Lactation Journey Blog: Book Review :: The Complete Master Cleanse: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing the Benefits of the Lemonade Diet

The Complete MASTER CLEANSE is written by Tom Woloshyn -- a holistic practitioner and former student of Stanley Burroughs -- creator of the Lemonade Diet. Tom began practicing and counseling in holistic health in 1980, after taking a course in the healing techniques of Stanley Burroughs."

But The Complete Master Cleanse provides in-depth guide to "maximizing the master cleanse," and really making it work on an individual basis, through explaining the detox, including providing a historical aspect of the origin of the mono diet, sharing personal and professional stories of his own as well as those who he has treated over the years, providing information on the properties of the ingredients; Water, Lemons, Maple Syrup and Cayenne Pepper, and provides information on how the cleanse works. Some of the information includes explaining the body's pH, increasing energy levels, alleviating allergies and a number of others.

Tom Woloshyn has counseled many people -- from young, healthy to others who are diagnosed with terminal illnesses and given a very short time to live, and inside are chapters on ways to counter that news along with other areas he specializes in -- Vita-Flex, Color Therapy and colon lifts.

I get really excited when I find new avenues of natural and holistic health practices, averting our continued dependence and vulnerability of so many on large companies that only stand to profit. And I have always lived by the idea that the earth has everything we need to sustain ourselves. And indeed it does.

I have heard countless stories and have also watched just as many videos in various places about the "Lemonade Diet" -- what people have experienced, how they felt and their reactions to it, but there's not really anything in my opinion like reading about it in depth. I really enjoyed the enthusiasm of the author and his outlook, even noting that he strongly believes in the wonders of the detox, but didn't go overboard in even his amazement -- like someone who did the cleanse for over one year straight. It really makes me believe in the honesty of the research. But of course since this is a blog dedicated to breastfeeding and human lactation, I can't help but mention the section on being able to do this while nursing: "If women can do the Master Cleanse safely, then they can also do it when they are pregnant or nursing." Even though I am far from a professional, there is nothing in me that can see how nursing a baby -- a practice that burns over 500 calories per day, can be safely and effectively administered while on such a strict diet for at least 10 days. In my opinion that's the one part of the book that should have been left out!

Reading through The Complete MASTER CLEANSE convinced me of the power of a holistic approach to begin to take control of your own health in such a simple way. In fact, I have been wanting to go on a cleanse for some time now, but was extremely reluctant, because of low blood sugar (something he mentions as the main concern among most of his patients, btw) didn't think it was possible. I know I would have never had the courage to be on -- as of right now, the 7th day of my very first 10 day detox. But this not only taught me an invaluable way to rid my body of toxins, I also learned a very valuable lesson about privilege. When you find yourself thinking of everything you don't have, think again. Being able to specifically decided to give up eating for a specified amount of time, compared to so many who don't have an option of eating is available to only certain groups of people. Too many people in the world, in our country, our neighborhoods are hungry. I am thankful I eat everyday, and that I have the privilege to detox my body, and I will continue using this lesson to push towards a more just society.

For me, I feel empowered knowing I have more than just a surface knowledge of the way something works, but I need the background, stories to accompany, as well as seeing a healthy level of expectations, knowing what to expect and the various tips on truly getting the most out of an endeavor, and I definitely felt the information provided was neither overwhelming or underwhelming, but was just right. I read it as more than just a few ingredients in a glass, but as encouragement for me to continue searching for more ways to spread the word. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to read and review this book.