For many Jews, the coming of Pesach marks a great time for a spring cleaning- both internal and external. Dishes are changed, cabinets are cleared, homes are aired and dusted. We also work on removing spiritual chametz- ego, ungratefulness, self-righteousness, etc.

But there’s another type of spring cleaning that’s popular this time of year among Jews and non-Jews alike; namely, cleansing.   Cleanses range from juice fasts to detox diets to colon flushes and beyond, and devotees claim to gain energy, lose weight and get their bodies ready for spring.  On the other hand, skeptics argue that these types of cleanses do more harm than good for our bodies and the ultimate positive effect is only mental.

On March 24th the Brian Lehrer Show had a segment titled, “Spring Cleaning“, where dietician Lisa Sasson took the anti-cleanse position. Also featured was Joshua David Stein, whose New York Press article, “The Dirty World of Cleanses“  had much to say about this popular spring ritual.

Among the most popular cleanses mentioned in the above is The Master Cleanse; a ten-day detox program where the only thing consumed is a mixture of maple syrup, cayenne pepper, water and fresh squeezed lemon juice.  I did the Master Cleanse last year during Pesach (food options were so limited anyway!) and made another attempt pre-Pesach this year (only made it 4 days). I stand by it as a positive cleaning process for our bodies, but I don’t think its for everyone.  Peter Glickman’s “Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days” is the “official” guide behind the Master Cleanse.  The book is written in a rather absurd conversational style and makes no claims to be scientifically legitimate.  Still and all, however, the Master Cleanse has been popular for decades and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

I’d love to hear what everyone has to say about cleansing!  Thoughts? Experiences?