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The skinny on the ‘cleanse’ diet

TEMPE — The long-lasting dieting trend in the United States continues today. America’s constant desire to lose weight and get into shape has arguably reached a peak, with the most recent fad of “cleansing.”

Within the past year, celebrities have popularized the controversial ‘Master Cleanse,’ a diet that consists of lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and organic grade B maple syrup. Commonly known as the “lemonade diet,” users are required to drink this mix for 10 days and ultimately are expected to lose at least seven to 10 pounds.

The cleanse diet is intended to clean out toxins and any unhealthy poisons in the body, although temporary weight loss is a positive outcome as well. Darin Zimmerman, 25, of Scottsdale, tried the cleanse diet for 10 days and lost about 12 pounds.

“I wasn’t trying to lose weight from the diet, but obviously that will happen regardless,” Zimmerman says. “I wanted to clean out my system and although it was really hard not to eat solid food during this time, I overall felt energized afterwards.”

Isagenix is another nutritionist company that advertises the cleanse diet. According to their official website, they offer either a nine- or 30-day program that is designed to help users lose weight while replenishing their bodies with essential nutrients. The products consist of diet supplments, drink mix and a full food menu.

Kenny Palmer, 22, of Denver, is an avid user of the Isagenix system. “I’ve been using Isagenix products since I was a senior in high school, so for about the last four years. I love the effect the system has on my body and my energy in general,” Palmer says. “It’s changed my overall diet and I feel so much healthier now, physically and mentally.”

While there are positive effects of the cleansing diet, health specialists agree there is a definite downside to the diet as well. Common symptoms experienced during dieting include fatigue, insomnia, feeling weak, headaches, dizziness, and irritation.

The fact that the weight loss is only temporary raises the question of whether the diet is worth it or actually as healthy as companies say it is. Although Master Cleanse proponents state that the ingredients are everything a person needs to get the proper nutrients, critics question if this is really possible.

“The cleanse won’t do any permanent damage to a human body, but it’s not necessarily healthy to rid your body of everything that’s in it,” says nutritionist Laura Grande, 23. “People who do it consistently, like every three or four months, are actually somewhat hurting their bodies because of the weight fluctuation.”

Another negative aspect of certain dieting systems is the money involved. The Isagenix nine- day program costs $183.75 with shipping and handling. To be considered an active member, customers have to spend more more to consistently stay current with the diet.

While there is a constant consumer demand for diet programs, it is clear that they are not all just focused on losing weight. There are positives and negatives that come with each option, and the results differ for every individual person.

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>>Email the editor at aklaw@zoniereport.com.