The Lemonade Diet, also called the Master Cleanse, is a liquid detox diet created by Stanley Burroughs in the 1940s and made popular by his book "The Master Cleanser," written in 1976. The diet faded from the public eye but became popular again in recent years when celebrities, including Beyonce Knowles and Robin Quivers, extolled its virtues. There is no evidence that the Lemonade Diet works, and it could be dangerous to your health. Consult your doctor before starting this or any other detox diet.
Purpose
According to Burroughs, the Lemonade Diet is useful for resting and cleansing the digestive system, for treatment of acute or chronic illness and for weight loss. He claimed that the Lemonade Diet can dissolve and eliminate toxins and congestion, purify the glands and cells, cleanse the kidneys and digestive system, remove hardened material in the joints and muscles, relieve irritation of the nerves and blood vessels, keep the blood healthy and preserve youth and elasticity.
Components
The Lemonade Diet is a liquid fast that consists mainly of a concoction made with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, cayenne pepper, grade B maple syrup and purified or spring water. Dieters are cautioned to avoid canned or frozen juice and to use organic fruit, if possible. Burroughs recommends grade B maple syrup because of a higher mineral content and stronger maple flavor. Lemonade dieters are also instructed to drink herbal laxative tea and a mixture of sea salt and water that has a powerful laxative effect.
Routine and Duration
Burroughs advises dieters to drink six to 12 glasses of the lemonade concoction each day, depending on how hungry the dieter feels. No other source of food or nutrition is allowed, although dieters may drink plain water and mint tea as desired. The saltwater mixture is taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and the herbal laxative tea is taken at night. The author recommends following the diet three or four times a year for a minimum of 10 days and claims that up to 40 days is safe for "extremely serious cases."
Expert Opinion
Experts warn dieters about the possible health dangers of detox diets, including the Lemonade Diet. There is no scientific evidence to support the claims of detox diets, according to Roger Clemens, adjunct professor of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Southern California's School of Pharmacy. Although detox dieters believe these diets are beneficial, harm can result. Dangers include malnutrition, muscle breakdown, abnormal blood sugar levels, nausea, vomiting, frequent liquid bowel movements, and a significant and dangerous loss of fluids and electrolytes. The Lemonade Diet and other detox diets are especially harmful for children and adolescents, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, bowel disorders and kidney disease.
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