Saturday, May, 17, 2008

The Real Deal on the Master Cleanse Diet

by  Patrika Tsai
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Master Cleanse Diet, also known as the Lemonade Diet, is a liquid diet of water, lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. In other words, you are only allowed to drink lemonade about 6-12 times a day, a glass of salt water, and an herbal laxative tea once or twice a day. The diet...
  1. Untitled Comment
    Michael Lommatzsch
    Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 04:13 PM
    So what about the recent push for people that have GERD. I have heard that a week (in general)of no caffeine and restriction of certian foods (hard, scratchy, spicy), plus adding a glass of warm water and natural honey at the end of a meal can repair an inflamed or irritated espophagous and help remedy this for the future. Any comments here? Thanks.
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  2. False information
    Jess
    Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 10:50 PM
    The diet calls for more than a glass of salt water, its a quart at least (I think), and its hard to swallow. I have done this diet, and I am sure that I benefitted greatly from it. Further more, your information about Cyann pepper is completely false. Cyann is not just a flavoring. That is completely absurd. It is well know that cyann peper is usefull for a number of health benefits. Included in these benefits is increased matabolism, as well as disinfectant qualities. I suppose you believe that yogurt does nothing for yeast infections too, because its just a food? Come on. In an age when america suffers from overmedication and wrongful death suits over fad diet medications, the last thing we need is someone spreading mis-information about a diet that truly saves lives. Please find another profession, or at least do some research before you start writing.
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    re: False information
    heidi
    Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at 06:25 PM

    uh, Jess, I like what you wrote..............I just found this so-called advice that is nothing else but an opinion from a very uneducated person............

     

    this cleansing diet is great and has absolutely NO dangers or whatever to it................


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    re: re: False information
    Anonymous
    Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 08:55 PM
    everything in life has side effects or potential dangers.  if this "diet" didn't have contraindications, it would not say that diabetics and certain others should be careful or not do it at all.
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  3. Sore throat remedy.
    Jess
    Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 10:55 PM
    Use warm water, lemon juice and cyann pepper believe it or not. This will take down the swelling, and disinfect the area. Stay away from any processed sugars (honey is processed by the bees that make it). Mucus builds around sugar, and consquently reduces the effectiveness of your immune respons. If you dont want to eat cyann, slippery elm tablets work well and taste okay. Plus, they make you feel better right away.
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    re: Sore throat remedy.
    Anonymous
    Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 08:56 PM
    um...maple syrup is a processed sugar.  and that's what is called for on this "diet"
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    re: re: Sore throat remedy.
    Mark Landry
    Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 02:07 PM

    Maple is a processed sugar. However, the diet calls for grade "B" maple syrup which besides from being consumed straight from the tree is the most unrefined and still maintains most of the earthy vitamins and minerals that you would expect from vegitation.  I beleive that was the intended use was for the minerals not so much for the sweetness or sugar.


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  4. Did you seriously research this?
    Anonymous
    Thursday, April 05, 2007 at 07:58 AM
    It's true that the stomach's acid's is stronger but it is also true that if a person's diet includes acidic foods or beaverages, the acid in the stomach is added on to. The stomach doesn't discard that acid like hinted to in your article, it incorporates it. There's a bit more to that diet, like the saltine wash. Even medicial physicians recommend saltine wash if they believe you have something that needs to be isolated and removed. The article's ok for your opinion but please don't perpetrate this as if you accually did some real research. It's dissallusioning to those of us who are researching this diet. 
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  5. False Information
    Anonymous
    Friday, May 04, 2007 at 12:32 PM
    I think that before you present your opinion as fact you should do a little more research.  The enzymes in lemons and limes, not just the acid, are extremely important for the cleasing process.  Also cayenne pepper has been scientifically proven to provide a wide array of health benefits. The sad thing about your article is that some people may have actually read it, not knowing that you are wrong. 
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  6. Untitled Comment
    Anonymous
    Friday, May 04, 2007 at 12:42 PM
    Get your facts straight lady.  The Maple syrup is not just sugar.  First of all you use Grade B Organic Maple Syrup which has calcium, potassium, B1, B2, B6 niacin...etc.  Plus the sugar is less refined which is also a plus, and it's a quart of Salt-Water Flush.  Get your facts straight lady!!!
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  7. MS rocks!
    anonymous
    Tuesday, June 05, 2007 at 01:27 AM

    I recently went on Master Cleanse for 8 days. Not only did I have an amazing amount of energy and concentration, but I felt "clean." I slept very well which is not typical for me when I eat the standard american diet. I did lose weight and gained very little back after. I am now preparing to return to Master Cleanse for a full 10 days. I love it.


