The Lemonade Diet, also called the Master Cleanse diet, is often referred to as a fad diet as it involves eating or drinking the same thing for days at a time to lose weight quickly. The Master Cleanse diet is not suggested or approved by doctors as a way to lose weight, and in some cases, can cause serious health problems.
History
The Master Cleanse, Master Cleanser or Lemonade Diet was created by Stanley Burroughs in the 1950s. His release of the book, "The Master Cleanser" made the diet popular throughout the United States. Burroughs was not a doctor and was charged with second-degree murder in 1984 because a patient died while following the Master Cleanse under his care. Burroughs was convicted, but the charges were eventually reversed by the California Supreme Court. As of 2010, "The Master Cleanser" is still sold in bookstores and online.
Significance
The Lemonade Diet consists of drinking as much of a lemon and maple syrup mixture as desired throughout the day, and eating or drinking nothing else but water. The lemonade consists of 2 tbsp. grade B maple syrup, 2 tbsp. fresh-squeezed lemon juice, 1/10 tsp. cayenne powder and 8 ounces spring water or filtered water. The lemonade can be made in large batches or one cup at a time. Stanley Burroughs suggested easing into the diet by eating only broth and fruit juices two days before and after the diet.
Function
According to Stanley Burroughs, the Lemonade Diet provides just enough nutrients to stay energized while detoxifying and cleansing the body. On the other hand, Colleen Doyle, director of nutrition for the American Cancer Society states, "I've never seen any published trials that would lead me to believe that if you are healthy, your lungs, kidney and liver need help removing toxins from your body." The Lemonade Diet may provide drastic weight loss because so few calories are being consumed per day.
Time Frame
Burroughs suggests following the Lemonade Diet as long as the patient feels comfortable, although 14 days is the suggested duration. Patients who feel dizzy or faint should stop the diet immediately. Burroughs states that the Lemonade Diet can be used for as long as several months, although Burroughs is not a doctor, nor is the Lemonade Diet approved by the FDA as an effective weight loss or detoxification program.
Effects
Side effects of the Lemonade Diet may include diarrhea, nausea, headaches, constipation, stomach pain, dizziness and fainting. Individuals who experience these symptoms should stop the diet immediately. An individual following the Lemonade Diet should keep a protein-rich snack on hand at all times in case these side effects occur. The Lemonade Diet should be used with extreme caution and at your own risk, as it contains almost no protein, an essential nutrient required for proper nutrition.
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