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Gerson Therapy HandbookCompanion workbook to "A Cancer Therapy:
Results of Fifty
Cases"Practical guidance, resources, and recipes for following
theGerson TherapyRevised Fifth Edition
Gerson Therapy Handbook Revised Fifth EditionISBN: 0-967
7526-4-A Companion to A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases, by
Max Gerson, M.D.! "99#-"999 The Gerson $nstitute% &ll 'ights
'eser(ed% The infor)ation contained in this *oo+ is *ased on
original research,e)pirical o*ser(ation and other infor)ation
de(eloped andor co)piled *y The Gerson $nstitute, its associated
practitionersand researchers and on independent research andor
e)pirical o*ser(ations conducted andor co)piled *y other
indi(idualsandor organiations% The ad(ice and suggestions descri*ed
herein should not under any circu)stances *e relied upon as thesole
)eans of deter)ining appropriate treat)ent or inter(ention% The
Gerson $nstitute, its staff, and au.iliary faculty do notprescri*e
or reco))end treat)ent, and cannot *e held responsi*le or lia*le
for the use or )isuse of any infor)ation contained
herein% The Gerson $nstitute has )ade e(ery effort to ensure the
accuracy of the infor)ation contained herein, *ut cannotaccept any
responsi*ility for errors, o)issions, )isstate)ents, or other
erroneous infor)ation that )ay *e contained herein%Please notify us
in writing of any deficiencies or discrepancies so that corrections
)ay *e )ade in future editions%This *oo+ contains (alua*le,
proprietary infor)ation de(eloped o(er )any years with considera*le
e.pense and effort% Thereproduction, duplication, e.cerpting, or
the storage andor retrie(al on any electronic or other syste) of
infor)ation containedin this *oo+ is strictly prohi*ited without
ad(ance written per)ission fro) the Gerson $nstitute%The na)es /a.
Gerson,/ /Gerson,/ and /Gerson Therapy/ as associated with any
)ethod or protocol for )edical or treat)ent
are worldwide trade)ar+s andor ser(ice )ar+s of the Gerson
$nstitute% &ny use of the trade)ar+s andor ser(ice )ar+s *y
any
person or entity )ust *e authoried in ad(ance, in writing, *y
the Gerson $nstitute% 1nauthoried use is prohi*ited% iolators
are su*3ect to prosecution%
Introduction
Throughout our lives our bodies are being filled with a variety
of disease and cancer causing pollutants. These
toxins reach us through the air we breathe, the food we eat, the
medicines we take and the water we drink. Asmore of these poisons
are used every day and cancer rates continue to climb, being able
to turn to a proven,natural, detoxifying treatment like the Gerson
Therapy is not only reassuring, but necessary.The Gerson Therapy is
a powerful, natural treatment that boosts your body's own immune
system to heal cancer,arthritis, heart disease, allergies, and many
other degenerative diseases. One aspect of the Gerson Therapy
thatsets it apart from most other treatment methods is its
allencompassing nature. An abundance of nutrients fromthirteen
fresh, organic !uices are consumed every day, providing your body
with a superdose of en"ymes,minerals and nutrients. These
substances then help the body to break down diseased tissues, while
enemas aid ineliminating the lifelong buildup of toxins from the
liver.#ith its wholebody approach to healing, the Gerson Therapy
naturally reactivates your body's magnificentability to heal itself
with no damaging sideeffects. Over $%% articles in respected
medical literature, andthousands of people cured of their
&incurable& diseases document the Gerson Therapy's
effectiveness. TheGerson Therapy is one of the few treatments to
have a % year history of success.
Although its philosophy of cleansing and reactivating the body
is simple, the Gerson Therapy is a complexmethod of treatment
re(uiring significant attention to detail. #hile many patients have
made full recoveries
practicing the Gerson Therapy on their own, for best results, we
encourage starting treatment at a Gerson)nstitutecertified
treatment center.*ince the original publication ofA Cancer Therapy.
Results of 50 Cases in +-, many developments have taken
place in the medical world, including the widespread use of
/toxic0 chemotherapy, the standardi"ation of heartlung and liver
transplants and a rising incidence of cancer in well over a third
of our population. At the sametime, we have witnessed the emergence
of a host of new and often &unexplainable& chronic
diseases, such as12* /1hronic 2atigue *yndrome0, lupus /*340,
3egionnaire's disease, A)5*, osteoporosis, and Al"heimer's.As
conventional medicine unearths more clues about the nature of
chronic, degenerative disease, evidence hasincreasingly pointed
toward the scientific validity of 5r Gerson's principles. 6irtually
all research that has beendone in the area of nutrition in the past
-% years has tended to confirm 5r Gerson's empirical findings.
Thiscomes as no surprise to us. #here traditional treatments have
failed, we have found that both old and new
illnesses alike have proven remarkably susceptible to treatment
with the Gerson Therapy.
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#hether you intend to beat your &incurable& disease at
home or at a Gerson certified clinic, this Gerson Therapyan!book is
intended as a userfriendly companion guide to the deservedly more
famous but more technical ACancer Therapy: Results of 50 Cases by
7ax Gerson, 7.5. The latter book contains, in a remarkablycondensed
form, the accumulated wisdom of -% years of clinical
experimentation in 4urope and the 8nited*tates by 5r Gerson, who
counted heads of state and at least one 9obel laureate among his
cured patients. )f you
plan to undertake the Gerson Therapy we suggest you read both
volumes as they work together to provide you
with the information you need to begin and maintain the Gerson
healing process.The Gerson Therapy an!book has been organi"ed so
that you can find answers (uickly and begin the healing
process immediately. )n the following chapters you will find
everything you need to know about the Gersonprotocol, from !uicing
schedules and enema formulas, to the interpretation of lab results.
This Gerson Therapyan!book will alert you to crucial healing
reactions and it will explain several ad!uvant therapies that you
maypursue in con!unction with the Gerson Therapy. #e have also
selected some important articles from issues of theGerson :ealing
9ewsletter that discuss coffee enemas, pesticides and the merits of
organic food in greaterdetail.As you face perhaps the greatest
challenge of your life we would like to reassure you that there is
both hope andan alternative to the so called cures of traditional
medicine. )f you have any (uestions after reading this
GersonTherapy an!book that remain unanswered, please do not
hesitate to contact our staff at the Gerson )nstitute.#e wish you
well.
The Gerson nstit!teThe Gerson )nstitute /a.k.a. 1ancer 1uring
*ociety0 is a nonprofit organi"ation dedicated to healing and
preventing chronic, degenerative diseases based on the vision,
philosophy and the successful work of 5r 7axGerson.2ounded in +; by
1harlotte Gerson /daughter of 5r Gerson0 the Gerson )nstitute
provides a range of
programs designed to inform and educate the general public and
health care practitioners about the bene fits ofthe Gerson
Therapy.#hether you are interested in an alternative treatment for
your &incurable& disease, or simply wish to adopt
ahealthier lifestyle for yourself and your family, the Gerson
)nstitute can help.1ontact our offices by telephone, fax, email or
via the internet to find out more about these and other
programsthat are offered by the Gerson )nstitutelease contact the
Gerson )nstitute for current information.
Max Gerson, M.D. and the Gerson Therapy
7ax Gerson, 7.5. was born October +, ++ in #ongrowit", Germany.
:e attended the universities of?reslau, #uer"burg and ?erlin,
eventually graduating from the 8niversity of 2reiburg. *uffering
from severemigraines, 5r 7ax Gerson focused his initial dietary
experiments on preventing these debilitating headaches. )twas
discovered in the course of treatment with this special
&migraine diet&, that one of 5r Gerson's patients wascured
of his skin tuberculosis. This discovery led to further studies of
the diet, and to 5r Gerson successfullytreating many more
tuberculosis patients.After some time, his work came to the
attention of famed thoracic surgeon, 2erdinand *auerbruch, 7.5.
#ith
the help and supervision of 5r *auerbruch, Gerson established a
skin tuberculosis treatment program at the7unich 8niversity
:ospital. )n a carefully monitored clinical trial, @@ out of @-%
skin tuberculosis patientstreated with Gerson's dietary regimen,
experienced complete recoveries. 5r *auerbruch and 5r Gerson
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simultaneously published articles on the study in a do"en of the
world's leading medical !ournals, establishingthe Gerson treatment
as the first cure for skin tuberculosis.Through his work with
tuberculosis, 5r Gerson attracted the friendship of 9obel >eace
>ri"e recipient, Albert*chweit"er, 7.5. At the time, 5r
*chweit"er's interest in Gerson was prompted by conventional
methods havingfailed to cure his wife, :elene *chweit"er?resslau
/+;+-;0, of lung tuberculosis. )n +%, after sufferingher
tuberculosis for seven years, :elene was admitted to 5r Gerson's
clinic and cured after months. The two
doctors shared a good friendship for the rest of their lives. )t
came to pass that even *chweit"er's own advanced/Type ))0 diabetes
was cured by Gerson's nutritional therapy. *chweit"er followed
Gerson's progress over theyears, seeing the dietary therapy
successfully applied further to heart disease, kidney failure, and
then finally cancer.To escape Adolf :itler's reign in 4urope, 5r
Gerson moved with his family to America, where they took
upresidence in 9ew Bork. )n +, 5r Gerson passed his medical boards
and was then licensed to practicemedicine in the state of 9ew Bork.
2or twenty years, he treated hundreds of cancer patients who had
been givenup to die after all conventional treatments had failed.
)n +@, 5r Gerson demonstrated some of these recovered
patients before the >epper9eely 1ongressional *ubcommittee.
