So, do the experts recommend the Master Cleanse? While many professionals have their own opinions, the verdict from McGrath and Seltzer is clear: It’s best to proceed with caution.
According to McGrath, the risks outweigh the benefits. “It’s not sustainable, it does not help you make a permanent lifestyle change, it can cause muscle loss, and it’s not an enjoyable way of eating.”
“In regards to detoxification, the body’s kidneys and liver are natural detoxifiers, meaning that structured detoxes are not necessary,” she continues. Instead, she recommends focusing on eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more water to maximize your vitamin and mineral content. All of these essential nutrients play an important role in your body’s natural detox process.
More specifically, McGrath recommends cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, along with allium veggies like garlic and onions, which contain certain sulfur-based compounds that help activate detoxification enzymes and promote other detox-related functions.
Seltzer also recommends avoiding this plan, despite the touted weight loss benefits. “You should avoid cleanses, especially for weight loss. This plan doesn’t address the issues that get people into trouble in the first place, so they will still be there when the cleanse is over. If you are going to do it anyway, talk to your doctor first to make sure it is not going to be dangerous for you.”
If you’re trying to lose weight, Seltzer says your best bet is to eat healthier foods and move more. “How you should do it depends on your lifestyle, food preferences, activity level, and other unique factors,” he says. For example, some people do well with intermittent fasting, whereas others must eat breakfast to maintain a calorie deficit. The bottom line is this: You would be better off experimenting with what works best for your body. You might lose water weight, but that weight usually comes back on once you start eating “regularly.”