My name is Raylen Sterling,
Growing up I was not in the best of health. I was raised by a single mom who did the best she could, but often was so busy that at least one meal a day was take out or fast food. For snacks I would eat chips and soda.
As a result I was overweight as a kid. Actually I was obese. I remember my pediatrician telling my mom that if I kept gaining weight at my current pace I would likely not live to see 35 years old. As a result I was put on a diet, but after a few weeks of trying to keep me on a healthy diet eating in our house went back normal.
I was about 100 pounds overweight by the time I was 19 when I decided to take massive action, and finally lose weight. You might be wondering what was it that would drive a 19 year old to finally go on a diet. Was it good health? No, it was girls. It might not be the most noble reason, but for a teenager it was a powerful motivator.
I did the thing everyone tells you not to do to lose weight. I slashed my food intake to about 600 calories a day, and boy did I lose a lot of weight. 11 pounds in the first week. Close to 70 pounds after 3 months. But it was taking it’s toll.
I was famished, sleeping about 11 hours a day, and I was light headed.
My current 600 calorie a day diet was not good for me so I decided to eat a healthy 2,500 calorie a day diet, which for a guy like me who likes to workout, and lift weights should be perfect. But the only problem was the 3 months spent starving myself had lowered my metabolism, so when I starting eating a “normal” diet I still ended up gaining weight (about 35 pounds).
That weight loss attempt taught me a valuable lesson. I learned to never jeopardize my health in pursuit of good health. It sounds like common sense, but every day I see people taking drastic, even dangerous measures to achieve good health. Even with the Master Cleanse there are people who stay on this restrictive diet for longer than a month!
Today, I’m proud to say that I have lost weight, and I am healthy. By using the Master Cleanse for what it’s intended for – to purge unhealthy waste from my body, and help break my junk food addiction I was able to get my weight under control and finally feel good about myself.
The Master Cleanse is not easy, and if you want lasting results you’ll need to eat healthy after the cleanse, but the beauty of the Master Cleanse is how much improvement you will see in a short period of time.
If you’re curious about the Master Cleanse take a minute and read some of the comments below which are left by people from all walks of life, and feel free to add your own comments – I would love to hear from you.

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very true get your body to work for you
feed your body great nutritiouse food
that we could of eaten 50,000 years ago like
fruits , veg , meats . berries there is no restriction on how much to eat as long as you are eating more ,also clensing is a very important issue with all the junk in our food , water , polution this can slow us down , age quicker detox is real
Hi Raylen,
I felt acidity because of Lemon Juice. I couldn’t continue for more than a day. Please suggest me.
I haven’t done the Cleanse yet but I am planning to in the near future.
My question is why is it necessary to do the flush every day?
Since I won’t be eating there won’t be anything to flush out.
And even for a colonoscopy test one good day of flushing is enough to cleanse the colon walls.
Any comments will be appreciated.
Thanks
I would like to try the Master Cleanse, however, I am allergic to hot peepers. can I try it without the cayenne pepper?
I have losted 12lbs on the morning of the 4th day. Feel good today, yesterday was a little hard. ALL of your information sure helped alot and I thank you for that,Don’t think I could have made it this far with out it.
THANKS AGAIN
Hello Folks!!
Today is my fourth day on the cleanse. I have experienced the pains, head ache, the attitude, and the overwhelming craving for tacos. All the things mentioned. But I also have suggested that you all get your selfs some gentle baby wipes and bush your teeth often. My teeth started hurting last night and my bum has become so raw, its organic…Not funny, but the wipes have helped. I’ve also noticed that I’ve been very cold and have a hard time warming up, weird. I would’ve thought the cayenne would make it the other way around. But overall, I feel great, still a little achy, but and have lost 9 lbs already. Wish me luck!!
This is the second time I have used the Master Cleanse, the first time about 6mo ago, and again with great success. I have lost 10lbs each time but that is not the reason I went on this diet. The Master Cleanse makes me feel good. I have not had the trouble that some people have reported. I was not hungry, had no trouble with the laxative tea and experienced a good level of energy. I do have trouble with the cayanne pepper. I am only able to use half the amount required. I have heard about the liquid and will try it next time. I’m 61yrs old and really feel good and I tell all my friends about this cleanse. I have to admit that after finishing the cleanse I eat right for awhile but then revert back to my old ways. I love food and desserts especially. I’m a little over weight but I think menopause has something to do with that. Well good luck to all and happy juiceing.