The committee was holding hearings on a bill tofund research into
cancer treatment. Although only a handful of peerreviewed !ournals
were receptive toGerson's then &radical& idea of diet
affecting health, he continued publishing articles on his therapy
in 4uropeand presenting case histories of his healed patients. )n
+-, after thirty years of clinical experimentation,Gerson published
A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases. This medical monograph
details the theories,
treatment, and results achieved by a great physician. )n +- 5r
7ax Gerson died.)t was -% years ago that 5r Gerson promoted better
health through nutrition. Although ridiculed in his time,today, we
are shown proof in countless articles and studies, that he was
merely ahead of his time. As better diet
proves to be the answer to healing more and more of our health
problems, the words of 5r Gerson's good friendcarry a deeply
prophetic ring.&) see in him one of the most eminent geniuses
in the history of medicine. 7any of his basic ideas have
beenadopted without having his name connected with them. Bet, he
has achieved more than seemed possible underadverse conditions. :e
leaves a legacy which commands attention and which will assure him
his due place.Those whom he has cured will now attest to the truth
of his ideas.&- :o*el Prie aureate and healed Gerson patient,
Ar &l*ert chweiter, in eulogy of a. Gerson, %A%
The Gerson Therapy
The Gerson Therapy is a state of the art, contemporary, holistic
and natural treatment which utili"es the body'sown healing
mechanism in the treatment and cure of chronic debilitating
illness. #hen it was introduced to theworld by 7ax Gerson, 7.5.,
the dietary therapy was so far ahead of its time that there were
almost no rationalesavailable in the scientific literature to
explain how it could produce cures in chronic as well as
infectiousdiseases. ?ut, because it did cure many cases of advanced
tuberculosis, heart disease, cancer and numerouslesser conditions,
the Gerson Therapy was established as a ma!or contribution to the
medical field, through the
publication of hundreds of articles in peer reviewed medical
literature. Gerson first published on the topic ofcancer in +@-,
almost forty years before the adoption of the current official 8.*.
9ational 1ancer )nstitute pro gram on diet, nutrition, and cancer.
Today, leaders in the medical establishment predict a -%C reduction
incancers by the year $%%% through educating the public in dietary
methods of preventing cancer.)t is rare to find cancer, arthritis,
or other degenerative diseases in cultures considered
&primitive& by #esterncivili"ation. )s it because of dietD
The fact that degenerative diseases appear in these cultures only
when modern
packaged foods and additives are introduced would certainly
support that idea. 7ax Gerson said &*tay close to
nature and its eternal laws will protect you.& :e considered
that degenerative diseases were brought on by toxic,degraded food,
water and air.The Gerson Therapy seeks to regenerate the body to
health, supporting each important metabolic re(uirement byflooding
the body with nutrients from almost $% pounds of organically grown
fruits and vegetables daily. 7ostis used to make fresh raw !uice,
one glass every hour, + times per day. Eaw and cooked solid foods
aregenerously consumed. Oxygenation is usually more than doubled,
as oxygen deficiency in the blood contributesto many degenerative
diseases. The metabolism is also stimulated through the addition of
thyroid, potassium andother supplements, and by avoiding heavy
animal fats, excess protein, sodium and other toxins.5egenerative
diseases render the body increasingly unable to excrete waste
materials ade(uately, commonlyresulting in liver and kidney
failure. To prevent this, the Gerson Therapy uses intensive
detoxification toeliminate wastes, regenerate the liver, reactivate
the immune system and restore the body's essential defenses en"yme,
mineral and hormone systems. #ith generous, high(uality nutrition,
increased oxygen availability,detoxification, and improved
metabolism, the cells and the body can regenerate, become healthy
and prevent
future illness.
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Dr Patricia Spain Ward,
History of the Gerson Therapy, 19
)t is one of the least edifying facts of recent American medical
history that the profession's leadership so long
neglected as (uackish the idea that nutrition affects health
#$A%A +@, +@, +;;F *himkin, +;0. )gnoringboth the empirical dietary
wisdom that pervaded western medicine from the pre1hristian
:ippocratic era untilthe late nineteenth century and a persuasive
body of modern research in nutritional biochemistry, the
politicallyminded spokesmen of organi"ed medicine in the 8.*.
remained long committed to surgery and radiation as thesole
acceptable treatments for cancer. This commitment persisted, even
after sound epidemiological data showedthat early detection and
removal of malignant tumors did not &cure& most kinds of
cancer /1rile, +-F updated
by 1airns, +-0.The historical record shows that progress lagged
especially in cancer immunotherapy including nutrition
andhyperthermia because power over professional affiliation and
publication /and hence over practice andresearch0 rested with men
who were neither scholars nor practitioners nor researchers
themselves, and who wereoften une(uipped to grasp the rapidly
evolving complexities of the sciences underlying midtwentieth
centurymedicine.
9owhere is this maladaptation of professional structure to
medicine's changing scientific content more tragically
illustrated than in the American experience of 7ax ?. Gerson
/+++-0, founder of the bestknownnutritional treatment for cancer of
the premacrobiotic era. A scholar's scholar and a superlative
observer ofclinical phenomena, Gerson was a product of the German
medical education which Americans in the late +thand early $%th
centuries considered so superior to our own that all who could
afford it went to Germany to
perfect their training /?onnier, +0.As a medical graduate of the
8niversity of 2reiburg in +%, Gerson imbibed all of the latest in
scientificmedicine, with the emphasis on specificity which
bacteriology had brought into #estern medical thought in the
preceding decades. Gerson subse(uently worked with leading
German specialists in internal medicine, inphysiological chemistry,
and in neurology /8.*. 1ongress, +@, 0. The historical record does
not tell uswhether his medical education in Germany /where much of
the early work in nutritional chemistry took place0included a study
of diet, a sub!ect neglected in American medical schools after the
germ theory gainedacceptance.#e do know that by ++, when Gerson set
up a practice in internal and nervous diseases in ?ielefeld, he
had
devised an effective dietary treatment for the migraine
headaches which fre(uently disabled him, despite thebest efforts of
his colleagues. )n +$%, while treating migraine patients by this
saltfree vegetarian diet, hediscovered that it was also effective
in lupus vulgaris /tuberculosis at the skin, then considered
incurable0 and,later, in arthritis as well /8.*. 1ongress, +@,
0.Trained in the theories of specific disease causation and
treatment that began to dominate western medicine forthe first time
in history as bacteriological discoveries multiplied in the late
nineteenth century, Gerson was atfirst uneasy about using a single
therapy in such seemingly disparate conditions. ?ut he was
committed to the
primacy of clinical evidence, which he liked to express in
ussmaul's dictum< &The result at the sickbed isdecisive&
/(uoted in Gerson, +-, $+$0.- Ar Patricia pain ard, History of the
Gerson Therapy, "9%
!hapter 1" Procedures #sed Whi$e in the Hospita$
%ne&asGetting started2ollowing admission, under physicians
orders, you should have been issuedlastic enema bucket with plastic
hoseH Iar of coffeeH 5istilled water dispenserH >ad to place
under you while taking enemasH 6aselineH :otplate
!o''ee %ne&as
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()e'erence"A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases, pp. 19*,
+-. Timing and fre(uency of enemas willvary throughout the entirety
of your therapy. Bour physician will instruct you and answer
(uestions concerninguse of coffee enemas.
He$p'u$ Hints"
B &lways +eep the pot with the distilled water on the
war)er% $t will not *oil and will always *e ready%B $f your
*uc+et;s plastic hose *eco)es +in+ed, run a s)all a)ount of hot
water through it to soften it%
General Procedure for offee @ne)asThe coffee solution should be
used at body temperature. Eun a little of the solution through the
tube into thetoilet to warm the tube and get rid of the airF close
the stopcock. 3ubricate rectal or enema tube for about $& atend
with petroleum !elly. :ang the enema bucket not more than two feet
above you. 3ying on your right side,draw both legs close to the
abdomen, relax and breathe deeply.)nsert the tube into your rectum
-& to &. Open the stopcock and allow fluid to run in very
slowly to avoidcramping. Eetain the solution for +$+- minutes.)f
you have trouble retaining or taking in the full $ o"., lower the
bucketF if you feel spasms, lower the bucketto the floor to allow
the flow to back up a bit to relieve the pressure. After +$$%
seconds, slowly start raising the
bucket toward its original level. Bou can also control the flow
of solution by pinching the tube with your fingersor ad!usting the
plastic ring in a partially closed position. Bou will (uickly learn
what works best for you.
Ceep your eDuip)ent cleanE5on't place the tube back into the
bucket until after you have thoroughly cleaned both the tube and
the bucket.8se a biodegradable, fooduse detergent andJor hydrogen
peroxide and rinse well. Einse at least once a day withhydrogen
peroxide C. The bucket and the tube are very good growing grounds
for bacteria.
8reDuency of @ne)as2re(uency of enemas is increased with
symptoms of toxicity such as headache, fever, nausea, intestinal
spasmsand drowsiness. 8pon awakening in the morning if headache and
drowsiness are experienced, an additionalenema is recommended
during the following night.
:ourish first - then deto.ify%As a general rule, eat some raw or
steamed fruit before your first coffee enema of the day to activate
the upperdigestive tract. A small piece of fruit is sufficient.
This rule applies whenever considerable time has elapsedsince the
last meal, !uice or snack.
