The Master Cleanse and other detox systems

[jennabourland]

My sister just began The Master Cleanse (drinking only a mixture of water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for 11 days), and I was hoping I could get some insight here about whether or not that's the healthiest way to detox. I've read a lot about it, and it just seems terrible to put your body in starvation mode for that long without any real nutrition.

Aren't there better ways to detox than this? Does simply eating clean and healthy have the same affect without all the malnutrition? I would love to be able to pass on to her some good info and some alternatives to The Master Cleanse.

Thanks, all.

[jennabourland]

I also just wanted to add that she's a full-time college student who also works and is very busy and active. She's tall and thin (5'8" and about 130lbs), and I feel like she should be taking in more calories than a little maple syrup every day. I can't imagine how hard she'll be crashing soon, between school and work and not getting any good calories in.

[amkaz]

I have done the Master Cleanse before and it had some negative effects on my body. Everyone is different, though. I believe that you are supposed to REST while doing that cleanse, if my memory serves me correctly, and not expect to do normal activities. I know people who swear by that cleanse, but I wouldn't recommend it based on my experience.

[FitRunner]

I'm too tired to dig out any references, but that sounds very fishy to me. Evidence for the efficacy of "detoxification" is scarce in the first place and I think you're right to be very concerned regardless. You are right - if you eat well, your body will run well. End of story. Cayenne pepper and maple syrup will not miraculously help this along. Being uncomfortable doesn't automatically mean you're doing something good for yourself.

Teresa

[scourtney7]

Teresa I was hoping you'd respond. I wanted to get your take on this.

[Propnose]

I'm no expert, but it doesn't sound good to me! I think I'll just stick to my 3 day shakeology cleanse!

[Sterling]

My sister just began The Master Cleanse (drinking only a mixture of water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for 11 days), and I was hoping I could get some insight here about whether or not that's the healthiest way to detox. I've read a lot about it, and it just seems terrible to put your body in starvation mode for that long without any real nutrition.

Aren't there better ways to detox than this? Does simply eating clean and healthy have the same affect without all the malnutrition? I would love to be able to pass on to her some good info and some alternatives to The Master Cleanse.

Thanks, all.

There's really no reputable research to show that 'cleansing' does anything. I'd recommend regular IF (intermittent fasting) and meals consisting of whole foods.

[scourtney7]

Whole foods is the way to go! Right on Sterling!!!

[yankeedoobie]

I'm no expert, but it doesn't sound good to me! I think I'll just stick to my 3 day shakeology cleanse!

How exactly does the three day Shakeology cleanse work?

[scourtney7]

There is a webinar on it Thursday night. Check your coaches' back office to sign up. I'm going to be listening in and taking notes.

[Netty]

I did the 3 day Shakeology Cleanse about a week ago and it was great. Tammi & Mike French had posted it on Facebook and invited others to join them in the cleanse. So, I did and I lost 5 pounds in 3 days and my energy level was amazing! I felt great!! Of course, getting to drink Shakeology 3 times a day for 3 days was great...can't complain! I would deifinitely listen in on the webinar if you are interested and want full details. :-)

[BubbinStuff]

A few of us from Facebook are starting the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse tomorrow. Feel free to join us! Here are the details for the three days:

REPEAT all 3 Days

1 cup of green tea (such as Triple Leaf Detox Tea)

BREAKFAST:
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
½ cup of fruit (60-90 calories)-optional
Add ice
8-10 oz of water

SNACK (85 calories)
1 piece of fruit (Apple, pear, orange, banana, mango, etc)

LUNCH:
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Add ice
10 oz of water

1 cup of green tea (such as Triple Leaf Detox Tea)

SNACK: (either snack here or after dinner – one or the other)
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Add ice
8-10 oz of water

DINNER:
Salad grilled white fish or poultry (340 calories)

SNACK: (either snack here or before dinner – one or the other)
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Add ice
8-10 oz of water

[fit2praise]

Jennabourland, cleanses are good if they are done for the right reasons. The weightloss is really just a benefit from doing the cleanse and not the purpose. The purpose of a cleanse is to get your body's pH balance back to where it needs to be so that it runs efficiently. Here is a video that explains it better than I can: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpoAtwVyzZI