My friend Peter wrote a raving review about the Master Cleanse on his Facebook page, and he’s not the kind of person who raves about anything! Here’s what we found out.

The Master Cleanse, aka the Lemon Cleanse was created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941.  Peter Glickman popularized it through books he wrote on weight lose.  Master Cleanse is claimed to be a detoxification method to remove all harmful toxins and accumulated waste in the human body.  This is an ‘all liquid’ diet lasting 10 days and will result in losing weight.

Master Cleanse Pros

·         Master Cleanse will flush out all accumulated waste accumulated from taking food over the past years/decades from the digestive system.

·         Because this is an ‘all liquid’ diet, it will help dissolve all fatty tissues (claimed to be at the rate of 2 pounds a day!) and at the end of the 10 day period, you lose considerable weight.

·         Chronic diseases caused by calcium deposits in joints and muscles are eliminated.

·         Cholesterol deposits in arteries and veins as also pimples and skin ailments are eliminated.

·         A number of people who have gone through the Master Cleanse have reported an ‘all clean’ feeling, increased energy, increased sexual stamina, etc.

Master Cleans Cons

·         Anyone on prescribed medication for health problems should be cautious of practicing the Master Cleanse and should consult their doctor before attempting the cleanse regimen.

·         This liquid diet provides only limited nutrients to the body and may be harmful to some.

·         The practitioner is bound to lose muscle tone and weight and therefore for those who value their look and build-up, the Master Cleanse is not recommended.

·         This is an extremely difficult regimen to follow as your cravings for food will haunt you continuously for some days.  This is will be all the more difficult if you are the ‘cook’ of the family!

·         You need to have extra willpower to go through the demands of the regimen as an ‘all liquid’ for 10 days might seem to be insurmountable.  Practitioners have also experienced severe headaches and other deficiencies during the initial few days.

Scientific Backing

Cells cover our entire body and each cell has a double layer “plasma membrane” coat which is selectively porous to allow molecules and atoms in and out of the cell as it deem fit.  Catabolism (breakdown) in the body produces waste products, which is mixed in the cytoplasm (cell soup) inside the cell, but it is essential that these waste products are transported out of the body for life to go on.  However, the plasma membrane, which can sense toxic waste concentration outside, will not allow the toxic waste inside the cell out until the above permissible level concentration of toxic waste in the circulatory system comes down to normal level.  If the circulatory system toxic waste does not come down because we overload our bodies with food, each cell which carries the toxic waste inside becomes a storage unit, known as ‘toxemia’.  This condition is not ideal for the body.

When a person fasts, which is the essence of the Master Cleanse, the circulatory system toxic waste is reduced considerably allowing ‘plasma membrane’ to let out the toxic wastes inside and the system cleanses itself.  Continuous fasting for few days cleanses the body wastes completely. 

Detoxilicious Detective Score (1-10): 4

Pros

·         Help improve bowel movements and eliminates constipation.

·         Detoxifying with Dr. Natura help cure acne and candida and several other ailments such as IBS, colitis, arthritis, etc.

·         Users have reported that parasites living off the host body were expelled by Dr. Natura detox .  

·         Weight lost is another positive result of Dr. Natura - one can expect to lose 10-15 lbs in about a month.

Cons

·         Not advisable for patients with pre-existing digestive or heart problem as the laxatives may interfere digestive mechanisms.

·         Many users have felt ‘bloated’ feel for the first few days and felt uncomfortable.  Others complained about headaches.

·         Though expected, the evicted substances are scary.  What if you have been evicting the required lining of the internal organs?

Scientific backing

Dr.Natura’s Colonix contain over 10 herbs in a mixture.  The herbs include Psyllium husks and flax seed (to clear up constipation), fennel seed (intestinal tract mucus remover), licorice root (having anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial properties), aloe vera (a potent laxative), grapefruit pectin (cholesterol reducer), papaya fruit (antioxidants rich in Vitamins A and E), slippery elm bark (used as a demulcent and emollient for treatment of irritated and inflamed mucous membranes), marshmallow root (alleviates irritation and soothe mucous membranes) and rhubarb root (a gentle laxative).  The parasite cleanser (Paranil) contains up to 18 high quality parasite-killing natural herbs.