:elpful hints
ital sign records$t is i)portant to learn to +eep records of
your own (ital signs =te)perature and pulse>% Four pulse and
te)perature should *eta+en daily *efore you get out of *ed and )o(e
a*out% Ceep the ther)o)eter right ne.t to your *ed% $f your pulse
should near"20)in, the thyroid dosage )ay need to *e reduced%
&n increase in te)perature can *e a sign of an i)pending
/flare-up%/
Ceep food in your roo)
B & fruit plate is deli(ered to your roo) daily% Please as+
for )ore if you need it%B Ceep ther)oses of hot pepper)int tea
prepared =especially at night>%B Aon;t drin+ water that )ay
co)pete with the 3uices%B a(e enough coffee in your roo) to ta+e
ene)as during the night and in the early )orning *efore
*rea+fast%
!astor /i$ Treat&entastor oil *y )outh/Eeference
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/Eeference
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/halfstrength0 5osage /first @ weeks only0< drops in each of
orange and carrotJapple !uices /x daily0. Donot put :uo$;s in reen
and "2I"#y in$ection): 5osage< cc liver and %.+ cc ?+$combined
in a single syringe, in!ected into gluteus medius daily,for @
months or more. The physician will normally reduce fre(uency
gradually over the course of therapy (pp.*5+, 192, +1*5+11, +0, +*,
+2, 090, *-, *9, 11, 1+ o'A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty
Cases).
offee @ne)asI(p. +- o'A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases)
& 5osage /first weeks minimum0< #hile lying on right
side, retain for +$+- minutes 464EB 2O8E :O8E*. 2or limited
periods of time, against severe pain, coffeeenemas may be used as
fre(uently as every two hours. :owever, physician must monitor
serum electrolytesfre(uently.
astor oilI5osage< $ Tbsp. by mouth and five hours later a
castor oil and soap enema (p. +- o'A Cancer Therapy:
Results of Fifty Cases) 464EB OT:4E 5AB. 3ater, as necessary or
as prescribed, (pp. 1, 122, 19*519, 19,+*15+*0. +*2. +0, 090,
*251*, 1251 o'A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases).
TestsI?lood 1hemistry, 1omplete ?lood 1ount, T, T@, 8rinalysis
All tests should be taken before beginningtreatment and at @ week
intervals for at least the first months. Test results may be
affected by healingreactions and flareups (pp. +0, 1 o' A Cancer
Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases). "%ee Appen&i' (: a#Tests, for
a *ore in &epth &escription of tests, +g. ). ote: 'lease
mail or fa( copies of all bloo! work to
your Gerson consultin) physician.&ll other edicationsI5o not
abruptly discontinue any medications you are taking prior to using
the Gerson Therapy. )n certain cases,Gerson trained physicians will
advise gradual discontinuance.
ita)in =&scor*ic &cid>This substance is employed in
the Gerson Therapy during infections. A crystalline /powdered0 form
such as?ronson's is preferred. The Gerson diet contains large
amounts of natural 6itamin 1, so routine dailysupplementation
should not be necessary.
ee pollenIThis is an addition to the Gerson program that can be
employed in cancer from about the tenth to twelfth week.
9oncancer patients can start earlier, about the sixth week. *ome
patients may have allergies to bee pollen. Theinitial dosage is +J$
tsp. per day.
i(er 3uiceI
3iver Iuice has been discontinued. *ubstitute< 1arrot !uice
plus $ liver capsules for each liver !uice. ()e'erence,3 !ancer
Therapy" )esu$ts o' 7i'ty5!ases, 3ppendix III, p. +1
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3dallares,a noted 7exico 1ity cardiologist and researcher. :e
was formerly director of the 7exican 7edical Associationand the
9ational )nstitute of 1ardiology of 7exico 1ity. :e is the author
of several books and many articles oncardiology. :e places
nutrition in its proper role for prevention and treatment of
disease.The basic >olari"ing solution /G)0 can be found in
%erck*s %anual of +tan!ar! %e!ical 'roce!ures astandard medical
text. *odi>allares found that in many patients who are deficient
in potassium, it is necessaryto provide a transport mechanism to
help potassium travel through the cell membrane. :e achieved this
by usinga potassium solution /0 together with glucose /G0 and a
tiny bit of insulin /)0 which is given
togetherintravenously.>olari"ing treatment promotes healing in
the diseased heart, and in tissues damaged by cancer and other
degenerative diseases. >atients with edema /excess fluids in
feet, abdomen0 note a rapid reabsorption and releaseof the fluids
from the body.
reliminary clinical studies indicate that oxidative therapy
might produce desirable results in cancer treatment.7ost hostile
microorganisms probably re(uire lower oxygen levels than the body's
cells. ?oosting serumoxygen levels may revitali"e normal cells
while damaging some viruses and other pathogens. Two basic types
ofoxygen therapy are o"one therapy and the absorption of hydrogen
peroxide at very low concentrations.:ydrogen peroxide /:$%$0, is
produced when o"one /%0 contacts water. )t can be taken orally if
diluted withwater /+J$C or less0, absorbed through the skin by
bathing in it /from @- pints of C : $%$in a standard si"e
bathtub0, used topically, or taken rectally. Ambient air o"one
generators are used to benefit patients. )n additionto the
intensive Gerson Therapy, some ad!uvant procedures are being made
available to patients. These arescientifically based additions to
the Gerson Therapy to add to the patients' ability to heal.
>atients should discussthese additions to their treatment with
their Gerson physician. Also extra charges will apply, conse(uently
please
check with the hospital office.
3dhagocytic leukocytes /white blood corpuscles0 are the first
and most important line of defense againstinfection. )n the daily
care of patients, physicians and surgeons usually assume that
granulocyte function isnormal unless they have evidence to the
contrary. :owever, data now clearly show that the killing capacity
ofgranulocytes is normal only to the degree to which oxygen is
available to them. This is probably the basis for theageold
observation that local immunity is proportional to blood
supply.
9ormally, leukocytes move and digest bacteria e(ually well by
using anaerobically or aerobically derivedenergy. :owever, the
capacity of leukocytes to kill bacteria depends largely on
molecular oxygen. ?acterialkilling is usually conceived of as
comprising two ma!or components. The first involves degranulation
andingestion of the bacteria. The second mechanism, called
&oxidative killing,& depends on molecular oxygen,
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which is captured by leukocytes and converted to highenergy
radicals such as superoxide, hydroxyl radicals,peroxides,
aldehydes, hypochlorite and hypoiodite which are toxic to bacteria
in varying degrees. The rate ofproduction of toxic radicals and
hence the ade(uacy of oxidative bacterial killing is directly
proportional tolocal oxygen tension.The 'o$$o>in oranis&s
ha=e been 'ound direct$y susceptib$e to oxidati=e ki$$in"
*taph aureus :ohn, *urg 2orum, +;
>roteus vulgaris 7andel G., )nfec )mmun,+;@
*almonellatyphimurium
7andel G., )nfec )mmun,+;@
lebsiella pneumonia 7andel G., )nfec )mmun,+;@
*erratia marcescens 7andel G., )nfec )mmun,+;@
*taph albus 7cEipley EI, I ?act,
+;>seudomonasaeruginosa
7cEipley >I, I ?act,+;
4schericha coli *elvera! 9I, 9ature, +%
!onc$usions"B ell-o.ygenated leu+ocytes are far )ore efficient
than hypo.ic leu+ocytes%B linically, sufficient hypo.ia can occur
to inhi*it leu+ocytes and sufficient hypero.ia can easily *e
achie(ed to facilitate function%B The i))unological *enefits of
raising tissue pJ out of the /critical one/ is roughly eDui(alent
to the effects of anti*iotics%
B The effects of o.ygen and anti*iotics are eDui(alent%
These experiments show that oxygen effects are not only
clinically evident, but are clinically important. /Theabove was
taken from the notes of the #inter *ymposium on ?aromedicine,
Ianuary +$+-, +@, by Eobert?artlett, 75, 2A14>0.
IAnother treatment which has been used for a number of years is
3aetrile. This material is present in as many as$,@%% common foods,
grains and grasses. 2or medicinal purposes, it is extracted mainly
from apricot pits. )tcontains a fraction which helps the body to
destroy tumor tissue but is harmless to normal cells. )t has
been
shown that 3aetrile, when given to cancer patients, increases
the temperature around the tumor part of itscapability of fighting
cancer.
ydrotherapyI2or this treatment, the patient is immersed in a
bathtub containing water above body temperature. This willcause a
mild induced fever. #hen 3aetrile has already been in!ected prior
to the bath, the temperature at thetumor site is further increased
which gives the body a still better opportunity to destroy the
tumor tissue. 9ormalhealthy body tissue can easily withstand
temperatures up to +%@K 2, however tumor tissue cannot.
ita)in I6itamin 1 is another addition to the ad!unctive
treatment protocols. )t has numerous beneficial effects. )t can
beused orally and rectally. One protocol uses 3aetrile and 6itamin
1 for the treatment of patients that have
previously had chemotherapy.
o*e ugosIThese are highly concentrated pancreatic en"ymes. The
basic Gerson Therapy contains a fair amount of
pancreatin. This helps to dissolve and digest tumor tissue. )n
some patients, especially if they carry a heavy
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tumor load, the additional intensive pancreatin /#obe7ugos0 has
improved the patient's ability to digest anddestroy tumor
tissue.
Tahe*o Tea =also +nown as Pau d;&rco> and @ssiac
TeaIThese are certain herb combinations which have been used by
native )ndians of the Americas and have beenshown to have
anticancer properties. These teas may be available at your Gerson
hospital.
i(e ell TherapyIThis therapy is much more effective after good
detoxification and should not be tried during the initial stages
ofGerson Therapy. )t may be available on re(uest from your Gerson
Therapy facility.
3d
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system. 2or instance, heat over the abdominal wall decreases
spasms of the intestinal tractF heat over kidneysand lower abdomen
increases urine production.The treatments are nontoxic and safe.
1ontraindications may be seen in patients with multiple sclerosis
/coldhydrotherapy is more beneficial0, diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart and vascular diseases. These patients willneed
prior medical review.2or the cancer patient there is an additional
important benefit in the hot water treatments. 7any types of
cancer
cells are much more sensitive to heat than are normal cells. )f
temperatures can be raised high enough /+%@K 2 ormore0 and long
enough, death of cancer cells may result. Eesearch has shown that
following intravenous orrectal application of laetrile there may be
a temperature increase in the tumor mass of @K-K 2. #hen
thislocali"ed increase is added to total body hyperthermia many
benefits have been noted, including tumorshrinkage and stimulation
of detoxification.
