One of the current fads promoted for weight loss is the Master Cleanse diet. However, this diet may have contributed to rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen’s recent emergency intestinal surgery. Van Halen, who has a history of diverticulitis, reportedly had a major issue with an intestinal eruption. Not only are fad diets not recommended for individuals with diverticulitis, but they place relatively healthy people at risk.
What is the Master Cleanse Diet?
Master Cleanse is a method of supposedly cleansing the intestinal system which leads to dramatic and fast weight loss. It consists of eliminating solid foods and replacing them with a combination of lemon juice, water, cayenne pepper and maple syrup. This concoction is supposed to be used for up to 10 days. In other words, removing all nutrition and pushing the body into starvation mode. It is also known as the Lemon Juice Detox Diet, Lemonade Diet and Maple Syrup Diet. It has been promoted by numerous Hollywood celebrities as a quick and easy way to lose weight.
Dangers of Starvation
Starving yourself to lose weight is not a new method of dieting. However, it is a dangerous one. By eliminating healthy foods from your diet, you push your body into thinking that food is scarce. In reaction, cells begin to shut down and lack of protein forces muscle destruction, including vital heart muscle. Fat is the last form of tissue to be burned off because the body will use it as a last resort source of energy. Starvation dieting often becomes a vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting for many people.
Better Choices for Losing Weight
There are much better ways to lose weight and maintain your health. A cleanse diet can be a reasonable choice if it is done correctly. For example, eliminating solid foods that are high in fat and sodium and replacing them with healthy fruit and vegetable juices, rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals can be an excellent start to removing body toxins and losing weight.
Replacing processed foods with whole foods, including organic vegetables, fruits and nuts is also a good way to lose weight. Simply removing soda from your diet can lead to weight loss. Eating lean meats, such as fish and poultry can also lower your fat and sodium intake.
You can lose weight and not starve yourself. Fad diets may result in quick weight loss but they can also place your life in danger. Instead, try changing your relationship with food and developing a lifestyle that incorporates healthy foods and regular physical activity. You will live longer and your body will reward you with good health.
Have you ever struggled with your weight? What has worked for you to promote weight loss? Let us know in your comments!
– The Alternative Daily
