In conclusion, it's important to take into consideration all the advantages and disadvantages of the Master Cleanse Diet. Mainly, we must consider that most publications with the details of the diet are formed around the consumer base. There is no statistical evidence that the Master Cleanse diet is an effective diet. One must be willing to take chances with dietary ketosis and suffer through the side effects including nausea and fatigue. If you're just looking to lose weight, you will only be losing fluid weight and will quickly gain it back after the diet is phased out. If the objective is to detoxify the body, it's important to trust our body to  clean itself properly and provide protection against foreign objects as a result of properly functioning organs.  Personally, I would have no interest in pursuing the Master Cleanse diet and I prefer maintaining a well-balanced food plan including each of the four main food groups. 

What will you decide?

                  Ketosis is a dietary condition in which there are high levels of ketones in the blood. Ketones are produced from fatty acids in the liver. The formation of ketones (used for energy) takes place when glycogen stores in the liver are depleted. The body transitions from burning carbohydrates to burning fats for energy. The accumulation of fat in the body becomes the main energy source and ultimately results in the reduction of weight (ie. Low carb diets such as the Master Cleanse). Ketosis may occur in individuals with Type 1 diabetes, alcoholism, starvation, low carb diets and high fat or protein diets. (Nordqvist, 2010)

             The average human body creates energy from monosaccharides such as glucose, rather than energy from fat (ketosis). Here is the usual process of cellular respiration, beginning the cycle with glucose. (Nordqvist, 2010)

              While we fast or experience a drastic starvation in carbohydrates, oxaloacetate is depleted in the liver. This is because it is used for gluconeogenesis, the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate molecules such as glycerol and proteins rather than from carbohydrates. This alters the process of cellular respiration because it slows down the entry of acetyl-CoA intro Krebs cycle. Acetyl-CoA is then converted into ketone bodies in liver mitochondria (Diwan, 2007). 

               If there is a lack of glucose or insulin levels are insufficient, the body is forced to break down stored fat to create ATP. By metabolizing fat, ketone body levels increase in blood. Since high ketone levels can be toxic, the blood can lower in pH and organs such as the kidney and liver can be damaged (Nordqvist, 2010).
  

              When prolonging a high-protein or low carb diet, it is important to note that you may be at higher risk of osteoporosis or high cholesterol. It is interesting that when the human body tries to reduce its acetone levels (a type of ketone), it causes a sweet and fruity breath. These levels can also be reduced through urination (Livestrong, 2010).

               A ketogenic diet for the treatment of epilepsy was first developed in the early 1900s. This diet is high in fats and low in carbohydrates and makes the body burn fat for energy. This process helps about every 2 in 3 children who have epilepsy. For 1 in 3 children, the seizures will stop completely. Vitamins may be added to this diet to enhance nutrient intake (Nordqvist, 2010).

 

Here is a synopsis of published articles by universities and professionals who discuss the topic of detox diets such as the Master Cleanser, and their effects.

Detox Diets
Detox currently refers to commercial advertisements, websites and articles that persuade us to eliminate toxins in our body. Detox products found in stores, spas and on websites claim to offer great benefits such as detoxifying organs, preventing headaches and bloating as well as eliminating depression and tiredness. Although, the validity of these guarantees are questioned as scientific evidence is very rarely shown  (Harvard, 2008).

The Master Cleanse diet has several variations. It usually involves consuming a quart of warm salt water in the morning as well as consuming a 60-ounce mixture of water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper throughout the day. In the evening, a cup of laxative tea is often consumed. This diet spans for at least 10 days (Harvard, 2008).

The purpose of the Master Cleanse is to restore one’s energy, lose weight quickly and relieve symptoms of very chronic conditions. But what evidence proves that the Master Cleanse can work these wonders? There is currently no data on the Master Cleanse in medical literature. However, studies show that fasts and other very low-calorie diets lower the body’s basal metabolic rate because it struggles to conserve energy. Bowel movements and diarrhea are common as produced by salt water and laxative tea. The majority of weight loss is achieved from fluid loss due to extremely low carbohydrate intake. The major problem is that when the individual resumes regular diet after the Master Cleanse, the weight will be regained quickly (Harvard, 2008).

Houston, we have a problem.
The Master Cleanse lacks protein, fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. The dieter’s daily calorie intake is extremely low at 600 calories due to the lack of carbohydrate supply. The evening laxatives may cause dehydration, reduce electrolytes and alter regular bowel movements. Microorganisms that carry out useful digestive functions will be disrupted through this diet. Repetition of this diet can increase the risk of “metabolic acidosis”, a disruption of the body’s acid-base balance. This results in excessive acidity in the blood, which, in extreme cases, can be fatal (Harvard, 2008).

The bottom line.
Ultimately, we should trust our bodies to put the right mechanisms in place to handle toxins from environmental threats and indulgence. Instead of trying an unsafe, ineffective diet, we should attempt to maintain a regular healthy diet. This may consist of adequate fluid intake, frequent exercise, enough sleep and healthy foods (Harvard, 2008).

Debunking Detox Diets

In 2007, The Master Cleanse was the most searched recipe on Google.com. The combination of lemon juice, maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper is one that people treat almost religiously in an effort to rid their body of pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods (University of Southern California, 2008).  

According to Roger Clemens, a professor of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences and the University of Southern California, “There is absolutely no clinical data that supports any of these claims. No such data has even been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration” (University of Southern California, 2008).  

Potential Negative Effects of the Master Cleanse as presented by Roger Clemens

-Nutrient insufficiency from protracted starvation
-Blood-sugar problems
-Tiredness
-Nausea and vomiting
-May lead to binge eating

Clemens suggests that Americans have the mindset that “if some is good, more is better”. Although the Master Cleanse is supposed to last about 10 days, people will prolong the dieting process to 40 days because they believe that they will reap more benefits. Serious medical problems can arise if this is the case (University of Southern California, 2008).  

The following is a based on a journal article published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2004, written by Anssi H. Manninen.

Manninen describes that during a very low carbohydrate intake, the production of ketone bodies can cause a harmless physiological state called “dietary ketosis”. Ketone bodies are a good respiratory fuel and may offer therapeutic potential in rare diseases (Manninen, 2004). Interested about the process of ketosis and its ability to alter cellular respiration? Learn more about dietary ketosis and cellular respiration in my next blog! (Coming Soon!)