observed in others. These were  relieved with a nighttime coffee enema;
thus, he was of f the need for drugs, and smoking cigarettes, within a week. Studies have been completed suggesting that many people are addicted to
simple foods to which they are actually allergic. In his book Diet, Crime
and Delinquency , Alexander Schauss, Ph.D., points out that violent young
criminals between ages eighteen and twenty-one are often addicted to sugarand/or heavy milk consumption to which they are actually allergic. Dr.
Schauss reporte d that when the offending substances were withdrawn and
vitamins and minerals along with an appropriate diet were substituted, these
violent criminals became calm and reasonable.3
Of course the Gerson Therapy is intentionally devoid of foods  that tend
to cause allergies in some people. The organic vegetarian diet, free of
pesticides and chemical additives, achieves the purpose of overcoming
allergies and aller gic reactions. ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis ), or hardening of the arteries , usually
responds excee dingly well to the Gerson protocol. This condition is
eliminated by the antiblocking nutrition present in pure, whole  vegetarian
foods and the detoxification procedures originating in the standard Gerson
protocol. CHRONIC  FATIGUE  SYNDROME
People suffering from the series of symptoms identified as chronic
fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) or chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS)  get along just fine on the Gerson program, but they should
see significant improvement after a short time, with recovery  after about
nine months. These Gerson treatment participants are allowed to have the
full thirteen glasses of juice daily if desired. CFS patients commonly feel worse after taking enemas in the early
stages of treatment because of toxicity escaping from their body cells. Two
enemas daily are normally suggested initially , working up to four . Too many enemas can trigger strong adverse reactions. And patients with
chronic fatigue syndrome tend to experience extremely strong emotional
responses, such as depression and crying, during and between reaction
periods. From a psychological perspective, they often present difficulties in
management. REVERSIBLE  COLOST OMYPatients with colostomies that are reversible typically receive two
combined coffee and chamomile tea enemas per day by use of an irrigation
kit. Gerson personnel give instructions for using this kit. For the colosto my patient, coffee enemas can be mixed 50/50 with
chamomile tea, to reduce the potential of cramping and spasms. The volume
of juice s, partic ularly the green juice, is often lowered to just 4 ounces. Green juices are not absorbed well and will pass through the gastrointestinal
tract rather quickly . DIABETES,  TYPES  1 AND 2
The term diabetes refers to a set of metabolic disorders that cause
hyper glycemia, or high blood sugar . The two primary reasons for blood
sugar to elevate  correspond to the two main kinds of diabetes: juvenile, or
type 1, diabetes, and adult-onset, or type 2, diabetes. The body puts insulin
into service in several ways; one of them involves converting sugars into
energy individua l cells can utilize to control their blood sugar  levels. The
absence or impairment of insulin release brings about serious health
problems. Type 1 diabetes  is caused by an insulin absence or deficiency , usually
coming from damage to the islets of Langerhans, which are the cells located
on the pancreas for producing insulin. While the cause of type 1 diabetes is
not fully understood, many facto rs, such as genetic predisposition and viral
infection, may play roles. One theory is that, combined with other factors,
childhood bouts  with pancreatitis are responsible for damaging those islet
cells of the pancreas responsib le for insulin production. Immune system
malfunction seems to also play a role due to islet cell antibod ies that are
universally found in type 1 diabetic patients. Again, this may be tied to a
present or past viral infection. Patients are usually diagnosed with the
disease, enter a short remission  period, but then lose islet cell function for
life. Type 1 diabetes  generally occurs in children and usually has no relation
to a patient’ s weight. Roughly 8 percent of diabetes cases in the United
States are of this kind, with somewhat increased percentages occurring in
Europe. Sympto ms of type 1 diabetes include increased urination and thirst
due to dehydration. Blurred visio n and weight loss (despite norm al appetite)are also common. Symptoms due to acute insulin deficiency include the
above health dif ficulties as well as nausea, vomiting, and insulin shock.4
Type 2 diabetes, in contrast to type 1, is not primarily a result of insulin
deficiency , but rather the body’ s inability to properly use the insulin
produced. In such patients, the islet cells function adequately , but only a
small amount of insulin actually is used by the cells to produce energy. Again, the cause of this problem is unclear; one theory that seems to be
supported by clinically observing the Gerson Therapy working  in diabetic
patients is that insulin receptors on individual cells can often become
obstructed by cholesterol. Other possible causes include genetic
predisposition. 5
Type 2 diabetic patients are quite frequently forty years of age or older
and overweight . Often accompanying this diabetic type are high blood
pressure and high blood cholesterol, symptoms found frequently with
obesity . The disease’ s symptoms are often more difficult to spot with type 2
patients, although increased thirst and urine output are sometimes noted. Chronic skin infections and reduced circulation to the extremities can also
be present.6
Conventional T reatment and Potential Complications of Diabetes
Management depends on the type of diabetes affecting an individual. Type 1 diabetes  is always managed by a combination of diet and insulin
injection. Insulin regimens, designed to supply a continuous though
fluctuating supply of insulin to the body , are self-administered by the
patient. Diet management, as recommended by the American Diabetes
Association, usually suggests that protein intake constitute 10 to 20 percent
of calori c intake , with fat no more than that same percentage for fats and
oils. The remaining percentage is to be balanced among complex
carbohydrates and other products, corresponding to the insulin intake of the
patient. This same diet regimen applies for type 2 patients, although weight loss
also becomes a frequent goal. There are a series of noninsulin drugs on the
market as well. Their functions range from increasing insulin production in
the islet cells to slowing carbohydrate absorption. Type 2 patie nts will, on
some occasions, also self-administer insulin injections.Diabetes management is almost always geared toward long-term
symptom contro l. Frequently , diet control is a difficult balancin g act as the
patient has to factor activity levels, different food products , metabolic
needs, potential insulin needs,  and other health factors into day-to-day
treatment. Despite conven tional medical treatment methods, a number of
complications still result, which  include eye and vision problems such as
cataract development, retinal damage, and glaucoma.
