Here’s a question about one of the more common master cleanse side effects – headaches.

I completed the Master Cleanse yesterday. I am so looking forward the the soup!

I had a headache that seemed to start in my right ear and go down my neck. I would come and go but I seemed to have it almost every night. It became very intense when I stood up from bed. I can actually still feel it now. Will it go away? Do you know what would cause this?

Other than the headache the Cleanse was wonderful. I lost about 12 pounds.

Thanks for all the information.

Cheryl

Headaches usually happen early in the cleanse, and for most people go away after 3 or 4 days. The severity of the headaches varies from person to person, but there are a few common factors that can cause them.

If you drink a lot of caffeine you might experience headaches when you do the master cleanse because your body is going through a withdrawal of sorts.

If this is your first time doing a detox diet you’re likely to experience headaches.

In the short time it takes to do the master cleanse your body will go through a massive internal cleaning.

This is a good thing, but it can be uncomfortable because years of waste that’s been dormant inside your body is now being ushered out by your bodies cleansing mechanisms.

Stress can also lead to headaches.

Like I mentioned above, your body will be taxed by the master cleanse so try to not to push yourself too hard.

3 Tips To Get Rid Of  Master Cleanse Headaches

Focused relaxation helps. Use your breath and intention to melt away tension in your head.

An Epsom salt bath can also help unlock stress in your body and help you relax your muscles.

Aroma therapy is another gentle way to soothe stubborn headaches. I’ve found the best scented oils to use are peppermint and lavender.

Here’s a helpful tip from a blog reader about how to avoid headaches when you do the Master Cleanse…

I had been doing the ten-day master cleanse once or twice a year since the mid-90?s and always felt great. If you’ve done it a few times, there are no headaches, etc. because you’re probably not very toxic. (A side note about the headaches: Before starting the cleanse, if you drink regular coffee, begin substituting decaffeinated about a week before so that you’re drinking straight decaf for at least a few days before you begin. Some headaches are just from the lack of caffeine.)

Anyway, after I moved away from the warm climate I lived in, I got out of the habit of doing the cleanse every New Year’s Day because of the cold weather. After four years of no cleanses, I knew it was time to detox. I had a headache, and actually threw up at the end of the first day. I’ve felt fine from the second day on, and am now on day four. I’m going back on my old schedule – thanks for reminding me of how great I always feel on this diet. (And there’s so much more time in each day with no cooking!)

Here’s a comment from a blog reader that I want to share because it really shows the many health benefits of the master cleanse. Most people know the master cleanse can be used for detoxing and weight loss, but this reader has experienced a reduction in migraine headaches, and is sleeping better which is not something most people think the master cleanse can help you with.

Here’s the comment…

“I read about this cleanse and also heard about it from my friends. I was hospitalized for a medication overdose in April of this year. Since being released I have been on MANY medications for depression, chronic insomnia, fibromyalgia, and other issues. I started the cleanse on Tues. Aug. 19 which has been exactly 7 days, and I have lost a total of 18 pounds so far. This system does work so far for me. I use grade a maple syrup, pure lemon juice and bottled water, and still have experienced this success. I have even eaten during this process. I get severe migraine headaches regularly and this 7 days has been the best that I have felt in a VERY long time. My daily migraine headaches are now reduced drastically and usually respond to Excedrin, as opposed to a prescription. I am even going to bed at 11pm every night (this is early for me; I am usually up until at least 4am). I don’t do the laxatives, any of them, because I don’t need them. Nothing works for everyone, but I have a lot more energy than I have had in years due to the fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I will continue on as long as I feel is necessary for me. Good luck to all of you.”