Detoxilicious Detective Score (1-10): 8

My friend Roz and Rich have been lost tons of weight from this program called Isagenix. When Wendi and I hear about things like this, our ears perk up and we immediately went to work.  We talked to users and did our research. At the end, we decided to give it a 6.

Isagenix

Pros 

·         Many successful users have claimed to have shed weight – almost 10 pounds in a 9-day program. 

·         Users have vouched for increase in ‘energy’ level in activities.

·         Isagenix marketers offer total solution, including a variety of meal replacements, cleanse products and other small things and therefore following the detox program is not difficult.

·         Age-old fasting is one way to remove impurities from the body system, but Isagenix system, being a nutritional cleansing, improves on simple fasting by infusing the body with healthy nutrients.

·         Isagenix cleanse harmful impurities from the system and done through balanced nutrition and reducing cravings and appetite for food naturally.

·         The concoction can be diluted for easy consumption as per the wish of the user.

Cons

·         The ‘taste’ of the product is bit hard to get used to.

·         For some, it may be expensive at $195 for the 9 day program and $300 for the 30 day program.

·         Not advised for people with health conditions like diabetes or heart problems.

·         Some people feel severe headaches and other physical discomforts in the initial few days.

·         It is also said that shedding weight is temporary and once you are out of the program, the lost weight is built up again.

Scientific backing

Isagenix products contain specific nutrients, herbs and antioxidants. Ingredients include Aloe Vera containing properties effective to lose weight by cleansing body and remove unwanted toxins and waste. It also contains several ingredients that help to reduce appetite and support effective metabolism and a broad spectrum pH Digestive Enzymes.  Low lactose whey protein, organic carbohydrates and fat, recognized to maintain and protect muscles by helping to burn fat is also included in the Isagenix products.  Many of the Ingredients in Isagenix products are listed on the FDA’S GRAS list, “Generally Recognized as Safe”.

Detoxilicious Detective Score (1-10): 6

I found a very comprehensive detox book called ‘The Detox Solution: the Missing Link to Radiant Health, Abundant Energy, Ideal Weight and Peace of Mind” by Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald.

Here is a great Liver Cleanse recipe from the book:

Liver Cleanse Drink

A liver cleanse has been used traditionally to support detoxification. This cleansing drink increases bile flow, encouraging the elimination of wastes.

Many patients have used this recipe over the years with wonderful results.

Put the following in a blender:

• One cup of citrus: use orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lemon and/or lime. Make the combination as sour as possible. You can dilute this mixture with purified water.
• One to two cloves of garlic
• One small piece of fresh ginger
• One tbsp of organic olive oil
• Blend the above ingredients and drink immediately.

Following with two cups of cleansing tea, such as Jason Winters or dandelion tea.

It is preferable to do the liver cleanse drink in the morning on an empty stomach, and then wait an hour before eating.

It is suggested to do the liver cleanse four times a year (as the seasons change) or whenever you feel you need a boost. Fives days in a row each time is recommended.

–Excerpt from The Detox Solution: the Missing Link to Radiant Health, Abundant Energy, Ideal Weight and Peace of Mind. Author Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald.

We here at Detoxilicious are HUGE FANS of colon cleansing. I prefer colon irrigation or colonics, Wendi prefers using colon cleansing herbs.

If you decide to go with a regimen of colon cleansing herbs, liver cleanse is a crucial part. The liver is a main player in the body’s detoxification process, so liver cleanse can give your health a huge overall boost.

VERY IMPORTANT: Before you start adding liver cleansing herbs to your cleansing program, make sure you are not experiencing any discomfort (gas, bloating, cramping, fatigue, headaches, skin breakouts) from the colon cleanse. You should be having at least 3 bowel movements per day on your colon cleanse.

Add liver cleansing herbs GRADUALLY. Make sure you are not experiencing extreme symptoms (a little headache and a few zits are okay) before increasing the dosage.

Here are a couple herbs that have been traditionally used for liver cleanse and liver detoxification.

