Fasting detox diets such as the Master Cleanse are not only nutritionally inadequate; they may also cause heartburn as well as potentially serious complications. Though proponents of the Master Cleanse claim you'll look and feel better after following the diet, many health and nutrition experts say they find these claims dubious. According to Gary Foster, director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University in Philadelphia, there's no data to support the claims made by Master Cleanse enthusiasts, and fasting for weight loss is not a reasonable approach.
About the Master Cleanse
The Master Cleanse is a liquid-only detox diet that entails drinking a mixture of cayenne pepper, lemon juice, maple syrup and water. This diet was developed by Stanley Burroughs in his book "The Master Cleanser." Proponents of this fasting regimen claim the diet will help you lose weight and detoxify your body for better overall health. There are many variations of the diet, some of which also include taking laxatives.
About Heartburn
Heartburn occurs when acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus. Though it's called heartburn, it's actually this acid burning your esophagus -- not your heart -- that causes the painful sensations associated with this condition. In addition to chest pain, heartburn can cause hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and frequent belching. Certain medications, alcohol, pregnancy and specific foods may trigger heartburn symptoms in some people. If left untreated, heartburn may damage your esophagus due to acid irritation.
Master Cleanse and Heartburn
The University of Texas Medical Branch notes that acidic juices such as lemon juice as well as spicy substances can trigger an attack of heartburn. Since the Master Cleanse regimen consists of mostly lemon juice and spicy cayenne pepper, following this diet may cause heartburn, especially if you're prone to heartburn attacks already. Since the diet includes no solid food, the only thing you'll consume during a Master Cleanse session is potentially heartburn-inducing substances.
Considerations
Heartburn is not the only risk associated with the Master Cleanse diet. According to Harvard Medical School, liquid fasting diets can cause dehydration, impair bowel and digestive function and deplete electrolytes. If done frequently, the Master Cleanse can lead to metabolic acidosis, coma and death. Further, no solid evidence exists that the Master Cleanse improves health, and the weight you lose is mostly water weight, which you'll likely gain back. Instead of trying a heartburn-inducing and potentially dangerous fast, try a healthier diet instead, focusing on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lots of water. Registered dietitian Joy Bauer, author of "Joy's Life Diet," says this type of diet will clean your system and promote good health better than fasting diets.
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