The lemonade diet, also known as Master Cleanse, is a type of fasting detox program. Detox diets purport to flush the body systems to remove built-up toxins and waste. The medical community does not support fasting or detoxing for a healthy individual. In fact some, such as Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. for MayoClinic.com, question whether side effects make it worth the effort. Fasting and detox diets are something you should talk to your doctor about before considering a plan like the lemonade diet.
History
Fasting is a practice that has been around for centuries and a ritual for many religions. When you fast, you abstain for all food. More stringent fasting requires you to eliminate liquids as well. The Lemonade Diet began when health practitioner Stanley Burroughs wrote his book, "The Master Cleanser," in 1976, although Burroughs originally conceived the plan in 1940. Author Peter Glickman was a fan of the diet and coined it the "lemonade diet" in his 2004 book "Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days." The work of Stanley Burroughs was highly controversial. In fact, Burroughs faced prosecution twice, once for practicing medicine without a license. The second trial charged Burroughs with second degree murder when his attempt to cure a cancer patient with the Master Cleanse failed.
Principles
The theory behind most detox diets, such as the lemonade plan, is that over time toxins and waste material build up on the walls of the intestinal tract. Detoxing through fasting and drinking the lemonade recipe from the diet will remove this build up. Medical science has not been supportive to this theory. The human body has mechanisms to eliminate toxins and waste. The liver and kidneys filter toxins and the intestinal tract is responsible for waste material.
Lemonade
The core of the lemonade diet is a distinctive drink made from lemon juice, purified water, cayenne pepper and maple syrup. Participants mix a pitcher of the lemonade formula and drink it throughout the day. During the first few days, dieters avoid eating solid food as well. After fasting, solid food reenters the picture in stages. The exact time for fasting varies, but most detox diets last seven to 10 days.
Effectiveness
If you want to lose weight, then the lemonade diet does works initially, but not for the reasons stated in the plan. By cutting out food, you reduce your calorie intake drastically. For this reason, you will lose weight. Even once you do start eating again, the weight loss will continue, because your calorie intake is still low. It is unclear whether the weight will stay off. Supporters, such as Glickman, claim to repeat the lemonade diet again and again to maintain their health. Odds are when you start eating normally, you will gain the weight back.
Considerations
If you are considering the lemonade diet and fasting, there are side effects. Detoxing leads to dehydration, fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Nutritionist Jane Clark reports, in an article for the NY Times, anyone with digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, should not attempt the lemonade diet. As a general rule, if you are being treated for any illness or taking medication, talk to your doctor before fasting or detoxing on any plan.
Member Comments