Popular fad diets like the Neera Super Cleanse detox diet require you to give up solid food in exchange for fast weight loss and the elimination of toxins in your body. Because fasting diets can pose serious health risks, talk to a doctor before going on the Neera Super Cleanse diet or any related diets. In general, those with kidney or heart disease, pregnant or nursing women, diabetics and those with digestive conditions should avoid all fasting diets.
History
The Neera Super Cleanse detox diet is a version of the Master Cleanse diet, also commonly referred to as the lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper diet. This fad diet was originally created in the 1970s by alternative health practitioner Stanley Burroughs to treat stomach ulcers. After realizing the other benefits of the diet, Burroughs published his book "The Master Cleanser," which detailed the weight loss and detox benefits of his program.
About the Diet
While on the Neera Super Cleanse detox diet you eat no solid food whatsoever and instead drink only the Neera drink, which consists of water, Madal Bal syrup, lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The official Neera Super Cleanse website recommends staying on the diet for five to 15 days and repeating the process three to four times a year. The makers of Neera suggest drinking a little extra water while on the cleanse, as well as small amounts of herbal tea or juice if you need a change of pace.
Alternate Versions
The Neera website offers variations on the standard Neera Super Cleanse diet for those who don't want to fast for long periods of time. The "relaxed version" allows you to replace just breakfast and/or dinner with the Neera drink, allowing you to still enjoy some solid food. Neera also recommends the "one day a week version," which is a simple, one day fast on the Neera drink.
Claims
The Neera Super Cleanse diet claims to help eliminate built-up toxins in your body caused by processed food, environmental chemicals and improperly digested food. Neera manufacturers claim that flushing out these toxins can help you to avoid disease and strengthen your immune system. Fasting also results in quick weight loss, and the Neera website says you may lose 1 to 2 lbs. a day on the program.
Criticism
Gastroenterologist Nasir Moloo tells MSNBC that detox diets like Neera Super Cleanse are unnecessary because your body already gets rid of toxins naturally. American Dietetic Association spokesperson Lona Sandon also warns that fasting can cause muscle loss, blood sugar problems and dangerous vitamin deficiencies, which can actually weaken your immune system. Additionally, lots of liquid bowel movements account for most of the weight you lose while fasting, and once you return to a regular eating pattern you'll likely gain the weight back again.
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