The late Stanley Burroughs was a pioneer in alternative health care, although he had no medical degrees, he was known for his research of toxemia, a clinical syndrome caused by toxic substances in the blood. In 1941, he was searching for a new method for treating ulcers. He noticed that his lemonade drink successfully treated many other medical conditions, such as chronic aches and pains, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, asthma, allergies and more. He named his method The Master Cleanse.
Origins
Poor diet, lack of exercise, tension, unclean air and polluted water can easily overload our elimination system. If toxins in the colon are not properly eliminated, over time they leak into the blood stream. The cells and tissues of the body will absorb the toxins, which then weaken the cells and the entire immune system with the body becoming vulnerable to illnesses.
Eliminating Toxins
Cleansing the body and eliminating toxins will rejuvenate the inborn healing mechanism and get rid of all kinds of diseases. The less toxicity in our bodies, the greater health and vitality we have. Burroughs was confident that anyone who goes through his Master Cleanse will be completely satisfied and will benefit with improved health and well-being.
The medical community is divided in their opinions about detoxifying the body. According to Mayo Clinic Nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. "There's little evidence 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."
However, in "The Purification Process: Healing for Modern Times", Elson Haas, M.D. says: "I believe in and consider the cleansing/fasting/detoxification process ... to be the missing link in Western nutrition and a key to the health and vitality of our civilization. In over 25 years of medical practice, I have utilized extensively, various detox and healing/rejuvenation practices."
Hays believes that cleansing and detoxification "is virtually one of the most powerful healing therapies (real healing of ailments and not just suppression of symptoms) I have witnessed" and it can prevent many health problems.
Definition
The Master Cleanse is a liquid diet consisting of lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. Lemon juice is a powerful cleanser high in vitamins and minerals and it helps break up mucus in the body. Maple syrup supplies energy and contains many minerals and vitamins. Cayenne pepper also loosens up mucus in the body and increases its heat.
Drink this laxative tea cleanse twice a day to stimulate elimination. You should not eat any solid food for a minimum of 10 days and you can safely extend the cleanse for up to 40 days, depending on your physical condition.
Allan Cott, M.D., author of the book "Fasting - The Ultimate Diet," states: "Most people can fast safely for a whole month or longer." According to the "New England Journal of Medicine," "fasting is a valid experience. It can benefit any otherwise healthy person whose calories now have the upper hand in his/her life."
Process
The cleanse starts with an herbal laxative tea in the morning and in the evening. If the tea is not sufficient for complete cleaning of the intestinal tract, Burroughs recommended a salt water flush. The laxative tea and salt water flush are necessary to remove toxins and mucus loosened from the intestines.
You make the lemonade in precise proportions: 1 unit of organic lemon juice, 1 unit of organic grade B maple syrup and 8 units of distilled or spring water. Add cayenne pepper for taste. As you get used to the taste of the lemonade, you notice that you will be adding more cayenne pepper and that is fine.
Drink 6 to 12 glasses of lemonade per day, and at least the same amount of water to assist with toxin elimination.
Physical Experience
During the first 2 to 4 days, some people experience headaches, body aches and fatigue because of the amounts of released toxins.
Ron Kennedy, M.D., of the Anti-Aging Medicine Clinic of Santa Rosa, Calif., says, "Fasting creates a condition of low concentration of toxic wastes in the circulatory system. This is sensed by the plasma membrane of each cell and each cell will then let go of its load of toxic wastes. When this happens suddenly, as it does with fasting, the result can be a sudden case of mild systemic toxemia as the system cleanses itself. Those who fast must be prepared for a phase of headache, irritability, insomnia and fatigue. This is a natural part of the healing process and should be welcomed."
Within a short time, the majority of people will feel a dramatic and positive change, with better sleep, less tension, increased energy, clearer thinking and relief from aches. Mayo Clinic Gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., reports that the benefits of diets such as the Master Cleanse include increased levels of energy, focus, and feelings of lightness.
Exercise
Limit intense exercise during a cleanse so the body can use all its energy to heal and repair. Gentle exercises like walking, stretching or breathing exercises are recommended. If you are an athlete and need to stay on your training regimen, you will notice your energy levels during your training session will be lower and you will need to sip your lemonade more often.
Coming Off the Cleanse
Improper transition to solid food can cause problems, so it is extremely important to follow the procedures for returning back to a normal eating regimen. The body has to gradually adjust itself to handling solid foods again.
The first day after cleanse, drink only orange juice; the second day you drink fruit and vegetable juices and eat vegetable soup; and the third day you eat vegetable soups, salads and raw fruits. You are now ready to transition to normal food. If you had bad nutritional habits before the cleanse, adopt a new lifestyle with plenty of fruits, nuts, vegetables and unprocessed foods.
Anyone considering the Master Cleanse or any other kind of fasting needs to be aware of possible side effects, such as dehydration, fatigue, dizziness or nausea. Medical experts on fasting agree that fasting is safe and beneficial for healthy individuals.
Joel Fuhrman, M.D., nutrition expert and author of Flemington, N.J., says you should not fast if you are on any medications. Dr. Cott and Dr. Fuhrman advise that you consult a doctor before beginning a short fast, and long fasts must be done under the supervision and guidance of a doctor, and they may let you use a medication if you need it.
References
- "The Master Cleanser"; Stanley Burroughs; 1976
- "The New Detox Diet: The Complete Guide for Lifelong Vitality With Recipes, Menus, and Detox Plans"; Elson M. Haas M.D.; 2004
- "Fasting-the ultimate diet"; Allan Cott M.D.; 1996
- Detoxification and The Detox Diet: An Important Healing Process
- Detox Diets: Do They Work?
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