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Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        The adjusted medication levels are
generally maintained for nine to fourteen months. Supplemental
adjustments are often made based on the diagnostic blood work and other
diagnostic means. Note that this follow-up protocol differs significantly from the
information in Dr. Gerson’ s original book “A Cancer Therapy. ” Patients
must now be kept on higher dosages of the three main medications for
longer periods than in Dr. Gerso n’s day. When medications are reduced too
rapidly (such as scheduled in A Cancer Therapy),  patients often have
difficulties and experience a slowing of recovery or a recurrence of disease. For those special patients who have under gone chemotherapy before
undertaking the Gerson Therapy, following the instructions in this chapter
will ensure health improvement and potential recovery from disease. References for Chapter Fifteen
1
Morra, M. ; Potts, E. Choices: Realistic Alternatives in Cancer Treatment. New Y ork: A von Books, 1980, pp. 174, 175. 2
Moss, R. W Questioning Chemotherapy. Brooklyn, N. Y: Equinox Press,
1995, p. 173. 3
Bognar, D. Cancer: Increasing Your Odds for Survival. Alameda, Calif. :
Hunter House, 1998, p. 10. 4
Buckman, R. What You Really  Need to Know about Cancer. Baltimore:
The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997, p. 9. 5Op. cit. ,  Morra, M. ; Potts. , E. , p. 176. 6
Ibid. 7
Dollinger, M. ; Rosenbaum, E. H. ; Cable, G. Everyone’ s Guid e to Cancer
Therapy, rev. 3rd ed. Kansas City, Mo. : Andrews McMeel Publishing,
1997, p. 67. 8
Ludlum, D. B. “Therapeutic agents as potential carcinog ens. ” In
Chemical Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis,  ed. by PL. Grover; C. S. Cooper, Berlin, Germany: Springer -Verlag, 1990, pp. 153-175. 9
Marselos, M. ; Vainio, H. “Carcinogenic properties of pharm aceutical
agents evaluated in the IARC monographs programme. ” Carcinogenesis. 12:1751–1766, 1991. 10
Houston, S. J. , et al. “The influence of adjuvant chemotherapy on
outcome after relapse in patients with breast cancer. ” Proceedings of the
Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cancer Oncologists. 11:A108, 1992. 11
“Side glance: laboratory-bred mice. ” Journal of the National Cancer
Institute. 87:248, 1995. 12
Gerson
  Therapy Practitioner ’s Training Seminar Workbook. Bonita,
Calif. : The Gerson Institute, 1996. 13
Gerson, M. A Cance r Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases and The Cure of
Advanced Cancer by Diet Therapy:  A summary of thirty years of Clini cal
Experimentation. Bonita, Calif. : The Gerson Institute, 1999. OceanofPDF. comChapter Sixteen
MODIFIED THERAPY FOR SEVEREL Y WEAKENED CANCER
PATIENTS
From Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Joergon van Zsidy, M. D. , N.
Generally, adjusted medication levels are maintained for nine to fourteen months.
What is the typical duration for maintaining adjusted medication levels in the Gerson Therapy?
The primary purpose is to ensure health improvement and potential recovery from the disease.
What is the primary purpose of the Gerson Therapy for a weakened cancer patient?
The recommended starting dosage for potassium compound solution is 1 tsp ten times per day, which represents approximately 500mg or 12.5 mEq of potassium.
What is the recommended starting dosage for potassium compound solution?
There is no recommended dosage for Laetrile, as it is not indicated for any condition other than cancer.
What is the recommended dosage for Laetrile?
The text does not mention the primary cause of atherosclerosis.
What is the primary cause of atherosclerosis, according to the text?