The Gerson therapy consists of detoxification and diet. Detoxification involves the use of coffee enemas. The theory behind this is that caffeine is rapidly absorbed through the lower bowel and travels directly to the liver where it stimulates the production of natural immune factors. Care must be taken not to over-stimulate the liver which could eventually lead to its fatigue and malfunction. The diet is similar to the Laetrile diet, but is more strict. It includes twelve or more glasses daily of freshly pressed fruit and vegetable juices, a daily vegetable soup, and potassium/iodine supplements. The therapy was developed by Dr. Max Gerson, a graduate of the University of Freiburg Medical School in Germany who fled to the U.S. in 1936 as a refugee of fascism. For more information, go to our Gerson Institute page.