Milk Thistle

For 2000 years, milk thistle has been used to cleanse and protect the liver. It promotes healthy bile flow and ensures healthy pooping as well! Milk Thistle has strong antioxidant properties and protects the liver from incoming toxins while removing toxic buildup. It has also been shown to help people with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. The liver has the remarkable ability to completely regenerate itself after it has been injured. Milk Thistle helps the liver regenerate itself by stimulating the growth of liver cells.

Rosemary

This herb’s medicinal history goes back to ancient Rome where it was used as a memory enhancer. It has very high anti-oxidant properties. Its excellent liver detoxification functions have been demonstrated in several studies.

Dandelion

This is one of the best-known herbs to treat liver disorders. It can treat liver and gall-bladder inflammation. Its bitterness increases bile flow.

Important warning from Detoxilicious

In order to avoid severe liver damage, do not take Tylenol while regularly consuming alcohol. The wine will reduce the liver’s ability to detoxify acetaminophen (Tylenol). This can severely impair your liver function and liver transplant may be required.

There are so many cleansing diets available on the shelves of Whole Foods and online, it’s hard to determine which one to complete.
Here are the things that I do before determining which cleansing diet I want to try:

Become a Detox Detective.

What are the ingredients? Do you recognize each one of the ingredients on the packet, or are they foreign to you, and, potentially, even a PhD candidate in biochemistry? If you can’t pronounce or determine what all the ingredients are on the cleansing product, chances are that it’s not going to be a good cleanse.

Question Everyone.

Ask everyone about their favorite total body cleanse. Why did they first decide to do a cleansing diet? How long did it take them to see a difference in their skin, their energy levels and their bodies? Did they re-gain all the weight they had lost during their cleanse? Don’t be shy. This is your health you’re speaking of, and no one will be a better advocate for your body than you.

Get Clear.

Why are you on a journey to better health through a total body cleanse? Are you preparing for a half-marathon? Wanting to drop pounds before your upcoming wedding? Has something gotten you down?

Here are a few tips to get you started on your total body cleanse. Let us know how they turn out.

• Try to determine the root of the illness – many times emotional feelings come out physically if they are not acknowledged.
• Increase the amount of green vegetables you’re consuming each day, in addition to flushing the body of toxins through water and fiber intake.
• Get plenty of rest and relaxation. If you only have an extra 5 minutes each day to yourself, take it. Close your eyes, practice visualizations and meditate.
• Keep a lavender packet under your pillow as a healing remedy.
• Take a multivitamin, in addition to increasing the amount of low-fat protein you’re eating every day. Consider eating sardines and salmon a few times each week.

An easy way to do a regular bowel cleanse is to add more fiber to your daily diet.

In almost all circumstances, increasing the amount of fiber you consume will relieve constipation within days, or even hours. As bowel movements become easier to pass through the system, hemorrhoids will be relieved as less strain is necessary. This occurs since fiber absorbs large amounts of water in the bowels, making them softer.

Evidence continues to increase indicating that foods containing soluble fiber (oats, barley and beans) have a positive effect on cholesterol, triglycerides and preventing the development of heart disease. Adding fiber to the diet for bowel cleansing purposes regulates blood sugar levels, an important factor in avoiding diabetes. Those with diabetes can reduce blood sugar levels by supplementing their diets with fiber.

Weird but true: In the October 2005 edition of the journal Appetite, Finnish researchers studied the emotional aspects of food intake in more than 8,000 men and women born in 1966. A pessimistic attitude was noted in individuals who consumed infrequent, small amounts of fiber, whereas individuals in the upper percentage of optimism were more likely to eat fresh vegetables and salads. The researchers indicated that the lack of optimism appeared to be related to unhealthy dietary habits.

Have you noticed a change in your emotions when you’ve added fiber to your diet to cleanse your bowel?

