Lemon Body Cleanse

The lemon body cleanse, also known as the "lemonade cleanse" or the "master cleanse" is a detoxification program that involves drinking only a special mixture of lemonade, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. It is believed that the lemon body cleanse can work to remove toxins from the body, accelerate weight loss and improve overall health and wellness.

Method and Rationale

The lemon body cleanse is meant to last at least 10 days and no more than 40, during which participants eat no solid food and drink only a combination of lemon juice, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. It is believed that participating in the cleanse can eliminate accumulated toxins from junk food, soda and alcohol, and that in the long term, people who do the cleanse will no longer be troubled by cravings for unhealthy food or substances.

Good or Bad?

Because there is no scientific data to support the benefits of the cleanse, participants must decide for themselves if they think it is a positive choice. Stanley Burroughs, who designed the cleanse in 1941, claimed that the cleanse eliminates toxins from the body and promotes optimum functioning of the liver and other organs. The goal of the diet is to give the digestive tract a rest and burn excess fat storage.

Dietitians have noted, however, that the cleanse does not provide enough calories, protein or minerals for regular nutrition, and that a healthy body is designed to eliminate toxins on its own.

Not a Diet

Although the lemon body cleanse has gained a lot of popularity from its use by movie stars--including Beyonce, who reportedly lost 22 pounds in 10 days by following the cleanse--nutritionists argue that the cleanse is not a weight-loss regime. It is meant to detox the body, and although weight loss is a natural side-effect of such a calorie-restricted regime, it is not the cleanse's primary purpose. Participants tend to gain back any weight they lose during the cleanse as soon as they return to eating solid food.