Stanley Burroughs wrote "The Master Cleanse" in the 1940s as a detoxification program to treat acute and chronic diseases. The cleanse is a liquids-only modified fast that requires usage of salt-water flushes, laxative teas and a lemonade drink made from purified water, organic lemons, grade B maple syrup and cayenne pepper. It's a fad diet, with no medical science behind it. Although you may lose weight on the lemonade diet, it's not a healthy or sustainable weight loss program.
The Master Cleanse
Stanley Burroughs believed that "cleansing is basic for elimination of every kind of disease." The Master Cleanse wasn't designed solely for weight loss, although that's what it is primarily used for today. You will lose wight on the cleanse, as it's a very low calorie program; depending on the amount of lemonade you drink, you may consume less than 1,000 calories daily. The majority of your calories come from maple syrup --- a type of simple sugar. Due to the diuretic effects of the cleanse, flushes and laxative tea, much of the weight lost will be water weight and easily regained.
Dangers
The Master Cleanse is not nutritionally sound and not safe for anyone suffering from a serious illness, such as diabetes or kidney disease. It's so low in calories that you may experience symptoms of low blood sugar --- headaches, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, anxiety or mood swings. The lemonade diet lacks essential nutrients, weakening your immune system and making it more difficult for you to fight infection. The low total caloric intake may slow your metabolism, stalling weight loss in the long run and making it easier to gain weight in the future.
Spotting a Fad Diet
The Master Cleanse, or lemonade diet, is a fad diet that experienced a surge in popularity after Beyonce revealed that she lost 20 lbs. on the cleanse. The National Institutes of Health and American Academy of Family Physicians warn against following diets that promise unrealistic weight loss, because it is often water weight, has no medical basis, eliminates entire food groups and doesn't require you to count calories and exercise. There is no scientific data that suggests your body needs to cleanse; your liver and kidneys already filter toxins and waste products from your body.
Healthy Diet
True weight loss happens not from following a fad diet, but from making long-term sustainable lifestyle changes. Eating less sugar and more whole foods such as vegetables, fruits and legumes is a good place to start. Pay attention to portion and serving sizes. Exercise regularly. The NIH says that women need to eat at least 1,200 calories, and men need 1,500 calories each day to keep your metabolism functioning. Set realistic goals --- slow and steady weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs. per week is safe and healthy.
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