Master Cleanse

Master Cleanse is a modified juice fast that permits no food. There are three parts to it. First thing each morning one drinks a quart of water with 2 teaspoons of salt or a cup of herbal laxative tea. This is followed by six to twelve lemonade drinks during the day and a cup of herbal laxative tea in the evening. The lemonade is made from purified or spring water, fresh squeezed lemon juice, organic maple syrup and cayenne pepper. The alleged purpose is to "detoxify" the body and remove excess fat. It is done for a minimum of ten days.^[1][2]

Origin

Master Cleanse was developed by Stanley Burroughs, who published it initially in the 1940s, and revived it in 1976 in his books The Master Cleanser^[1] and Healing for the Age of Enlightenment.

Criticisms

There is no scientific evidence that it removes any "toxins", or that this diet achieves anything beyond temporary weight loss. Though unlikely to be harmful over the short term, it can be harmful over the long term. Nutritionist Jane Clark points to a lack of essential nutrients in this program, citing a deficiency of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the regimen. As a result of these deficiencies, including far fewer calories than the recommended amount for health and optimum functioning, individuals on the diet may experience headaches and a variety of other symptoms in the short term and the diet is potentially harmful over the long term.^[3] The program has been described as an extreme fad or crash diet, and any weight lost during the fast can be expected to be regained once the diet is stopped.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Burroughs, Stanley (1976). The Master Cleanser. Burroughs Books. pp. 16–22, 25. ISBN 0963926209. 
2. ^ Glickman, Peter (2011). Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days. Peter Glickman, Inc.. ISBN 0975572253. 
3. ^ Clarke, Jane. "The nutritionist's view". The Times (London UK): pp. 4. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7-2006236,00.html. Retrieved 2008-01-30.