Many people choose the Lemon Cleanse Diet in an attempt to achieve an increase in physical health, mental clarity and energy. This diet might be a choice for those who want to rid the body of toxins and lose weight quickly, but the medical community as a whole debates the notion that the diet brings any real benefits and can in fact be detrimental.
History
The Lemon Cleanse diet was originally created as a detoxification procedure in 1941 by Stanley Burroughs. It also been known as the Master Cleanse Diet, the Maple Syrup Diet and the Celebrity Cleanse. According to TheMasterCleanse.org, the cleanse lasts for 10 days and reduces body weight, while ridding the body of harmful toxins. As of 2010, there has not been enough scientific research to prove or refute claims.
Function
According to a "New York Times" article, the Lemon Cleanse Diet has been used by celebrities for years. It has been utilized by those wanting to lose weight quickly, wanting a spiritual connection with their bodies or wanting to give up a vice such as drugs, smoking, caffeine, alcohol or junk food. The diet is often used as a detox to rid the body of food additives, hormones, pesticides, prescription drugs and other toxins found in the body and organs, such as the kidneys and liver. Weight loss is the most common use of the diet, especially since celebrities have raved publicly how easy it is to do. Doctors do not recommend the Lemon Cleanse and many say that any weight that is lost will be gained back once normal eating resumes, since the lost weight is mostly water. This cleanse does not allow much food, even immediately after the cleanse. When you don't eat, the body goes into starvation mode; when normal eating resumes, the body will begin to start storing fat again.
Process
While on the Lemon Cleanse Diet, you will drink only fresh lemon juice mixed with water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. You consume this beverage an average of four times per day while eating no solid foods. It is recommended that you drink a colon-cleansing tea each evening to ensure regular bowel movements. After the Lemon Cleanse, you will slowly incorporate other foods back into your regular diet, beginning with fruit juices and carefully adding soups. Once you have consumed soups for a day or two, you will reintroduce fruits and nuts to your diet. Slowly incorporate larger and solid nutritional foods into your diet as you feel comfortable. Do not consume any foods or liquids too fast, as this could make you sick since your body has gone without.
Effects
According to TheMasterCleanse.org, negative side effects can include dehydration, headaches, cravings, tiredness, irritability, hot bowel movements, vomiting and physical aches and pains. The site says positive effects include a large amount of toxins flushed from the body and rapid weight loss. Some people who have had success with the diet have reported an overall increase in energy, sharpened vision and increased sexual stamina, but these claims have not been confirmed.
Warning
The medical community says the Lemon Cleanse Diet has no proven effects besides temporary weight loss. Using a diet like this for extended periods can deprive the body of essential minerals and vitamins and does not allow the proper amount of calories for healthy, normal adults. It is possible that a flush of the body will rid the body of toxins and harmful bacteria while keeping good bacteria, but there is no medical or scientific research that backs up the Lemon Cleanse Diet.
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