I have battled with my weight for years and just when i thought i was at a comfortable weight of 152, heiht 5’7 i was placed on prednisone. I am presently at 194 and would like very much to try this cleanse. I have no access information on how to mix this formula and what is the exact amount per serving. I hope some one is able to help
YOU INFO HAS HELPED ALOT. I AM ON DAY 6 AND HAVE LOST 15LBS. I ALSO WANT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW, I BEEN USING SMOOTH MOVE HERBAL LAXATIVE TEA, I PUT A LITTLE LIME JUICE IN IT AND IT MAKES IT TASTE BETTER.
Hi Everyone,
I am on day 10 of the master cleanse and feel great. It is Halloween and I have not even been tempted with a candy, even though they are all over work. I found the first 3 days the
Hi Everyone,
I am on day 10 of the master cleanse and feel great. It is Halloween and I have not even been tempted with a candy, even though they are all over work. I found that I had a bad headache the first 3 days, but when I felt hunger coming on I would just sit down and have a warm cup of the tea (lemonade). I am down 12 pounds and am planing on staying on the master cleanse weight loss plan that you suggested in your ebook (replacing lunch with the tea). I will let you know how it goes.
P.S. Your ebook was a great help, Thank you
Donna
I’ve been reading all the newsletters and reading journals from others who have successfully finished the master cleanse. I’m trying to psyche myself up for November 11th. I may start on the 10th because of a cancelled appointment. I figure the sooner I start, the sooner I’ll finish. I’ve been trying to get someone to go on the cleanse with me, but so far no takers. It’s been a week since I’ve been thinking about doing this; but now I’m sure I’m going to do it. I called around and found liquid cayenne pepper at Super Supplements Store and Whole Foods Store. I’m going for the full 10 days and possibly 14 days if I can hold out. Please feel free to e-mail me with advice. I’m not much for writing, but I’m going to try to keep up a journal during my progress. Question: Am I supposed to drink the laxative tea before I go to bed and then drink the sea salt flush in the morning? Is this the best way to do it? Am I supposed to do this every day while on the cleanse? If you know anyone who wants to start this with me let me know.
Thanks!
Lynda
Hi all,
My mother and I are starting our cleanse tomorrow. Wish us luck!
This is my day one of the cleanse. I am very excited and can’t wait to see how I feel after I’m done. So far I’ve done the salt water flush and 2 cups of the lemonade. I feel great but I have massive hickups. (LOL) I will update with my symptoms later tonight.
Much success to everyone!
I wish you good health!
Okay,
My mom & I are on day 2.
Day 1 was kind of a breeze, but all day I was cautiously awaiting the food monster to attack me.I ws worried for nothing:-)
I had planned to pray and read the bible every morning during this journey as I’m looking to gain self discipline. I missed out this morning, I’ll make up for it tonight.
So far, day 2 is going well. I’ve got 2 servings of the lemonade left to drink and I feel fine.
I’ve been taking daily walks to keep myself occupied. I’m looking forward to another successful night!
Today November 6, 2007 is my 2nd day on the master cleanse. I haven’t been hungry but my stomach was rumbling around today in my meeting. I haven’t had any symptoms that are bad. I am actually amazed that my energy levels are up. I’m not tired or sleepy. I had some weird dreams last night (lol) though. My friend said that my skin looked different. I have taken a lot more time with my appearance this week so that I can feel really good about what I am doing. I take time to meditate in the morning and read my bible. Praying has played a big part in the fast as well. All in all I am very proud of myself. The effort that I have put into the master cleanse has been phenomenal because I love food so much.
today is day 3 and I have done awful. I only had 3 cups of lemonade and it’s 6:18pm. I have 3 more to go. It’s been so busy at work that I haven’t had a chance to really do everyting but time out don’t want to pass out tonight. Did my reading and you need that lemonade trust me. Glad to say I didn’t wig out on my day 3 and I feel great. I’ve had to pee like a race horse at the kentucky durby!
