LOCKED TOPIC

The Master Cleanse/Lemonade Diet

I'm considering embarking on The Master Cleanse, which is not primarily focused on weight loss, but rather focused on ridding the intestines of built up bacteria. Weight loss is an effect of the Cleanse because it's basically a fast where one drinks a mixture of fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water for a recommended minimum of ten days.

I'm interested in any feedback from those who have done the Cleanse themselves or know anyone who has done it. I know this is generally not in line with the mentality of this website and I know that maintaining any benefits gained from a cleanse of this nature requires lifestyle maintenance.

Thanks so much for the feedback! If you've never heard of The Master Cleanse, Google it! There's a ton of information.

Keep on keepin' on folks! Whatever you wish is achievable and YOU ARE WORTH IT!! :D

Ix, I've seen those links many times.  None of them answer my very reasonable questions.  All the claims there are backed by anecdotal testimonials at best.  There is no controlled study or even precise explanation for any of those claims.


You mention that Erik has done the Master Cleanse.  That's nice. Erik shaves his head too, but that doesn't mean it's a healthy weightloss strategy.

Health claims should be backed by verifiable, repeatable testing.  A website full of users is interesting, but not a rigorous scientific inquiry.

Otherwise, I can claim rubbing mash potatoes on my head makes me smarter.  All my friends do it!  They feel smarter too!  It must be true!

*rubs mashed potatoes on head*

This is why I say your judgements have to be based on your experiences alone and not base it on a group of people "rubbing mashed potatoes on thier heads".

A cleanse it not for everyone and everyone's experiences are different and most often people will post about a positive experience rather than a negative one.

My intention here was not to resurrect the fasting debate (which rages in many other forms) --- but to be clear - my own intentions in the Master Cleanse are not for weight loss.  Anyone who's done their reading on the program will find themselves well informed that the purpose of such an undertaking should not be to lose weight.

I'm not going to justify my interest in this -- or join the debate about potential benefits or hypocrisy.  If you're interested in reading up on it there are many good books out there that discuss fasting, as well as peer-reviewed articles.

That said -- I am very interested in hearing people's experiences with the program, and any tidbits of advice they may have picked up through their own journey.

Thanks to everyone for the info about Grade B Maple syrup -- it looks like syrup grading is done differently in Canada and while I used #2 organic syrup on my last attempt I think I really need to find some #3 syrup somewhere....  Off to see if Whole Foods carries it tonight...

Jhealynyad, I wasn't answering your questions. I was answering Manada questions and Pyrettablaze suggestion for the thread to be deleted. I suggest searching on Google for answers to your questions or buying the Master Cleanse book, if you would like more information. Just to note, there is always contradicting validated medical information out there and it is up to each individual to take that information and make their own decisions regarding what they feel is the best for their own body. So hey, go ahead, rub mash potatoes on your head if that is your choice. =)

If only.  I would wear a 10 gallon hat made of mashed potatoes!  ;)

Sorry Pyretta. No, you not specifically say that the thread should be deleted, just that the posting guidelines really make it very vague about what can be and might be deleted. All subjective to potential misinterpretation.&nbs p;My apologies.

I agree, fine line. Definitely not everything is black and white. =)

That's the idea.  No worries then!  I'd never condone straight out censorship!

We ~ like our debates ~ need to stay healthy!  :)

I tried the MC after hearing Beyonce and Ellen talk about doing it on the "Ellen" show.  After researching it on the internet I decided to go for it and made it about 5 days, I had intended on it being 12-14.  I don't know about your schedule but you might want to take a few things in to account.  Can you drink 32 oz of warm salt water before heading to work?  Can you get up to use the restroom numerous times during the day, sometimes for longer than normal?  Can you handle having to get up in the middle of the night to go?  Can you avoid office/colleague lunches, coffee breaks, etc. without it being a big deal or having others make a big deal of it?  Don't get me wrong, I would love to do it again but I'd need a week+ of no obligations.  It really doesn't taste that bad. 

If you're interested in reading up on it there are many good books out there that discuss fasting, as well as peer-reviewed articles.

Peer-reviewed articles? Where? Where?

I just read up briefly on this diet or cleanse or detox whatever you want to call it - it sounds painful.  Crapping all the time and eating 3-6 lemons a day - heartburn anyone?  No wonder it cleans out your system, its like eating & drinking battery acid for 10 days.  Ouch.

I'm not going to keep defending a personal choice of mine (and others here) -- but I have 2 points -

The first ---> Laxatives are not designed to encourage bulemia.  Laxative products are generally used as a cure for constipation, and basically to "help things along".   Regardless of whether or not their use in fasting is in line with the recommended use by the manufacturer -- -- when it comes to fasting the use of a mild laxative tea has little to nothing to do with purging the body of food.  

