Let’s rename The Master Cleanser Side Effects. I want to call them Front Effects because they are simple, natural, tolerable and, most importantly, a sign of your healing in progress. The term “side effect” has an emotional trigger for most of us. We associate the term with the life-threatening effects of modern prescriptions. We think of side effects as something unwanted. The Master Cleanser Side Effects are very much wanted. These “Side Effects” are why we are Master Cleansers to begin with.
The Master Cleanser Side Effects are well worth it and so natural.
Are Master Cleanser Side Effects really “Side Effects” at all? I have a hard time referring to the Master Cleanse “Side Effects” as such; at least in the traditional sense.
When I think of side effects, I think of those absurd TV commercials for artificial prescriptions that [easyazon_link asin=”156025856X” locale=”us”]big pharmaceutical companies[/easyazon_link] are trying to convince us we need. They even “brand” a disease with a term and then give it an acronym (such as ED for erectile dysfunction) so that they can market a “Cure” for you. Then they have the nerve to list dozens of horrifying side effects while calming music plays and we watch very healthy, happy people illustrating just how healthy and happy we can be if only we take their product. For life — or at least for as long as their product doesn’t kill us, make us bleed from the eyes or have 4-hour erections, etc.
It is mind boggling that people will denounce The Master Cleanse as a treatment, cure, prevention, cleanse, etc. because you might have a headache on the second day or break out for a few days, whereas these drugs being offered as cures include catastrophic side effects such as paralysis and “an increased risk of death.” HA!
They slip these “Side Effects” in the side door when you’re not looking, hoping you will be so convinced you’re already dying that their prescribed increased risk of death won’t look so bad.
Positive Master Cleanser Side Effects
Since The Master Cleanse is a Detox Diet, or Cleansing Diet rather than primarily a Weight Loss Diet, the fact that you will likely lose weight is, in fact, a side effect as well.
- Most people would view a side effect of weight loss as a positive one, but not all. Those of us who are already living a balanced, healthy lifestyle will not have much weight to lose, thus rendering weight loss unwelcome, as it would likely mean lean muscle loss.
- Those who have weight to lose will lose weight as a side effect of the Master Cleanse. Those who have some weight to lose will lose that weight and plateau at their natural weight. It has even been reported that those who are under-weight will actually lose no weight and even gain weight.
So even though many people use The Master Cleanse for Weight Loss, that doesn’t make it the primary intention of the Detox. In fact it is more about weight management than weight loss, since the loss of weight is not your body’s primary objective either. The primary objective is DETOX and the positive results of the detox: the cleansing of our bodies of toxins and waste results in the side effects we Master Cleansers refer to as Healing Events.
Healing Events (Healing Crisis)
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Tom Woloshyn refers to Healing Events as Healing Crisis, but I prefer the term Healing Events since it casts a more positive light on the events. The Healing Events truly are positive as they represent the elimination of something that caused a Disease Event when they were first ingested.
There is a saying in the Master Cleanser Community about the side effects we call Healing Events: “Sick in, Sick out”.
When you pick up something like a flu virus, bacteria, or something your body wants to reject, you experience a Disease Event. Your body is not “At Ease”, but rather in a state of “Dis-Ease” because of it. Your body’s immune system then deploys any and all available defense mechanisms to expel the intruder. These mechanisms include:
- Stuffed Nose, Runny Nose or Congestion
- Coughing and Sneezing
- Sore throat and swollen glands
- Fatigue, Muscle aches and other Cold and Flu Symptoms
- Skin Irritation such as Rashes and Breakouts
- Headaches
- Fever
- Cold sores or other mouth sores
All of these “side effects” of a cold, flu or any other disease agent are the result of your body’s primary objective: to rid the body of the disease agent.
All of these “side effects” are actually just the reaction to the disease agent as it now exits your body.
And best of all: these “side effects” are temporary. They last for only a brief period. The Healing Events resulting from the Disease Agent are far less severe than the Disease Events which were the cause of the ingested Disease Agent.
Problem Days with Greater Side Effects
There are generally 3 days during which most cleansers experience the greatest number of master cleanser side effects, especially those of the Healing Crisis variety noted above. Day 1, Day 3 and Day 4 always seem to be the hardest. In my Day-to-Day account of the characteristics of each day during The Lemonade Diet, I have named these days: Day 1 – Bandwagon, Day 3 – Healing Events, and Day 4 — Hump Day.
- Day 1 – Bandwagon Side Effects: The side effects of day 1 are usually Detox Side Effects or Withdrawal Side Effects (both discussed below).
- Day 3 – Healing Events: Day 3 is when most of the Healing Events tend to surface. This is likely due to the detox part of the Master Cleanse really starting to reach a critical point.
