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Diagnosis Directory

Our Diagnosis Directory provides general information on our experience with a number of conditions, including conditions for which the Gerson Therapy has been successful; conditions for which the Gerson Therapy cannot be safely administered; conditions for which significant modifications to the standard protocol is required; and conditions for which there is limited experience due to few or no cases reported.

All patients should establish supervision with a Gerson Practitioner – whether at a licensed Gerson clinic or through Web-Based Case Management – to receive a personalized protocol and ongoing case management.

Malignant Conditions

This is a condition for which few to no successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

This is a condition for which few to no successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

In the case of Bone Marrow Transplant, surgery is performed before a transplant to remove stem cells from the bone marrow. Next, a conditioning treatment is given to kill cancer cells and suppress the immune system. This may include large amounts of chemotherapy and sometimes radiation. Healthy stem cells are then infused or injected into the body to renew and repair tissue. Due to the large amounts of chemotherapy and the immune suppression treatment used, the Gerson Therapy should only be started under supervision of a Gerson Practitioner, with the protocol greatly reduced. This in turn would lessen the chances of activating a healing response.

Primary brain tumors and metastasis to the brain are very difficult to treat with the Gerson Therapy. One of the ways the Gerson Therapy works is to cause a healing inflammation at the site of a tumor, at the site of an old injury, or where there is scar tissue from previous surgery. Whether the tumor started in the brain or spread to the brain from another site, there can still be an inflammatory response at the site of the malignancy. This inflammation and swelling is due to reactivation of the immune system and is a desirable action, in most cases. However, inflammation poses a serious problem when it happens in the brain because swelling in the brain or within the skull can cause seizures, blackouts and other adverse reactions, depending upon what area of the brain is affected. In certain areas, the swelling or resulting seizures could be life threatening. Therefore, we do not advise anyone with brain cancer to do more than a very reduced version of the Gerson Therapy while being closely monitored by a Gerson Practitioner. This reduced therapy would provide nutritional support, but would not be sufficient as a primary treatment, and we would not expect a reduced protocol to reverse the condition. Other treatment methods should be sought.

This is a condition for which many successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported, and is one of the most common conditions treated with the Gerson Therapy. As always, each case is evaluated on an individual basis and should receive ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner.

This is a condition for which many successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. As always, each case is evaluated on an individual basis and should receive ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

Acute: This is a condition for which we have limited success and experience. Acute leukemia tends to progress quickly and affects immune function, complicating the pace and response of a nutritional, detoxification based treatment such as the Gerson Therapy. Chronic: This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

This is a condition for which many successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. As always, each case is evaluated on an individual basis and should receive ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner.

This is a condition for which many successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported, with generally fast tumor reduction observed. As always, each case is evaluated on an individual basis and should receive ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner.

This is a condition that responds exceptionally well and for which many successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported, with generally fast tumor reduction observed. As always, each case is evaluated on an individual basis and should receive ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner.

Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of plasma cells, which are white blood cells that make antibodies. These cells invade and destroy adjacent bone tissue. Multiple myeloma produces non-solid tumors, and is somewhat similar to leukemia. The Gerson Therapy has encountered challenges in dealing with multiple myeloma, especially since discontinuing the use of raw liver juice. While initial improvements with the Gerson Therapy were observed, long-term use of the Gerson Therapy did not reverse the condition on its own. Therefore, the Gerson Therapy may not be advisable as a sole or primary treatment. If the Gerson Therapy is used, a Gerson Practitioner may integrate conventional therapies such as bisphosphonates, a line of prescription drugs that help to slow down bone breakdown, as well as other alternative therapies.

This is a condition for which many successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. As always, each case is evaluated on an individual basis and should receive ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner.

While it may be possible to adapt some portions of the Gerson Therapy or use a very reduced protocol to support overall health, the Gerson Therapy would not be recommended as the sole or primary treatment. Particularly when pancreatic cancer has been treated with chemotherapy, damage to the pancreas normally causes decreased digestive ability, affecting the capabilities of a nutrition-based treatment such as the Gerson Therapy. Work with a Gerson Practitioner to develop and monitor a personalized, modified Gerson protocol.

