The master cleanse is easing its way back to the top of spring diet trends.
The master cleanse, also known as the lemonade diet, has gone viral again. Whether it’s the New Year resolutions or the fabulous stars on the red carpet at the Golden Globes this past Sunday, something has put a new glamour in going to the commode 12 times a day.
The sweet and spicy potion consists of purified water, cayenne pepper, grade B maple syrup and fresh lemon juice. The liquid-only diet is meant to last 10-40 days, and a gourmet salt-water flush and laxative tea is the only alternatives to get New Year cleansers through their hours of cravings and fatigue.
There are some health benefits, as 1940s self-taught healer Stanley Burroughs originally intended. Many believe their loose stool side effect is actually the release of foul toxins and report having more energy during and after the master cleanse. Not being full of you-know-what tends to have that effect on people.
Others on the master cleanse report more serious side effects like the formation of gall stones and malnutrition due to the average 650 daily caloric intake. Many master cleansers report finding their inner zen through overcoming the irritability of not being able to consume solids with their friends at buffets and their ex’s wedding receptions.
Beyonce and Miranda Kerr are among many celebrities who attribute their weight loss to the master cleanse trend that now has its own endcap at some Whole Foods Market locations.
It’s said that 5-year-olds will be selling the master cleanse for an extra 10 cents at their lemonade stands this summer. I can imagine all the suburban moms rushing home from their car pool duty. No pun.
As always, it’s best to consult your doctor before trying a new diet. Those with diabetes, cancer and anemia are strongly encouraged to stay away from the master cleanse.