- Day 4 – Hump Day: Healing Events are often short lived, lasting only a day or two. I once had severe cold symptoms for one night only. They disappeared as quickly as they came. Day 4 is Hump Day like Wednesday is in our work week. Just get past these Healing Events, and you are likely to succeed the rest of the way.
Master Cleanser Detox Side Effects
There are a few side effects of The Master Cleanser that are not directly related to Healing Events. I call these the [easyazon_link asin=”B00HYQ5L98″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”mc-easyazon-us-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]The 10-Day Skin Brushing Detox: The easy, natural plan to look great, feel amazing, & eliminate cellulite[/easyazon_link], as they are not the common cold or flu symptoms we experience when our body is fighting off a new invader.
The following side effects are results of the Laxative, SWF, improperly taking the Lemonade and/or the general detox process itself:
- White Tongue: A general side effect of the detox. It is generally reported that the tongue turns pink again once detoxing is complete.
- Bad Breath: Related to the aforementioned White Tongue. This is due to the extra release of toxins through the tongue.
- Greater Tooth Plaque: Related to above.
- Mucous Increase: A primary tool of our immune system, the loosening of mucous including sinus congestion and draining is brought on by the Fresh Lemon Juice and Cayenne Pepper.
- Increased Ear Wax: Similar to above.
- Nausea: Usually the result of the Salt Water Flush.
- Dizziness: Usually the result of not drinking enough Fresh Lemonade or not drinking it early enough in the morning upon rising (especially after the SWF).
- Feeling Chilled: Not “chills” like when you have a cold, but feeling cold as the result of lowered metabolism.
- Passing Gallstones: This is not uncommon and is good news.
- Diarrhea: Either from the SWF or from an excess of Vitamin C from the Lemon Juice.
Withdrawal Side Effects
Discussing these side effects from the perspective of the Healing Events and Detox is necessary, as they are indeed related to the cleanse. However, many of the side effects felt by cleansers are not necessarily the result of the detox, or healing, nor are they some awful sign that cleansing is not for you. They are often just symptoms of withdrawal from some chemical dependency you have.
There are many common chemical dependencies which (if you did the cleanse properly) you would have had to stop feeding during the cleanse.
- Nicotine
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Caffeine
These substances are obvious. Most of us know we go through nicotine and alcohol withdrawal, but we don’t always realize that caffeine withdrawal can be even worse. Caffeine is a food (found in coffee, tea and other foods like chocolate). Food is addictive as well. Most of us know that, but we don’t dig much deeper than that basic understanding. Caffeine is a drug which is found in food. All food is a drug, as are all substances. Everything we consume is a chemical that our bodies break down, then decide to use, expel, destroy or quarantine.
So we can be addicted to anything. We can be addicted to coffee, sugar, pasta, or sushi.
And when our body doesn’t get a substance it is expecting, it will send us signals — often painful ones — that it wants that substance NOW. Once the body is re-accustomed to NOT expecting these substances, a new norm is set and symptoms disappear.
Now most of those foods aren’t as chemically addictive as caffeine is, but they can certainly be emotionally or psychologically addictive.
Emotional and Psychological Master Cleanser Side Effects
The loss of Comfort Foods can be devastating both emotionally and psychologically. We are so used to managing our chemistry by ingesting foods we like. If we feel down, we turn to food because eating it will make us feel good, either because we like the taste so much or because we have another association built into that food. Perhaps this type of cookie reminds me of my childhood when times were more simple. Maybe that ice-cream puts me into a state of subconscious self-loathing that I have come to depend on.
This is a major topic and is beyond the scope of this article, but it is worth mentioning because it leads to the following two Emotional Side Effects and Psychological Side Effects of The Master Cleanse:
- Impatience and Irritability: Our patience can really be tested when we are not getting what we want, when we are not comforted by our crutches.
- Flashbacks (Feelings, Tastes): in his book “The Complete Master Cleanse” Tom Woloshyn describes the body as a “Time Machine,” saying that his clients report tasting cigarettes or feeling “stoned” as they relive past experiences.
Any other Master Cleanser Side Effects?
I have avoided going into detail on a number of very common side effects in an attempt to keep this post from getting too long. I want to leave the forum open to you to so you can add your own feelings. What were some Master Cleanser Side Effects that you experienced? How did you overcome them?
Hi today is Day 7 for me and I’ve felt fine.
However not sure whether to continue since i have a rash all over my face and itchy. It first started on one side of my face on day 5. On day 6 it was mostly still on one side. Today i see its actually all over my face including around my eyes.
Its not terrible but for some who look at me they say it looks like an allergic reaction, or like I’m intoxicated. I’ve search around for an answer to this but haven’t found a real answer.
Should i just continue and hope it gets better or just stop the cleanse?
Other that that nothing aches and I feel good.
Alexa, that’s what you call detoxing. It’s a symptom of the toxins being removed. It’s very much like an allergic reaction or being intoxicated since both those reactions are due to a toxic response your body is going through. It will pass.
