The lemon water cleanse is also known by a number of other names, including the Master Cleanse and the Lemon Pepper Cleanse. The original recipe for the Lemon Water Cleanse dates back to the 1970s, when alternate health advocate Stanley Burroughs published the book “The Master Cleanser.” There are several variations of the lemon cleanse, some of which require you to drink laxatives every night while on the program.
Weight Loss
During the lemon water cleanse, you avoid all solid foods and instead drink only the lemon water for up to 14 days. Due to the low caloric intake, you will lose significant weight — a minimum of 3 lbs. of fat weekly, plus additional pounds in the form of water weight, according to the official Master Cleanse website. If you are looking for a quick weight-loss solution, the lemon cleanse does work. However, as with other fad diets, you are likely to regain all the weight once you return to your normal eating habits.
Cleansing
The claim behind the creation of the lemon detox diet is that the body accumulates toxins every day. If you don’t get rid of them, you might get sick or end up with sluggish metabolism. However, health experts don’t believe detox diets or cleanses are necessary. According to registered dietitian Susan Moores, diets like the Master Cleanse can lead to a weak immune system, drastic changes in your blood sugar, muscle breakdown and diarrhea. She also points out that the human body does a perfectly fine job of cleansing itself; thus, such detox cleanses are not necessary or useful.
Side Effects
The lemon cleanse has many side effects. Because of the laxative teas or herbs you’re required to take during the cleanse, you could develop diarrhea and suffer stomach cramps. You will also be tired and might experience dizziness and headaches.
Detox Symptoms
The lemon cleanse points to signs such as dizziness, nausea and diarrhea as an indication that your body is “toxic” and the cleansing is working. However, it’s exactly the opposite, according to nutrition specialist Marc Lawrence, M.D. The signs indicate that your body is dehydrated and experiencing metabolic acidosis, which can occur when laxative abuse acidifies your blood.
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