Master Cleanse Liquid Diet

"Detox" refers to products and programs that claim to help cleanse you of toxic buildup caused by substances such as pollution and alcohol. The Master Cleanse liquid diet is among the most popular detox diets advertised online and promoted by books and celebrities. Although the Master Cleanse diet and others like it make lofty claims, they may actually be more harmful than beneficial.

Cleansing Process

Following the Master Cleanse diet involves temporarily cutting out foods in your diet and consuming various liquids for up to two weeks. The diet calls for you to drink a large quantity of warm salt water each morning, a cup of special laxative tea each night and a concoction of water, maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper throughout the day, according to the Harvard HEALTHbeat publication. Because of the severe limitations of this diet, not many people are able to follow it for the recommended time, according to the website EveryDiet.

Claims

Detox diets such as Master Cleanse claim to help eliminate waste in your joints and muscles, clear out your digestive system and kidneys, dissolve toxins, purify your cells and relieve the pressure and irritation in your vessels, arteries and nerves, according to EveryDiet. This is said to lead to physical perks such as weight loss, fewer headaches, enhanced vigor and improved skin quality.

Insufficient Evidence and Other Considerations

No solid evidence can prove that Master Cleanse or any other detox diet is effective in removing toxic material from your body. Most of the so-called perks of the diet can generally be explained in other ways. For instance, much of the weight you might lose from the diet results from lack of calories and the loss of water weight from low carbohydrate intake and frequent liquid bowel movements, according to Harvard HEALTHbeat. Additionally, the visible benefit of an improved complexion may be explained by the sudden increase in fluid intake; an increase in energy may simply be caused by the belief that you're doing something to better your health.

Risks

The Master Cleanse diet doesn't allow enough calories or essential nutrients to support your health. Additionally, its laxative regimen can increase your risk of serious dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and unhealthy bowel function. If you were to follow this diet on a regular basis, you may develop a potentially lethal condition known as metabolic acidosis, which occurs when the blood becomes excessively acidic.

Considerations

You are more likely to have serious health issues when following this diet if you are a child or teen, are pregnant or nursing, or if you have chronic health problems such as bowel disorders, impaired kidney function or heart disease, warns USC Health Now. Get advice from your doctor if you are considering trying the diet. Chances are she will recommend a healthier diet that includes fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and vegetables since being properly nourished will support your body's natural ability to defend itself.