Ok, it's a doozy, but someone expressed interest. Here is my paper on the Master Cleanse, and why it's a crock. It isn't totally finished, but I will post the last installment tomorrow or Wednesday when I finish it.
The Dos, Don'ts and Dangers of the Master Cleanse
In the day and age of health awareness in this country, many people are turning to non-traditional methods for healthy upkeep of their systems. Many new and unscientific methods are emerging in recent years, and several have gained quite the cult following. Yet what exactly are these methods, and how safe are they for the general public? Are the people who blindly follow these trends hurting themselves, or helping? These cleanses are proving more and more dangerous, and perhaps the most treacherous one of all is the Master Cleanse.
The so-called “Master Cleanse”, developed in the 1970s by Dr. Stanley Burroughs. Originally thought to be a valid treatment for ulcers and other general digestive disorders, the cleanse had remained quietly in Dr. Burroughs’ book, until once again popularized by Beyonce Knowles in 2006, who claimed the cleanse helped her shed twenty quick pounds for her role in the movie “Dreamgirls” (Content). Knowles claimed on the Oprah Winfrey Show she needed to lose the weight in a hurry, wanting to “go the extra mile” due to a rapid shooting schedule in which her character is portrayed at 16 and at 36 within just a few weeks time. In its original format, the diet calls for the consumption of three substances only: a concoction of lemon water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper, drank 6-10 times a day to combat hunger, a one quart salt water flush in the mornings, and a laxative tea in the evenings. Knowles acknowledges she ate vegetables during the fourteen day period, though this practice is seldom followed by supporters.
The practices of this diet can be dangerous. Those who follow the routine are instructed to drink a quart of heavily salted water first thing in the morning as quickly as possible, to rid the body of toxins. Salt water flushing causes the body to go into a sort of panic mode, and it attempts to purge the salt as quickly as possible. The flush itself contains more than twice times the daily allowance of sodium than commonly recommended by medical professionals , which is approximately 2400mgs (Collins). Results are often painful as well as violent; this practice can damage the intestines. (Detox). Some avid “cleansers” recommend colonic irrigation in addition to the copious amounts of laxatives, which can lead to bowel infections or perforations, both of which can be lethal (News). Electrolyte imbalances can be a real concern if the individual consumes inadequate amounts of hydrating water, and the whole process is eerily reminiscent of bulimic practices.



Reply With Quote





Bookmarks