Diet of Distilled Water, Maple Syrup and Cayenne Pepper

The detoxification diet known as the Master Cleanse or the Lemonade Diet is a diet that consists only of distilled water, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Toxins are all around us, and toxins are built up in our bodies as well. Some people believe that Master Cleanse will detoxify their bodies, help them lose weight, and give them more energy.

Background

The Master Cleanse diet was developed in the 1940s by Stanley Burrows. He published a book in the 1970s about the diet, and from there it gained popularity first as a detoxification method and then as a weight-loss method. To date, more books on the diet have been released with updated information. The diet is also popular now, as celebrities like Beyonc have used the Master Cleanse and lost weight quickly.

The Diet

Proponents of the Master Cleanse suggest easing yourself into the diet by spending two or three days eating only vegetables, and then a day or two drinking only water and orange juice. Dieters claim that this better prepares the body for the Master Cleanse, which involves a stint of at least 10 days without solid food. The only substance dieters are allowed is a mixture of filtered water, pure maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Along with this mixture, master cleansers are supposed to drink a saltwater flush daily to facilitate bowel movements. Some people experience stomach pain after drinking the saltwater solution. If needed, dieters are also allowed an herbal laxative tea, but advocates claim the saltwater flush is more effective. Whenever dieters feel hunger cravings, they are supposed to drink the lemon mixture. Most people try the diet for at least 10 days. Once the time period ends, you will need to ease back into eating solid food. Try juice and vegetable soups at first, and resist the urge to dive back into burgers and steaks too soon.

The Criticism

According to a Web MD feature about the Master Cleanse diet, nutritionists warn that the diet lacks nutrients necessary to our health. Little evidence exists regarding the diet's detoxification results. Medical experts claim that our bodies are perfectly equipped to rid themselves of harmful toxins, and that our bodies do so naturally. The liver is especially adept at cleansing bodily toxins. Experts also warn that losing weight quickly from a fasting diet causes the loss of muscle instead of fat, potentially harming the body. Since the Master Cleanse consists of only cayenne pepper, water, lemon juice, and syrup, the body may be lacking proteins that build muscle. After going off the diet, some individuals binge eat, which is also unhealthy. If you are considering the Master Cleanse, the wisest action would be to consult a physician first and hear his or her recommendations.