Kimmie
Today is day 4. Mom, Kimmie and I are doing well. From reading other peoples’ blogs I was terrified of day 3, but I got through it with flying colors. I didn’t weigh myself in the beginning as I knew that I’d put on so much weight and I didn’t want to be discouraged if I had 1 tough day. You know, “I’m already overweight, if I stop now, it won’t make a difference,” is probably what I would have said and done.
I’m feeling great and other people have commented on a difference in my appearance. When I got to work yesterday Kim said, “Your face doesn’t look like it’s gonna burst anymore.” Then when I got home, my mother said, “our face doesn’t look so puffy anymore.” 2 people said the same thing, must be true huh?
I’m really anxious to get to day 10!!!!!!
I have been on the Master Cleanse diet for five days now. The first two days I really wanted to eat, but my daughter who is also on the Master Cleanse diet kept me motivated. I have had no hunger pains, no fatigue, but many thoughts about eating the right foods once I have completed the diet. This diet really works on the mind, body, and soul. I can’t explain the overall feeling of being on this diet. It is worth it if you can get through the 10 days without eating food. Good Luck!
I’m on day 6 of the Master Cleanse. This is my 1st time fasting and/or cleansing. I’m planning to go till day 10 (minimum). I can’t believe I’m doing it and feeling pretty good too. Will power is normally not among my many gifts. Thank you Lord for helping me through this! I have to confess, I could not do the salt water flush until my 4th day. I tried it on day 1 but just couldn’t drink it. yuck! I finally got myself mentally prepared for the SWF yesterday and to my surprise, it didn’t work. I was bummed out and very bloated. What I found out is my body really needs the 2 ROUNDED tsps not 2 level tsps to make the flush work. I still can’t drink the SW straight but have found that squeezing lemon juice into helps. I now think of it as a “skinny margarita” and suck it down without much of a problem. Worked like a charm this morning and right on time, 45 minutes exactly.
Congrats and good luck everyone!!!
Okay guys,
today is day 8. I am absolutely in disbelief that I’ve made it this far. I have not been hungry even once during my time on the MC. I just knew that I’d be a total witch by now, but on the contrary I’ve felt very mellow. I’m really starting to notice a difference in my mid-section. That’s my worst area and it’s really inspiring to see that part of me diminishing.
My mom is doing great! She’s been exercising and keeping me motivated.
Kimmie is doing great too! Usually within 8 days, her and I would have been to Cold Stone Creamery at least 5 times.
We’ve all talked about feeling like we could never go back to our previous ways of eating. The mental effects of the cleanse are wonderful. Things that I didn’t think I could live without (brownies!) arent even a temptation for me. I notice myself craving grapes and strawberries instead.
Everyone, please stay motivated, it really is worth it in the end:-)
Hi raylen,
Just wanted to let you know I’ve tried the master cleanse once before and it does work!!! I lose 8-9 lbs in about 10 days, could have lost more! If you get past the first day, you’ll be inspired to finish. It gives you unbelieveable energy!!!!
I’m sure your guide is great, the only problem, i did download it at work, and didn’t realize it was so much information. I won’t be able to print out the booklets and its just to much to try and read on the computer, therefore, I am asking for a refund. sorry!
I am very interested in purchasing your product, but feel that it only gives the info on how to follow it health wise. After I purchase your product, will it tell me how to get the actual diet plan? Do I order the diet product from you? Could you tell me whom to order from if it is not you? I also take prescription meds, can the diet be done with them? I will be checking with my doctor as well.
Thank you
Sharon
Hi Raylen. I can understand what you’ve been going through and I want to commend you for losing weight the right way and staying healthy.
Today is my FIRST day on the Master Cleanse diet. I am very excited to undergo this cleansing and look forward to submitting my results after 10 days.
Hello Raylen,
I’m starting the master cleanse diet on Sunday. I’m very excited and eager to start. I’ve been hearing that the cayenne pepper is very hot while drinking the lemonade so I was wondering is it OK to take the cayenne pills instead of the of the powder?
