Not sure what skunky's experience is with cleansing but peaboy has many years of direct experience and will be glad to help you out.
Thanks Kurt...
Rachel and I have done many cleanse programs over the years. We still do full body cleansing with the changes of the seasons (4 times a year). My biggest advice for a first timer would be to consult with your qualified health care professional. Make sure the timing is right, ie: blood pressure issues, diabetis and or blood sugar issues or other problems.
The Master cleanse is an old school cleanse if you will. There are many newer programs that I have had better success with.
When we cleanse, we listen to our bodies... So many people will say, "do this for ten days and only drink this..." Horse poop. I have gone through a cleanse for as long as 24 days when I set out to do 5 days and I have also gone less than 24 hours when I intended to do 7-10 days. Yes, a cleanse can and often does make you feel bad as you are eliminating waste, however if you are feeling as if your world is going to end, eat something.
Before we start we tend to go raw for 3-4 days. Fresh salads with lots of greens, avocado, sprouts, sprouted beans, ext... This tends to help get the body in a pre-cleanse state and makes the cleanse easier.
When we finish the cleanse, we ease back into a food diet by doing the same with the fresh salads, ext..
Some staples that we keep handy when going through a cleanse are: avocados-a good source of protein and fats, apples, cashews, almonds (sprouted) and carrots. Once again, listen to your body, if it is miserable, eat an avo or something.
Thats my take on cleansing. I hope this helps.