What does a lemon detox do to your body?
A lemon detox, also known as the master cleanse or lemonade diet, has become a popular method for quickly losing weight and “cleansing” the body. The lemon detox involves consuming nothing but a lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water mixture for a period of 3 to 10 days. Proponents claim that this detox can boost energy levels, improve skin appearance and promote weight loss. However, there are some safety concerns to be aware of.
How a Lemon Detox Works
The standard lemon detox recipe involves mixing:
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
- 1/10 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces of purified water
This mixture is consumed 6-12 times per day as the sole source of nutrition. The minimum duration is usually 3 days but it can be continued for up to 10 days.
Weight loss occurs on this diet because of the extreme calorie restriction. The maple syrup and lemon juice contain minimal calories and nutrients.
Here is a breakdown of the approximate nutrients in the standard lemon detox recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Protein | 0 grams |
| Fat | 0 grams |
| Carbs | 15 grams |
| Sugar | 13 grams |
As you can see, one serving of the lemon detox drink provides less than 60 calories. Given that a single serving is not enough to sustain the body’s energy needs for long, stored body fat gets broken down to make up for the calorie deficit when only the detox drink is consumed for multiple days.
Claimed Benefits of a Lemon Detox
Here are some of the most commonly promoted health benefits of doing a lemon water detox:
Promotes Weight Loss
The severe calorie restriction causes rapid weight loss, especially in the first few days. However, most of the weight lost on this diet is water weight and lean tissue rather than fat.
Improves Digestion
Lemon juice contains nutrients like vitamin C and potassium that may help improve gut health and digestion. The maple syrup provides a source of glucose that can help maintain gut function during fasting.
Boosts Energy Levels
Supporters claim that once your body adjusts to fasting, you will feel more energized without food in your system. However, no studies support this and most people report feeling tired and weak while on the detox.
Clears Skin
Lemons contain antioxidants that help flush toxins from the body. This antioxidant effect could potentially improve skin appearance.
Reduces Inflammation
Animal studies show citric acid may reduce inflammatory markers. The potential anti-inflammatory benefits of lemon juice require more human research.
Cleanses the Body
Advocates say eliminating solid food clears toxins from the body. However, there is no evidence that detoxes or cleanses can remove toxins.
Concerns About the Lemon Detox Diet
While quick weight loss may occur, there are some major health concerns with following a lemon detox diet, including:
Extremely Low in Calories
Consuming fewer than 600-800 calories per day can cause fatigue, muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Lacks Essential Nutrients
This detox provides almost zero protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. These are essential nutrients vital for health.
May Disrupt Blood Sugar Levels
Healthy fats and fiber help maintain steady blood sugar. The detox could cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar.
Can Cause Dehydration
Drinking only this sugary lemon drink and no other fluids can increase dehydration risk.
Not Suitable for Some People
People with diabetes, eating disorders or gastroesophageal reflux disease should avoid detoxes like this.
Lasting Weight Loss Unlikely
Rapid weight loss often occurs but is mostly regained after the detox ends and normal eating resumes.
The Final Verdict
The master cleanse diet may lead to short-term weight loss but has several potentially negative health effects. Other methods of losing weight or detoxing are safer and more sustainable.
Instead of a liquid-only detox, try cleansing your body and staying healthy with these tips:
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains
- Stay hydrated and drink water throughout the day
- Cut back on processed foods, salt, sugar and saturated fat
- Get daily exercise, even just walking
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga or relaxation techniques
Focusing on whole, minimally processed foods can help cleanse your system without the risks of fasting with a lemon detox diet.
