Master Cleanse- the Aftermath

[Holli]

Hi everyone,

I just finished my first MC and I need some advice. I began the MC by juicing for 2 days, then I did the lemonade/tea/SWF for seven days. I was feeling really good, eliminating fine, handling it great, but then on the eighth day I got really sick. Not achy, detox sick, but full-on flu sick. Sore throat, fever, congestion- etc. I decided to break the fast and had some oj and lived on homemade veggie soup for a few days. It is now 8 days later and I still am not well. The flu is gone, but the cold-part is hanging on and huge amounts of mucus (sorry TMI). Also, I am extremely tired. I sleep a lot at night and still drag the next day. I've been taking large amounts of probiotics and am still doing very well in the bathroom area. I guess I'm just really disappointed and confused. I had high hopes for the MC and I did everything the way it said to in the book. I also didn't lose hardly any weight, maybe a pound or two....but, I know I was detoxing (the first four days were tough and I felt the detox, the white tongue etc.).

I'll stop rambling. I'm just wondering if anyone has ever gotten sick or felt extemely tired after doing the MC? Maybe it was just a coincidence and I was exposed to a bad bug, but I just thought after fasting and cleansing, my body would recoup much better. I just want to feel better and now I am concerned about doing another MC in the future. Any thoughts or advice would be great- thank you!

[Ilse W.]

The whole thing sounds like detoxing to me, including the flu. Disease symptoms are the outward signs of our bodies ridding themselves of toxins. Drugs we get from M.D.s normally are designed to cover up those symptoms. A cure is what your body achieves all on its own through detoxing. I would continue with a fast, maybe one that's not quite so "hard" on your body, a juice fast or feast?

[RawHeaven]

Just my opinion Holli. Seven days is not enough time to cleanse if you're really toxic or are healing something in your body. The MC is designed for you to do it for a minimum of 10 days which is truly just a warm up period for some. Think of it as the 10 minute warm up before strenuous exercise. What could be happening is your body was beginning to detox during the MC and you stopped it before it went it's full cycle. This is also why it's not a great idea to stop cleansing or fasting when detox begins and you start to feel yucky -- it will simply exacerbate the situation and not have a chance to clear out of your system completely.

Were you beginning to need solid food or were you on a time frame? I understand both. I think this may be what is happening with you. You may have stopped too soon.

Drink plenty of water and eat foods that will clear bacteria/fungus from your body. Well that would be raw foods, haha. But increase your green juices perhaps, drink some fresh squeezed orange juice, take some GSE is a thought and mentally clear your thoughts. Focus on healing and your breath. Practice deep breathing. :)

The next time you do the MC see if you can do it for the 10 days or longer. It is not recommended to start the MC again for 6-8 weeks depending on your physical condition. So rest, eat well and I hope you feel better soon!

Congratulations on completing it for 7 days - that is still wonderful! I'm simply responding to your inquiry as to why you may have the flu after completing it.

These are simply recommendations. I know you will do what is best for yourself.

Best wishes to you!

Crystal

[Holli]

Emma & Crystal-

Thanks for your responses. I guess I didn't realize the flu could be a detox...I definitely have felt detox symptoms in the past and I just thought my body was weak or maybe the swf cleaned out too much good flora and comprised my immune system or something. It is now day 11 of being pretty sick...not confined to bed anymore sick, but my body is not doing well. I am not usually sick this long, so I was worried.

Maybe I should do a juice fast or green smoothie fast. I have been taking lots of probiotics, using my essential oils, drinking my herbal teas and fresh oj...have not been completely raw though.

As far as why I stopped, there were a number of reasons (excuses maybe :rolleyes:). I was having a hard time with hunger, I was getting bored to be honest, we had a party we were scheduled to go to ( double :rolleyes:) and then I got really sick (so we didn't go to the party!) and I got worried and decided to have a bit of soup and juice and it just fell apart from there.

I have to say between my pre and post juicing and my 7 days, I was pretty impressed that I went 10 days without food. I've never made it past 48 hourse before. Next time, I think I will be able to do it even longer. I just need to trust my body more and not let my mind worry. My body was probably doing fine, but I convinced myself I needed nourishment or I was sick because of the fast etc. I just need to get better- this is ridiculous!

[RawHeaven]

You did great Holli! To fast for one day takes a great deal of discipline and focus, so 10 days is something else. I just wanted to share why you may have experienced an extended flu but by no means I was not implying there was anything wrong with your approach. Not sure if you interpreted it this way...just wanted to clarify just in case. Fasting is a process. I've completed 40 day master cleanses with ease but I was in a different space then, much more dedicated and internally, spiritually motivated. I've struggled somewhat this time around trying to complete 10 days, lol. My point is we change along the way - it's a journey. I hope you're feeling better.

Have a great day.

Crystal

[Holli]

Crystal-

No offense taken at all. I appreciated all of your comments. I am looking forward to the day when I am in the right space to do an extended fast. Overall, it was a neat experience. I've heard people talk about the mental clarity, and spiritual awareness. I got just a taste of that, but look forward to experiencing it in its fulness!

I am feeling a bit better. Still have a cold and cough...but my fatigue seems to be lifting. I think I unloaded a good amount of toxins into my system and it just has had to continue eliminating them while now digesting food, etc. I need to drink more water and be kinder to myself. I have a hard time letting myself rest. :) Like you said, it's a journey...

Best to you as well!