What Is The Pepper Lemon Diet?

The pepper lemon diet, also called the Master Cleanse or colon cleansing diet, is a fast-based dietary program touted as a means of weight loss, digestive detoxification and improved wellness. Though it lacks evidence of effectiveness and safety, suggests natural health expert Andrew Weil, M.D., it remains popular in modern American culture. An understanding of the diet and its potential risks may help people make wise decisions regarding dietary lifestyle changes.

Function

The Master Cleanse diet involves drinking a mixture of lemon juice, distilled water, pure maple syrup and cayenne pepper for several days or more, while fasting from food and other beverages. According to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., proponents of colon cleansing diets, such as the Master Cleanse, claim that irrigating the colon by means of the liquid fast coupled with laxatives leads to detoxification of the digestive tract, healthy bacteria growth in the body, improved energy and strengthened immune system function.

Guidelines

The Master Cleanse guidelines used today derive from the book "The Master Cleanser," written by Stanley Burroughs and published in 1976. Participants are to drink 6 to 12 glasses of a lemon mixture, made with fresh lemon juice, pure organic maple syrup, a dash or more of cayenne pepper and purified water. Other foods and beverages, aside from additional water, are restricted. Participants also take laxatives of their choice or partake in a daily saltwater flush--drinking saltwater to stimulate bowel movements. Prior to fasting days, dieters consume unprocessed, fresh foods and abstain from sugar, caffeine, alcohol and dairy products to prepare their bodies for the cleanse.

Effectiveness

The Master Cleanse diet may produce temporary weight loss and stimulate bowel movements. However, notes Dr. Picco, little evidence upholds the effectiveness of colon cleansing. Since water loss tends to occur and people may consume substantially fewer calories than usual during the fasting days, weight loss likely stems from water weight loss and calorie reduction. Picco describes the body's natural digestive processes as the primary effective means of cleansing.

Risks

The Master Cleanse diet poses numerous risks. Dehydration may occur, warns Dr. Picco, which may trigger lethargy, weakness and, in severe cases, electrolyte imbalances. Laxative use and salt water flushes heighten risks for these effects. Electrolyte imbalances linked with colon cleansing may lead to serious heart or kidney complications, particularly in individuals with pre-existing diseases. Potential side effects of the Master Cleanse include reduced energy, mood swings, abdominal pain, excessive hunger, intestinal gas, bloating, diarrhea and headaches. When fasting is repeated or conducted long-term, a person's metabolism may reduce. According to Dr. Weil, many dieters regain lost weight derived from the diet plus additional weight once normal eating is resumed.

Suggestions

Since the Master Cleanse diet is linked with adverse side effects, lacks evidence of effectiveness and is unnecessary for wellness, alternate means of improved wellness may provide most benefits. Dr. Weil suggests gaining general knowledge of healthy eating and improving unhealthy relationships with food. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide valuable amounts of nutrients and dietary fiber, which support digestive wellness, weight management and overall health. Dietary and weight loss programs should be approved by qualified medical professionals prior to their use.