    Oh, and the article originally written is interesting. It seems like the author did not even read up on the actual plan. Hopefully the author didn't discourage an interest in Master Cleanse. It's not bulemia. It's healing. Hope it catches on.


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  8. I have to agree...
    Shirley Henman
    Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 06:10 PM

    I'm in agreement with the other comments posted in response to your views on The Master Cleanse...

    You really should do some research before putting out your (unfounded) views to a potentially large audience.

    While you certainly have a long list of qualifications, the problem is, they're all on Western teachings, which is that man can cure all with a scalpal or some pills.

    I think we managed pretty well before medicine came along - otherwise we wouldn't have made it this far!

    As for lemons and limes being acidic, indeed they are...but when they are ingested, they have an alkalizing effect, thus neutralizing the stomach acids, not adding to them.

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  9. The Try It For 10 Days Challenge- Doctor...
    K Kelley
    Friday, July 20, 2007 at 12:42 AM
    I challenge the good doctor to try this Master Cleanse for the recommended 10 days and take a risk- that she is wrong. Don't take our word for it- the worst that can happen is you lose a little weight that you'll soon gain back- right? I assume that she's healthy. I had psoriasis and the very second day I started the Cleanse, the itchy, scaly, horrible spots disappeared. In fact every skin problem I ever had is gone now, and I am so very inclined to live on raw, easy to digest food, now that I see how much comes out when solid food isn't even taken! Years of trying to stick to the meat myths and pyramid lies. But like I said, don't take my word for it, it's been going strong for over 30 years in its current form. The people I know who "glow" with health and energy do this on a regular basis. What does Dr. Dean have to say about it, anyway??
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  10. Colon Cleansing
    kathryn covington
    Friday, July 20, 2007 at 08:13 PM
    I have read many journals/literature on colon cleansing, and from what I gather, colon cleansing is healthy and very much needed. Over a long period of time, the "gunk" that turns into sediment in our lower bowels can become cancerous or set the stage for cancerous polyps. The lemonade diet is a slow colon cleansing process versus getting a cleansing two or three times a month. Both methods of cleansing are still very helpful according to the documentation of those who have experienced a cleansing. The cleansing is what I consider as a jumpstart to dieting. If this diet or cleansing has helped others, do not discredit it unless you have tried it.
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  11. Starting the Cleanse
    Mrs.Ray
    Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 12:07 AM

    My husband and I are about to start the Cleanse. We've researched alot and I haven't found too many negative articles.The person that wrote this article definately do any research on her topic before she began to write. I thought you learned about research in Eng101!

    Anyway, These comments we very helpful and have made me even more sure about doing the cleanse.

    This is a great way to jumpstart a diet and ride your body of all those sugar cravings.


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  12. Get your facts straight, please
    Lisa
    Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 06:26 PM

    You wrote a compelling article on the dangers of the master cleanse diet, but one thing that you obviously didn't research was the mineral content of Grade B maple syrup.  It is what is called for and does in fact contain your daily value of essential vitamins and minerals when combined with the lemon juice.  Our bodies are made to detox themselves, but we are not intended to digest all the preservatives and refined foods that are common in most diets today.


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  13. Master Cleanse Works! Need to break fast carefully!
    sannyc
    Monday, September 03, 2007 at 06:35 PM

    I've been on the Master Cleanse program twice and felt the benefits of this cleansing fast (detoxification, healing, increased energy)

     

    MC does work, if you follow the instructions carefully during the fast and especially when breaking the fast. 


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  14. The article contains misinformation
    Humble Bee
    Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 01:20 PM

    This article was written by someone who has not done the Master Cleanser and who apparantly has not done enough research.  Here is an article that pretty much sums up why what he mentions is incorrect.

    http://www.humblebeehealth.com/humble-bee-health/master-cleanser-in-the-media


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  15. the salt water flush
    kel
    Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 09:06 AM

    am really interested in doing this but i dont understand how much a quart of water is. may sound silly!! could someone tell me please?


