Detox on the Rocks?

Unsurprisingly, CNN reported today that experts are coming out against the wildly popular Master Cleanse regimen. The "cleansing fast" allows a laxative, saltwater and a beverage made of purified water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup. Nothing else. For 10 days or more.

Some people do it for weight loss, some to detox. The conventional wisdom is that folks who lose weight on this type of fast gain it back quickly. As far as purification and cleansing are concerned, many medical practitioners say it's potentially dangerous and just isn't necessary. Cited drawbacks can include dizziness, inability to concentrate and poor nutrition.

As I'm neither a nutritionist nor a GI specialist, I know I'm not qualified to offer my own opinion on the efficacy and safety of cleansing. But what I know I'm not a fan of is using radical, purgative measures to "make up for" a generally unhealthy diet -- as Mr. Campbell, one of the CNN article's subjects, tries to do. All of the fasting/cleansing in the world isn't going to help you if you subsist on fast food, snacks and sweets. I'm dying to sit Mr. Campbell down and feed him some gorgeous local veggies.

None of my friends have done the Master Cleanse, so I've never gotten any first-hand anecdotal info about it from anybody I really trust. Anyone out there a cleanser?

Comments

[Eva]

I've known a lot of people who have done this cleanse to varied results. One stopped after 4 days, another did the entire treatment and liked it and yet another does the cleanse regularly (and has managed to lose a lot of weight). The consensus seems to be positive in general.

Personally, I know my body well enough to know I would pass out without regular food intake. Christ, I can't even skip a meal without feeling peekish. But if it works for them, fabulous.

[e]

I have done the Master Cleanse many times for 3-5 days at a time. I don't do it to lose weight, but to cleanse and refresh my system. The spicy lemonade is surprisingly energizing and filling and tasty. I rarely get hungry on the cleanse. I eat a very clean diet anyway and after 3-5 days I usually feel like my body is ready for real food. Afterward, I have more energy and better digestion. I probably lose a couple of pounds each time just from not eating. I don't have a scale so I don't know exactly. One important part of the Master Cleanse that was not mentioned here or in the article is to drink lots of water.

[Account Deleted]

I don't have a scale so I don't know exactly.
------------
sanjeppu

The Lemonade Diet Cleansing Directions