Master Cleanse Substitutions
Since 1941, individuals have used the Master Cleanse program for detoxification and weight loss 4. The program's creator, Stanley Burroughs, listed substitutions for the original ingredients in his 1976 book "The Master Cleanser with Special Needs and Problems." Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Michael Picco says, "There is little scientific evidence to support or refute the benefits of colon cleansing," and recommends that those interested in following such a regimen "check with your conventional medical providers first, especially if you take any medications or have any health problems. 146"
Lemons and Limes
Burroughs's original program offered the choice between freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly squeezed lime juice. Along with vitamin C and at least 19 other essential vitamins and minerals, lemons and limes provide fresh enzymes.
Maple Syrup
Does Unsweetened Tea Elevate Blood Sugar?
Learn More
Because of its mineral content, its calorie content and its availability, Burroughs recommended use of Grade B maple syrup in the Master Cleanse fast, but noted sugar cane juice as a substitute 4. Peter Glickman of TheRawFoodSite agrees. Other Master Cleanse websites including TheMasterCleanseRecipe and TheLemonadeSite advocate the use of agave nectar, because of its low glycemic properties, as a substitute for people with diabetes who wish to follow the program 45. Burroughs advised people with diabetes to use one tbsp. of blackstrap molasses in place of the two tbsp. of maple syrup. People with diabetes will want to discuss the Master Cleanse with their physicians before choosing to try it 45.
The Saltwater Flush
Burroughs hailed a saltwater flush as a superior method of internal cleansing and advised against colonics as a substitute. He suggested use of laxative tea in the morning and at night. Glickman promotes the saltwater flush and suggests adjusting the amount of salt if necessary.
Cayenne Pepper
Apple Juice Diet for the Liver
Learn More
Burroughs considered cayenne pepper necessary to his program. Rather than substituting for it, Glickman advises that people who have trouble with it reduce the amount of cayenne. The website MasterCleanseRecipe suggests substituting cinnamon in its alternative recipe for people with diabetes 3.
Related Articles
References
- "The Master Cleanser with Special Needs and Problems"; Stanley Borroughs; 1976
- The Raw Food Site: Master Cleanse Frequently Asked Questions
- Master Cleanse Recipe: Alternative Master Cleanse Recipes
- Master Cleanse: What Is the Master Cleanse?
- The Lemonade Site: Doing the Master Cleanse with Diabetes
- "Healing for the Age of Enlightenment"; Stanley Burroughs; 1976
- Burroughs S. The Master Cleanser. Burroughs Books; 1967.
- Lemon, raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, 2019.
- Hedge R. 15 Health Benefits of Lemon Juice, Back by Science. Organic Facts. Published November 11, 2019.
- Banana, raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, 2019.
- Gordon B. What Is Intermittent Fasting? Eat Right. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published May 7, 2019.
- How does weight affect gallstones?. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published November 2017.
- Start Simple with MyPlate. ChooseMyPlate. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Writer Bio
Carol Kory is a freelance writer living in Nashville, Tennessee. Her articles on health and sports can be found on various websites. Kory received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northern Illinois University in 1999 and has worked in the entertainment, print and publishing industries for more than 10 years.