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    re: the salt water flush
    Anonymous
    Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 02:43 PM
    A quart of water is 4 cups.
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  16. Interesting...
    Anonymous
    Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 09:07 PM

    I'm all for holistic medicine. It's actually helped me in a lot of areas. So when I heard about the Master Cleanse I decided that it would be worth a try. Well, I tried it. Twice. I hate to be the only desenting voice here, but honestly folks, never assume that what works for you works for everyone else. Also never assume that what you read about holistic treatments is 100% true - in this case it isn't.

     

    First off the author of this diet claims you can get your protein from the air. Yup, that's what he said. We all know that's bunk. Second, not everyone will benefit from a fast, regardless of how long that fast lasts.

     

    Sure, Patrika Tsai seems somewhat misinformed on some points regarding the Master Cleanse, but she's right on that it's dangerous; at least for some. If you have endorine problems you should never fast for more than 3 days (this is backed up by studies in both Western medicine and holistic medicine). This 'diet', like all other starvation diets, will cause your body to cannibalize muscle tissue. You aren't losing fat as much as you're losing muscle mass. This isn't a good thing. But if you're willing to do that to yourself then this cleanse will work for you. My personal experience was once of complete and utter uncomfort, misery and complications. I was sick, lost all my engery, had the shakes and was so miserable and cranky that I was only able to get through 6 days the first time, 7 the next.

     

    Bottom line: the Master Cleanse isn't all it's cracked up to be. Not everyone has a great experience with it.


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  17. Hater
    NEO Fabulous
    Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 03:45 PM

    You are just a hater and you should be ashamed of yourself. The acids in your stomach are determined by your eating habits stupid! The are not always stronger than the lemon juice. That is why you stay on it for more than 2 days...like uhm...10 days.

    You're just mad because you didn't think of it first.Furious


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  18. I totally disagree with your assertations
    sneaux
    Friday, November 16, 2007 at 08:16 PM
    I've done this cleanse a few times - I usually do it about every nine months.  I have had nothing but positive outcomes.  US doctors are the only ones on this planet that do not recommend an occassional fast - probably so they can prescribe drugs instead.  I think maybe before you spread misinformation you should do more research.  Huh - how about doing the cleanse yourself?  That would be good research, and maybe you'd cleanse the negativity in the process. Sleep
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  19. Lemonade Diet
    Chuck
    Sunday, November 25, 2007 at 08:08 AM

    I've done the lemonade diet dozens of times--eight times beyond four weeks at a time.  Forty-three days was the longest. 

     

    No downside to report about the diet.  The first few days are the hardest; then it seems the longer you go, the easier it gets.  Varying points along the way of fatigue and increased energy (!); of mental torpor and clarity--but mostly clarity.

     

    The quart of saltwater in the a.m. was not difficult, although I'd normally do it every 2-3 days; not daily.  Caution:  be near a toilet for 90 minutes.  You'll see why.Big Grin

     

    Caveat emptor.  The lemonade diet works for me but my genetic make-up is my own.  Others may react differently.  I just thank Stanley Burroughs for his little book and his 'Master Cleanser' diet.   

     

     


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  20. Doing it right
    Anonymous
    Monday, January 07, 2008 at 12:21 AM

    I agree with most comments.

    I've done the cleanse, and I really believe it's beneficial if done right. I've seen some friends do the fast without intricately following directions, such as using FRESH lemons, not bottled or frozen lemon juice ,and using ORGANIC grade B syrup -and they were the only ones who had negative experiences. Also, it's very mportant to drink the tea every night and do the salt wash (32 ounces of water with 2 tea spoons of uniodized salt) every morning , first thing in the morning before drinking anything else.

    Before doing the cleanse, it's important to read the original book and follow AS IS and break the fast carefully.

    I am not overweight, so I only lost a few pounds. My skin and eyes cleared up, my joint pain went away, and my digestion improved.

    I am a big believer of the master cleanse from experience, and I wish the author did a bit more research on the cleanse before writing this article.