If your liver is overloaded and you are experiencing these symptoms (see Liver Detoxification and Coffee Enemas), here are the natural liver cleansers we recommend:

1. Bitter greens are excellent liver cleansers Greens such as arugula, dandelion greens, mustard greens, endive and dark salad greens support the flow of bile. Bile is very important for liver detoxification process. It carries many of the toxins broken down by the liver to the intestines, where the toxins can be absorbed into fiber and excreted. That’s why people who don’t take in enough fiber tend to have more toxins stored in their body. So eating greens cleanses your liver and adds fiber to your diet!
2. Add these vegetables to your diet, steamed or raw: beets, brussel sprouts, Daikon (can be found in Asian markets), carrots, cabbage, broccoli stimulate detoxification enzymes
3. Add fresh herbs in your cooking. Dill, rosemary, caraway and turmeric have all been researched to be excellent liver cleansers. Use fresh ones bought from grocery stories. Add to dishes with vegetables, lamb and chicken!
4. Eat bitter fruits like grapefruits, pomelo or bitter oranges. Also excellent for supporting the flow of bile. See #1.

How do you know it’s time to detoxify your body?

If you experience one or more of the following, it’s high time for a complete body detoxification:

Recurring headaches
Constipation
Food allergies
Flatulence
Protruding belly
Fatigue
Low energy
Skin problems
Bad breath
Yeast infections

What are your favorite intestinal cleanses you’ve done to detoxify your body?

I have done Dr. Natura’s 30 day detoxification cleanse, as it’s completely natural with no chemicals. While I was a chronic candida sufferer in the past, my yeast infections were eliminated after doing this body detoxification 2 years ago and they have never returned since. I know many people are fans of Isagenix and their 10 day cleanse, which I’ve also done, but they put in a lot of Splenda in their products, which has recently been shown to reduce sperm count. This is certainly something to consider for men looking to detoxify their bodies.

I lost about 5 pounds on Isagenix, but found the first two days and last 2 days on Isagenix to be extremely uncomfortable. On those days, you’re only drinking their shakes, chocolate snacks and eating almonds. I spent much of the time convinced I was hallucinating from hunger. That said, many of my friends and health clients had transformative detoxifications after completing the Isagenix cleanse. Several of them lost weight, felt completely satiated, and felt an increase in energy. I did not have that experience, but recognize that many people do. Keep in mind that Isagenix is also one of the biggest MLM businesses out there, and several people make excellent money by promoting and selling this product. My friends who sell the product firmly believe it’s an excellent body detoxification, as it has worked for them.

With all products that help detoxify your body, my motto is always this: what works for one person, may not necessarily work for you. Try out the Master Cleanse, Dr. Natura, Isagenix, etc., and ultimately you’ll find the detoxification product or system that resonates best with you.

Though I am an enema-lover, I haven’t been able to face the idea of doing a coffee enema. I heard coffee enema is excellent for liver detoxification but it just doesn’t seem like coffee should be going up that way, know what I mean? Well, being the detox detective that I am, I decided to do a little research at the library…

My first question, what the heck does the liver do anyway?

Answer: The liver is the LARGEST organ in the body, about the size of a small football. It can removed tons of unwanted toxins from your body, from allergens, viruses, parasites, fungi, unfriendly bacteria and toxic chemicals. Believe it or not, two QUARTS of blood are filtered through the liver every minute! This single organ has 500 known responsibilities. Major ones include controlling metabolism, converting food into nutrients (so your body can use the food you’re eating), transforming toxins into harmless substance, and providing quick energy when you need it.

Considering the importance of this organ, liver detoxification is more important than ever.

Second question: How do you know when your liver isn’t functioning at its best?

Answer: Here is list of symptoms that a sluggish liver can have on your body

Tiredness after meals
Allergies
Acne
Blood sugar imbalanced
Nausea
Bloating
Constipation
High blood pressure
Brain fog
PMS
Mood Swings
Fatigue
Depression
Headaches

I’ve experienced at least half of these sometime in my lifetime. I guess that means it’s time for liver detoxification!

Third question: There are several ways to detoxify the liver, why coffee enema?

Answer: Coffee enema is a good option for people who are already doing enemas. So if you fall in this category (and if you don’t, you should! Cause enemas make you feel so light and clean!), just add coffee. Apparently a coffee enema stimulates the liver and increase the flow of bile. The enzyme in coffee (known as palmitates) helps the liver carry away toxins in bile acid (link to article 1), helping achieving optimal liver detoxification for your body.

Hmmm…I’ll let you know after I try it.