The second ---> In response to athena_taverer's request for peer-reviewed articles above ---- I'm not going to bother to cut and paste specific articles, because I've done my reading already and am personally convinced enough (for myself - I'm not encouraging anyone who hasn't done their research to undertake a fast).   However, a quick search through ScholarsPortal or other relevant databases of academic journal articles reveals all sorts of interesting results.  If you'd like to do more research, I'd urge you to start there.

A search of Pub-Med shows about 10 articles concerning colon/ bowel cleansing.  They are usually one day preps. All but one deal with efficacy and safety of bowel preps for colonoscopies.  The other is about reducing the bio-burden of patients infected with Vancomycin-resistant pathogens. 

No support for multi-day cleanses for removing "accumulated feces" or "toxins".

I can completely respect someone choosing to do a cleanse for any number of reasons.  Some people do them as a test of will and character.  Some because it makes them more aware of their relationship with food.  Some do it for the well-documented placebo effect of altered mental states when fasting.  Some do it for religious reasons.  Can't argue with any of those.  My only argument is when people start making health-claims, such as the removal of toxins.  Those should be well-documented and verifiable. 

aside from religious reasons to do a simple fast or for medical reasons like preparing for a medical test or at the direction of a doctor, it's not something i would do personally... and I considered this information...

Detox Diets: Helpful or Full of Hype? Get the Truth about Detox Diets and Colon Cleansing

http://sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_art icles.asp?id=70 6

from page 3 of the article:

Since detox diets and colon cleansing lack medical evidence to prove they are successful (and can be dangerous),

what can you do to improve your health and start losing weight? Enjoy a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. These are the best ways to revitalize and rejuvenate the body.

Include in your diet:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables. These are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting a healthy body. Read The No-Excuses Appeal of Fruits & Veggies or Easy Ways to Eat 5 Fruits & Veggies Each Day for more tips.
• Whole grain breads and cereals, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice. These "good" carbs meet your body's energy needs while providing more fiber, protein and vitamins than processed carbs like white bread. Skeptical? Check out The Truth about Carbohydrates to learn more.
• Lean meats and/or other healthy protein sources including beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and soy products. Protein plays several important roles in the body. Learn about all of them in our Reference Guide to Proteins.
• Low-fat dairy products or other calcium-rich foods. Calcium does more than strengthen bones. Get 15 Ways to Boost Your Calcium Intake.
• Adequate water and fluid intake. Water transports nutrients and helps rid the body of toxins. After all, Water is a Secret Ingredient for health.

In addition, the following practices will help your body perform at its best and reduce your risk of disease:

• Take part in moderate exercise all or most days of the week.
• Avoid smoking and inappropriate drug use.
• Get plenty of sleep every night and take steps to reduce stress and relax.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Remember, your body is designed to purify itself. When you are healthy?eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly?your liver and kidneys will do the job they're supposed to do. If you're feeling tired or are having trouble losing weight, talk to your health care provider. Using the steps above (and ruling out any underlying conditions) will help you feel your best. Your body will thank you!

Tagging on to Becky's post:

And if you are going to do this fast, then please oh please just take the week off and don't attempt to drive into work... that's all we need is a starving mentally altered person behind the wheel plowing down our school children!

This is a really good thread!  I've been contemplating a cleanse (not for weight loss reasons, I'm done losing weight) but for health reasons.  I am interested in hearing both views and this has provided a great forum for both!

I'm not sure I could give up my caffeine though...

My kudos to thse that can do it.  On my second day I felt so sick (not hungry honestly!) that I thought I would pass out while driving.  As a mom I just found it to hard to deal with the kids and work while detoxing. I guess I was prety toxic.  So no more MC for me personally!  

I was curious so I did some googling and this is NOT a very low calorie diet or even a fast!

If you follow it to the letter, and plug in the numbers, you're actually getting 1329 calories a day - in the form of simple sugar carbs from the syrup.

And only one gram of protein per day. Which probably means that the gross stuff coming out in later days is NOT toxins ... it is your body eating muscle for protein and an increase in bile as a breakdown product. My DH with his degree in microbiology weighs in here: "Protein is fixed nitrogen... if you're not getting enough protein in your diet you have to break down the protein in your body, because humans lack the ability to make protein from pure-sugar precursors."

On plus side, the diet would exceed my personal needs for zinc and for vitamin C... but is woefully deficient in every single other nutrient across the board.

I would just say NO, NEVER, NO to this one!!