The Master Cleanser

I'm on day 5 going on 6 and I feel great the people who do this should have someone join them so that they have some support . Going at this cleansing as a way to lose weight is not smart it's a way to start over simply doing it for 10 days and not changing the way you eat afterwards of course you're going to gain the weight back and more duhhhhh . If you pay attention he recommends that you change your diet/way of life for a lasting result . And not to sound like i hate doctors but what doctor is really going to tell you how to fix your health when they need you to buy pills stay sick and keep seeing them ?

Thanks Ramona. Will give the OJ a try. Did you drink it for 2 days straight? I was planning for 1 day, and then the morning of day 2. I was hoping to go to soup and salad on Day 2 for lunch. Any thoughts?
PS: am on Day 9 and feel great.

Spectra said:
Keisha--you have got to be kidding me. [...]

You need to reseach maple syrup (grd. B) & lemons a little more darlin'! 1st maple is tree sap boo,boo! okay Trees are living rite!! ok so are those trees that bear lemons. Staight from god and lets not get into how essential water is!! So Ms. Keisha you written one of the smartest things for these people to understand. Maple has what the body needs god has it pouring right out of he precious tree for us to consume!! It's the damed western medicine & processed food that got us staying sick and unhealthy!! Let's go back to our roots and god for wholesome natural remedies and using earthly thing instead chemical concoctions!!

massgrrl said:
I do a detox every year or so, as my digestive tract has never been particularly healthy, and after two c-sections, I find that a detox every year plus regular colonics every month really helps me out. Also, I drink apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and take ground flax throughout the year.[...]

Mass girl you crazy!!! Thanks for speaking up about the master cleanse because thats what it is, just a cleanse!! So the saltwaters foul huh!!:)

Michael said:
I just finished the Lemonade Diet. This is my second 10-day stint in 3 months (I had some extra time off work so I decided to try it again earlier than planned). Although each time I have lost around 20 lbs, I'm not doing it for just weight loss. I have been on dialysis for 3 years, and like someone posted earlier, I'm trying to help my body repair[...]

You go! Micheal I proud to hear that good luck!! Wishing you da best!! I about to start the Master Cleanse myself!!

Jan said:
Christopher & Amani, I'm pretty sure Jesus wasn't drinking maple syrup during his fast. And are you actually comparing yourself to Jesus? The lenght of his fast was mentioned as part of the proof he is divine. So unless you are divine, I don't think you should be fasting for 40 days.[...]

Ms. Jan The man didn' t say he was Jesus or comparing himself to Jesus!! He is just making a very crucial point!! You look more mature than to make a comment like that!! I'm appauled!!

Alexis said:
I think the only people who should comment on the detox are people who have actually done the detox,then you would know how it feels to have your body rid of all it's toxins.I did it to help my health and it worked.I was never able to sleep for 8 hours a night until I did this detox.My skin has always been a problem for me too,it was dry and just n[...]

Thank you Alexis!!! You are a STAR!!!

christopher & Amani - Seattle said:
I like the last post from Alexis. It is true, u should only critic something if you have completed it.[...]

You guys are the best!! I love the way you prove your point!! Ms. Jan is in denial, Alexis is a star, and the home girl Keisha just put it all out there. Check out my comment pg.4 "MyRoots" :)

Jan said:
Alexis, if you can say people are going to get heart attacks from Atkins, I can offer my opinion. Or are you a doctor yourself? That is all everyone does here, they offer their opinion. If you can't take any criticism of this "diet", then you should be on the official forum for it, where any criticism gets deleted. This is an unbiased site.[...]

Ms. Jan let it go!! You are rambling now!! Nobody is interested in the way you feel personally. Like you said, just post your comment and keep it moving!! Because I don't believe that you're a Dr. either!! Looks like your the one who can't take critism!! If you disagree fine, if you agree fine, but by all means don't take it personal!! :)

Jan said:
Religious fasting is usually a one-day long thing, Christopher, or it is a partial thing (ramadan) and unless they had maple trees I'm unaware of in Israel, have nothing to do with The Master Cleanse. Jesus fasted, so you drink maple syrup, pepper and lemon juice for "religious reasons" - how does that make sense? If you wanted to be religious, you[...]

