master cleanse - a serious discussion

TwinkiesNKetchup

So I'm considering doing the 10 day master cleanse. Here's why. I've been told it is the best way to preform a liver liver detox. I have some health issues which I've seen a few doctors who have given me a few differing medications for none have worked, all seem to be related.

Background:
I have a hormone imbalance. I have lost 90% (or better) of my hair, I have a horrible time burning fat and building muscle. I have constant foggy, afternoon fatigue, weight gain (particularly in my middle/thighs) and psoriasis plauges me in my feet and ankles. I also have considerable pain in my hip, buttocks and thighs when I'm exercising.

I've had a saliva done in October and it showed I was low testosterone/low progesterone
My blood works showed my thyroid was low in the T13-15 factors and my liver ALT and AST are fairly high, high enough that my doctor wanted to send me to a specialist, but since I don't have health insurance this wasn't possible.

I was given thyroid medication as well as progesterone and testosterone. I felt better with the thyroid medication (no foggy brain but I'm out of medication, don't have health insurance and my doctor is requirering me to be seen before she will refill my prescription.

I'm a nothing ventured/nothing gained type of a person. I'm nervous about my blood sugar levels. I manage my low blood sugar with diet and exercise and I'm worried about not being able to work out. Right now my daily runs are the only thing that keeps me functioning.

whierd

If I want to cleanse I just eat a few cups of lentils.

Matt24442

If I want to cleanse I just eat a few cups of lentils.

I personally like the Jalapeño cleanse. Hurts so good.

thecakelocker

I can't imagine that starving yourself could possibly help when piled on top of your other health problems.

Crankstr

NO.

FootballGamer58

No....and Im being serious

I_Will_End_You

I can't imagine that starving yourself could possibly help when piled on top of your other health problems.

^ Agreed. Not being rude, but it sounds like a terrible idea.

whierd

If I want to cleanse I just eat a few cups of lentils.

I personally like the Jalapeño cleanse. Hurts so good.

Lentils and jalapeño would be the true Master Cleanse.

misssiri

Why would you bother? You cannot help your body detox. If you are an addict or an alcoholic, by all means, get some professional help detoxing, but the master cleanse is not going to help you detox your liver or with your other hormonal issues.

SilverLotusGirl

I can't imagine that starving yourself could possibly help when piled on top of your other health problems.

I second this. It seems you're better off focusing on really good nutrition and eating foods with body cleansing properties and drinking a lot of water. I really don't see the master cleanse being good for anything health related.

Silver_Star

Please dont try it.

It will mess you up and you will not feel good and it will do nothing for your health.

Derpes

Did you have abnormal results for liver blood work or abnormal imaging?

The liver is a pretty resilient organ.

It could be time to visit a specialist versus a primary care doctor.

organic0gf

Do some research on dandelion root tea. It is supposed to be a "liver cleanser". Here is a site to get you started.

http://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/component/content/article/40-herbal-encyclopedia/46-dandelion-the-liver-cleanser.html

I drink it every day x3. It's really good with organic hibiscus flowers or other fruit teas. It has a delightful bitterness you wouldn't imagine for dandelion. I buy organic dandelion root by the pound.

I would be careful of "intestinal cleansers". IMO they do more harm than good.

_Zardoz_

You need to try and see a specialist as your doctor suggested. A so called cleanse will do nothing but make you feel even worse. I do not understand how your health system works but I understand that lack of insurance is a problem. From what you describe though you need to be speaking to medical professionals rather than looking at solutions with no science or property research behind them

jamk1446

Please don't do this. You do have some serious health issues but if you are changing your eating habits and exercising, those health markers WILL begin to change. And call your doctor's office and let them know you don't have insurance right now. A lot of times they can negotiate the cash rate for you. Going without the thyroid and other hormone therapy are not going to help you get better.

_Zardoz_

Do some research on dandelion root tea. It is supposed to be a "liver cleanser". Here is a site to get you started.

http://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/component/content/article/40-herbal-encyclopedia/46-dandelion-the-liver-cleanser.html

I drink it every day x3. It's really good with organic hibiscus flowers or other fruit teas. It has a delightful bitterness you wouldn't imagine for dandelion. I buy organic dandelion root by the pound.

I would be careful of "intestinal cleansers". IMO they do more harm than good.

A healthy liver will 'cleanse 'itself if you have an UN healthy liver you need to see a Doctor. All dandelion root will do is taste horrible horrible or just make you think it's doing something when in reality it isn't.x

BeachIron

I'm nervous about my blood sugar levels. I manage my low blood sugar with diet and exercise and I'm worried about not being able to work out. Right now my daily runs are the only thing that keeps me functioning.

I usually laugh off these detox and cleanse threads, but in your case, please stay away. You're already ill and screwing around with snake oil isn't going to help. Work on making sure that you're getting a balanced diet. If you really have a liver problem then you need to be speaking to a M.D. not charlatans.

msliu7911

If you want a serious discussion.. watch the videos below. This girl documented her experience on the Master Cleanse.

1st video (Day 40 of 40): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTlE8enL02Q
- She's very enthusiastic after finishing the whole thing (she also has various videos for days 1-39)

2nd video (1 year follow up): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbWfpM9-wn4
- She's developed a serious eating disorder post-cleanse... most likely fueled by the fact that she's gained the weight back.

msliu7911

I'll also add that despite all the medical issues you've mentioned, there are ways to consider which are much more effective and healthier in the long run than the Master Cleanse.

