What Is the Master Cleanser?

The Master Cleanser is a popular diet regimen that claims benefits ranging from weight loss and detoxification to tackling addiction issues and depression. While there are many widespread testimonials from people who have successfully used the Master Cleanser, some professionals in the dietary and nutrition field remain skeptical to those claims, and in some cases, find it may do more harm than good.

History

In 1976, Stanley Burroughs, a promoter of alternative medicines, published "The Master Cleanser - with Special Needs and Problems," which laid out the guidelines for a liquid fast that would allow the body to cleanse itself of a buildup of toxins and promote healing.
In 2004, Peter Glickman, a raw foods diet specialist, wrote the book "Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in Ten Days," which brought a new interest in the fast also known as the Lemonade Diet. Since the publication of Glickman's book, now in its second printing, the diet has become widely popular due to the Internet and celebrity testimonials.

Significance

Cleanse diets have become increasingly popular in the first half of the 21st century. Concerns around the environment have caused people to look for different ways to rid themselves of toxic buildup through water, air and food pollutants. Today, there are a number of consumer products and procedures available from medicinals to colonic treatments that say harmful residue lining the intestinal tract is the root cause of a wide variety of ailments.

How It Works

The Master Cleanser is a 10-day juice fast. Participants of this diet ween themselves off solid food over 1 or 2 days and then solely consume a juice blend of lemons, maple syrup and cayenne pepper over the course of 1 week. A water-and-salt solution is also part of this diet, taken generally in the evening to promote a flushing of the intestinal tract. Proponents of the diet claim that unlike other fasts, the three ingredients of lemon, syrup and cayenne pepper allow the body to detoxify without losing vital caloric intake, thereby allowing dieters to maintain a regular daily schedule without suffering from fatigue.

Function

The Master Cleanser claims to detoxify the body through fasting. By not consuming solid foods and by drinking a liquid that promotes elimination, the intestinal tract can become cleansed by ridding it of long, stored-up solid waste. In this way, the body flushes out a buildup of toxic chemicals, metals and other pollutants that can cause long-term health problems and even be at the root of alcohol and drug addictions.

Medical Concerns

Some in the medical community do not support the Master Cleanser diet based on the belief that these diets cannot cure the types of ailments they claim to. Doctors cite that the body's natural system of eliminating wastes and toxins through the liver, kidneys and intestines already do an efficient job of cleansing the body. Nutritionist Jane Clarke also cautions that continually flushing the intestines with salt water, "strips out not only the bad bacteria but the good bacteria, too."
It's worth noting that beginning any serious change in your diet, particularly if you are on medication or undergoing treatment of any kind, you need to consult your physician before beginning any type of fast.