The Cayenne Pepper Detox diet today goes by many names but is based on that of alternative medicine promoter, Stanley Burroughs; initially published in his 1975 book, 'Healing for the Age of Enlightenment’.
The Master Cleanse: Basic Program
The Master Cleanse diet program calls for the elimination of all solid foods for a minimum of ten days. A lemonade concoction consisting of lemon juice, maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper is used to replace all food intake. The lemonade is consumed 6-12 times a day and is supplemented with salt water and herbal laxative tea.
Proponents contend that the ingredients instill the following benefits:
- Lemon Juice – Aids in releasing waste from the body without straining the digestive system
- Maple Syrup – Contains basic essential nutrients and calories to compensate for the lack of solids; rids the body of mucus
- Cayenne pepper – Helps in speeding up the metabolism encouraging the process of detox
- Salt Water and Herbal tea – Stimulates bowel movement thus allowing toxins to exit the body; a colonic flush
The Master Cleanse: Opinion and Alternatives
Rebecca Bielawski, Nutritionist – Spain
‘It is probable Master Cleanse would produce considerable loss of weight but the weight cannot be maintained because the general eating habits have not been changed. I think it would require considerable effort, you would feel very hungry and because you cannot eat what you need to it would provoke considerable anxiety and stress’.
‘The yoyo effect of weight gain and weight loss can make it more difficult to lose weight in the long term and can contribute to eating disorders and depression. Ten days is a long time to be on, what is basically, a starvation diet’.
Possible Physical and Mental Side Effects
‘When the body is confronted with extended periods without food it tends to conserve energy; lowering the metabolism. This provokes fatigue both mental and physical and the combustion of body fats and proteins which can produce dangerous byproducts’.
‘These include substances such as, ketones which can cause acidosis if produced in large quantities e.g. in diets insufficient in carbohydrates. Even more ketones will be produced if strenuous exercise is undertaken without eating carbohydrates’.
‘The lack of ingestion of solids affects the intestinal transit and balance of the intestinal flora provoking gases, constipation or diarrhea. Certain hydro-soluble vitamins e.g. the B complex vitamins which are essential for numerous processes, cannot be stored by the body and are required to be consumed as part of a diet every day. This Master Cleanse diet doesn’t take into consideration the effects of deprivation of these substances which could include a great number of problems such as: dysfunction in regulation of body temperature, alteration in hormone activity, immune system, concentration, etc’.
Alternative Weight Loss and Diet Suggestions
‘Rapid weight loss is usually only recommended in morbid obesity when the excess weight puts in serious danger the health or life of the patient and then only under strict medical supervision. However if one wishes to reduce their weight they should ensure that the diet remains balanced in all the major food groups and as varied as possible’.
‘There are no miracles, you can lose weight fast with this diet but it is usually weight in liquid; as our bodies are 60% water. But this will always return and why would you want to go to the trouble of losing it if it will just come back. Lifestyle changes can be made gradually but with lasting results. Everyone loses weight in a different way’.
There are many techniques used to assist in weight loss:
- Divide the diet into 5 or 6 smaller meals a day; avoid long periods without eating
- Drink plenty of water
- Use smaller plates at mealtime
- Avoid eating out
- Eat when relaxed, chew your food thoroughly
- Bulk up the size of the meals with vegetables
- Whole foods are more filling and give longer lasting energy than refined foods
- Avoid commercial snacks as they have many hidden fats and refined carbohydrates
- Hot broth and vegetable soups as a meal starter stay in the stomach and give the sensation of fullness
- Never go food shopping when you are hungry.
- Buy food in individual packs or freeze in individual portions (these do not need to be tiny)
- Eat as many vegetables as you wish (not counting starchy roots vegetables e.g. potatoes)
- Eat as much uncooked fruit as you wish (without being excessive)
- Indulge yourself with a small treat e.g. every few days
- Low fat or semi yoghurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise, desserts, sauces etc
- Use more spices, herbs and vinegars instead of fats
- Avoid fried food, and avoid carbonated soft drinks
- Alcohol in moderation as it is very high in calories and aside from the toxic effects it also affects food metabolism in a number of ways.
- Try to involve your family or partner, there are some foods that everyone can live without and usually there are healthier substitutes even for the most delicious junk food.
- Be creative with your meals
- Change sedentary habits e.g. don’t use the car unless absolutely necessary, use the stairs instead of lift etc
- Don’t aim for unrealistic targets
- Moderate exercise that you find enjoyable
‘You will find that there are a lot more benefits to improved eating habits and lifestyle than just weight loss’.
Related Articles:
A Bizarre History of Diet Fads in America
Sources:
The Real Deal on the Master Cleanse Diet - Patrika Tsai
The Master Cleanse - Cathy Wong
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