Side Effects Of The Lemon, Maple Syrup And Cayenne Pepper Diet

The lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper diet is better known as the Master Cleanse or lemonade diet. A detox regimen originated by alternative health practitioner Stanley Burroughs in the 1940s, the Master Cleanse involves drinking nothing but a cocktail of fresh lemon juice, grade B maple syrup, pure spring water and cayenne pepper for 10 to 40 days. Following this near-starvation plan can cause serious side effects. Most health-care professionals warn against the Master Cleanse, but if you do decide to follow it, stay on it for only a few days.

Indication

The Master Cleanser is a detox diet purported to cleanse your internal organs and cells of toxins. It is supposed to help eliminate allergies, ulcers and even acne. But no scientific evidence supports these claims. Many people use the diet for weight loss, but even Burroughs said that much of the weight lost on the cleanse returns after you go back to eating solid food.

Intended Side Effects

In "The Master Cleanser," the 46-page pamphlet describing the diet, Burroughs noted that you may feel worse for several days after beginning the cleanse. He said that you may experience vomiting, increased joint pain and dizziness. Weakness is to be expected, as the diet stirs up toxins. You may also experience headaches and fatigue as a result of giving up all caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Burroughs recommended resting and taking it easy if you experience these side effects but did not see them as a reason for worry. But you should consult a health-care provider before beginning this diet and contact him if your side effects seem severe.

Unintended Side Effects

A detox diet such as the Master Cleanse can cause nutritional deficiencies if it's followed for a long time. Weight loss on the Master Cleanse may happen quickly, because you are essentially starving. Fast weight loss means you are likely losing muscle mass, rather than fat. Muscle mass keeps you looking lean and helps you burn more calories at rest -- lose muscle and you may experience a drop in your metabolism. When you do put weight back on, it is likely to be fat, because it is much easier to gain than muscle.

Considerations

Your body already has an effective natural cleansing system consisting of the kidneys, lymphatic system and liver. Despite the possible side effects, you may feel better on the plan, because you have removed all the junk from your diet. You can clean up your diet without having to starve yourself. A diet consisting primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins offers nutrition while helping you reduce your intake of sugars, sodium, saturated fats and refined carbs.