As a clinical nutritionist who specializes in human nutrition and metabolism, I’m aware of two types of fasts: The one that makes sense and the other that is just plain stupid. Stanley Burroughs Master Cleanse is a colossal example of the just plain stupid fast. Those who partake are sipping lemonade sweetened with maple syrup for a minimum of 10 days — and even as long as 45 days.

Personally, I rarely “slam” individuals beliefs, especially those pertaining to health. But how could anyone believe that this fast — which includes lemon, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper — could actually bring the body back to health. First and foremost, you’re causing more stress to the system by rapidly moving from the average diet (which includes coffee, alcohol and processed foods), to an overnight famine-mode.

Most people today have compromised immune systems due to many factors, one of which is following their beliefs in diets such as The Master Cleanse. The compromised immune system could actually make you sicker and set you up for a big dietary crash.  Losing muscle mass on the master cleanse is also a negative result of starving your body of nutrients.  And here’s the worst part: Once Master Cleansers are finished with their fast, they inevitably return to their previous habits. As they return to their real-life consumption within a few days (the immune system is lowered because of the famine mode), you actually could be more prone to problems associated with being sick, including joint/muscle pain, lethargy, constipation and a host of other negative consequences.

Trust me, if you really want to fast properly, first figure out if you have any underlying intolerance to foods, e.g., food intolerance (Fact:  food intolerance and sleep disorders go hand-in-hand). Gluten sensitivity affects nearly 12 percent of the population, making gluten sensitivity symptoms one of the most common food intolerance’s.

In office, I clinically test for food intolerance’s and gastrointestinal problems, and gather data to provide a low allergenic cleanse based on the results.  The anti-inflammatory elimination diet prescribed is based on the results from the diagnostic data.

To find out more information about main food allergies, food intolerance, and diagnostic testing, use the Contact page to get in touch with my practice.