The Miracle Lemonade Diet, also known as the Master Cleanse Diet, has gained attention due to endorsements by celebrities like Beyonce Knowles and Denzel Washington. The diet is a fasting plan that involves drinking a concoction several times a day that contains lemon juice as well as a few additional ingredients. The seven- to 10-day cleanse is designed to help dieters shed pounds quickly with the proposed idea of ridding the body of toxins.
Identification
The original concept for the lemonade diet was the brainchild of Stanley Burroughs, who conceived the plan in the 1960s and published it in his book "The Master Cleanser." Burroughs was a practitioner and promoter of alternative health treatments. Although Burroughs promoted his master cleanse lemonade fast as a way to rid the body of toxins and poisons, he had no formal medical or nutritional training. Beyond his well-known diet, Burroughs was considered by many to be a pioneer in alternative medicine after he published his classic text, "Healing for the Age of Enlightenment."
Features
Only one drink is on the daily menu over the course of the Miracle Lemonade master cleanse fast. The elixir consists of 3 quarts of water, mixed with 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, one cup of 100 percent real maple syrup, and 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper. Dieters are instructed to pour all the ingredients in a clean 1-gallon jug and shake it all up together, then consume six to 12 glasses a day of the concoction. Over the duration of the fast, no solid foods are allowed.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects of the master cleanse diet vary, but for heavy caffeine users the first few days may be accompanied by severe headaches. For those wishing to kick the caffeine habit, this may be the perfect opportunity to experience withdrawal and leave the coffee behind. Other side effects lemonade dieters have reported is general lack of energy, especially in the first few days of the fast. Burning, watery stools may last for about seven days.
Misconceptions
The main misconception regarding detox or cleanse diets is the idea of removing toxins from the body. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist, Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., the theory of detoxification, while popular, is not scientifically proven. In fact, Zeratsky states that there is little evidence that detox-based diets actually remove toxins from the body. The kidneys and liver are made to effectively and efficiently remove most toxins and eliminate them through the urine and stool.
Benefits
The main benefit that accompanies the lemonade diet plan is the quick and sometimes drastic weight loss. Proponents of the master cleanse diet plan also report increased energy, a renewed sense of overall health, clear skin and the feeling of being cleaned of toxins and impurities. An enhanced mental alertness or focus may also be one of the benefits.
Warning
Extended fasts of any kind may have adverse effects on organ function and metabolism. Zeratsky also warns against more dangerous side effects such as dehydration, nausea and dizziness. Zeratsky recommends consulting with your physician before considering any detox or cleanse-based diet. As a registered dietician, she reminds dieters that the best way to get to a healthy weight is by eating a diet made up of lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
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