The salt water cleansing diet, also known as the sea salt flush is supposed to cleanse the system of unwanted toxins. The sea salt flush is supposed to coincide with the well-known Master Cleanse diet. Cleansing of the colon using sea salt and warm water is supposed to occur prior to starting the Master Cleanse, to intensify the weight loss and cleansing capabilities of the Master Cleanse, according to the Master Cleanse website. There is no scientific proof regarding the safety and effectiveness of this kind of regime; therefore, those undertaking such a diet plan should consult their doctor before commencing.
The Master Cleanse
The salt water cleanse is a precursor to the Master Cleanse plan, which was devised in the 1940s by Stanley Burroughs. The diet plan rose to prominence in the 1970s upon the release of his much-anticipated book, "The Master Cleanser." The Master Cleanse diet, also known as the Maple Syrup diet or the Lemonade diet, prohibits the consumption of any other food besides water mixed with lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. The drink is supposed to be consumed 6 to 12 times a day, the dieter is supposed to mix a quart of water with two tsp. of sea salt. The salt water flush is supposed to prepare the body for detoxification, according to the Master Cleanse website.
Sea Salt Water Cleanse
In "The Master Cleanse," Burroughs puts forth the notion that sea salt water increases the movement of the bowels, therefore removing toxins from the system. Burroughs also exclaimed that traditional enemas and colonic irrigation are not safe. The idea behind the sea salt flush is to drink the sea salt water before consuming any food, first thing in the morning.
Removal of Toxins
Over the years, crash dieting has been dubbed as a dangerous and unhealthy way of losing weight. Diets such as the salt water cleanse have often been criticized. With some medical professionals stating there is no evidence to refute or prove the theory that flushing the colon can aid weight loss and eliminate toxins. It is also believed that salt water cleansing could be dangerous as it can cause a rise in electrolytes in the body. This can cause heart disease according to Dr. Michael Picco, of the Mayo Clinic.
Concerns
Overall, there are concerns about the sea salt cleanse, because one tsp. of sodium added to warm water is more than 2,300 mg of sodium. The Institute of Medicine advises that the human body does not need more than 2,300 mg of sodium on a daily basis. The average adult should try to restrict his sodium intake to 1,500 mg a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dieters should proceed with caution when embarking on a sea salt cleanse.
The Healthier Way
The healthiest and most effective way to lose weight is through diet and exercise. Crash diets that heavily restrict food intake are not considered to be a long term weight-loss solution. Controlling portions and exercising more often should result in some weight loss, according to Medline Plus.
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