Lemon Fast Diet

Proponents of the Lemon Fast, which is also known as the Lemonade Diet and Master Cleanse, claim the diet has helped them lose weight, give up smoking and improve their sleep. Other reported benefits include clarity of thought and an energy boost. Devotees also say the diet can heal many ailments including migraines and allergies.

History

The diet was published in 1976 by Stanley Burroughs, who was a California-based alternative health supporter. He originally devised the Master Cleanser in the 1940s and had used it along with light color therapy to treat patients. However, in 1960 he was charged with practicing medicine without a license, and later convicted. He also faced criminal charges in 1984, when a man in his care died. He was finally convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

The Lemon Fast Diet regained popularity in 2004 when Peter Glickman, a former chiropractic clinic director, published "Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days." The book described numerous benefits that Glickman claimed could be obtained by following the diet.

Instructions

The diet involves an optional three-day ease-in period, when dieters eat only raw foods and juices. The actual cleanse should be followed for at least 10 days. During the diet duration no foods are to be consumed; nourishment is provided by drinking a drink made with pure water and fresh lemon juice. Maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper are also added. In addition, the diet requires that laxative herbal teas should be taken, along with a salt-water mixture that induces several bowel movements in quick succession. After the cleanse, the dieter resumes normal eating very gradually to allow the digestive system to become re-accustomed to eating solid foods.

Theories/Speculation

The suggested theory behind the diet is based on that lemon juice is beneficial for its cleansing properties and is said to help loosen waste deposits in the body. According to Burroughs, hot cayenne pepper breaks up mucus and assists in boosting circulation and blood flow to parts of the body that require detoxification. Maple syrup contains unrefined sugars, which provide fuel for the body to burn as energy. The saltwater drink and laxative teas encourage cleansing of the colon.

Side Effects

Side effects of the diet commonly experienced include detox symptoms such as nausea, aching joints, skin rashes and headaches. The severity of detox symptoms will depend on your dietary and lifestyle choices prior to beginning the cleanse. According to the Mayo Clinic website, detox diets can also induce fatigue and dizziness.

Expert Insight

The Mayo Clinic's Katherine Zeratsky recommends eating a diet of whole grains, lean protein and fruits and vegetables instead of following a detox diet. Zeratsky says if you are considering following a detox regimen, you should always seek the opinion of your doctor before you begin.