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  21. Untitled Comment
    Jason
    Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 08:10 PM
    Interesting read. I appreciate it.

    Thanks,

    Jason
    -------------------
    buy colon cleanse
    reply
  22. colon cleansing
    Erin O'Neal
    Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 07:23 PM
    Colon cleansing is a New Age neurological disorder. It has as much to do with wellness as bloodletting did in medieval times.
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    re: colon cleansing
    john
    Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 09:49 AM
    erin, you clown, they are still using leaches to help treat people "bloodletting". In the US! Embrace your drugs and pretend the medical model has it all figured out. How very, very, funny.
    reply
  23. Thanks
    Jake
    Friday, February 01, 2008 at 07:18 AM
    Good article. What do you recommend as a good cleaner? I use dual action cleanse and it works beautifully. There are a couple of others at GNC and they work good too.
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  24. Re:
    J
    Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 12:56 PM

    What a rediculously careless and misinformed article you've written.

    It's a disservice to readers and any who may come across your "opinions."


    reply
    Master cleanse
    carla sabo
    Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 11:07 PM

    I'm trying to start the master cleanse not to loose weight but to detox as I feel that my small intestines are clogged with mucus, I did a million tests and everything came back perfect, I just can't live with this anymore, so I'm trying everything, and I decided to see if this can help me, so let me explain how I did it, I squeezed a lemon, organic cayenne pepper, organic grade B maple syrup, I drank more than 3 liters of water, I'm not clear on the sea salt when am I suppose to have it, and what is the quantity, also I did it for the first day and let me tell you guys I couldn't make it to the night I felt like I wanted to eat the walls...please if somebody can give me some advise.

     

    Thanks

    Carla 


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    re: Master cleanse
    Anonymous
    Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 02:46 PM
    Read the book by Stanley Burroughs called "The Master Cleanser." It will tell you all you need to know. :)
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  25. Are you for real!
    Aaron (nyc)
    Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 11:28 AM
    I am on my 7th day of the master cleanser; I have been using this natural technique for detoxing three times a year for about 4 years now. I must say it works. You have no clue of what this cleansing process does. Nor did you do your research. I am sadden that many will stumble across your article and read it as fact.
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  26. question
    Laura
    Tuesday, April 01, 2008 at 07:10 AM

    Hi! I just started the cleanse, and I have a question. First of all, do you always have to do the entire 4 cups of saltwater flush in the morning? Second, can you have a little regular water as you drink it, to make it a little easier and give your mouth a break from the saltwater? I'm talking, like two sips of regular water halfway through drinking it, and two sips at the end. Does that really matter? It is ok?


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    re: question
    Tia
    Friday, April 11, 2008 at 10:20 PM
    The Master Cleanse book calls for a cup of the herbal laxative tea if you cannot do the salt water flush. To the author....shame on you for not getting the whole scoop on the ingredients. You can't use table syrup that you get at the store, that stuff is primarily high fructose corn syrup...bad sugar with a little artificial maple flavor thrown in. The maple syrup called for in the Master Cleanse is organic, preferrably Grade B. This is 100% natural maple syrup from an actual tree. It contains a lot of vitamins and minerals and contains only natural sugars. The lemon juice contains no calories, so the syrup is where you get your calories. You can only get it at a health food market.
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  27. I'm so excited!
    tricia b
    Friday, April 11, 2008 at 10:50 PM

    I went today to the organic food store and bought everything I need to do the cleanse.  After reading the book I had this overwhelming feeling of discust of all the bad foods I have been putting in my body.  I need to lose about 20 lbs but after reading this book I want to do it more for health reasons now and I'm sure the weight loss will follow.  I'm glad I read all the comments after this article because before I read the comments I got discouraged like it was a gimmic.  Anyways, I'm looking forward to my first day!Big Grin


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  28. The master cleanse works!
    john
    Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 09:45 AM
    These "experts" make me want to laugh. I've done the master cleanse several times and it works. That simple. I feel much, much better after the cleanse. Mind and body. The cleanse is not costly or prescribed. That's why some "experts" need to warn us about it. Sad. The master cleanse works and you feel amazing after. Fasting has been part of humanity for a very long time. A couple "experts" aren't going to change that.
    reply
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