Coffee enema - Livestrong

[Jackie07]

http://www.livestrong.com/article/146664-coffee-enema-side-effects/

[Jackie07]

Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Mar;6(1):80-8.
Surviving against all odds: analysis of 6 case studies of patients with cancer who followed the Gerson therapy.
Molassiotis A, Peat P.
Author information
Abstract
A considerable number of patients with cancer have used or are using the Gerson therapy, an alleged anticancer metabolic diet. However, there is almost no scientific support for this regimen. Hence, the present case review study of 6 patients with metastatic cancer who used the Gerson therapy aims at critically evaluating each case to derive some valid interpretations of its potential effect. All 6 cases had a cancer diagnosis with poor prognosis. Despite the presence of some confounding variables, it seems that the Gerson regimen has supported patients to some extent both physically and psychologically. More scientific attention needs to be directed to this area so that patients can practice safe and appropriate therapies that are based on evidence rather than anecdotes.

[donocco]

You brought back a memory of a book I read a long time ago. It was called "Death be Not Proud" by an author named John Gunther. His son, John Gunther Jr. developed Glioblastoma Multiforme a malignant brain tumor. He had used the Gerson treatment (in addition to surgery and radiation-this was 1946 and there were no chemos) and it helped him for awhile although he ultimately died . John Gunther was grateful to Gerson and mentions him in his book. I read this a long time ago in the 1960s

Paul

[Jackie07]

The latest research I could find was about 4 years old. Guess it's an old practice that's fading away.

Oncology (Williston Park). 2010 Feb;24(2):201.
Gerson regimen.
Cassileth B.
Author information
Abstract
The Gerson regimen, developed by Max Gerson in the 1930s, is promoted as an alternative cancer treatment. It involves consuming fresh, raw fruit and vegetable juices, eliminating salt from the diet, taking supplements such as potassium, vitamin B12, thyroid hormone, pancreatic enzymes, and detoxifying liver with coffee enemas to stimulate metabolism. Gerson therapy is based on the theory that cancer is caused by alteration of cell metabolism by toxic environmental substances and processed food, which changes its sodium and potassium content. It emphasizes increasing potassium intake and minimizing sodium consumption in an effort to correct the electrolyte imbalance, repair tissue, and detoxify the liver. The coffee enemas are believed to cause dilation of bile ducts and excretion of toxic breakdown products by the liver and through the colon wall. None of these theories has been substantiated by scientific research. Despite proponents' claims of recovery rates as high as 70% to 90%, case reviews by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the New York County Medical Society found no evidence of usefulness for the Gerson diet. An NCI-sponsored study of Gonzalez therapy, which is similar to the Gerson diet, showed that patients with inoperable pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent standard chemotherapy with gemcitabine (Gemzar) survived three times longer and had better quality of life than those who chose enzyme treatment, which included pancreatic enzymes, nutritional supplements, detoxification, and an organic diet.
PMID: 20361473 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]