You may consider trying a “detox” diet if you have chronic aches, fatigue and maladies such as digestive troubles and sleep interruptions. One popular diet in the “detox” category is the Master Cleanse Diet – sometimes called the Lemonade Diet – which was introduced and popularized by an alternative health enthusiast named Stanley Burroughs when he published “The Master Cleanser” in the 1970s.
The Process
Following the Master Cleanse Diet involves drinking only liquids throughout the day. Dieters begin their day by drinking a large quantity of warm salty water. Then, throughout the majority of the day, dieters drink from a large concoction of water mixed with smaller amounts of lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Finally, in the evening, they drink a cup of laxative tea. Most dieters stick to the plan for 10 or more days.
The Claims
Proponents of the Master Cleanse Diet believe that toxic material can build up in the body from sources such as air pollution, processed foods, alcohol and cigarette smoke, according to the USC HealthNow publication. They believe that following the liquids-only diet will help clear toxins throughout the body, from large organs such as the kidneys and intestines all the way down to the nerves, arteries, glands and cells. The alleged payoff is improved skin, weight loss and fewer health problems such as infections and arthritic pain.
The Medical View
No data proves that the Master Cleanse Diet or any other detox diet is effective in removing toxic material from the body. According to the Harvard HEALTHBeat publication, much of the weight loss you might see from this diet is due to a very low intake of carbohydrates and a loss of water weight through diarrhea or frequent bowel movements. Other purported benefits, such as increased energy and focus, may simply be due to a belief that the cleanse is working. In reality, most of the toxins you ingest are processed through your liver and kidneys and removed through your stool and urine.
The Risks
The Master Cleanse diet is low in essential nutrients such as fatty acids and protein, which may lead you to become malnourished if you follow it for an extended period. The frequent use of laxative tea and salt water may also lead to poor bowel function, an electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. You may also experience signs and symptoms such as muscle breakdown, reduced immunity, fatigue, irritability, nausea and vomiting, according to USC HealthNow. In serious cases, the cleanse could lead to a condition that causes high acidity in the body, which may eventually lead to coma and death. Children, teens, pregnant women, people on blood thinners and people with heart, diabetes, bowel and kidney conditions are at especially high risk of side effects.
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