Max Gerson

Max Gerson (October 18, 1881 – March 8, 1959) was a German-born American physician who developed the Gerson Therapy, a dietary-based alternative cancer treatment that he claimed could cure cancer and most chronic, degenerative diseases.

Early life and education

Gerson was born in Wongrowitz, Germany (now Wągrowiec, Poland). He attended the universities of Breslau, Würzburg, Berlin, and Freiburg, studying medicine.

Career

Gerson began practicing medicine in Breslau in 1907. In 1910, suffering from severe migraine headaches, he experimented with his diet and found that a vegetarian diet supplemented with large amounts of raw fruits and vegetables seemed to alleviate his symptoms. He began to use diet to treat his patients and claimed to have cured his first cancer patient in 1928.

In 1933, Gerson emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City, where he continued his research and practice. He published a book on his treatment methods, including his theory that disease is caused by the accumulation of unspecified toxins, and that a diet high in certain nutrients could detoxify the body and restore its ability to heal itself.

Gerson Therapy

The Gerson Therapy is a natural treatment that activates the body’s extraordinary ability to heal itself through an organic, vegetarian diet, raw juices, coffee enemas and natural supplements. The Gerson Therapy treats the underlying causes of disease: toxicity and nutritional deficiency.

Criticism and controversy

The medical community has criticized Gerson's methods. The American Medical Association, National Cancer Institute, and American Cancer Society have all dismissed the Gerson Therapy as ineffective and potentially dangerous. Despite this, the therapy continues to be promoted by the Gerson Institute, a non-profit organization based in San Diego, California, and is practiced in various clinics worldwide.

Death

Gerson died on March 8, 1959, of pneumonia.

Legacy

Despite criticism and controversy, Gerson's work continues to influence the field of alternative medicine. His daughter, Charlotte Gerson, continued his work and founded the Gerson Institute in 1977.

See also

• Alternative cancer treatments
• List of ineffective cancer treatments

External links

• Gerson Institute