8eep records o' a$$ procedures, inc$udin date, ti&e, and
reactions"yperther)ia treat)ent ot tu* *ath Procedure
2ull treatments should not be taken during healing reactions,
though relaxing baths at lower temperatures areallowed. >atients
will need to have a medical examination and 4G in preparation. The
accompanying person isinvited to attend the treatments to observe
the procedures so they can be continued in the home environment.
/onot use chlorinate& !ater for this treat*ent.
Preparing for and 1ndergoing ydrotherapy1. Don;t eat" >atient
should eat nothing for @ hours before treatment. 3i(uids L!uices,
tea, etc.0 can be continued. )f the patient is scheduled soon after
a meal, only a light meal may be taken.+. !o''ee ene&a" One
hour before scheduled treatment a coffee enema is taken..
Sho>er" At this time a thorough cleansing shower is to be
taken.. :aetri$e treat&ent" Those patients taking laetrile will
have it applied +- minutes before the scheduledtreatment.. Herb
tea" +- minutes before the treatment a cup of hot herb tea is
given.2. ?athin suit" 8pon arrival in the department the patient
changes into a bathing suit.;. Tub" 2rom the hot shower, the
patient goes to the tub. The tub is entered slowly, submerging
until theshoulders are covered and a comfortable position found..
Tea" A second cup of herbal tea is taken upon entering the tub.9.
!o=er head >ith to>e$" The head will be covered by a towel to
limit heat loss.1*. Monitor te&perature and pu$se" Temperature
and pulse will be monitored fre(uently as the bodytemperature
increases.++. )e$ax" The patient is encouraged to relax. As the
temperature increases, breathing exercises are used, e.g.er" #hen
the patient returns to his room, a lukewarm shower should be used
to further assist inwashing off the skin. A restful afternoon is
indicated. 7any patients sleep for several hours following
treatment.Eegular meals and !uices need not be interrupted.
I&portant Points To ?e /bser=ed With 3$$ Hydrotherapy
Treat&ents"B The roo) should *e war) and free of drafts%B
Protect *edding, furniture, rugs, etc% with waterproof sheets%B
&sse)*le upplies *efore starting procedures%B 1se care when
adding hot or cold water% &(oid chilling% Patient should *e dry
and war) after treat)ent%
C"ay po!"ti#e
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AefinitionIA soft composition, usually heated and spread on a
cloth, and applied to a sore or inflamed part of the body.
@ffectsI1lay powder has an adsorptive effect like that of
charcoal and aids detoxification.
$ndicationsI5iarrhea, poison, gastrointestinal problems,
inflammation, insect bites, swellings from arthritis, pain.
Procedure"% Prepare enough war) water to )i. needed a)ount of
clay powder into a paste%2% &pply Duic+ly to sDuare of clean
)uslin to pre(ent cooling%#% Place on area to *e treated%4% o(er
with plastic and wool cloth%5% Pin in place% ea(e on o(ernight or
until dry%6% 'e)o(e - ru* cold wet cloth o(er part%7% 'epeat as
needed%
!hapter +" Goin Ho&e, The Gerson Househo$d
7o$$o>5up &edica$ care and $aboratory &onitorin
7edical consultations and the monitoring of laboratory studies
are of utmost importance. Through this means,the Gerson physician
can be kept up to date as he assists the patient in ad!usting the
various medications and thediet, and evaluating the body's response
to the therapy. 1ontinued communication with the Gerson
physicianalso keeps the patient abreast of advances in the Gerson
program.7edical guidance is provided to the Gerson patient through
your Gerson hospital's consulting office. Telephoneand fax numbers
will be provided through the hospital office.
ote: Time !oes not usually allow correspon!ence in writin)
re)ar!in) test result information. 'lease use the
telephone consultation pro)ram.
$aboratory monitorin%7onitoring of blood and urine values on a
continual basis is important. These laboratory tests should
berepeated about every six weeks, depending upon the severity of
the disease process. )n the early stages with thedebilitated
patient, every four weeks is recommended. ?efore you leave the
Gerson hospital your doctor willsuggest a time for your next tests
to be done. 1opies of results should be sent to your Gerson
consulting doctor.
These la*oratory studies )ust includeI"% o)plete *lood count
=> with differential2% lood che)istry panel =&-24 or
&-2", etc%>#% &nalysis of urine =1&>
These studies are monitored primarily to screen for possible
infections, determine time to introduce the dairyproteins, and
evaluate general organ functions such as kidney, liver and
pancreas.A single laboratory result is not definitive. A series of
three results may show a trend. Eoutine laboratory studieshave been
shown not to be valid during or !ust after a healing reaction. The
chemistry of the blood can be alteredduring the healing reaction.
#ait at least seven to ten days after the healing reaction has
cleared to have newlaboratory tests done.
&!tpatient fo""o'(!p #he#k"istApproximately five weeks after
you arrive home, have the following blood and urine work done
Medication supp$iesEe(uired items for month supply *everal days
in advance of departure, please arrange with the hospitaloffice for
your order. >lease take inventory of items before departure.
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+ )tem Mty. 5escription
*yringes % cc with $$ or $ gaugeN needle x +&
9eedles % $- gauge x +&
1rude 3iver $; +%cc bottles forin!ection
6it. ?+$ %cc bottle for in!ection
Thyroid grain /$.@ mg0,+%%% count tabs
3ugol's bottle of +J$strength 3ugol'ssolution
>enicillin bottle of +%% tablets
>otassium1ompound
+$ bottles, +%% grams each
>otassiumGluconate
bottle
Acidol - bottles of +%% caps each
9iacin bottle of +%%% tabs, -%mg. each
>ancreatin bottle of +%%% caps, $-mg. each
3iver 1aps bottle of +%%% caps, -%%mg. each
Ox?ile bottle
)on 7in bottle ion 7in 1laypowder
4nema ?uckets $ extra enema buckets
1astor Oil pint
1astile *oap bar of soap
2laxseed Oil bottles
2oley 2ood 7ill + two (uart si"e
9onre(uired but recommended itemsA9A, ?ox +%;, Greenfield, 7A,
1*0*1, /@+0 ;;@;-++. Ask them for the names, addresses, and
phone numbers of the organi"ations in your area /O1)A, 11O2,
T)3T:, etc.0 Ask about distributors, growers,and possible
retailers.Order the -r)anic holesaler*s /irectory An! earbook from
1ommunity Alliance with 2amily 2armers. )t hasan indepth list of
organic wholesalers by *tate. Once you contact the wholesalers, you
can learn who theirretailers are. Bou can contact them at ?ox @@,
5avis, 1A -+;, /+0;--+.Americans 2or *afe 2ood, 1enter for *cience
in the >ublic )nterest has an organics mail order list
available,should you need to order organic produce through the
mail. Bou can contact them at +;- 1onnecticut Ave 9#,*uite %%,
#ashington, 51 $%%%, Tel< /$%$0 $++%, 2ax< /$%$0 $- @-@,Get
certi'ication@ )f produce is not clearly marked with a printed
label, it is probably not organic. 5emand
proof.
/ranic co''ee in'or&ation
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)t is !ust as important to use organic coffee as to use organic
fruits and vegetables. )f organic coffee is not used,any toxic
material in the coffee such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides,
or chemical fertili"er will be readilyabsorbed rectally direct into
the blood system. :arbor :ouse 1offee /Organic 1offee0, +$-
7oothi$$ ?$=d.,?ox +;, 1learlake Oaks, 1A -@$. Telephone /;%;0 @-@,
Tollfree< +%$.
The Gerson househo$d" kitchen supp$iesThe following checklist
will be found useful in arranging a household to accommodate the
Gerson patient. 7ostitems may be purchased locally at a general
department store, health food store or gourmet shop.
WaterGerson patients need pure water, especially for coffee
enemas. 7ost cities have bottled water businesses thatdeliver
purified and distilled water to homes. #ater can also be purified
at home with reasonably pricede(uipment that may be purchased or
rented.#ater purification e(uipment is everywhere now. Bou can get
reverse osmosis units, distillers, carbon filters andmore from !ust
about anyone. >eople go door to door selling all sorts, si"es
and combinations. 2luoride can only
be removed by distillation. Bou should only use reverse osmosis
if your tap water is not fluoridated.
ard*all sales pitch7aybe you've seen the guy who takes a glass
of your regular tap water and tests it with a &special
chemical& thatcauses gobs of white grungy looking stuff to
appear and settle to the bottom. 9ow he informs you that you canget
all that poison out with a carbon filter, and he proves it by
filtering your water and repeating the test. 6oila
9o grunge.)n a well researched article in their Consumer
Reports: 1223 4uyin) Gui!e ssue 1onsumers 8nion /180 staffmembers
explained that the &special chemical& is doubtless a
flocculating agent that causes harmless minerals inwater to
precipitate. 8nscrupulous sellers use this bogus water test to
convince potential buyers of theunpotability of tap water in their
homes.
1nsafe tap water
)n fact, your tap water may be teeming with ha"ards, none of
which would be recogni"ed by such a &test.&According to 18
writers, there are more than ;%,%%% recogni"ed water contaminants
ranging from industrial oragricultural wastes to heavy metals and
radon. 7icrobes are also known to flow from the household tap. )f
yourmunicipal water supply is fluoridated, it is imperative that
you use distilled water for all patient intake< soup,cooking,
teas and coffee for enemas and drinking after castor oil.
a*s that test water2or the Gerson household, it is probably
unnecessary to carry out lab tests for contaminants because of
thedemand for really pure water. :owever, friends and relatives
interested in water (uality issues may wish to useone of these 18
listed labsages and most offer a filtration service.The Aua$ity o'
tap >ater a$&ost e=ery>here, is $ess than acceptab$e 'or
the Gerson Therapy. 7ortunate$y,
puri'ication units are a=ai$ab$e, a''ordab$e, and e''ecti=e.
