Master Cleanse Detox Diet

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 promotes Burroughs' regimen to a modern audience.[1]

The Master Cleanse is said by Stanley Burroughs to eliminate toxins and congestion that have built up in the body.[2] Dr. Ed Zimney has argued that, while toxins (such as mercury from the ingestion of Fish) do accumulate over time, lemon juice and maple syrup could "not in any possible way eliminate any of these toxins." [3]

Recently, the cleanse received media attention as a result of being embraced by some celebrities. The singer/actress Beyoncé did it for 10 days and lost 22lbs (9kg) for her role in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls.[1] Howard Stern's cohost Robin Quivers claims to have lost 73 lb using the Master Cleanse. Similarly, Jared Leto says he lost the weight he gained to play 'Mark David Chapman' (he gained 72 lbs.) all from the master cleanse [1][4]

Supporters of the Master Cleanse have credited it with helping them lose weight, increase energy, and even alleviate some chronic diseases.[5]


The Diet
Although the the recipe varies from source to source the ingredients are generally the same. The Master Cleanse involves eating no solid food. The diet is for a recommended minimum of ten days, although it is not uncommon for people to stay on the cleanse for longer periods of time. In addition, to help elimination, cleansers drink a cup of herbal laxative tea each evening and a saltwater drink or another cup of laxative tea each morning.[2][5]


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.[6] 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 occurring in longer-term applications.[6] Dr. Joel Fuhrman attributes these effects to detoxification, which he says passes after the toxins are eliminated.[7] Other authors assert the benefits of fasting are related to its lack of nutrients.[7][8][9][10]

People with intestinal conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome may experience added discomfort while on the cleanse. There is a risk that the saltwater "flush" may remove both beneficial and harmful bacteria from the body.[6] 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.

Medical authorities say that those who try the Master Cleanse to lose weight will gain it back in time.[4] Beyoncé denounced using 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 recommend it solely for weight loss, instead focusing on its alleged detoxifying properties.[5]

Dr. Sunil Patel of Halifax's Queen Elizabeth Health Centre and other medical professionals have suggested that the cleanse operates as a placebo and has no other health benefits.[1][3] Others have pointed out that one benefit of the Master Cleanse is that it helps patients re-examine their lifestyle and embrace healthy eating.[6]