Dr. Max Gerson began work on a diet for cancer patients in the 1920s, and over the next 30 years modified it to create the Modified Gerson Diet as an addition to existing cancer treatments. The Gerson Institute has further taken up the work since then and today's version of the diet attempts to improve the outcomes of cancer patients by providing their bodies with a healthy mix of antioxidants and a very specific balance of carbohydrates, fats and protein.
Carbohydrates
According to the Gerson Institute, Gerson believed that carbohydrates provide essential energy for sick patients, and encouraged increased carbohydrate intake. The modified Gerson Diet encourages high intake of oatmeal, potatoes and fruit as healthy sources of carbohydrates.
Fats
The only fats allowed in the Modified Gerson Diet have to come from flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega 3, and Gerson believed that it was the only oil allowable for cancer patients. According to the diet, other oils increase the fat composition of cancer patients, which may increase tumor growth.
Proteins
The Modified Gerson Diet allows for a small amount of protein intake, but discourages high amounts as they may be dangerous to the kidneys of cancer patients. According to the Gerson Diet Protocol, high protein levels increase kidney acidity and decrease its function. The Modified Gerson Diet allows for the equivalent amount of protein daily to 1 cup of yogurt.
Fresh Fruit Juice
While the Modified Gerson Diet recommends that all foods be fresh, it especially stresses the importance of fresh fruit juice. The reason for juice instead of actual fruit is that the juice does not have as much fiber, making it easier for the digestive system to absorb. It also contains a high amount of antioxidants, which the Gerson Diet Protocol stresses as being essential for cancer recovery.
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