Schedu$e 'or the dayThe following is an example of one way to
arrange your schedule to do the Gerson Therapy at home.
Thisschedule was set up for a regular day on full therapy including
+ !uices and - coffee enemas. #hoever is doingthe kitchen work
should allow about +%+- minutes to prepare a !uice and to clean up
the !uicer, so start making
the !uices about +- minutes before the hour. Iuices are followed
in this list by the medications /in parentheses0which may be added.
>lease do not exceed daily total medication levels prescribed by
your physicians.Gettin oraniCed
)f at all possible, have someone at home organi"e things before
you leave the Gerson hospital. They will needtoin instructions on
pae 191 o'A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases, or see pae
19 in this handbook.
ha)o)ile Tea @ne)aI8se full strength and according to your
doctor's advice. Eetain the tea enema for about five minutes.
Afterrelease, immediately start the coffee enema. )n severe
problems, chamomile concentrate can be added to allcoffee
enemas.
)ecipe" !ha&o&i$e %ne&a, Sin$eB 4 T*sp% ha)o)ile
flowers , driedB " Kuart distilled water
oil 5 )inutes, and strain%
1se when cooled to *ody tern perature%
)ecipe" !ha&o&i$e !oncentrateB " up ha)o)ile flowers,
driedB 2 ups distilled wateri))er "0 )inutes in co(ered saucepan%
train and press cha)o)ile flowers to e.trude fluid% $f so)e has
*oiled away, adddistilled water to )a+e " pint% *tora%e) Ceep in
co(ered glass *ottle no longer than # days% To +se) Pour 4 o%
concentrate intoene)a *uc+et and fill with distilled water% Re#ipe
makes eno!%h #on#entrate for enemas.
7-T8: +ome confusion has e(iste! because of an apparent
contra!iction between chamomile enema instructions on pa)e
129 an! pa)e 39 of Gerson*s A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty
Cases. Actually the recipes are consistent. 'a)e 129
inclu!es instructions for use of a chamomile concentrate as well
as !irections for preparation of a sin)le !ose. 'a)e 39contains
instructions for both preparation an! use of chamomile concentrate
. n both cases the ratio of chamomile flowers
#in tablespoons; to total ounces of water will be the same: 9
Tbsp. < =3 o>. enema.
'lease un!erstan! that the concentrate is prepare! by usin) 1
Tbsp. of chamomile flowers for each ounce of water: one cup
#1? Tbsp.; chamomile flowers boile! in 1 pint #1? o>; water
makes four !oses. Gerson*s ")lass" e@uals o> ,ust as with
your ,uices. -ne half )lass e@uals 9 o>.
%ne&a ProcedureAefinitionIAn enema by definition, is the
introduction of solutions into the rectum and colon in order to
stimulate bowel activity and to
cause emptying of the lower intestine.1offee enemas should be
administered by having the patient lie on the right side.
To connect bucket, tube and connector"
The enema bucket comes with a clear plastic hose which has a
hole at the front and one on the side. Bou cut offthe tip to
eliminate the side opening.Bou order a small plastic connector plus
a soft rubber tube /catheter0 both available from *TAT. *.A. >ut
oneend of the connector onto the cut end of the plastic enema
tube< the other end into the wide opening of therubber
catheter.
*ome patients find it difficult to retain $ o". of the li(uid,
you may want to start with $@ o". and later, slowlyincrease the
amount of fluid.?efore you start your coffee enema, eat a small
piece of fruit to activate the gastric tract )f enema is taken on
anempty stomach, some people may experience problems.
ote:%ore information on enemas is a6ailable in A 1ancer
Therapy< Eesults of 2ifty 1ases on pa)es 121 an!39 an! in Gerson
:ealing 9ewsletter Bol. 10 7o. 9 p). ? an! Gerson ealin) 7ewsletter
1= p). 1.
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%ne&a )eactions and )e&edies$ntestinal pas)s and
ra)pingIThese fre(uently painful symptoms are caused by strong
irritation to the intestinal tract and lead to problemswith the
enemas. )t becomes difficult to instill the full $ o". of coffee
solution, difficult to hold the enema thefull +$+- minutes or, on
the other hand, the enema becomes trapped and cannot be released.
2ollowing is a listof possible remedies which have proved useful to
patientsrice, 55*, 2.A.1.5., early this century. 5r 7einig for many
years headed the group ofdentists engaged in doing root canals. :e
also states he did many hundreds himself. :owever, when he
becameaware of the dangers inherent in this treatment, he
incorporated his new findings in his practice and now spendshis
time and energies in making the public, as well as dentists, aware
of the research.The first indication of problems due to root canals
came from a patient who was bedfast and virtually paraly"eddue to
rheumatoid arthritis, for some reason, her root canal filled tooth
was removed, although it looked healthy,and after some months, she
could walk and her health was totally restored. ?ut 5r >rice
took the extracted tooth,sterili"ed it thoroughly, and implanted it
under the skin of a rabbit. #ithin - days, the rabbit was suffering
withsevere rheumatoid arthritis, and in +% days it died of the
disease.*ubse(uently, many other patients had root canal filled
teeth extracted< some suffering from kidney disease,others from
heart disease, and many more with arthritis. )n virtually all
cases, the patients showed considerableimprovement, to even total
recovery, after the offending teeth were removed. ?ut, again, many
more times. 5r>rice implanted the teeth under the skin of
rabbits. )n each case, the tooth removed from the patient caused
the
patient's disease in the rabbit. 5r >rice went even further
to try to clear the apparently infectious material fromthe
extracted teeth< he autoclaved them /sterili"ed by steam
pressure, usually at $-% degrees 2 or +$+K10. Thismade no
difference< the rabbits with the sterili"ed tooth implanted
still developed the disease and died, usuallywithin +% days. Then
5r >rice implanted a healthy tooth under the skin of a rabbit.
The rabbit lived withoutshowing any signs of problems for about +-
years, its normal life span.The underlying problem is very
interesting< when the nerve is removed from a tooth, it is no
longer living, nor isit supplied with nutrients. )t is dead.
:owever, the normal structure of the tooth includes tiny 'canules'
/similar tocapillaries in every human tissue0 that carry nutrients
to the living tooth. Once the tooth is dead, nutrients
stopcirculating through these canules, instead they become infested
with germs and viruses. 9ot only that, but thefilling of the nerve
canal shrinks a tiny little bit, enough for more bacteria and
viruses to lodge there, too. 9oneof this shows on Qrays. A dead
tooth is thus a potent source of bacterial and viral toxins and
infections that canspread throughout the system. 7any people with a
good immune system and powerful defenses, can live withthis
constant source of trouble without showing any symptoms. 1areful
Qrays in many cases show that withtime &cavitation&
/hollowing out of the surrounding !aw bone0 occurs around the root
canal treated tooth. As theresistant patient ages or is weakened by
accidents, colds and flu, or severe stress, the ability to overcome
this'focal infection' is reduced and can either cause or contribute
to cause severe chronic disease.)n view of the above, it will not
come as a surprise that we urgently suggest patients remove any
tooth /or teeth0with root canal fillings.A German physician. 5r
Iosef )ssels, heard a lecture by 5r Gerson back in the +-%'s and
subse(uentlysuccessfully used alternative treatments in helping
many cancer patients. 5r )ssels spent some time at the
Gerson Therapy 1enter and also pointed out the severe damage
caused by root canal fillings. :e further statedthat he refused to
treat any cancer patient who did not allow all 'devitali"ed' /dead0
teeth to be removed. :eexplained that he could not obtain good
results without this procedure.
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As this is something that is appearing more and more often in
our patients, we recommend that this be discussedwith your
physician if you have had root canal work done in the past.*ome
dentists are now claiming that newly available materials they use
in the root canal are &safe.& 5o notallow any root canals
to be performed, as it is not the dental material, but the dead
tooth that causes the problem.
Aental &nesthesia for the Gerson PatientThere are several
things to remember when it comes to dental anesthesias. On the one
hand, the Gerson patient
since sJhe is well detoxified, has a higher threshold of pain so
average pain 'doesn't hurt as much'. On the otherhand, a Gerson
patient is also much more sensitive to drugs and, under certain
circumstances, the full averagedose /$cc0 of Qylocaine /or other
pain killer drug0 could cause serious problems. )t is important
that the patientadvise his dentist as follows9)'s findings there
are also sound medical reasons for urgently re
programming the patients' inner state from negative to positive.
&9o attempt should be made to cure the bodywithout the
soul,& wrote the Greek philosopher >lato nearly $@%% years
ago. )n today's terms, even the brilliant
Gerson program cannot do its best if something deep down in the
patient's consciousness keeps saying &9o& tolife.And that
something may be a totally separate diagnosis. )t may have to do
with what 3awrence 3e*han, pioneerresearcher of the bodymind link
in malignant disease, dubbed &the cancerprone personality&.
Other researcherssoon confirmed his observation that certain
personality traits seemed topredispose some people to cancer.
)n3e*han's formulation, these traits include low selfesteem,
difficulty in expressing anger or aggression, atendency to please
others and ignore hisJher own needs and feelings. )n other words,
the true self of such a
person has disappeared behind a false self, developed probably
in early childhood and maintained in adulthood,although no longer
necessary.
9aturally, this personality profile is only a model and does not
apply to all cancer patients, although in my workwith sufferers
over nearly fourteen years ) have often come across these character
traits. #hat matters is that together or separately they signal a
negative outlook on life which a cancer diagnosis can turn into
bleakdespairF and >9) tells us clearly what that means in trends
of reduced immune competence.
