Some people who sell the products for the diet are also doctors, and say that they've seen positive health effects such as the disappearance of acne, clearer vision, increased energy, the disappearance of dark circles around eyes,Some critics point to lack of essential nutrients in this program, citing a deficiency of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the regimen 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 less 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. Dr. Joel Fuhrman relates these effects to detoxification, which he says passes after the toxins are eliminated. Many authors assert the benefits of fasting are related to its lack of nutrients, particularly macronutrients. It could be dangerous if followed in the long term.

Some critics of the cleanse state that the saltwater "flush" may remove both beneficial and harmful bacteria from the body. 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. 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 cleanse will eliminate that condition altogether, however this may be a manifestation of the placebo effect, as there is no peer reviewed scientific evidence of this possible outcome. Used for weight lossProponents of the cleanse do not recommend it solely for weight loss, instead mentioning its detoxifying properties, though as with detox diets, there is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence of any positive effect from detox. Dr. Sunil Patel of Halifax's QEII Health Sciences Centre has suggested that the cleanse operates as a placebo and has no other health benefits.

When following the Master Cleanse, people will certainly lose weight. Some people in the entertainment industry have used this fast for rapid weight loss, leading members of the public to follow their example and use what has been described as an extreme fad diet 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 (9 kg) for her role in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls. 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. Medical authorities say that those who try the Master Cleanse to lose weight will gain it back in time. 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.


" The Master Cleanse is not recommended by most mainstream doctors, who don't recommend detox diets, considering them unnecessary and potentially dangerous.A detox diet is a dietary regimen involving a change in consumption habits in an attempt to detoxify the body, by removal of toxins or other contaminants. Proponents claim it improves health, energy, resistance to disease, mental state, digestion, as well as aiding in weight loss.

Master Cleanse

The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemon Cleanse and the Maple Syrup Diet, was created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941 and later popularized by Peter Glickman in his book (2005) Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days. . Burroughs states that it is a detoxification program that aids in the removal of harmful toxins from within the body. People have also used the cleanse to lose weight, although that is not the aim of the cleanse. DescriptionThe Master Cleanse claims to be a way to cleanse the body of toxins and remove the cravings associated with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and eating junk food. "Coffee, tea, and various cola drinks, as habit-forming beverages, also lose their appeal through the marvels of the lemonade diet." The cleanse involves drinking only lemonade made from fresh lemon juice, Grade B maple syrup, water and Cayenne pepper. No solid food can be eaten for the duration of the cleanse. The lemonade is best taken at room temperature. The master cleanse is technically not a "fast" and proponents say it is more gentle on the body because it does contain some essential vitamins and minerals.

According to proponents it is recommended to be on the cleanse for a minimum of ten days, but it is not uncommon for people to stay on the cleanse for longer periods of time, even as long as 45 days. A good indicator of when you should end the cleanse is when the coating on your tongue clears up and your tongue is nice and pink in the morning. This indicates that your body has cleared out most toxins. But you must judge for yourself when to end the diet.Since there is no intake of solid food, special precautions are taken to avoid constipation. Laxative tea, which is optional, is taken every night, and in the morning a quick drink of 32 ounces of lukewarm sea salt water serve as a top-down enema. This passes through the digestive system extremely quickly, usually causing defecation in 30-60 minutes. Many individuals don't require the laxative tea as long as the salt water has the desired effect.It is essential to go off of the cleanse slowly. The lack of solid foods for such long periods requires careful breaking, as gut flora need to re-develop and mucus linings re-build.


This usually involves drinking "full strength" juices for a day or two, while slowly adding in soups, then fruit, vegetables and nuts before resuming a regular diet. Some practitioners add probiotics at this time to help re-establish a healthy intestinal culture. Some individuals have returned to their healthy diet the following day after stopping the program without any problems, but this is rare and not recommended especially for first timers. Health claimsThe Master Cleanse is said by Stanley Burroughs and later authors to eliminate toxins and congestion that have built up in the body. However to do so is unnecessary as the body is excellent at removing normal everyday toxins from itself through the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other eliminatory organs. Supporters of the Master Cleanse have cred it with helping them lose weight, increase energy, and even alleviate some chronic diseases but there is no empirical peer-reviewed evidence that it achieves anything other than weight loss.