Master Cleanse Safety Tips

Digestive system cleanses like the Master Cleanse have been making headlines lately as a way to lose weight fast and rid your body of toxins. Many claim that they also cure ailments like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue and even acne. However, regardless of whatever benefits they may offer, digestive system cleanses are not without risk. Here are a few tips to stay healthy while doing a digestive system cleanse. There are many types of digestive system cleanses, but the most popular and widely known is the Master Cleanse, also known as the lemonade diet. This digestive system cleanse is normally done for 2 weeks, and it involves eliminating all solid food from your diet. The only thing you consume during the Master Cleanse is water and a lemonade type beverage made from fresh lemon juice, grade B maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper. Supposedly, this mixture gives you all the nutrients you need while fasting and allows your body to rid itself of toxins. Other digestive system cleanses use different recipes for their drink, but they all follow this basic principle.

Many problems can arise during a digestive system cleanse, but the most common issues are hunger, dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, constipation and other elimination issues. While hunger is basically unavoidable, the other problems can be remedied in a variety of ways.

1. Ease into the digestive system cleanse by starting with a couple of days of a vegetarian, liquid diet. This will prepare your system for the cleanse.

2. Drink plenty of water, in addition to the lemonade. This will help flush toxins and keep you hydrated.

3. While the amount of lemonade allowed on the Master Cleanse is rationed, it is acceptable to drink extra if you feel faint or dizzy. This is likely due to low blood sugar and will be remedied with extra lemonade.

4. If your hunger is unbearable, try adding some pulp from the lemons to your lemonade. The added fiber can also help with elimination issues.

5. Be sure to get as much sleep as possible while cleansing. Some people also advocate avoiding exercise during this time, to allow your body to use its resources to cleanse itself.

6. Prevent constipation by drinking senna tea. Senna is a natural laxative.

7. If the senna tea doesn't work, a salt water flush will also prevent constipation. Whichever laxative you choose, you should take it at least once a day so that your body expels toxins and waste regularly.

8. After drinking senna tea or doing a salt water flush, be sure to stay near the bathroom and avoid flatulence, as these laxatives can work quickly and without warning.

9. Ease out of your digestive system cleanse just as you eased in - start with a day or two of vegetarian liquids, then add solid foods back slowly.

10. Be sure to drink plenty of water as you reintroduce solid foods to reduce the risk of constipation.

Above all, if you are doing a cleanse and experience any issues, contact your doctor immediately. While digestive system cleanses may be beneficial, they can also be dangerous. Following the above tips may help you avoid problems, but always seek medical advice if you experience severe issues.