This is a condition for which many successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. As always, each case is evaluated on an individual basis and should receive ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner.

In autologous transplant, the patient receives their own stem cells to treat the cancer. Due to the large amounts of chemotherapy often used during this procedure, the Gerson Therapy should only be started under supervision of a Gerson Practitioner, with the protocol greatly reduced. This in turn would lessen the chances of activating a healing response.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

Non-Malignant Conditions

Neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and Parkinson’s Disease, if diagnosed at an advanced stage, will already have extensive damage to the nervous system. While the detoxification and nourishment provided by the Gerson Therapy can certainly be helpful, clinical experience has not shown that the therapy makes significant improvements with this disease. However, applying a Gerson foundation along with other alternative approaches, such as IV glutathione and other antioxidants, may be an option.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

Type I: With little damage to pancreatic cells present, the Gerson Therapy has potential to help reduce the amount of insulin needed, also provided that the high carbohydrate diet is tolerated.

Type II: There are a number of cases where this condition has been dramatically improved and reversed.

Heart Disease: this condition should be monitored closely to avoid any irregularities or undesirable symptoms, and would require modifications to the protocol, particularly potassium, thyroid and fluid intake.

Congestive Heart Failure: with the heart in a weakened state, the Gerson Therapy could stress or over stimulate the heart, so we do not recommend beginning without first receiving a case evaluation and ongoing supervision from a Gerson Practitioner.

Heart stent/valve/pacemaker: In the presence of a heart stent, a heart valve replacement or a pacemaker, the Gerson Therapy has the potential to stimulate a healing inflammation at the site of this foreign body. This could cause a cardiac emergency and be very dangerous to the patient putting their life at risk. Furthermore, certain elements of the Gerson Therapy – particularly the potassium solution, thyroid medication, CoQ10 supplements, as well as caffeine in coffee enemas – could be problematic for heart conditions. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality with supervision from a Gerson Practitioner, but we do not recommend relying upon the Gerson Therapy as a primary or stand-alone treatment.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

This is a condition that often responds exceptionally well and for which many successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. As always, each case is evaluated on an individual basis and should receive ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner, especially if the condition is severe.

This is a condition for which a few cases reported mild improvements, but no complete recovery using the Gerson Therapy has been reported. Therefore, our documented experience with this condition is limited. However, an initial case evaluation and ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner provides a structured and informed approach to integrating the Gerson Therapy, whether as a primary treatment or as a supportive modality.

In the presence of liver failure (impairment of more than 50%), the Gerson Therapy must be modified to minimum quantities and is not recommended as a primary or stand-alone treatment. If jaundice is present (when the bilirubin backs up into the blood due to an obstruction in the bile ducts), a stent may be needed to keep the bile ducts open, after which a modified therapy can be introduced. Supervision from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended as these conditions may indicate that the disease is too advanced for the Gerson Therapy, even when modified and/or reduced.

Lupus is a condition that responds exceptionally well to the Gerson Therapy, particularly in early stages. In cases where previous treatment with chemotherapy and/or long-term steroid medications were used, a higher toxic load and effects on the kidney may necessitate a longer period of time on the Gerson Therapy. Severe healing reactions have been observed with these conditions, so supervision from a Gerson Practitioner is still strongly recommended.

This is a condition for which a few complete recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Therefore, our documented experience with this condition is limited. However, an initial case evaluation and ongoing case management from a Gerson Practitioner provides a structured and informed approach to integrating the Gerson Therapy, whether as a primary treatment or as a supportive modality.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Additionally, deterioration of muscles can make it difficult to meet the labor-intensive demands of the therapy. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

Arthritis is a condition that responds exceptionally well to the Gerson Therapy, particularly in early stages. In cases where previous treatment with chemotherapy and/or long-term steroid medications was used, a higher toxic load and effects on the kidney may necessitate a longer period on the Gerson Therapy. Severe healing reactions have been observed with these conditions, so supervision from a Gerson Practitioner is still recommended.

