anybody tried the master cleanse? What was your experience?

Am thinking of trying it for the 5 lbs that just will NOT COME OFF! (argh)

What's a very interesting thing to do is to Google the ingredients of the product you're thinking of trying and then Googling them individually to see what they actually do.  In most products with the word 'cleanse' you'll find many of the ingredients are different forms of laxatives.  If you're not constipated, therefore, and you take them you may experience diarrhoea, cramps and possibly some accompanying dehydration as with an upset stomach.  But any weight lost (also like an upset stomach) will be rather fleeting and temporary... coming straight back when you eat normally.

It's always difficult to lose the 'last 5lbs'. Sometimes it's even beneficial to decide to maintain at your current weight, increase your calorie intake & keep up with the exercise.  Ironically, that can have the desired effect.  

It's one thing to have the bottom fall out of your world.  Quite another when the world falls out of your bottom...

Here's an article from the CC Blog, published recently.  It should answer any questions you may have, both about cleanses and detox diets. 

Detox

Neither are effective in aiding weight loss, and have health risks.

The Master Cleanse or any other detox diet will take off the 5 lbs fast but you'll gain them right back as soon as you go off.  It sucks to go through and is not worth it.

if your not sure how to make it or don't want to risk making it the wrong way (much like me) I believe GNC and other specialty health stores carry this product that is the master cleanse and is bottled. It has the right amounts of everything in the master cleanse and has added antioxidants. its called simply slender. I believe that this stuff can work but its not healthy at all. This is a temporary solution.

I tried it and I lasted only 3 days and technically I cheated the whole time any way, I would eat one oatmeal granola bar (90 cal) a day. I felt bad and I even ended up puking up my syrup/cayenne/lemon juice on the 3rd day which is why I gave up and ate. Also it doesn't make you poo, you have to drink water w/ sea salt or some special tea. I drank the tea and it didn't make me go. I would not recommend it, I lost 3 pounds on it but when I started eating again I gained 4 back so it was a wash. So now I'm just doing it the right way with a 500 deficit a day that I'm getting through exercise and eating 1500 I now have lost the 4 I gained back but I did it the healthy way. I'd say the cleanse was the stupidest thing I ever tried. Even my boyfriend called me an idiot!

If you actually read the Master Cleanse Handbook, it recommends taking all the time for the cleanse off from work and just laying in bed. Right. If the fact that it's a starvation diet based on laxatives isn't enough, now we've got proof that the creator lives in another reality!

nyc-runninggirl

MC on CC is like a swear word and certain members are very dedicated to abusing anyone who mentions a cleanse, as they personally dont agree with it. Youll be told that your body can of course cleanse itself of toxins, but i dont think our bodies were designed to deal with the processed junk we now put into it. Surely toxins are what cause diseases such as cancer? Youll also be told that syrup, lemons and caynne is not a balanced diet (which no one claims it to be) but im sure 10 days is fine, think about the crap that we often put into ourselves in a 10 day period, the MC is ceraintly going to be less harmful than that. So id say do a search of the forums there are a few postings witha huge variety of opinions.

Ive just started the master cleanse again,. I successfully did 10 days in Nov 08 and loved it, was the best thing ive ever done for my body and confidence. Though i struggled to stick to it the few times ive attempted since then, but this time im focused.

It is suppsoed to be a cleanse rather than a weight lose diet, however you are likely to lose about 1lb a day though expect to put some back on once you fill your body up with food and waste again.

For me rather than doing the cleanse to lose weight i like it as a kick start, it makes me focus and gets me motivated. Afterwards im not even tempted by crappy processed food and my appetite is lower so i dont pick at junk out of boredom, it makes me more aware of what im eating. Makes me feel very powerful of my own body that i finally have control over what i put into myself, i never manage to stick to a normal diet.

If you think the cleanse is right for you go for it,

Original Post by chelseagirl:

Youll be told that your body can of course cleanse itself of toxins, but i dont think our bodies were designed to deal with the processed junk we now put into it.

 Can you explain how going on a diet that is void of 2 essential macronutrients can in any way improve your bodies ability to 'deal with the processed junk we now put into it'?