Hey, I am on my third day of the cleanse and I am enjoying it greatly, I needed a jumpstart to get back in shape and get rid of all the crudola i have been putting into myself. I already feel better, my complexion is good and my energy is amazing. I have been reading the responses, everyone needs to research the cayenne pepper to see why you NEED to keep it with the cleanse program, I have already purchased a wok and looking forward to eating a lot of veggies and chicken ..I will not drink any more diet cokes, bad stuff but dang i loved them..I plan on doing this for 7 days. good luck to all…stay positive
i was on the master cleanse for 6 out of the 10 days.i was not hungry one bit and would have had no problemgoing the ten days except i had one problem.i take pain pills and muscle relaxers for my back.i can not do with out them completely.i sure took a lot less but on the six day i felt so bad my stomach was so upset.i had to stop.i did stop right .i drank the orange juice for a day then i made a big pot of fresh vegetable soup.and that is what i am still eating when i weighed my self i had lost 12 pounds.wow.so i am excited about trying again .i read you have to wait 45 days..i want to order the books but i dont want to down load them can you get them sent to you in the mail.if so i will surely order them..i feel really good.and i have cut out all the bad foods.
very interesting, but I don’t agree with you
Idetrorce
Hi, I read your e-book, Secrets of the Master Cleanse, and am on Day 1 of the fast. I am really scared of gaining the weight back the second I go off the cleanse. Will a 10 days cleanse meaningfully lower my metabolism? That is my main concern. I would like to lose about 10-15 pounds. (although I would be happy with
… I have never been a person to gorge myself, have always been relatively thin … I am just scared that I won’t be able to eat a carrot stick when I go off the cleanse without gaining back all the weight. Thanks
Hello everyone. I wanted to share that I am on day two of my cleanse. I did the cleanse in 2005 for 14 days, in 2006 for 7 days, and in 2007 for 10 days. I continue to come back to this cleanse because I do feel that it helps me to rid my body of bad stuff. I never lost weight doing the cleanse, but I always feel much better after completing the cleanse. I was not really overweight when I tried the cleanse before; however, I am now. That is due to many things, but most of all, my poor eating habits. I am over 50 now and my body is changing. I hope the cleanse will help me to give my body a new start to good health. I will stay on the cleanse for 10-14 days. I would go longer but I do not like the idea of using the laxative for more then two weeks at a time. Do let me share that I am never hungry or tried when I do this cleanse. It is difficult for me to do the sea salt, however, I continue to drink the 32 ounces every morning. I do not alter anything with the cleanse. However I am using 1 tbsp of Organic Grade B Maple syrup instead of 2. I do not know how to determine 1/10 cayenne pepper, therefore, I use a 1/8 spoon. The pepper does not bother me either. I never spend a lot of time in the bathroom. I generally use the bathroom several times early moring to rid my body of the bad stuff. I do go many times during the day to rid myself of water. I am hoping this time I drop some of the packed on pounds. My only concern is I don’t see all the stuff that some of the others say they see when they rid the bad stuff. All I do is pee from my front and back after the my 2nd visit to the bathroom on the lst day. I never notice any change in my tongue either like some of the others. Oh, I always use organic syrup and laxative (Smooth Move), but I may or may not use organic lemons. Good luck to anyone who is doing the cleanse.
Hello everyone. I wanted to share that I am on day two of my MC. I hope this cleanse will help me to give my body a new start to good health. I will stay on the cleanse for 10-14 days. I would go longer but I do not like the idea of using the laxative for more then two weeks at a time. I am never hungry or tied. However it is difficult for me to do the sea salt, but I continue to drink the 32 ounces every morning. I am using 1 tbsp of Organic Grade B Maple syrup instead of 2. I do not know how to determine 1/10 cayenne pepper, therefore, I use a 1/8 spoon. The pepper is okay. I never spend a lot of time in the bathroom. I generally use the bathroom several times early morning to rid my body of the bad stuff. I do go many times during the day to rid myself of water. My only concern is I don’t see all the stuff that some of the others say they see when they rid the bad stuff. All I do is pee from my front and back after my 2nd visit to the bathroom on the lst day. Oh, I always use organic syrup and laxative (Smooth Move), but I may or may not use organic lemons. Good luck to anyone who is doing the cleanse.
I love this fast…. I have been on fasts different times in my adult life. But have always wanted to quit before the 3rd day because of feeling so bad…. headaches,tiredness,nausea,etc.Tried a 10 day once on just water and felt bad most of the time.But this is my 4th day and I have not felt any symptoms Like I have before.Even got my 20 yr.old to join me.She said she never wanted to fast because of the headaches the first day!!WE are encouraged and feel great! Its actually been fun doing it together. Thanks for your web site Mr. Sterling its been very helpful.