This is a condition for which few successful recoveries using the Gerson Therapy have been reported. Because significant recoveries have not been reported, we cannot say with confidence whether the Gerson Therapy can or should serve as the primary treatment. However, because the Gerson Therapy is a holistic treatment, it has potential to serve as a supportive modality. Ongoing guidance from a Gerson Practitioner is recommended for all cases.

Not Recommended

An allogeneic transplantation (also called Allo transplant), another person’s stem cells is transplanted, and a modulation of the immunosuppressive regimen is applied to prevent graft vs. host disease (GVHD), in which it sees the stem cells as a threat. We do not recommend the Gerson therapy for this condition.

The colon plays a major role in the administration of coffee enemas, which are a vital and required component of the Gerson Therapy. When more than half of the colon is removed, there is not sufficient colon to hold the coffee enema, and therefore the Gerson Therapy in its entirety cannot be applied.

An ileostomy is, “a surgery that makes a temporary or permanent opening called a stoma. A stoma is a pathway from the lowest part of the small intestine” to the outside of the abdomen, which helps “solid waste and gas exit the body without passing through the colon or rectum”, with the waste collected in a pouch worn outside of the body (www.cancer.net). Coffee enemas cannot be administered when an ileostomy is present, and therefore the Gerson Therapy in its entirety cannot be applied.

With kidney failure or dialysis, the kidney is typically functioning below 15%. 15-20% of normal kidney function must be present for the Gerson Therapy to be applied, even at modified and/or reduced levels. The kidney is one of the essential organs of detoxification, and because the Gerson Therapy propels detoxification, it needs to be at least 15-20% capacity in order to handle the large volume of juice along with the high-potassium/low-sodium diet.

CAUTION - Do not begin without establishing supervision from a Gerson Practitioner

For the following conditions, exercise caution and do not begin the Gerson Therapy without first establishing supervision from a Gerson Practitioner through our Case Evaluation form. In some cases, conventional medical interventions may be needed to stabilize the condition and allow time to restore capacity to respond to the therapy. In most cases, other treatment options should be considered.

Acute or internal bleeding present in any part of the gastrointestinal tract – stress ulcers, peptic ulcers or colorectal tumors – must be resolved before starting the Gerson Therapy, including individual aspects of the therapy such as coffee enemas.

Fluid build-up around an organ can become aggravated and present a dangerous situation due to the high-volume of fluids from the Gerson Therapy juices, soups and fresh produce. The presence of fluid buildup in the abdominal area often indicates that the case is advanced. Due to the amount of fluids involved in the Gerson Therapy, it needs to be administered very carefully to see if the ascites decreases. Sometimes the use of conventional treatments are required to drain the ascites.

When bedridden or non-ambulatory, a severely weakened state would require a reduced and modified protocol as well as a caretaker to prepare nearly all aspects of the Gerson Therapy on behalf of the patient. The Gerson Therapy should only be applied with a case evaluation and supervision from a Gerson Practitioner.

Thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur in any cancer patient, especially in pancreatic, urogenital and lung cancer cases. A blood clot poses great risk of becoming dislodged during the therapy and there are aspects, such as some juices and foods, which increase blood clotting factors in the body. If the clot were to dislodge, it could then travel to the heart, lungs or brain causing severe harm or even death. Any blood clots must be resolved before considering the Gerson Therapy.

Obstruction in any part of the gastrointestinal tract must be addressed before considering the Gerson Therapy. Because an obstruction prevents proper waste elimination, application of the Gerson Therapy could exaggerate the problem if left unresolved.

Fluid build-up around an organ can become aggravated and present a dangerous situation due to the high-volume of fluids from the Gerson Therapy juices, soups and fresh produce. If this situation is not resolved, the Gerson Therapy is contraindicated and other forms of treatments should be considered.

Fluid build-up around an organ can become aggravated and present a dangerous situation due to the high-volume of fluids from the Gerson Therapy juices, soups and fresh produce. This high-volume of fluids can aggravate and even worsen the condition. Very close monitoring of the Gerson Therapy would be required and is not recommended as a primary or stand-alone treatment.

When any of these functions is not possible or compromised, the amount of therapy that could be administered would not be enough to significantly impact or reverse the disease.

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