Master Cleanse creator Stanley Burroughs advises a salt water flush to be used in conjunction with his infamous "lemonade diet," a concoction of lemon juice, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. In his booklet, "The Master Cleanser," Burroughs stressed the importance of numerous bowel eliminations, advising cleansers to have "two, three or more movements a day." The Master Cleanse is not recommended by health care practitioners and dietitians. Therefore, the salt water flush directions for the Master Cleanse are not intended to help you lose weight effectively or improve your health; these steps simply describe Burroughs's instructions in "The Master Cleanser."
Mix a quart of lukewarm water with 2 tsp. of sea salt. Burroughs claims that if you use regular iodized (table) salt, the salt water flush will not work "properly."
Drink the entire quart of salt water first thing in the morning "on an empty stomach," Burroughs advises. He also recommends drinking laxative tea at night to "loosen," and the salt water flush in the morning to "wash it out."
Stay close to toilet facilities. Burroughs indicates that you can expect "many eliminations." In a May 2007 MSNBC News report, American Dietetic Association spokesperson Susan Moores, R.D., notes that frequent liquid eliminations are characteristic of the Master Cleanse.
If the salt water flush doesn't work, Burroughs states that more (or less) salt can be added to the lukewarm water until the "proper balance is found." Alternately, he states that cleansers can drink plain water, without salt.
Tip
Moores suggests a better option to "rushing to the bathroom all day": eating moderate potions, cutting down on high-fat foods and consuming more vegetables and fruits.
Warning
The Master Cleanse does not remove toxins in your body, explains Dr. Ed Zimney of Everyday Health–that's a job for your kidneys and liver.
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Writer Bio
Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She's worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.