Lorena from Mexico
Your telling me you ate a healthy 2,500 calorie diet and working out 4-5 days a week and you put on 35 pounds is one of the biggest lies I’ve ever heard, that is impossible.
UM… I AM JUST STARTING THE CLEANSE. TODAY IS ACTUALLY DAY 1. ANYWAY…. AFTER 32 OUNCES OF SALT WATER MY MOUTH WAS SO DRY… AND I ABSOLUTELY HATE THE TASTE OF THE CAYENNE PEPPER. HELP! IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO SO I STICK TO THIS?
I did the Master Cleanse for 6 days and on the seventh day I broke out in hives all over my body, including my ears and mouth. While I was on the cleanse I felt great, have you heard of anyone having this type of reaction?
Hi,
This is my 5th day on the master cleanse and while I agree with all the benefits of it and will keep doing it for the 10 days I have not yet had a bowel movement. Is this normal?
Thanks Fiona
I’ve never posted to a blog before but feel compelled because this is important. My boyfriend and I began the Master Cleanse together, and were very excited. Day One no problem. Day Two we both had headaches. Day Three no problem. I need to mention that he is diabetic which he controls through diet. He checked his blood sugar levels twice daily during the cleanse and was fine. The evening of day three, he drank a large mug of laxative tea. At six in the morning I woke to hearing a loud thud, and found him passed out in the bathroom. He had hit his head on the tile and his head was bleeding and unconscious. After I got him to come to, he had a seizure and passed out again. He revived and drank plenty of water and I gave him orange juice. A minute short of calling 911, I was terrified. We took his blood sugar, his levels were fine. Turns out he was seriously dehydrated. He had a tremondously severe pain in his abdomen which ran to his bowels prior to passing out the first time. I’m sure the laxtive tea was trying hard to rid the colon of something that was not there. He had 64 oz of the lemonade throughout the day, along with peppermint tea and plain water. So it was not as if he had not had enough fluids.
I on the other hand had no problems other than headache on day two and feeling low energy. He stopped the cleanse immediately and it took him two days to recover completely. I stopped after day 4. We both lost about 5 lbs. We both came off via oj and then fresh vegetable soup as indicated in the book. It is now 4 days after we stopped. We have converted to a vegetarian diet (no meat,poultry), and eliminated refined carbs. We both feel great now. I think the cleanse helped us to make this diet conversion much easier. But I do not have the confidence to recommend anyone to do this. Even though I was fine, had I not been there to take care of him, the consequences could have been dire. We followed the recipe and all other instructions as indicated. Obviously the cleanse is a viable option for some, but definetly not for all. I would tell anyone who has a sensitive system to proceed with caution or not at all.
Hey guys I start the MasteCleanse today. Man I had a tough time trying to figure out what water to use. I was trying to decide between Dasani and Poland Spring. I think I will go with Poland Spring water. Well I am a male 5’9 210 pounds but it is a lot of muscle. I work out regularly and I recently found out about the Master Cleanse. I finished the book 3 days ago. I start tommorow and tonight I will take the herbal laxative. Well God bless everyone else who is on it and take care. I will be praying that me and everyone else that takes this fast will be blessed with great health emotionally and physically. Well Adios.
Hi Raylen, I am so excited doing this diet. I just started today! and I am whilling to last it for 15 days.. I found the drink nice and testy, I have not got problem with the cayyene paper.. but I was wondering if I can increase the amount of the lemon and the maple syrup?.. instead of 12 teaspoon I add 15 and same as the lemon, but the water remains 8 glasses?.. Oh yeah, I was 68 kg… will let you know the out comes..
i been on the master cleanse for 12 full 24 hour days and have not seen any thing real gross or strang yet.i still feel tired but thats the only problem. i was laid off and now i am back to work and hope there is no problems as i go to 20 [full 24 hour days] days on the cleanse.can some one answer this question?how long does it take bfore all that gross black plastic/rubbery,smelly colon shaped crap comes out ?when it comes how many days does it continue?do you ever get rid of it all?how do you know?