Ms.Jan you are out of control honey!!! I think you need the master cleanse to help with your personality!! :) Do some more research Ms. Jan!! Okay don't just be typing what you think all over the place!! Get some facts!! Especailly about MAPLE syrup (sap from a living tree, Not a dead carcass) You never heard that if you eat life, you have more life, but that if you eat death then you have a quicker death!! Also that death starts in the COLON!! Come on lady!! You are probaly all toxic I can tell just by the way you're commenting on this blog!! You need to DETOX right away my dear!! I will personally get you organic lemons, cayenne pepper, pure water and your favorite!! MAPLE SYRUP!!!! (grade B) So you can get started right away!! Emergency 911!! You need it bad!!

I'm considering of doing the claense but i need proper guidance. for those who have done it, do help. i'm a bit curious if you are suppose to use that laxative herb tea every morning and night or can you actually use a sustitute for that?

i have just started the master cleanse--am on day 3 and have just finished drinking a quart of warm salt water (nasty). i feel okay with the exception of a SERIOUS headache yesterday that woke we at 2 am last night. i took ibuprofen which worked. anybody else getting headaches? is there an alternative solution besides taking medication? i am trying to detox here, i don't really want to take medication but i couldn't stand the pain anymore. i welcome feedback.

I am almost 40 and I've done the master cleanser at least 7 times.I have learned to listen to my body and I have to say it just feels good. I've also learned not to discuss the master cleanser with others as some people get quite fired up and emotional about it. If you don't believe in it that's fine. If it works for you, do it but don't preach about it because you might come across some pretty harsh criticism.

Jesus fasted

Keryn said:
For the record, lose weight is the proper way to spell. Loose weight is not. I saw loose weight on an actual ad!! Would you call that company?[...]

Thank you!! This is one of my biggest pet peeves, along with spelling "definitely" as "definately".

I think there are definite benefits to fasting occasionally. Wounded animals in the wild, for example, will abstain from food for a period of time to aid its own healing process.

I would love to see come citation on the article posted above from Dr. J about intermitten fasting.

This link may work. Otherwise, just search the Internet for information. I like the Warrior 20/4 system. I don't know if it will work for others, but it works for me. We each have to find our own way. Really, simplicity is always a good place to start.

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=278

okay so what is the right way of doing this ?
i have all the things i need to get started,
but what is this tea and sea salt?please help would like to start it real soon

i have seen alot of remarks that fasting may help aid weightloss, you will only end up putting the weight back on in the long run. Funny enough this was not the case for me. I went on a fast for 2 weeks. Ironically not on purpose - i had tonsilitus and managed to eat little more than a punnet of strawberries and half a bowl of rice. I lost a stone in total (going from 149lbs to just over 130 lbs)

This weight didnt come back on. It's been a year since and still puzzles me to this day!

I am on mandatory medication daily (I have an anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder). I can't stop taking my medication. Are any of you on medication and if so, how did you incorporate the meds into the cleanse?

My husband and I did this over 6 months ago and have maintained the weightloss, even though we have gone back to some of our old bad ways of eating. He lost 36 pounds and has only regained 3. I lost 8 pounds, but was not overweight. I was just trying to feel better, which I did. As the old aches and pains are returning now, I have just begun again today. Will probably not go 10 days, but we'll see. I remember feeling great on the regimen!

I just wanted to let people know that I am currently on DAY 13 of my cleanse. VERY proud of myself to have made it this far. I FEEL GREAT!!! I have suffered from allergies for years from ragweed and I mean I am MISERABLE! I have the freedom to breathe! I can breathe through my nose! I can play with my kids outside.

My brother has done this cleanse and he no longer has to take blood preasure meds.