Lemonade cleanse-day 1
I have some feeling of being cold, and my back is itching really bad. My face has broken out as well…funny….my forbear and under my eyes has a glow and my dark circles are disappearing! Never has this happened to me before! Bring on day two!
On day 5 of the cleanse. I’ve been doing this cleanse annually, sometimes twice a year, for 27 years…so, according to Bill, I’m dead…LOL. In fact, I have never had any kind of even mildly serious health issue, am constantly told how young I look and am quite well adjusted and happy. I like to think that I eat fairly healthy most of the time but realistically I don’t yet I’m only a few pounds overweight. I consider treating my body like a temple for 10 days a year a small price to pay to justify treating like a roadhouse the rest of the time. I have introduced many people to this cleanse over many years and have seen a multitude of amazing results from 2 freinds finally being able to get pregnant to my mother virtually curing herself of her diverticulitis and skintags.
How many times a day you should take the juice. Can you drink other things or eat anything that’s only liquit. since it says to stay away from solid food.
I am on day 12 of the lemonade, this is my first time cleansing. I have had a great experience – feel great, not hungry, great energy, etc. I just have two questions: first, how is it possible that with a nightly flush and lack of food for 12 days there is still stuff to come out of my colon? Also, the only real “side” effect I have is extreme cold. I am freezing day and night, even with the heat blasting and wrapped in blankets. My toes hurt as if they are frost-bitten. Any ideas on how to help this? Is this dangerous?
I am on day 9 of my cleanse and stuck to it with no problems, not even thought of eating something but i have only shed 1 kg so i am disappointed. i am about 10 kgs overweight height 5foot 10 inches so thought i would have reasonable loss
During my 2nd day of the cleanse I noticed an increased heart rate. I noticed this when I took a nap and when I went to bed. It went away after a while. What does this mean? It does worry me and I am having thoughts of coming off the cleanse and it’s very scary having this rapid heart beat. Some say low blood sugar or an electrolyte imbalance is the cause. Please let me know what your thoughts are on this. Thanks
The side effects of the master cleanse are important to discuss because the master cleanse is dangerous as it is and deadly if done repeatedly or for prolonged periods of time.
Dehydration – caused by the “flushing” and “purging” that is forced upon the body by drinking highly saline solutions and taking laxatives. The body’s natural salt level is traumatically increased, causing the water contained in the body’s cells to evacuate and try to dilute the salt in the blood. This causes dehydration as the body expells the saline solution as diarrhea to try to maintain equilibrium salt levels. Along with the salt and water, essential electrolytes, sugar and nutrients are expelled. Prolonged exposure to this process of dehydration could upset the electrolyte balance of the body. This dehydration and imbalance could cause confusion, headache, lethargy, tempermental changes, interfere with motor skills and even lead to cardiac arrest since electrolytes are vital to nerve and muscle functions.
Ketoacidosis – Normal ketosis is not necessarily a bad thing, but the master cleanse can push the body into a state of ketoacidosis, which could lead to coma and death. This is the same process diabetics go through if they go into a diabetic coma. Lethargy, confusion and shock are other symptoms. Fruity smelling breath is a symptom of ketoacidosis due to the acetone buildup in the blood. White tongue, plaque and bad breath are also symptoms of ketoacidosis because the mouth requires a very delicate PH balance and too much acidity allows bacterial buildup. Too much bacterial buildup can result in dental caries (cavities).
Nutritional deficiency – this should be obvious since lemonade is not going to provide everything the body needs to function properly. Mood swings and irritability can be symptoms of poor nutrition.
Laxative dependency – the body may grow accustomed to the use of laxatives for proper bowel movements, so discontinuing the diet may cause constipation or irregular bowel movements as the body tries to adjust to its own natural process of waste removal again. The body may never fully function properly again after prolonged use of laxatives. Laxatives can also cause bloating and abdominal pain.
Toxin removal claim is dubious – Drinking 6 or more glasses a day of water often accomplishes the same goal of toxin removal that this diet claims to specialize in. The body naturally removes toxins as long as it is kept properly hydrated. Fiberous diets help ensure bowel movements are removing ample waste from the body.
Weight loss – The body will lose water weight, due to dehydration, and possibly lean muscle mass as the body searches for quick stores of energy due to lack of any nutritional value in the diet. This means your percentage of body fat may actually increase instead of decrease. Weight alone is not the goal of anyone trying to live healthy. They are trying to control, often by lowering, their percentage of body fat. Upon discontinuing the diet, expect to gain weight rapidly as you resume a normal diet and the body, which was in a lower metabolic “starvation” mode, absorbs calories quickly and easily until your metabolism adjusts. You may even gain more weight than what was lost.
