The Master Cleanse diet is a diet and weight-loss program that typically lasts 10 days. The diet, originally developed in the 1940s by a practitioner of alternative health to treat stomach ulcers, has developed into a way to lose weight and cleanse the body. Dieters using the Master Cleanse rely on a drink of fresh lemon, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water to provide calories and flush their system. The diet has three key phases: the ease-in phase, cleansing phase and ease-out phase; there are certain foods allowed during each phase.
The Ease-In Phase
The ease-in phase prepares your body for the cleansing phase of the Master Cleanse diet. While not everyone uses the ease-in phase, MasterCleanse.org recommends it to physically and mentally prepare your body for a period without food. This phase of the diet lasts three days. During the first day meat and dairy are eliminated from your diet. All fruits and vegetables are allowed. The same fruits and vegetables are allowed during day two of this phase; however, to prepare your body for a liquid diet, they are juiced and consumed as a drink. During the third and final day of this phase, your diet shifts to only include juice from fresh oranges; this prepares the body for the lemon drink during the cleanse phase.
The Cleanse Phase
During days three through 10 of the Master Cleanse, you will consume only a lemon drink. The lemon drink is made of 2 tbsp. of fresh, room temperature, organic lemon juice; 2 tbsp. of pure maple syrup; one-tenth teaspoon of cayenne pepper; and 8 to 10 oz .of pure spring water. You consume this lemon drink at least six, and up to 12 times, each day of the cleanse. During this phase you should also drink as much water as possible. The only other thing consumed during this phase of the diet may be a saltwater flush, consumed each morning to stimulate bowel movements and cleanse the body. No other food is allowed during this phase of the diet.
The Ease-Out Phase
The ease-out phase is similar to the ease-in phase, only done in reverse order. This is a critical phase of the Master Cleanse and must be followed closely; failure to do so may result in severe nausea. Day one of this phase you consume fresh orange juice. To begin adding additional calories to your diet, add maple syrup to your juice. Day two you reintroduce fruits and vegetables into your diet in the form of juice, broth and soups. Juicing allows vitamins and nutrients to quickly enter your system. Reintroduce whole, organic fruits and vegetables during the third and final day of the ease-out phase. Processed foods, meat and milk products are not allowed during this phase.
Effectiveness of Master Cleanse
While the Master Cleanse continues to be used, there is little evidence of its success. The Harvard Medical School reports that no data confirms the effectiveness of the Master Cleanse diet and most likely the weight lost during the 10-day fast is a result of fluid loss. In addition, this diet provides little protein, fat and carbohydrates, and increases the risk of dehydration and abnormal bowel function. You should consult your doctor prior to beginning the Master Cleanse or any fasting or flushing diet.
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