The lemon detox diet is known by various names, including the Lemonade Diet and the Master Cleanse. It was formulated in the 1940s by a naturopath named Stanley Burroughs while he was researching a cure for ulcers, according to the Sunday Times newspaper. Burroughs devised the lemon detox as a means for detoxification, but in more recent times the diet has become popular as a weight loss method after endorsements by several celebrities.
Theory
Burroughs believed that all disease originates due to the accumulation of toxic waste in the colon. He introduced the lemon detox as a system to cleanse the colon, eliminate the toxins, and thus prevent and even cure disease. Burroughs said no solid foods should be eaten for a minimum period of 10 days; dieters are instructed to only consume between six to 12 glasses of pure water with added lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Multiple daily bowel movements are induced by taking herbal laxatives or performing a "saltwater flush."
Weight Loss
According to Peter Glickman, a Master Cleanser practitioner and author of "Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days," an informal survey based on responses of 141 Master Cleanse participants revealed the average woman lost around 12 lbs. while on the diet and regained about half of the weight back after completing the cleanse. Men lost 16 lbs. on average and also regained around 6 lbs. One glass of the lemon drink provides around 115 calories.
Positives
Advocates of the Lemonade Diet say that the cleanse helps to relieve migraines, digestive disorders and improve sleep. Blood cholesterol levels are said to improve, and some have even claimed the diet has cured infertility and cancer, according to the Sunday Times. Followers further report that after finishing the cleanse, they find it easier to eat a healthful diet.
Negatives
During the cleanse, participants widely report experiencing detox symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, joint pain and even vomiting. Another obvious side effect is hunger, although many claim this subsides after the first three days. The cleanse can interfere with work and social events, due to the necessity of frequent trips to the bathroom. An article published on the Fitness Magazine website states that although liquid cleansing diets such as the lemon detox do support weight loss and help to cleanse the system, they can provoke other problems such as mineral deficiency or muscle breakdown.
Expert Insights
Staff at the Mayo Clinic say that diets that require only ingesting liquids can be detrimental to overall health and should not be followed for more than a few days at a time. However, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a board-certified family physician and author of "Eating for Health: A Medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease," advocates longer periodic liquid fasts as a means of preventing illness and regaining good health.
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