The Back Alley Archives

Stanley Burroughs and other authors say that The Master Cleanse will eliminate toxins (pesticides, hormones, prescription drugs, chemical fertilizers, heavy metals) and congestion that have built up in the body. For people in good health, the body is designed to eliminate normal everyday toxins from itself through the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other eliminator organs. As with other detox diets, there is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence of any positive effect. Supporters of the Master Cleanse have credited it with helping them lose weight, increase energy, and even alleviate some chronic diseases and increase sexual stamina, but there is no empirical peer-reviewed evidence that it achieves anything other than weight loss.

Nutritionist Jane Clark points to a lack of essential nutrients in this program, citing a deficiency of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the regimen although dietary deficiencies in protein may not lead to the individual showing signs of protein deficiency if it is followed only for a short time. As a result of these deficiencies, including far fewer calories than the recommended amount for health and optimum functioning, individuals on the diet may experience headaches and a variety of other symptoms in the short term. Dr. Joel Fuhrman attributes these effects to detoxification, which he says passes after the toxins are eliminated. Many authors assert the benefits of fasting are related to its lack of nutrients, particularly macronutrients. It could be dangerous if followed in the long term.

Clark also believes that the saltwater "flush" may remove both harmful and beneficial bacteria from the body[6]. A no-food diet may cause the gut to stop passing food, resulting in constipation, or may make the consumption of food immediately after the cleanse painful. People with intestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome may experience discomfort while on the cleanse. Some people who have followed the cleanse feel that a 14-day regimen of the program will eliminate that condition altogether; however, this may be a manifestation of the placebo effect, as there is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence of this possible outcome.
Used for weight loss

Many proponents of the cleanse do not recommend it solely for weight loss, instead mentioning its purported detoxifying properties, however Dr. Sunil Patel of Halifax's QEII Health Sciences Centre says the cleanse operates as a placebo and has no other health benefits. When following the Master Cleanse, people will certainly lose weight.

Some people in the entertainment industry have used the Lemonade Diet for rapid weight loss, leading members of the public to follow their example and use what has been described as an extreme fad diet, or as a crash diet. In 2006, the cleanse received media attention as a result of being embraced by some celebrities. The singer/actress Beyoncé did it for 14 days and lost 22 lb (9 kg) for her role in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls. Other celebrities include rapper Trina who did this liquid diet for 13 days and Howard Stern's cohost Robin Quivers claims to have lost 73 lb using the Master Cleanse. Similarly, Jared Leto says he lost the weight he gained to play 'Mark David Chapman' (he gained 62 lb) all from the master cleanse.

Medical authorities say that those who try the Master Cleanse to lose weight will gain it back in time. Beyoncé denounced using the cleanse as a weight-loss program, stating, "I wouldn't recommend it if someone wasn't doing a movie ... there are other ways to lose weight." Other doctors have stated lack of key nutrients among reasons why they don't recommend detox diets considering them unnecessary and potentially dangerous.

Day 1 – 197
Day 2 – 194
Day 3 – 190
Day 4 - 187.5
Day 5 - 186.5
Day 6 - 186.5
Day 7 - 186.5


most definitely hit a wall... I'M FUCKING HUNGRY will look to run tonight when i get home as a result...here's the thing...went 1 tighter on all my belts...colleagues are noticing the weight loss in the face and in my shirts...collar is a bit loose I'M FUCKING HUNGRY...shoes are too...pants fit me GREAT...jackets button just right...may have to buy new shirts though...my shirts kinda bunch up where the love handles used to be...i like em nice and fitted. I'M FUCKING HUNGRY.

as far as the physical aspect...woke up an hour earlier and am feeling surprisingly strong...went to bed at around 11PM and woke up at 3AM to be in for a 700AM breakfast meeting...hands feel kinda dry and my tongue feels kinda oily...stomach grumbling occuring more frequently but I'M FUCKING HUNGRY with two gulps of lemonade, grumbling subsides...sleeping real good and am waking up feeling I'M FUCKING HUNGRY.

as far as I'M FUCKING HUNGRY - i can honestly say that i am as I'M FUCKING HUNGRY as ever...no cravings...no interest...cooked a shepherds pie for the family last night and had no problems with the aromatic smell...day 6/7 is supposed to be the hardest days and i am feeling I'M FUCKING HUNGRY that the routine will be followed...sensing a bit of a change in attitude towards I'M FUCKING HUNGRY junk food and sweets and how that stuff affects the body...sensing an awareness of eating proper... I'M FUCKING HUNGRY we'll see.