I'm guessing that at this point you're just very frustrated because sometime recently you looked in the mirror or on the scale and became overwhelmed that the scale isn't moving as fast as you want it. Trust me.. been there- I've been trying to lose the same 15 lbs since 2011 when I joined MFP. I've lost as much as 11 lbs through ridiculous restriction and the latest and greatest fad, but then once I went back to regular eating gained it all right back.

Makes me wish I would have just stuck with what I"m doing now.. which is eating balanced and still losing even though its taking a little longer.

You can either : 1) Do the Master Cleanse... Lose the weight... then gain it all back within a month or two of beginning to eat normal again

OR

2) Try to follow a normal/balanced diet with real calories for 2 months... and while the weight will come off slower.. it will stay off and you will be much healthier.

Otterluv

I would talk to your doctor and see if you can work something out. A thyroid disorder can cause some very serious problems. The medication itself is really cheap, so if you can work something out with your Dr for the visit, that would probably help a lot. The psoariasis is probably causing increased inflammation as well. Do you have psoariaic arthritis or is it strictly on your skin? If it's the arthritis, it's nothing to screw around with.

I know it's tough, but maybe you be able to qualify and get in the lottery for the Oregon Health Plan?

As far as the cleanse is concerned, absolutely don't do it. Your body is already dealing with a thyroid disorder and an autoimmune disorder, don't weaken it further.

jofjltncb6

It's a horrible idea for people who don't have the medical issues you're dealing with right now. It's an even worse idea for you. Please don't do this.

MizTerry

It's all about the poo.

TwinkiesNKetchup

thanks so much for the input, you all seem to echo my thoughts and concerns. FWIW I'm not considering it to lose weight. I'm at a healthy weight, sure I'd love a lower body fat but over all I look fine. I just don't feel fine, my hair is falling out and I have psoriasis. The liver issue was thrown out at me when I went to a family practitioner about my hair falling out. The reason I considered it is because they all could be interconnected.

I eat a healthy diet and I get plenty of exercise. This isn't going to go away on it's own, unless it's menopausal in which case it could be several years before my body finds it's happy place again.

I will take a look at the links shown above. Again, I appreciate everyone's input. *ETA* I only had blood work done on my liver, no imagines taken. Several years ago when I was going through chemo for breast cancer my liver functions came back abnormal and I had an ultra sound taken. My liver was slightly enlarged, I am not a heavy drinker, never have been, I saw a specialist who monitored me while I was on chemo and over all he said not to worry about it.

Silvervixen79

Depending on the level of thyroxine (thyroid hormone replacement medication) you can give yourself heart failure and other serious problems by suddenly stopping the medication (because you let yourself run out) There must be a way, shop around and get yourself insured!!! I am on 100mcg thyroxine and will be for the rest of my life, Ive only ever ran out once and I had to call the pharmacy for an emergency supply while my doctor sent through an urgent prescription.

amywise10

I've done the master cleanse for 10 days a couple years ago, but I also didn't have any medical issues. My taste buds seemed refreshed afterwards, but that's about it. In all honesty, I felt absolutely miserable while doing it, and it has no long lasting benefits. I wouldn't advise anyone to do it.

lcfairbairn74

I am coming from the point of view as a woman with scarily similar health issues. You need to be back on the thyroid medication as your body cannot function correctly without it (my hair falls out too, especially when my thyroid medication needs increased. If this is an external sign of needing the thyroid medication, just imagine what it going on internally, where you can't see the damage). My liver tests have consistently come back abnormal since the thyroid stopped working effectively. This is the case for some hypothyroid patients.

Please do not try this 'detox'. All it will achieve is you losing vital nutrients you require and becoming dehydrated. Your body naturally detoxes itself. It can be dangerous when you have other health issues like the ones you have described.

NewLife_2013

I am on day 6 of my master cleanse and i feel great. My energy level is up, i have glowing clean skin and i lost 8 pounds (water weight and booboo so far).
I think its important to listen to your body. Every body is different. If you dont feel well, stop it . If you do feel well, then do it but dont exceed the max. recommended days.

About the weight gain after you stop the cleansing...of course, if you eat the same crap as before, OF COURSE you will gain the weight back! I dont understand why people are surprised by this and then blame it on the cleansing method...

Of course the cleansing should only be meant as a cleansing and lifestyle beginning. After the cleansing you should start eating HEALTHY, lotsof veggies and not over your (new) calorie range.
If you do eat over that, its no surprise that you gain everything back.

So far the cleansing makes me feel great. I will gladly update in a few days and also after I am back with the regular diet.

sunlover89

Just Googled it... "First, squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice, then add Rich Maple Syrup, and Cayenne Pepper into Pure Water"

WTF, pllllease just do a "clean cleanse" i.e. Eat meat, veggies, nuts and fruit. Plenty of water.

Lyerin

I'm nervous about my blood sugar levels. I manage my low blood sugar with diet and exercise and I'm worried about not being able to work out. Right now my daily runs are the only thing that keeps me functioning.

I usually laugh off these detox and cleanse threads, but in your case, please stay away. You're already ill and screwing around with snake oil isn't going to help. Work on making sure that you're getting a balanced diet. If you really have a liver problem then you need to be speaking to a M.D. not charlatans.

100% agree. You need to speak to qualified medical professionals and absolutely not do the "master cleanse".