Master Cleanse
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The Master Cleanse detox diet, also known as the Lemonade Diet was created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941 and made popular by Peter Glickman through his book Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days, which adapts Burroughs' regimen to a modern audience.[1]
The Master Cleanse involves drinking a mixture of fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and grade B maple syrup. This is followed up with a saltwater drink designed to purge the stomach and bowels. Some people choose to take a laxative while on the Master Cleanse, but no solid food is eaten while on the cleanse. The typical amount of time spent on the Master Cleanse is ten days, although it is not uncommon for people to stay on the cleanse for longer periods of time.
The Master Cleanse is said to eliminate waste that has built up in the body. Supporters of the Master Cleanse have credited it with helping them lose weight, increase energy, and even cure chronic diseases. Recently, the cleanse received media attention, as the singer/actress Beyoncé did it for 10 days and lost 22lbs (9kg) for her role in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls.[1]
[edit] Criticism
One critic of the Master Cleanse has pointed to an "alarming lack" of essential nutrients, citing a deficiency of protein, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium.[2] As a result of these deficiencies, individuals on the diet may experience dizziness, delirium, and fainting in the short term, with possible damage to the body ocurring in longer-term applications.[2] People with intestinal conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome may experience added discomfort. Furthermore, there is a risk that the saltwater "flush" may remove both beneficial and harmful bacteria from the body.[2] Finally, a no-food diet may cause the gut to stop passing food, resulting in constipation, or may make the consumption of food immediately after the fast painful.
Another problem with the Master Cleanse diet is that it is sometimes recommended as a proven weight loss program. Beyoncé herself denounced the cleanse as a weight-loss program, stating, "I wouldn't recommend it if someone wasn't doing a movie ... there are other ways to lose weight."[1] Proponents of the cleanse do not universally recommend it for weight loss, focusing instead on its alleged detoxifying properties.
Dr. Sunil Patel of Halifax's Queen Elizabeth Health Centre studied the Master Cleanse diet and suggested that it operates solely as a placebo and has no other health benefits.[1] Others have pointed out that one possible benefit of the Master Cleanse is that it helps patients re-examine their lifestyle and embrace healthy eating.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Patriquin, Martin (2006-09-11). "Star loses 22 lb. on maple syrup diet!". Maclean's 119 (36/37): 73. Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
- ^ a b c d Clarke, Jane. "The nutritionist's view:Lemon aid", The Times (London UK), 2006-01-24, pp. 4. Retrieved on February 15, 2007.