Love the lemonade now it has grown on me. I am shooting for 2 weeks on this lemonade I am just not ready to quit yet. I prepare all the meals in my home for my family.. soo at times I think about how it smells sooo grand! It can be hard then I just make myself strong again. :)
I drink the tea at night and the salt water in the morning. ALOT of salty water (follow the book) I do not like it at all but I just drink it and I drink it quick.
Feel amazing I have more energy. I am loosing weight.
Looking forward to making better choices when I come off.

I would love to write a book on how this cleanse has made such a differance in my life.
I hope this helps someone to make up a confused mind
YEH ME TOO :) I waited 2 months doing research to finally just say DO IT!

This is about me right now...taking care of me too :)

I am on day 3 of my first MC. I find that it has not been physically hard, but very mentally hard. I am wondering if I really have to go 10 days. I have heard that 7 days will give you the same benefit. Thanks and good luck to the other beginners out there.

Brian said:
I am wondering if I really have to go 10 days. I have heard that 7 days will give you the same benefit. [...]

I've never posted anything to a blog before, so here it goes...

This is my very first cleanse in my entire life. It's my 10th day on the master cleanse and I feel great. I didn't have any side effects (no headaches, no cravings for food). I have lots of energy, I'm more focused at work, I'm not tired, I've been exercising more in the evenings because I'm not tired like I used to be. It's GREAT! I've finally found something that just takes away the question of 'what am I going to eat for lunch or dinner'! The pounds you can shed is an added bonus, to date I've lost 10. At 5'9 and weighing in at 170 is just fantastic! I'm almost down to my weight when I was in college! I haven't told my friends what I'm doing because I've learned that some friends can sabotage you when your trying something new, whether they do it intentionally or not. I've tried other fasting methods and diets before but never anything like this. For me, it's not just a cleanse for my body but for my mind and spirit as well.

Thanks for letting me share my 2 cents worth. Live well to be well!

Well, I'm on my second day of the Master Cleanser. Other than for colonoscopies, this is the only time I've tried a non-physician-recommended colon cleanser. I'm active duty in the Marines and do cardio (up to 5 times/week) and strength training (3 times/week). So, prior to starting the Master Cleanser, I had several concerns: (1) Would I have enough energy to wake at 5:00am and work out... and still put in a 10-hour day at work and several more at home with the husband/kids? (2) Would I feel like I was starving...because folks in my office literally eat all day? (3) How would my skin, breath, etc be affected?

Firstly, I've worked out for the two days I've been on the diet and don't feel overly fatigued. In fact, I'm quite surprised that my energy level is where it is normally.

Secondly, I notice that I feel like I could have some food whenever I can smell what someone in the office is having... that tortilla soup sure smelled good today.

Regarding my last concern, I've not noticed the furry/white tongue (that may be because I've always brushed my tongue along with my teeth) or any differences in my skin.

I did, however, lose 4 pounds yesterday because of the "Super Colon Cleanser" laxative. I'm okay with that because I normally only void once every 3-4 days and have sought medical care regarding this condition. So, I'm almost a laxative "queen" anyway... yeah, I know that's not good and am trying to fix the lack-of-voiding-problem using other, more responsible methods.

I must admit that some of the comments I've read thus far are causing me to cut my time on the Master Cleanser (I was only gonna do it for 3 days) and re-introduce some nutrients to my body tomorrow. I certainly don't want my muscles to be protein-starved. I think this cleanser has given me some breathing room so that I can get back to eating healthy (I am a TRUE JUNK FOOD QUEEN).

So, in the end, I will have tried the Master Cleanser for a full 48 hours and then will do things the way they should be done. Thanks everyone for your insight!!

Just to reiterate--the Master Cleanser (not master cleanse), IS NOT A DIET. The original book by Stanley Burroughs did not tout the concept as such. He intended it to be used as a detox-to rid your body of toxins. He believed, as do many, that toxins directly relate to weight gain and many diseases, and it has been proven that by cleansing your system, you CAN lose weight. Not everyone does-some people lose alot, some lose a little, some lose none. But the point is not a DIET. And it is meant to be short-term-for most people 10 days is sufficient. Peter Glickman cashed in on Mr. Burrough's idea and turned it into a diet. Don't confuse the two-read the original book "The Master Cleanser", first published in 1975. It can be bought at B&N for $6.50.