Dear Raylen:
I have enjyed you site since I found it
I would like to get your books, but I don’t
have credit card. Please tell me were to
send a money order so that I can get
started. Thanks Helen Jones
Today is the first day of my MC. I am a bit nervous, like I felt when I quit smoking, but like that, I got through it. I will keep posting during my progress. My stomach feels a bit crampy from the tea I drank last night. We will see how I do. Wish me luck!
i am on the eleventh day of the master cleanser(very proud of myself) and have not yet eliminated any fecal matter that may be caked up on the walls of my intestines. i plan to do the m.c for 16 days therfore only have 5 more days left. i dont feel im completely cleansed until i eliminate that long rubbery black tar everyone is talking about. i only eliminate bile. please email me.
I started the MC yesterday (1/14/08) and wanted to give a little shout out to KIM, who started yesterday as well. I have no problems drinking the lemonade all day, which suprised me because with the first cup I was NOT loving the taste! But by the end of last night I was used to it. I enjoy drinking it hot and pretending its a tasty broth or calming tea.
I am suprised at how good I feel and how not hungry I’ve been. Only late last night was difficult because my eating habits have been chowing everything in sight when the kids go to bed (hense my need to loose weight!). Hopefully tonight will be a better one…
I have to say last night was better, I did have the will power to stay away from the cookie jar in the middle of the night. I just kept thinking of how good I’d feel in the morning that I did not cheat. And I did it!
I am starting to automatically reach for the lemonade every time I feel a bit of hunger, it’s like the desire to eat isn’t there but the habit of snacking is. This is my third day and it’s been easier each day to not eat the terrible food that was controling me only days ago. I am modivated to keep this up until I lose 10+ pounds. I started at this detox at 167.5lbs, and considering that I was 140 last year at this time, I have to do something before it gets worse.
Today, January 16, 2008 is my second day on the fast… And boy let me tell you this is the best self control I have ever exhibited… People have been eating around me and I even cooked… But I did not eat. I am so unhappy with myself and how I look. I have to stick this thing out. So please all encouragements will help. I am looking into the blogs because I do not have the effects everyone else is talking about.. I was thinking maybe I am doing it wrong. So help!
I prefer limes over lemons. Any difference?
I also prefer hard copies over downloads.
Possible?
I am Military and the weight standards where I am at are pretty strict. I am 5′ 11″ and can only weigh 189lbs. I have tried for many years to keep this goal but I find the older I get the harder it is to keep off that fat that just used to burn away during the day.
after many many diets and supplements I found this “master cleanse” caught my eye right away because it says clean your body. I thought ok I will give this a shot. I am currently on day 4 of the program “no cheating” I started out at 200lbs. I am now down to 193. Thats about 7lbs in 3days. my goal right now is to drop 20lbs and then keep up this program about 3 times a year. So far no bad side effects and no great cravings.
I’m on the 5th day! and after having everyone around me say I’m crazy because i’m doing this fast I decided to look up “the negative” effects of the fast. So far I have found none, I found one in 24hr health but the guy obviously didn’t do his research and has no idea what he’s talking about. Then my partner keeps telling me that she’ll only allow me to be on the fast until monday because it’s too dangerous but serously, One knows their own body and if something is wrong i’ll notice it right away, since on the fast i’ve had no pains anywhere, no blackouts (which I usually get), no loss of energy, And i’ve been doing this fast yearly for 10yrs now I first discovered it when a customers at the healthfood store i used to work in gave me the book to read. Augh! so frustrated but i’m still doing two more days : )
Hi Raylen, today I found this website and find it a great support and encouragement , since I am starting the cleanse tonight.One year ago, I learned about the Master Cleanse and ordered the book by Stanley Burroughs. I read through it and decided to try it. I was successful in completing ten days. Although day one through three was difficult, I hung in there.This was the healthiest I ever felt in years. I lost 13 lbs. I have decided to try it again, since I’m having digestive problems, as well found that after the holidays, my eating habit is out of control. I just want to get back on track and start eating healthy again. I know doing the cleanse will help me tremendously to achieve my goals. This time, I will be doing the cleanse for 15 days, as well, will continue to do it at least every six months. Thank you so much for this website. Monica Vancouver, Canada
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