Master cleanse is not for weight loss.  And really, if you're body wasn't capable of expelling toxins on it's own...you'd be dead.

I agree with scully disagreeing with chelsea...going on a diet where the ONLY form of calorie is SUGAR is not going to cleanse you of your fast food diet ('you' in the universal sense, I have no idea what the OPs diet is).  Besides, if you eat such s**tty food that your body can't handle it, a 10-day 'cleanse' will not likely fix your problems.

Boo for cleanses.  Good luck with those last pounds.

Original Post by chelseagirl:

but i dont think our bodies were designed to deal with the processed junk we now put into it. Surely toxins are what cause diseases such as cancer?

if you're concerned about "processed junk" and toxins that cause cancer, why on earth would you eat those things?

From the Mayo Clinic:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/detox-diets/ AN01334

Question Detox diets: Do they offer any health benefits?

Answer from the Mayo Clinic

Detoxification, or detox, diets are touted by many as a way to remove "toxins" from the body. This practice stems from the belief that the food you consume contains a range of harmful substances, which accumulate in your body, causing fatigue, headaches, nausea and even disease. But there's no evidence that this is true or that detox diets have any health benefits. Also, in some cases, detox diets can have harmful side effects.

Detox diets vary. But the basic premise is to temporarily give up certain foods that are thought to contain "toxins," such as meat, sugar, certain grains, dairy products and caffeine. Detox diets typically start with fasting followed by a strict diet of raw vegetables, fruit and fruit juices, and water. In addition, some detox diets advocate using herbal laxatives, antioxidants and colon cleansing (enemas) to help "clean" out the intestine and liver. The duration of such regimens often ranges from seven to 10 days.

Some people report they feel better, "lighter," and more focused and energetic during and after detox diets. This may be due to their belief that they are doing something good for their bodies. But it may also be due to eating little — if anything — for several days. Calorie restriction can lead to heightened feelings of psychological well-being.

There is no evidence, however, that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body. Most ingested toxins are efficiently and effectively removed by the kidneys and liver and excreted in urine and stool.

Early side effects of fasting include headaches. Prolonged fasting or severe calorie restriction can result in anemia, low blood sugar and irregular heartbeat. Before going on a fast or detox diet, talk to your doctor.

The best diet is one based on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein and unsaturated fats. Add regular exercise and stress reduction techniques, and you have a solid foundation for good health.

So you're going to be eating straight sugar for 8 days. 

Good luck. 

If I ever sign up for a junk food diet I'll take mine in candy bars.

Here's just one of my problems with the master cleanse - the majority of people who try it have NO clue WHY they are trying it.

We had one poster on here who wanted to do it to break her carb addiction. Got that? She was going to eat , as thhq says, straight sugar for 8 days to break her (self-diagnosed) carb addiction.

ha ha, i love how grown up everyone is on here and how they allow people to ask questions and share their experiences, without being nasty, so predictable.  Why does everyone feel the need to judge and be critical, and then moan about people judging them.

As i said i dont see it as a diet, i like to use it to get myself back on track when ive been derailed. I may not eat perfectly all the time, but i dont think anyone should be critised for trying to make themselves the best they can be.

I know several people who have tried and swear by it.

But maybe all you need to do is a  five day "juice fasting" . 

...I personally do cleanses but use my own ingredients.   

Original Post by chelseagirl:

...trying to make themselves the best they can be.

this is the second time in 15 minutes you've used this phrase.  what on earth does having a BMI of 20 or doing a master cleanse have to do with being the best you can be?

Original Post by themassageguy:

master cleanse..

I know several people who have tried and swear by it.

But maybe all you need to do is a  five day "juice fasting" . 

...I personally do cleanses but use my own ingredients.   

 

reported for TOS violation.

massageguy, endorsing a 5-day juice fast is not health promotion.  thanks.

Original Post by chelseagirl:

nyc-runninggirl

.........

Ive just started the master cleanse again,. I successfully did 10 days in Nov 08 and loved it, was the best thing ive ever done for my body and confidence. Though i struggled to stick to it the few times ive attempted since then, but this time im focused.