)t is well known that cancer often appears + months or two years
after some untoward life event, such asbereavement, divorce, career
crisis, fiscal blow, and so on. 4xperience with clients has shown
me that thoseevents only represented the last straw that ultimately
broke the camel's backF that, indeed, those people had longexisted
in what they had felt was a life trap, an impossible existential
situation that apparently could neither be
borne nor changed. 3e*han and 1arl *imonton, 7.5., describe this
life trap in detail. 7y own case materialbears out its existence,
and also the fact that those who feel unable to escape eventually
reach a stage when theydon't care whether they live or die. As many
of them have told me, &*omething snapped.& ) suspect it was
thelast strand of their will to live.And, as the wellknown saying
has it, &1ancer is a socially acceptable form of suicide.hat we
are dealing with here is the mysterious interaction of biochemist
and emotions, a vast new area of
bodymind medicine which we are only beginning to explore. ?ut
there is already enough orthodox clinical, asopposed to anecdotal,
evidence to prove that inner attitudes can make a big difference to
survival.)n a now classical study, ?ritish researcher *tephen Greer
interviewed a group of women three months after they
had undergone mastectomies, to find out how they were coping. :e
found four distinct types among them whoshowed, respectively,
fighting spirit, denial, stoic acceptance, and hopelessness. After
- and +% years, %C of thefighters, but only $%C of the hopeless had
survived. These rates had nothing to do with medical prognoses.)n
the 8.*., 5avid *piegel, 7.5., of *tanford, invited a group of -
women with metastasi"ed breast cancer toattend weekly meetings for
a year, where they could share worries and sorrows, encourage each
ether, andchange their mental attitude. A control group of -% women
attended no such meetings. *piegel only wanted todiscover whether
the group activity enhanced the members' (uality of life, which it
certainly did. ?ut, to hisama"ement, he found that they also lived
twice as long as those that did not attend.These studies, as well
as my own case histories suggest that the fighters, unlike the
despondent patients, give
positive nonverbal messages to their bodies which boost their
immune system, and get results accordingly. 9otalways. :umanity's
mortality rate remains obstinately +%%C, but we don't all have to
go at once.*till, on the orthodox side, an interesting insight
comes from 8.*. oncologistsurgeon ?ernie *iegal, 7.5.,author of
several bestselling books which have helped to extend public
understanding of the bodymind link in
health and sickness. :e claims that +-$%C of cancer patients
unconsciously or consciously want to die, nodoubt to get out of a
bad life trap. %;%C wish to get well but are passive and expect the
doctor to do all thework. +-$%C, however, are exceptional< they
refuse to play victim, they research their disease, don't obey
thedoctor automatically but ask (uestions, demand control and make
informed choices. )n ?ernie *iegel's words,&5ifficult or
uncooperative patients are most likely to get well. Apparently they
have more killer Tcells thandocile patients. ) suspect that many
Gerson patients would (ualify for membership in ?ernie *iegel's
groups of4xceptional 1ancer >atients.*o how do we go about
promoting a positive outlook and a fighting spirit in the
patientDThe best ) can offer is what ) have learned and practiced
over the years. The following steps refer to all patientswith
cancer or other chronic degenerative diseasesF the specific needs
of Gerson patients will be discussedafterwards. The first step is
to demystify the disease, discuss it openly, in a natural voice,
without euphemismsor technical !argon. This helps to provide a safe
space where the patient can find emotional release, encouraged
by being listened to with total, non!udgmental attention.
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) always ask the initial (uestion, &5o you want to
liveD& )f the answer is yes, ) ask, &5o you want to
liveunconditionallyD& Another firm &yes& settles that
matter. ?ut often a &yes, but...& reply identifies an
undecidedindividual, and the need for further exploration.)t is
important to build a therapeutic partnership with the patient and
give him or her responsibility and an activerole to play. #e must
be totally honest, have the courage to say &) don't know&
when we don't refuse any kind of
prognosis. )f a patient tells us that -C of people with his
condition die within three years, we invite him to !oin
the +-C who don't. /) recall with !oy and admiration the fragile
little lady riddled with cancer who, when toldthat she had six
months to live, brightly replied, &Oh good, ) have six months
to get well.& And get well she did,on the Gerson Therapy...0The
+$@ months of the patient's life prior to the diagnosis can yield
valuable clues. 5id some ma!or stressdrive the patient to drink,
drugs or other destructive habits which caused significant liver
damageD Gentle(uestioning often allows us to identify some life
trapF the next task is to show that there is a way out, other
thandying.To flush out the inner saboteur, we need to help the
patient recogni"e and release selfdefeating patterns, oldunfinished
business, and resentment especially resentment, since the repeated
reliving of old hurts, rage or pain
puts the autonomic nervous system into distress mode, which is
the last thing the patient needs.Eeprogramming means shifting the
emphasis from negative to positive. To (uote 3e*han once again, his
basic(uestion is hat's right with youD& #hat are your special
ways of being, relating, creatingD #hat is blockingtheir
expressionD #hat do you need to fulfill yourselfD Above all, what
do BO8 want to do with your lifeD&
) agree with 3e*han's claim that under the circumstances it is
permissible to ask (uestions which one wouldavoid otherwise.
Muestions like< )f you had another thirty years to live, would
you remarry your spouseD or staywith your partnerD or remain in
your present careerDOnce these important basics have been
clarified, it is time to switch from the passive to the active mode
and
point out the enormous potential open to the patient, if only he
or she will act, not !ust react, and start makingpersonal
decisions. After all, there is nothing to lose.)f possible, the
family dynamics should also be explored. A toxic relationship to a
spouse, an overdemanding
parent or antagonistic children may contribute to the disease.
#ithout recogni"ing the situation there is no wayto ease it.A great
deal can be achieved in a short time. The main tool of the
physician or therapist is his or her personalityand calm, reliable
presence. Often this presence is the only solid support to the
patient's confused, chaotic world.Other tools, such as teaching
relaxation techni(ues, simple meditation, and creative
visuali"ation, focused onselfhealing, can and should he used later,
by suitably trained counselors and therapists.
?eside the trauma and psychological needs experienced by cancer
sufferers in general, Gerson patients haveextra burdens to bear.
2ar too many come to the therapy as a last resort, after
conventional treatments havefailed them, leaving behind a sense of
disappointment, betrayal, and a range of severe aftereffects. 2or
them,embarking on the Gerson Therapy is like taking a mad gamble,
an endoftheline decision.Others choose the Gerson path at an
earlier, less serious stage of their disease, with fewer
preventable changes intheir bodies, but with a poor prognosis.
4ither way they embark on an unfamiliar treatment, much of which
sounds bi"arre at first.They step outside the boundaries of
orthodox medicine, the network of doctors, consultants, hospitals,
referralsFa whole system which has been unable to heal them yet
still carries an aura of great power. *ome may have beenshown the
door by their physician. Others face pressure and doubts from
family members and friends who don'tsee how a weird, neverheardof
therapy can succeed where modern hightech medicine has failed.The
wouldbe patient's own doubts spring largely from the sheer length
of the therapy. )n the more familiar
allopathic field of medicine there is a pill for every ill, you
either recover or you die, but at least things happenfast. To face
two years of unremitting effort, strict discipline and monotony
sounds pretty horrendous, especially
because there is no guarantee of success at the other end. This
explains why only a small percentage of in(uirerschooses to embark
on the therapy /in the 8.. the uptake is around $%C0 after
digesting the first batch ofinformation.#e can assume a certain
toughness and determination, or sheer despair, in those who are
willing to make a start.At this stage, their main need is for
reassurance, for sober hope mixed with honest realism. They need to
hearthat theirs is a serious disease indeed, but it is possible to
recover from it, and the Gerson Therapy is the mostlogical way to
regain their health. This is when the cognitive approach works
best, explaining the &how& and the&why& of the
Gerson program. )t needs no medical background to understand why
rebuilding the immunesystem is a better idea than knocking it out
with radiation and a cock tail of toxic substances.And so, by this
stage having settled the emotional overload of the patient, we work
along rational lines,explaining, answering (uestions, not asking
anything to be taken on trust. This reinforces the patient's
involvement in the healing process as an e(ual partner and ally
of the doctor or specialist counselor.To get an overview, it helps
to imagine the two or more years of the Gerson Therapy as a drama
in three acts.
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3ct /ne
*tarting out. A time of excitement and exploration,
unfamiliarity, drastic changes in lifestyle, diet, daily
routine.7uch to learn all the time. )t is a great advantage to
start the therapy at a Gerson clinic. ?ut, sooner or later,there
follows the expulsion from that Garden of 4den where everything is
done for the patient, and reality must
be faced at home. 2or the patient who starts at home, chaos sets
in temporarily from 5ay One.At first, the sheer tasks of the day
seem impossible< preparing !uices, food, enema coffee, washing
up endlessly,
securing deliveries, checking on the helper, cleaning up after
the helper above all, remaining sane. At thisstage, practical help
is essential almost round the clock, to stop the patient from
giving up at once.Act One is so busy and active that there is
little space and time for psychological matters.3ct T>o
The main part /possibly the longest second act on 4arth0. The
daily routine has been established and is rollingalong, but even
with helpers it demands time, effort and perseverance. The monotony
and boredom begin to tellon the patient who feels restricted, under
virtual house arrest. )n theory it is possible to go out after
dinner, in
practice it does not happen often.Then there is the problem of
flareups or healing reactions which can be vile yet have to be
welcomed, sincethey signal that the body is responding to the
therapy. ?y way of psychological support the reasons andsymptoms of
flareups must be explained in advance, so that the patient does not
panic /while feeling terrible0.&This, too, will pass& is
the best comfort we can offer.An opposite problem, admittedly much
rarer, is when there are no flareups for a while, and the
patient
immediately concludes that the therapy is not working, there is
no hope left. ) remember my own despondencyall those years ago
when, except for one almighty flareup, + did not have any for
months. )t really worried me.Then ) had twentysix in a row, which
gave me something else to worry about.>hysical detoxification
inevitably brings about psychological detoxification, too. Toxins
passing through thecentral nervous system evoke strange reactions
and outofcharacter behavior< violent mood swings,
snappiness,anger, instability, unfair accusations and aggression.
