This article's factual accuracy is disputed. Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page. (February 2009)

The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemon Cleanse and the Maple Syrup Diet, is a body and mind detoxification program created by alternative medicine performer Stanley Burroughs in 1941. In the mid-nineties it was made popular by Peter Glickman by promoting Burroughs' regimen to a modern audience^[1] and in 2009 the Master Cleanse was revived in the form of an iPhone app by a Californian mobile app development firm.^[2] Burroughs states that it is a detoxification program that aids in the removal of harmful toxins from within the body, as well as a reducing diet for loss of weight, and a cure for ulcers and "every kind of disease," resulting in "the correction of all disorders."^[3][4] However, there is no empirical, peer-reviewed evidence that this diet achieves anything beyond weight loss.

Contents 1 Description 2 Health claims 3 Used for weight loss 4 References

[edit] Description

The Master Cleanse claims to be a way to cleanse the body of and remove the cravings associated with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, eating, "Coffee, tea, and various hot drinks."^[3] The cleanse involves drinking only a concoction made from fresh lemons, grade B maple syrup and cayenne pepper, as well as a laxative tea. No solid food is eaten for the entire cleanse. According to proponents it is recommended to be on the cleanse for a minimum of ten days, but some people stay on the cleanse for longer periods of time, even as long as 45 days to 90 days.^[5]

[edit] Health claims

Stanley Burroughs and other authors say that The Master Cleanse will eliminate toxins (pesticides, hormones, prescription drugs, chemical fertilizers, heavy metals) and congestion that have built up in the body.^[3] For people in good health, the body is designed to eliminate normal everyday toxins from itself through the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other eliminator organs.^[6] Supporters of the Master Cleanse have credited it with helping them lose weight, increase energy, and even alleviate some chronic diseases and increase sexual stamina, but there is no empirical peer-reviewed evidence that it achieves anything other than weight loss.

Nutritionist Jane Clark points to a lack of essential nutrients in this program, citing a deficiency of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the regimen^[7] although dietary deficiencies in protein may not lead to the individual showing signs of protein deficiency if it is followed only for a short time. As a result of these deficiencies, including far fewer calories than the recommended amount for health and optimum functioning, individuals on the diet may experience headaches and a variety of other symptoms in the short term.^[7] Dr. Joel Fuhrman attributes these effects to detoxification, which he says passes after the toxins are eliminated.^[8] Many authors assert the benefits of fasting are related to its lack of nutrients, particularly macronutrients.^{[8][9][10][11]} It could be dangerous if followed in the long term.^[7]

Clark also believes that the saltwater "flush" may remove both harmful and beneficial bacteria from the body^[7]. 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 cleanse painful. Some people might actually have watery bowel movements. This is actually fine but if it persists for more than 2 days or more, it is important to consult a medical professional. ^[12] People with intestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome may experience discomfort while on the cleanse. Some people who have followed the cleanse feel that a 14-day regimen of the program will eliminate that condition altogether^{[reference needed]}.

[edit] Used for weight loss

Many proponents of the cleanse do not recommend it solely for weight loss, instead mentioning its purported detoxifying properties. When following the Master Cleanse, people will certainly lose weight.^[13]

Some people in the entertainment industry have used the Lemonade Diet for rapid weight loss, leading members of the public to follow their example and use what has been described as an extreme fad diet,^[14] or as a crash diet. In 2006, the cleanse received media attention as a result of being embraced by some celebrities. The singer/actress Beyoncé did it for 14 days and lost 22 lb (10 kg) for her role in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls.^[15] Other celebrities include rapper Trina who did this liquid diet for 13 days and 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 62 lb) all from the master cleanse.^[16]

Medical authorities say that those who try the Master Cleanse to lose weight will gain it back in time.^[14] 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."^[15] Other doctors have stated lack of key nutrients among reasons why they don't recommend detox diets^[17] considering them unnecessary and potentially dangerous.^[6]

[edit] References