The Maple Syrup Cleansing Diet goes by many names including the Lemonade Diet and its official name, the Master Cleanse. The cleanse gained popularity in the last six years with the publishing of Peter Glickman's book about the Master Cleanse, "Lose Weight, Have More Energy, and Be Happier in 10 Days," as well as use of the diet by celebrities. The cleanse has been around for over 50 years and involves participants fasting on a drink mixture made primarily from fresh lemon juice and maple syrup.
History
Stanley Burroughs invented the Master Cleanse in the 1950s. Burroughs was an advocate of natural health and he believed in the body's ability to heal itself. He published details and instructions about the cleanse in his book "The Master Cleanser." Burroughs originally developed the Master Cleanse as an alternative remedy to cure stomach ulcers. By the 1970s Burroughs was promoting the cleanse for weight loss as well as a way to restore the body's vitality from a range of disorders and health conditions.
Features
Glickman and Burroughs recommend in their books that the diet be done for at least 10 days. While individuals are on the diet, they are instructed to restrain from solid food and only consume water, laxative tea, the lemon drink and a salt water mixture. Dieters drink a mixture of non-iodized sea salt and water every morning of the cleanse to flush out the digestive system and provide trace minerals. Throughout the day dieters drink pure water and a lemon drink comprised of freshly squeezed lemon juice, grade B organic maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper. Glickman recommends consuming a laxative tea at night.
Purpose of Cleanse
Proponents of the cleanse warn individuals may experience detox symptoms while on the cleanse that may include headaches, fatigue, cravings, irritability and boredom. They state this is a natural part of the cleanse as these toxins are getting worked up and exiting the system. Individuals choose to try the cleanse to clean out these toxins as well as lose weight, increase energy levels, relieve aches and pains, improve immune system function and clear up skin. These statements have not been scientifically proven, but have been reported by followers of the diet.
Expert Insight
Although detox diets are popular, they have not been scientifically proven to work, states MayoClinic website. Katherine Zeratsky, a MayoClinic nutritionist, adds that most toxins individuals may take in through food or the environment are removed by the kidneys and liver and eliminated from the body.
Considerations
If you are considering doing a detox diet, discuss your health and plan with a doctor. Individuals who are pregnant or nursing should not perform a detox diet.
References
- "Lose Weight, Have More Energy, and Be Happier in Ten Days"; By Peter Glickman; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Detox Diets: Do they work?
- "The Master Cleanser"; By Stanley Burroughs; 1976
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