 Once again, from the Mayo Clinic:

Some people report they feel better, "lighter," and more focused and energetic during and after detox diets. This may be due to their belief that they are doing something good for their bodies. But it may also be due to eating little — if anything — for several days. Calorie restriction can lead to heightened feelings of psychological well-being.

There is no evidence, however, that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body. Most ingested toxins are efficiently and effectively removed by the kidneys and liver and excreted in urine and stool.

I'm one of those people on CC "who considers MC like a swear word," but psychological or not, if you were healthy before, during and after the cleanse, and you feel better, then no harm and no foul.  I just ask that you consult with your doctor if you make cleanses a habit.  As the Mayo Clinic article also states, "in some cases, detox diets can have harmful side effects."

Kaufmkk-

I know you are going to hate this but actually a doctor recently told me to try a 10 day fast!!!!!

A few months ago i got rather sick, and although i was eating healthy and was doing everything i should, i didnt improve. My white blood count dropped very low, i  was given anti virals and was told to eat brocolli and other foods which help the immune system, but it didnt work. Unfortunately my immune system went into over kill and attacked my joints, leading to autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis, shocking for a 27 year old. Months of anti inflamatory tablets and steriods, has improved my joints but left me feeling pretty crappy. The specalist doctor who im seeing suggested trying a 10 day fast as tests have shown that by day 5 the arthritis symptoms can reduce significatly, due to the reduced acidity of the body.

I looked into this on various RA websites and many of the top reasearches are finding simular results. Whilst i dont think itll be the magic cure it certainly suggests that a fast can have a dramtic effect on the body and its ability to cure itself. Therefore im sure that fasting may also benefits other conditions beyond RA.

"It has been known for some time that fasting is very helpful in reducing the activity of rheumatoid arthritis. If you start with a fasting period, you can reduce the disease activity and you are motivated to follow the disciplined path of the Alpha Nutrition Program. The fasting period must be 10 days or longer"

But perhaps you know bettr than doctors!

Original Post by chelseagirl:

Kaufmkk-

I know you are going to hate this but actually a doctor recently told me to try a 10 day fast!!!!! .........

I looked into this on various RA websites and many of the top reasearches are finding simular results. Whilst i dont think itll be the magic cure it certainly suggests that a fast can have a dramtic effect on the body and its ability to cure itself. Therefore im sure that fasting may also benefits other conditions beyond RA.

"It has been known for some time that fasting is very helpful in reducing the activity of rheumatoid arthritis. If you start with a fasting period, you can reduce the disease activity and you are motivated to follow the disciplined path of the Alpha Nutrition Program. The fasting period must be 10 days or longer"

But perhaps you know bettr than doctors!

 1)  You're incorrect in that I'm 'going to hate this.'  I'm always open to hearing others opinions and look at it as an opportunity to learn.  Sure.... I might choose to also debate the point.  That's all part of the learning process.  Just so it doesn't get ugly!!!

2) I'm curious what kind of cleanse your doctor told you to try.  I've heard that some doctors will recommend a fruit and veggie (clean eating) cleanse.  And others will recommend a cleanse for anyone who'se going to have surgery or a colonoscopy.  Did he recommend a dietary cleanse or did he prescribe meds?

3) What is the reference for the quote you posted?  I don't have arthritis and have therefore not spent any time researching the topic.  I love learning about medical recommendations such as this.  It's just one of my quirks.

4) Nope, I don't know better then a doctor.  Never have, probably never will, and have never claimed to!  You'll note that most of my posts reference legit medical sites (mostly the Mayo Clinic).  And I ALWAYS acknowledge the resources for any references I make.  I'm just sharing information and then leaving it to the OPs to do with it what they want.

And I apologize if you thought I was attacking you.  That was not my intention in the the least!  My last comment to you was "if you were healthy before, during and after the cleanse, and you feel better, then no harm and no foul.  I just ask that you consult with your doctor if you make cleanses a habit.  As the Mayo Clinic article also states, "in some cases, detox diets can have harmful side effects.""

It sounds like you HAVE consulted with your doctor since he/she recommended a cleanse, so that's all that matters!  You're doing what you need to do.

I hope your RA isn't too severe.  It's bad enough for us old farts to get it, let alone those of you who are young.  Ouch!