Mr. Burroughs intended for this detox to be used to cleanse the system initially, then for a sensible diet to be introduced into your newly cleansed body. No refined sugar, etc.

BTW-the maple syrup used in this detox is not made from refined sugar. It is organic, pure maple syrup. Yes, it has carbs, which are necessary for energy while you are fasting.

Educate yourself. Don't just join in and comment if you are uninformed.

Regarding the question asked about incorporating medication into the cleanse....you need to read Mr. Burrough's book. He is a staunch opponent to traditional medicine and considers most "medical" doctors quacks. He believes-as do I, that most people are over-medicated, and under-informed. There are numerous other ways to deal with your afflictions than turning to chemicals.

I say this because I too suffer from anxiety and major depressive disorder. Just a few months ago I found myself falling into the medical trap, and was on Effexor, Klonopin, Lexapro, and Buspar. Each was taken twice daily. The anxiety did not improve. My sleep did, only because I was so heavily medicated that all I wanted to do was sleep. In my waking hours, I was so foggy-headed that I had trouble concentrating (a symptom of anxiety that oddly enough I did not have until being medicated), which actually led to more anxiety.

I weaned myself off of the drugs (I do not advise doing this alone)-and have found exercising and positive thinking to be my new "vices". A little pot every now and then doesn't hurt either.

I am 6 days into this diet and the only thing that I have changed is I drink all flavors of tea as a filler aside from the large amount of plain water. I have done not done many diets but this is actually helping my prostate problem and assisting me to pee. I have been on flowmax for 2 years every day or I could not pee easily. I am now off of it and I am hoppy to report I have my bladder back. Did this do it?? I think yes. This is not just designed to cleans your colon. It cleanses your whole system if you read all of the information and then do your other homework. So for all of you doubters out there....have some control and DONT EAT for ten days out of your life. It will be over before you know it and then you can make your comments on this diet from experiance!!!!!

i really loved reading all the posts from every one abput the master cleanse. it really inspired me to go on the diet. i really enjoyed laughing at all the posts that criticized this detox. quoting celebs you do not know, quoting western medicine beliefs and having no m.d to back up your opinion, and those posts that belittled others. what a kick in the teeth huh? well here's my ten cents its worth far more than your two: do not degrade others attempts to obtain whatever goal they are reaching for. it is for their benifit and not yours. not everyone is happy being over weight as you must be. or feeling bloated and tired every day. why dont you try it your self before you judge others? yes that means put down the chicken and step away from the table.

GOOD luck I really commend you. PLEASE keep up the good work for all who have gone before you.My Mom too. This is serious but u can do it. I'm trying to lose 40 pounds myself. Thx Makenzie

thanks makenzie. i started the detox on sat and ate dinner with my kids about 10 hours into the detox. i know that was a big no-no. lol. i felt like crap after i ate. i got really tired and i had noticed that on sat i didnt need my usual noon nap with the kids. about 30 mins after eating i got really tired and just wanted to throw up. this question goes out to all who have done this detox: is this normal?

Please, somebody answer me, what happen if the water is just water from a filter? because I don't think I can afford "pure water" or other type of clean water in a bottle, Im thinking of using is the normal water (I have a filter). Please this is very important to me, also, I know this is not the best thing to do for weight loss but the results are so amazing that I can't resist, also cleaning my insides sounds good and it will help me to adapt to a healtier lifestyle in the future, but what can I do to keep the weight off once I finish the cleanser? thanks.

Please help, thanks!
Love TED!

I can't find my book and am worried! I'm on day 7, I ordered another book but it won't arrive for a week! After I do the 2 days of juice, I move onto soup and then raw veggies (I think. i can't remember exactly) Does anyone have any recommendations on soups? would someone remind me of those details please? I've come this far and don't want to make any mistakes.