Thepatient's normally civili"ed behavior gives way todrives and
emotions that have been denied and repressed for a long time,
perhaps since childhood. The adult&censor& within is pushed
aside by a raging infant, at least for a while, and then takes over
again, amidst profuseapologies.This, too, has to be prepared for,
and not taken personallyF it is part of the process. )n whatever
capacity wework with the patient, we remain calm, caring,
unchanged, waiting for the inner upheaval to pass.:owever, we need
to be more active if depression sets in. This, too, can be the
result of the detoxification
process, or of some small adverse symptom which is immediately
seen as ominous. Abad result in the latest
blood test or an apparent change in a palpable tumor can plunge
the patient into black despair. This has to bedispelled fast by
pointing out that there are many ups and downs and fluctuations
within the healing process, sothat single symptoms are not signals
of doom.5epression can also set in when the patient gets terminally
fed up and wants to (uit the therapy, althoughimprovements are
noticeable. )t is best not to contradict the patient's grumbles
but, on the contrary, agree thatthe process is demanding,
monotonous, restricting and boringF and then point out the good
results so far, asktactless (uestions, such as, ould you rather
have chemotherapyD& or &All right, you give up and then
whatD&and wait for the answer.Eemember< this, too, will
pass.Taking life day by day, one day at a tine, is a good way to
handle the apparent endlessness of the therapy,without losing sight
of the ultimate aim. )n fact, interim goalsetting what would the
patient want to achieve inone week, one month and three months
helps even further to break up the monotony. The aims should
berealistic and modest, and warmly acknowledged when they are
achieved. Those that did not work out can be
rephrased or postponed but not written off as failures.' 2ood
can be a ma!or issue during the main part of the therapy. 7any
people take to Gerson food at once anden!oy it. Others do not. #hen
resistance wells up and turns mealtimes into the adult e(uivalent
of nurserytantrums, we are up against the deep emotional investment
many people have in certain types of food, howeverunhealthy. Their
attachment is probably to the food mother gave then in childhood
when food e(ualed love,even if it was lowgrade !unk. At a fraught
time such people may feel that what they eat is their last area of
freechoice, and even though on a mental level they accept the
Tightness of the Gerson diet, on a deeper nonrationallevel they
re!ect it, sometimes literally.This is where wise counseling is
needed. The patient must be reminded that the food on offer is
medicine, thatthe diet is not for ever, and that accepting it now
is a sound investment in the future. ) have found it helpful tomake
a solemn contract with the patient who undertook to stick to the
diet meticulously for a fortnight. As arule, (uick improvement
followed and extending the contract proved easy.The need to observe
the rules cannot be overstated. *mall lapses and occasional
exceptions, often asked for by
patients, are out of the (uestion, for what exactly is small,
and how often does an occasional exception occurDOnce the rules are
broken, the safe boundaries of the therapy are damaged, and the
conse(uences can be serious.
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:owever, as carers or therapists we must enforce the rules with
tact and affection, otherwise we may end up inthe role of the
overstrict parent, with &Thou shalt not& written all over
us.5uring the long main part of the therapy, the patient's boredom
can be relieved by providing relevant readingmaterial and tapes,
set up networking with other Gerson >ersons, or encourage a
fresh hobby or study that can
be fitted in between !uices, enemas and meals. 2riends' behavior
can be crucial. 1an they bear the patient'sillness and face their
own fears, or do they fade out of the pictureD And how are the
family members copingD
Are they bearing the burden of the therapy without making the
patient feel guiltyD3ct Three
#inding down. The intensive therapy is over. 9ow is the time to
taper it off more and more, cutting downgradually on !uices,
enemas, medication, preparing to reenter the world.This can be a
very tricky phase. The same patients who used to ask, &)s there
life after GersonD& now arereluctant to let go of the routine.
)t has become a way of life which has served them superbly. They
feel and lookwell, they are symptomfree, with good test results and
no complaints. ?ut they do not want to come off thetherapy.?y then
it has become their safety device and symbolic lifeandhealth
insurance, with the implied fear thatstopping the therapy may bring
on a relapse. This fear must not be dismissed lightly< it
re(uires a careful, patient&weaning process& to ensure that
the tube of the enema bucket does not turn into a substitute
umbilical cord.*ticking with the dietary principles set out by 5r.
Gerson is very necessary for the rest of one's life, in order
tosafeguard one's bravely rebuilt health.
There are others, of course, who have to be restrained from
rushing back into their erstwhile disastrous eatinghabits at the
end of Act Three. As a rule, the attempt is doomed< their
detoxified, cleared, optimally nourishedsystems tend to shrink away
from socalled normal food, heavy with fat and painfully salty. )f
theirunderstanding does not ob!ect to !unk food, their taste buds
will.)n my experience, after recovery there is no way back into the
predisease state. The experience of the holisticGerson Therapy
changes you, not only in your lifestyle and eating habits but also
in your value system,
priorities and general outlook. Bou have been reborn without the
need to die first, and you may easily andnaturally decide to help
others, by way of repaying a debt to life.
3ppendix I" :ab Tests
3aboratory testing of blood and urine are a standard part of
your Gerson physician's followup protocol for
Gerson Therapy patients. The following compendium of
explanations and interpretations is provided to helppeople feel
less intimidated by unfamiliar terms, and to ac(uaint them with
current knowledge.4ither Goul!*s %e!ical /ictionary or Taber*s
Cyclope!ic %e!ical /ictionary will prove an indispensable aid.Also
valuable will be the ebster*s Dnabri!)e! nternational /ictionary
/published by 7erriam 1o.0.One of the first reali"ations the reader
will have is that lab values shift fre(uently, rapidly, and for a
wide varietyof reasons. 4ven large shifts which fall within or
close to normal indicated limits should not be cause for
alarm.Eesults of a single set of chemistries or counts are never
conclusive. Eemarkable results, those which fall faroutside of
normal limits, warrant retesting and future monitoring.The
following laboratory test report is an example taken from the chart
of a Gerson patient. :eadings below arenumberreferenced to this
report. >lease note that no two laboratories use the same forms
or necessarily grouptests in the same way. Although most labs are
now using standardi"ed reporting systems, some labs will useranges
of findings which differ from those below.
"% alciu), seru)This test measures serum levels of calcium, a
predominantly extracellular cation that helps regulate and
promoteneuromuscular and en"yme activity, skeletal development, and
blood coagulation. The body absorbs calciumfrom the
gastrointestinal tract, provided sufficient vitamin 5 is present,
and excretes it in the urine and feces.Over C of the body's calcium
can shift in and out of these structures. 2or example, when
calciumconcentrations in the blood fall below normal, calcium ions
can move out of the bones and teeth to help restore
blood levels.>arathyroid hormone, vitamin 5, and to a lesser
extent, calcitonin and adrenal steroids control calcium
bloodlevels. 1alcium and phosphorus are closely related, usually
reacting together to form insoluble calcium
phosphate. To prevent formation of a precipitate in the blood,
calcium levels vary inversely with phosphorusF asserum calcium
levels rise, phosphorus levels should decrease through renal
excretion. *ince the body excretescalcium daily, regular ingestion
of calcium in food /at least + gJday0 is necessary for normal
calcium balance.Purpose
To aid diagnosis of neuromuscular, skeletal, and endocrine
disordersF arrhythmiasF bloodclotting deficienciesFand acidbase
imbalance.
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Ea$ues
9ormally, serum calcium levels range from . to +%.+ mgJdl
/atomic absorptionF $.$- to $.;- mmolJ30. )nchildren, serum calcium
levels are higher than in adults. 1alcium levels can rise as high
as +$ mgJdl /.%mmolJ30 during phases of rapid bone
growth.I&p$ications o' resu$ts
Abnormally high serum calcium levels /hypercalcemia0 may occur
in hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid
tumors /caused by oversecretion of parathyroid hormone0,
>aget's disease of the bone, multiple myeloma,metastatic
carcinoma, multiple fractures, or prolonged immobili"ation.
4levated serum calcium levels may alsoresult from inade(uate
excretion of calcium, as in adrenal insufficiency and renal
diseaseF from excessivecalcium ingestionF or from overuse of
antacids such as calcium carbonate.3ow calcium levels
/hypocalcemia0 may result from hypoparathyroidism, total
parathyroidectomy, ormalabsorption. 5ecreased serum levels of
calcium may follow calcium loss in 1ushing's syndrome, renal
failure, acute pancreatitis, and peritonitis.!$inica$ 3$ert"
Observe the patient with hypercalcemia for deep bone pain, flank
pain caused by renal calculi,and muscle hypotonicity. :ypercalcemic
crisis begins with nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, leading to
stuporand coma, and can end in cardiac arrest.)n a patient with
hypocalcemia, be alert for circumoral and peripheral numbness and
tingling, muscletwitching, 1hvostek's sign /facial muscle spasm0,
tetany, muscle cramping. Trousseau's sign /carpopedal
spasm0,sei"ures, and arrhythmias.
