The Master Cleanse diet, which involves drinking a mixture of lemon juice, purified water, cayenne paper and maple syrup, originated in the 1940s. In 2006, the diet received attention when singer and actress Beyonce lost significant weight on the plan for her role in the movie "Dream Girls." While many try the diet in hopes of losing a lot of weight in a short amount of time, its author, Stanley Burroughs, actually recommended the diet to bring about rejuvenation through a complete cleansing of the body. Do not try to use a cleanse diet without supervision from your doctor.
Features
The lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper diet calls for you to drink between six and 12 glasses of the drink daily. Organic ingredients are encouraged. A laxative tea and saltwater wash are also recommended to help with possible constipation. No food or additional nourishment is allowed. Fasting, according to Burroughs, helps the body focus on eliminating toxins. The diet may be followed for as long as two weeks for maximum results, Burroughs believed. A slow return to whole foods is also prescribed in the original diet plan so your system is not shocked by the changes, according to the Every Diet website..
Effects
The lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper diet is tantamount to starvation, and when you reduce calories so drastically, weight loss will result, says the "New York Times" in a December 10, 2006 article. Burroughs warned that at least half the weight will return when you return to normal eating patterns. People who try the diet report feelings of lightness, mental clarity and extraordinary energy, reported the "Los Angeles Times" on January 27, 2010.
Caution
If you follow the diet for as long as two weeks, you may experience significant nutritional deficiencies, irratbility, and fatigue. Headaches due to hunger may also occur. Initially, you may experience loose stools or diarrhea due to the fresh lemon juice and then constipation due to the lack of fiber in the diet. Social engagements, travel, work and family time may suffer due to your focus on maintaining a strict dieting regimen. Health experts such as "New York Daily News" contributors Dr. Vincent Malone and nutritionist Kimberly Snyder, discourage people from following extreme liquid detox diets without guidance from a physician.
Expert Insight
The American Heart Association warns against quick-weight-loss or fad diets, noting that they are unrealistic, unsustainable and violate the basic principles of good nutrition. No scientific research supports the claims that the lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper diet has any positive impact on removing toxins or long-term weight loss. Registered dietitian Keri Glassman told CBS News on April 23, 2008 that the diet contains no protein and almost no vitamins--apart from vitamin C in lemon juice--or minerals.
Strategy
Healthier weight loss and detoxification diets involve eating whole, natural foods with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and small amounts of protein, says Glassman. Adopting a healthy diet strategy makes weight loss success more likely because you feel less deprived and lose fat rather than just water weight that returns. If you are committed to trying the lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper diet, consult your physician first.