To Ted, you're fine; good luck!

octavia said:
I'm on day 5 going on 6 and I feel great the people who do this should have someone join them so that they have some support . Going at this cleansing as a way to lose weight is not smart it's a way to start over simply doing it for 10 days and not changing the way you eat afterwards of course you're going to gain the weight back and more duhhhhh .[...]

Duhh's well said!!..and you're so right..what doctor or medical professional is gonna give you advice towards what may possibly put them out of business?! Healthy clients means no clientss or less doctor visits...no doctor visits means no mortgage payments towards that mansion in beverly hills...or the oakland hills.
I've been on the Lemonade Master Cleanse for 4 days now. And seriously I'm momments away from quitting...but everytime my stomache starts to rumble I make the lemonade...and the rumble stops. I've been able to maintain an weight size between 207-210 for almost 10 years...at about 6'3". I only decided to start the diet after reading the book. I thought to myself "well...I'll be turning 37 this year...I look younger than most kats my age...I'm not over weight...my skin is flawless...I could shed a few pounds around the love-handle section....but although I'm not a total junk food junkie...my daily diet of food hasn't been all that should be ...and we're talking bout years here...so I could really benefit from this diet...plus I dont believe most of the shit that reeks from the mouths of the medical industry ...and I'm a true believer of holistic herbal practices...so why not!" BUT I'm gonna share with you this...as I agree with alot of folks on the blog...that this is more than a cleansing diet for the body...it's definitely for the soul.

With all the polluntants, pestisides, carbon monoxide...bad food practices...and now the possiblity of cloning our meats....a drastic change in eating habits is needed in all. Fruits and veggies should be the way to start the day..and everyday. So as I'm making my way off this diet ...either I give in or not...my eating habits will have definitely changed. Less dairy. No milk (lactose free or other wise). More nuts , fruits and veggies for snaking purposes...and more fish. And I love fish...so i should eat more anywayz...but when Chipotle' is convieniently down the street from the pad and you're on the run...mannnnnnn....all I gotta say is that will power is key.
Wurd!
-a guy named pat from The Town-

mistura said:
what doctor or medical professional is gonna give you advice towards what may possibly put them out of business?! [...]

I tried that diet for 14 days. I lose 14lb. and I also developed heartburns and acid indigestion (painfull annoy in my stomach) but it worked. It's up to you.

The maple syrup you use on the master cleans is "grade B organic". This syrup contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, Iron, coper, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, vitamin A, B1, B2, B5, and B6. Lemons are the richest source of minerals and vitamins of any food or foods known to man. Obviously, there is enough nutrition in this "diet" to last from 10- 40 days, which is the fasting period. People need to do some research before sounding like idiots.

Ive been on the atkins diet.If i start this cleanse will it work,will i gain anything or should i lose??

Actually Keishas right, this sounds as if it is enough to 'live' on.

Lemons are not only high in Vitamin C but they also contain great source of B6, iron, potassium. Rich in antioxidants and pectin, lemons may protect us from free radicals, prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels, and act as an antibacterial in the body. They offer dietary fiber (if one is consuming some of the pulp), vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, manganese, magnesium, zinc and other nutrients.

Okay, I am concerned and would like advice. I am on day 3 of the cleanse, and I have not had a solid or even semi-solid bowel movement yet. Just water. Is this normal?
I start everyday out with a 32 oz saline flush, non-iodized sea salt. Nothing. Yesterday, I forgot about the flush before drinking a lemonade mixture, so I tried a midday flush after not ingesting any mixture or water for 2 1/2 hours. Nothing. After an hour of my salt flush doing nothing, I decided to follow up with 2 tsps of epsom salt in 10 oz of water. Nothing.
I drink either Smooth Move or Yogi Get Regular every night and I have been drinking appropriate amounts of mixture and water throughout the day.
I am not experiencing any pain or discomfort of any kind, I'm just kinda.....waiting for the dam to break.

Should I be really concerned about this? I mean, I would think that SOMETHING would have happened by now, but not a thing.....anyone have any advice?