Master Cleanse & Antibiotics

The Master Cleanse is a hotly debated liquid diet that purports to cleanse the body of the buildup of chemicals, toxins, antibiotics and a variety of addictive substances that we expose our bodies to on a daily basis. If you are concerned about the amount of antibiotics in your system, or if you suffer from any range of health problems, from bloating and indigestion to arthritis and joint pain, the Master Cleanse may be beneficial. However, it is always important to understand the process before beginning the diet, especially in regard to the use of antibiotics.

History

The Master Cleanse, sometimes referred to as the Lemonade Diet, was created in the 1940s by Stanley Burroughs, who used the diet to treat health ailments. This liquid diet quickly gained popularity as a way to detox one's system and remove the buildup of chemicals and toxins. Its popularity has continued to this day.

Potential

Proponents of the Master Cleanse believe that antibiotics rid our systems of bad and good bacteria simultaneously. Good bacteria aids in our digestive processes; without it, we may become susceptible to more diseases. By weaning ourselves from antibiotics, we can not only improve our digestive health but also decrease our dependence on antibiotics when fighting illnesses.

Gastrointestinal Health

In addition to improved digestive health, those who undergo the Master Cleanse often report better general overall health and ability to fight disease. This fresh start will cleanse your body of any toxins, increase your energy and help with joint problems and gastrointestinal disorders.

Considerations

It is advised that dieters undergoing a Master Cleanse should not take antibiotics, as this is essentially defeats the purpose of the detox. Also, if you are currently taking antibiotics per your doctor's instructions, it is best to continue doing so until you receive further instructions from your doctor.

Warning

Do not attempt the Master Cleanse if you have a serious illness, such as anemia, cancer or diabetes, and if your condition requires the use of antibiotics. While the goal of the Master Cleanse is improved health, many dieters report symptoms such as diarrhea, dehydration, nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, you cannot simply continue eating and taking antibiotics as normal after cleansing--you must ease back into a healthy diet slowly.