Master Cleanse Tips From Mike

by Raylen on June 15, 2010

Well summer’s almost here and a lot of us are scrambling to lose a quick couple pounds to get our selves ready for the beach. As you might have guessed I feel the best way to lose weight fast is with the master cleanse, and lucky for us a reader of this blog named Mike posted some really good tips in the comment section that I want to share with all of you…

Hi,

I’m currently on Day 7, and it’s been manageable, but also a tough slog so far. I have felt a little disappointed after reading about how energetic and non-hungry everyone else feels while on the diet, because I feel like I haven’t eaten in a week. The hunger is so intense at times that I can’t take my mind off of it. I have also had headaches, and have felt extremely weak after exercise (walking 2-3) miles.

On a more positive note, I have not felt fatigued during the day past Day 2, which I have always struggled with, and I have had an easier time falling asleep at night than in any point in recent memory. I have stuck with the detox this far, and I’ve found satisfaction in enduring constant, intense hunger pangs, but it’s been extremely psychologically and physically challenging.

I’m in my twenties, pretty athletic, and I have a fairly muscular build – with a little bit of a belly. I don’t know how much of the hunger pangs are due to physiological needs (i.e. genuine hunger), and how much is due to the psychological trauma I’m inflicting upon myself – I eat pretty well, but I love food!

I have tried other detox methods, and briefly studied nutrition, but this is just amateur advice. To add my two cents to a couple questions posed here:

CRAMPS: Cut back on the tea. It doesn’t take much Senna, the active laxative ingredient, to do it’s job. Try steeping the bag for two minutes, and adjust with 30-second increments until you experience a laxative effect without prolonged discomfort.

WAITING FOR A BM: Use Senna (”Smooth Move”) tea, or the salt water flush! It’s not a detox if you’re not expelling these impurities – daily – this is critically important!!!

WATER: Drink as much as you’d like/you can. This will flush everything out, keep you hydrated (food contains water, too), and help with hunger.

PEEING: I’ve been peeing all the time, and it often has a funny smell. I’ve read elsewhere that this is normal – and it makes sense.

MEDS/VITAMINS: To my knowledge, one should suspend over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, and meds while on the cleanse. If you’re on prescription meds or have a health condition, you should REALLY consult with your doctor beforehand. Probably a good idea regardless.

HEADACHES: I’ve had them almost every day, but they’ve become less severe, and more infrequent. Staying properly hydrated has helped.

Good luck everyone!

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The other day a reader wanted to know if it was alright to make the master cleanse lemonade without cayenne pepper…

I am on day 5 of the cleanse. I have cleansed twice a year for about 5 years, but this is my first Master Cleanse. My prakruti is very Pitta….for the non-ayurvedic folks, this mean my constitution is very HOT; hot tempered, tendency toward overheating, generally need cooling foods in my diet. My energy has been incredible on the MC. However, the last two nights I have woken up between 3 and 4 am (the Pitta time of night, meaning my Pitta dosha is active and aggravated) unable to go back to sleep. Amazingly, I still seem to have a lot of energy. However, I know this is happening because of the cayenne pepper. My question is; is it ok to use no cayenne for a day or so to see if it makes a difference in my sleep or to simple reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used?
Thanks.

Usually having an abundance of energy while doing the master cleanse is a good sign, but if you feel the cayenne pepper is throwing your body off balance  and don’t feel you can complete the cleanse with the pepper you can make the lemonade without it. Keep in mind the cayenne pepper is a key ingredient in the master cleanse diet but if you’re a naturally Pitta person you might be able to get away with eliminating the cayenne without affecting the cleanse.

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A Reader Shares Some Great Master Cleanse Tips

May 9, 2010

I want to thank Naomi who shared the following tips on this blog…
I did a lot of research on master cleanse and read many many information on it so I will answer some of the above questions.
First grade A syrup is OK, but the reason grade B is used is that it has more nutrients. [...]

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How much cayenne pepper to use with the Master Cleanse

May 1, 2010

I get a lot of questions about the master cleanse directions, and if it’s alright to change the recipe…
Hi! I just wanted to say I am on my 6th day of the cleanse and am not feeling all that bad. Yes I have gotten mild headache, mild tooth sensitivity (actually that was just my 3rd [...]

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