All in all, I would recommend avoiding the master cleanse, focusing on exercise, especially aerobics, watching your caloric intake, and eating a diet lower in salt, higher in protein and fiber and with more vegetables than fruit to keep sugar intake in check. Paired with good hydration and you shouldn’t ever need to cleanse since you will be living healthy.
thank-you Bill Nye for saying all the things my mind is screaming….12 days with no nutrition? I wish people could just eat right, exercise and avoid chemicals. It really is that simple.
Hi Bill,
Some very good points. But you’re clearly slanted in favour of your position. One could (and clearly, often, and consistently do), present the other side of your conclusions. Since this is covered so frequently and will always be debated here’s the Coles Notes:
Dehydration: 16 Glasses minimum per day of water is consumed. This is a PROhydration exercise. The flush doesn’t remove all this water.
Ketacidosis: Hundreds of thousands of accounts on this site. None mention coma. Most accounts are extremely positive when done correctly.
Nutritional Deficiency: True there are areas of deficiency while on a strict mono diet. That’s the point. Besides, you should consider the deficiency of the average diet. It’s extreme and prevalent. TMC is meant to be part of a n approach to wellness which includes a pre and post-cleanse regimen to offset the temporary deficiencies. What’s more, there are many Proficiencies or Sufficiencies if you will, as part of the ingredients of the Master Cleanse.
Laxative Dependancy: Has been shown to be caused in conjunction of digested fiber foods. This isn’t the case with TMC. What’s more it’s a short period of time. I suppose someone who drinks 3 drinks a day for 10 days is now dependant on alcohol? Dependancies are complex developments of behavioural and biological patterns not likely to be entrenched over 10 days. What’s more, the SWF is always available to reduce the amount of laxative taken.
Toxin Removal: Clearly we live in a toxin rich environment. We are bombarded with chemicals, drugs, even radioactivity. Our bodies know nothing of removing these items. Our intelligence does not end with our natural bodies or we would never have improved our ability to brush our teeth, transplant hearts, or constantly understand how we can aid our bodies, or even supersede their abilities. Be warned, fairly soon nanotechnology will replace our blood cells and some will be screaming it’s not natural. I assure you, all that we create is indeed natural. We being part of the natural system are not able to create anything unnatural. This is merely evolution. But perhaps that too is dubious in nature.
Weight Loss and Water Weight: It’s real weight. We take in so much water it’s hard to believe that our bodies are shedding only water. Of course weight gain occurs when a “Normal” diet is resumed. But the point here is to resume an abnormally better diet. The “Normal” diet of Cheetos and Big Macs is what caused the weight gain in the first place. Not to mention the toxic state caused by these acidic and artificial chemical based “foods”.
Of course the ideal diet/lifestyle is the standard goal. The Master Cleanse should not be avoided, nor feared. But understood and used wisely as a tool.
I would encourage you to write an article for us if you’d be so inclined, but only if you offer counter-points to your points.
Cheers,
Mike
Hi Mike, you are completely correct about how our bodies are constantly being bombarded by toxins in our environment! It’s something that almost all of us cannot avoid, and a little body cleanse now and then will not hurt a darn thing!
Sound like bill nye needs a little detox! ;)
DAY 3 — IF YOU’RE BILL NYE, THE SCIENCE GUY, I WOULD SURE LIKE TO READ A RUBUTTAL IF THERE IS ONE….OR AT LEAST AN “ATTA BOY” TO MIKE FOR HIS REFUTATION. THESE TWO ARTICLES BETWEEN YOU TWO ARE SO INTERESTING TO ME AND SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANKS TO YOU BOTH FOR THE YEN AND YANG. I KNOW THAT YOU BOTH APPROACHED FROM THAT PART OF YOU THAT WANTS TO HELP OTHERS AND FOR THAT I THANK YOU BOTH AGAIN.
WARMEST REGARDS….
I am on Day 2 of the Lemonade Diet and it seems as though I have developed a urinary tract infection. I haven’t come across any research indicating that a UTI is a common side effect of the Master Cleanse. Do you all know anything different? I am really scared to continue, but I don’t want to stop if it is not necessary. Please let me know if you know anything. Thanks
I found a great cure to a urinary tract infection on the internet: 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water. It gave me relief in an hour! I was not on the Cleanse at the time. It is supposed to change the acidity of your urinary tract or something to make the infection go away. Look on the internet and see if you can find it.
I am into day four and energy level is great. This is my second time doing the Master Cleanse. I really love it except on the third and fourth day my legs ache something terrible. Is this normal?
I’m not sure, but I get some back aches that are not related to constipation or having to go to the bathroom. Soon after I have a drink, though, they seem to subside. Seems odd, doesn’t it?
I also have back aches that come and go as I drink the lemonade
Hi
Today is Day 4 for me and I feel fine. I have been off work (vacation time) and I used this time to do the fast, so work activities are not taken up my energy; just at home relaxing, sleeping in: me time.