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Following this liquid diet-for no more than 10 days-has helped many celebrities, like Beyonce and Robin Quivers, to lose weight. Although this and other “miracle” diets promise a quick weight loss, it’s essential to know its potential risks and consult with a medical doctor or register dietitian.

Also known as "Lemon Cleanse," the Master Cleanse diet remains one of the most controversial weight loss plans in history.

Although created in 1941 by Stanley Burroughs, this diet became popular in 2005, when thebook "Lose Weight, Have More Energy, and Be Happier in 10 Days," by Peter Glickman was published.

With the aim to detoxify the body and lose weight, several celebrities have accomplished weight loss through this program. The actress and singer Beyonce followed this diet for 14 days and lost 20 pounds before her film “The Dreamers.” In addition, rap singer Trina, and TV hosts Robin Quivers and Jared Leto also lost a few pounds with this weight loss plan. Despite the amazing results, these celebrities said they wouldn’t recommend this diet to everyone. In fact, most of them follow a balanced diet and an exercise routine to lose weight and stay in shape. 

The Secret of "Cleansing" Diets

"Cleansing" diets are diet plans based exclusively on liquid foods. That is, no solid food is accepted.

Among the health risks posed by these programs is the loss of essential nutrients: "From a nutritional point of view, these diets lack protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s very likely there will be a rapid drop in weight with the loss of fluids, but when the diet goes back to normal, weight is quickly recovered,” explained Sarah Couch, associate professor in the University of Cincinnati Department of Nutritional Sciences.

Bad mood, irritability, and chronic fatigue are some of the symptoms that may occur. "I had many customers who tried the Master Cleanse plan, but had a resounding failure. Not only because they ended up with a headache, bad mood, and extreme hunger, but also because they regained the weight they had lost, and maybe even more,” said the coach, trainer and clinical hypnotherapist, Ariane Hunt. 

Essential to Consult a Physician

”Cleansing” diets have had as many stakeholders and supporters as detractors. Most health professionals don’t support these types of diet plans. Some believe a diet with these limitations is unnecessary: "There are many natural options to detoxify the body. For example, many fruits and vegetables help repair the body. They also improve digestion and help eliminate toxins,” commented Uche Udiatu, nutritionist and health expert from Toronto, Canada. 

Despite what everyone else believes, your doctor o register dietitian is the most qualified person to decide if you should follow this diet plan or not. 

MyDiet ^tm  recommends to lose weight through a healthy diet based on your own nutritional needs and health condition together with an appropriate exercise regimen.