2% Phosphates, seru)This test measures serum levels of
phosphates, the dominant cellular anions. >hosphates help store
and utili"e
body energy, and help regulate calcium levels, carbohydrate and
lipid metabolism, and acidbase balance. >hosphates are essential
to bone formationF about -C of the body's phosphates are found in
bone. The intestineabsorbs a considerable amount of phosphates from
dietary sources, but ade(uate levels of vitamin 5 arenecessary for
their absorption. The kidneys excrete phosphates and serve as a
regulatory mechanism. ?ecausecalcium and phosphate interact in a
reciprocal relationship, urinary excretion of phosphates increases
ordecreases in inverse proportion to serum calcium levels. Abnormal
concentrations of phosphates result moreoften from improper
excretion than from abnormal ingestion or absorption from dietary
sources.Purpose
H To aid diagnosis of renal disorders and acidbase imbalance.H
To detect endocrine, skeletal, and calcium disorders.Ea$ues
9ormally, serum phosphate levels range from $.- to @.- mgJdl
/%.% to +.@% mmolJ30 or from +. to $. m4(Jliter. 1hildren have
higher serum phosphate levels than adults. >hosphate levels can
rise as high as ; mgJdl /$.$-mmolJ30 during periods of increased
bone growth.I&p$ications o' resu$ts
?ecause serum phosphate values alone are of limited use
diagnostically /only a few rare conditions directlyaffect phosphate
metabolism0, they should be interpreted in light of serum calcium
results.5epressed phosphate levels /hypophosphatemia0 may result
from malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes,hyperparathyroidism,
renal tubular acidosis, or treatment of diabetic acidosis. )n
children, hypophosphatemiacan suppress normal growth.4levated
levels /hyperphosphatemia0 may result from skeletal disease,
healing fractures, hypoparathyroidism,acromegaly, diabetic
acidosis, high intestinal obstruction, and renal failure.
:yperphosphatemia is rarely clinically significantF however, if
prolonged, it can alter bone metabolism by causing abnormal calcium
phosphatedeposits.
#% odiu), seru)This test measures serum levels of sodium, the
ma!or extracellular cation. *odium affects body waterdistribution,
maintains osmotic pressure of extracellular fluid, and helps
promote neuromuscular functionF it alsohelps maintain acidbase
balance and influences chloride and potassium levels. *odium is
absorbed by theintestines and is excreted primarily by the kidneysF
a small amount is lost through the skin.*ince extracellular sodium
concentration helps the kidneys to regulate body water /decreased
sodium levels
promote water excretion and increased levels promote retention0,
serum levels of sodium are evaluated in relation to the amount of
water in the body. 2or example, a sodium deficit /hyponatremia0
refers to a decreased levelof sodium in relation to the body's
water level. The body normally regulates this sodiumwater
balancethrough aldosterone, which inhibits sodium excretion and
promotes its resorption /with water0 by the renaltubules, to
maintain balance. 3ow sodium levels stimulate aldosterone
secretionF elevated sodium levels depress
aldosterone secretion.%pecial ote:n the conte(t of the Gerson
Therapy both so!ium an! chlori!e le6els may occasionally fallbelow
normal limits for the )eneral population. hen this occurs fre@uent
monitorin) of electrolytes an!
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continuous clinical obser6ation are warrante!. n most cases
so!ium spillin) is self&limitin). Re!uction of
e!ema throu)h elimination of so!ium is the )oal of so!ium
restriction an! potassium supplementation. The bo!y
mechanisms which are accelerate! by the Gerson Therapy in or!er
to remo6e so!ium from !isease! tissue will
not normally cause a se6ere re!uction of serum so!ium which is
essential for life.ote: hen below normal
so!ium le6els occur the Gerson physician shoul! be imme!iately
consulte!.
Purpose
H To evaluate fluidelectrolyte and acidbase balance, and related
neuromuscular, renal, and adrenal functions.H To evaluate the
effects of drug therapy /such as diuretics0 on serum sodium
levels.Ea$ues
9ormally serum sodium levelsrange from +- to +@-
m4(Jliter/mmolJ30.I&p$ications o' resu$ts
*odium imbalance can result from a loss or gain of sodium, or
from a change in water volume. *erum sodiumresults must be
sodiumwater balance through aldosterone, which inhibits sodium
excretion and promotes itsresorption /with water0 by the renal
tubules, to maintain balance. 3ow sodium levels stimulate
aldosteronesecretionF elevated sodium levels depress aldosterone
secretion.
%pecial ote:n the conte(t of the Gerson Therapy both so!ium an!
chlori!e le6els may occasionally fall
below normal limits for the )eneral population. hen this occurs
fre@uent monitorin) of electrolytes an!
continuous clinical obser6ation are warrante!. n most cases
so!ium spillin) is self&limitin). Re!uction ofe!ema throu)h
elimination of so!ium is the )oal of so!ium restriction an!
potassium supplementation. The bo!y
mechanisms which are accelerate! by the Gerson Therapy in or!er
to remo6e so!ium from !isease! tissue will
not normally cause a se6ere re!uction of serum so!ium which is
essential for life.ote: hen below normal
so!ium le6els occur the Gerson physician shoul! be imme!iately
consulte!.
Purpose
H To evaluate fluidelectrolyte and acidbase balance, and related
neuromuscular, renal, and adrenal functions.H To evaluate the
effects of drug therapy /such as diuretics0 on serum sodium
levels.Ea$ues
9ormally serum sodium levelsrange from +- to +@-
m4(Jliter/mmolJ30.I&p$ications o' resu$ts
*odium imbalance can result from a loss or gain of sodium, or
from a change in water volume. *erum sodiumresults must be cation.
*mall amounts of potassium may also be found in extracellular
fluid. 6ital to homeostasis, potassium maintains cellular osmotic
e(uilibrium and helps regulate muscle activity /it's essential
inmaintaining electrical conduction within the cardiac and skeletal
muscles0. >otassium also helps regulateen"yme activity and
acidbase balance, and influences kidney function. >otassium
levels are affected byvariations in the secretion of adrenal
steroid hormones, and by fluctuations in p:, serum glucose levels,
andserum sodium levels. A reciprocal relationship appears to exist
between potassium and sodiumF a substantialintake of one element
causes a corresponding decrease in the other. Although it readily
conserves sodium, the
body has no efficient method for conserving potassium. 4ven in
potassium depletion, the kidneys continue toexcrete potassiumF
therefore, potassium deficiency can develop rapidly and is (uite
common.*ince the kidneys excrete nearly all the ingested potassium,
a dietary intake of at least @% m4(Jday /mmolJd0 isessential. /A
normal diet usually includes % to +%% m4( LmmolJdR
potassium.0Purpose
H To evaluate clinical signs of potassium excess /hyperkalemia0
or potassium depletion/hypokalemia0.H To monitor renal function,
acidbase balance, and glucose metabolism.H To evaluate
neuromuscular and endocrine disorders.H To detect the origin of
arrhythmias.
Ea$ues
9ormally, serum potassium levels range from . to -.- m4(Jliter
/mmolJ30.I&p$ications o' resu$ts
Abnormally high serum potassium levels /hyperkalemia0 are common
in patients with bums, crushing in!uries,diabetic ketoacidosis, and
myocardial infarction conditions in which excessive cellular
potassium enters the
blood. :yperkalemia may also indicate reduced sodium excretion,
possibly because of renal failure /preventingnormal sodiumpotassium
exchange0 or Addison's disease /caused by the absence of
aldosterone, with con
se(uent potassium buildup and sodium depletion0.ote:Althou)h
ele6ate! serum potassium is uncommon in
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Gerson patients if it !oes occur supplemental potassium shoul!
be !iscontinue! an! the Gerson physician
shoul! be imme!iately consulte!.
!$inica$ 3$ert" Observe a patient with hyperkalemia for
weakness, malaise, nausea, diarrhea, colicky pain,muscle
irritability progressing to flaccid paralysis, oliguria, and
bradycardia. 4lectrocardiogram /41G0 reveals a
prolonged >E intervalF wide ME*F tall, tented T waveF and *T
depression.?elownormal potassium values often result from
aldosteronism or 1ushing's syndrome /marked by
hypersecretion of adrenal steroid hormones0, loss of body fluids
/as in longterm diuretic therapy0, or excessivelicorice ingestion
/because of the aldosteronelike effect of glycyrrhi"ic acid0.
Although serum values andclinical symptoms can indicate a potassium
imbalance, an 41G provides the definitive diagnosis.!$inica$ 3$ert
(+" Observe a patient with hypokalemia for decreased reflexesF
rapid, weak, irregular pulseFmental confusionF hypotensionF
anorexiaF muscle weaknessF and paresthesia. 41G shows a flattened T
wave, *Tdepression, and 8 wave elevation. )n severe cases,
ventricular fibrillation, respiratory paralysis, and cardiacarrest
can develop.Inter'erin 'actors
4xcessive or rapid potassium infusion, spironolactone or
penicillin G potassium therapy, or renal toxicity
fromadministration of amphotericin ?, methicillin, or tetracycline
increases serum potassium levels.)nsulin and glucose
administration, diuretic therapy /especially with thia"ides, but
not with triamterene,amiloride, or spironolactone0, or ).6.
infusions without potassium decrease serum potassium
levels.4xcessive hemolysis of the sample or delay in drawing blood
following application of a tourni(uet increases
potassium levels.5% hloride, seru)This test, a (uantitative
analysis, measures serum levels of chloride, the ma!or
extracellular fluid anion.)nteracting with sodium, chloride helps
maintain the osmotic pressure of blood and therefore helps
regulate
blood volume and arterial pressure. 1hloride levels also affect
acidbase balance. *erum concentrations of thiselectrolyte are
regulated by aldosterone secondarily to regulation of sodium.
1hloride is absorbed from theintestines and is excreted primarily
by the kidneys.Purpose
H To detect acidbase imbalance /acidosis and alkalosis0 and to
aid evaluation of fluid status and extracellularcationanion
balance.Ea$ues
9ormally serum chloride levels range from +%% to +% m4(Jliter
/mmolJ30.I&p$ications o' resu$ts
1hloride levels relate inversely to those of bicarbonate and
thus reflect acidbase balance. 4xcessive loss ofgastric !uices or
of other secretions containing chloride may causehypochloremic
metabolic alkalosisF excessive chloride retention or ingestion may
lead to hyperchloremicmetabolic acidosis.4levated serum chloride
levels /hypercloremia0 may result from severe dehydration, complete
renal shutdown,head in!ury /producing neurogenic hyperventilation0,
and primary aldosteronism.3ow chloride levels/hypochloremia0 are
usual