Lemon Detox Diet in South Africa – Benefits and Dangers
A popular weight loss detox program doing its rounds in South Africa is the lemon detox diet. Touted as the diet of choice for the Hollywood elite, the lemon detox is another starvation diet claiming its weight loss and body cleansing benefits. While fad diets come and go, few are as dangerous as the lemon detox diet and if you are suffering with any chronic disease like diabetes, the lemon detox diet is a sure recipe to land yourself in a hospital.
The lemon detox diet was developed as a quick weight loss method for shedding a few pounds prior to a big event. It does not offer lasting weight loss results and in all likelihood, one can expect to gain weight after completing the 10 to 14 day course. The concept of the lemon detox diet was first introduced in a book known as the Lemon Detox Diet Rejuvenation Sensation by Dr. K.A. Beyer but has since flourished across the globe undergoing slight changes in each country.
Lemon Detox Diet Instruction Guide
The lemon detox diet involves drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water containing the juice of half a lemon and topped with honey, maple syrup or molasses as well as spices like ginger and cayenne pepper. The recipe varies in different countries but the concept remains the same. Many companies are now selling sachets that contain a gel mixture of lemon extract, natural sweet resins and spices so you can empty the contents of the sachet directly into water.
During this time most dieters do not eat any meals, deriving their entire nutrition from the concoction. Some variations of the lemon detox diet does allow dieters small meals or a few fruits. The lemon detox diet originally proposed the use of a natural tree syrup derived from the madal bal tree but due to the lack of availability, many dieters have replaced this with raw honey or molasses.
Benefits of the Lemon Detox Diet
The proponents of the lemon detox diet claim that it is a method of losing weight while detoxifying the system. By following this diet plan for 10 to 14 days, a person can supposedly ‘flush’ their system of accumulated toxins which will increase the metabolism. Apart from the ‘cleansing’ effect, the diet will also allow you to burn fat quickly while passing out any excess water in the body. According to those promoting the lemon detox diet, your increased metabolism will thereafter ensure that the pounds stay off when you return to your regular eating habits.
These claims are dangerous fabrications that can prove to be a health risk. Fad diets like the lemon detox diet have little therapeutic value and is an obstacle in any weight management program.
Dangers of the Lemon Detox Diet
One of the greatest dangers associated with the lemon detox diet is as a result of blackout and dizziness. The dizziness and fainting spells may occur as a result of low blood sugar levels and a fluctuating blood pressure as a result of the lemon detox diet. If you are driving or working with heavy machinery, the danger is obvious. The headaches that are often experienced in these type of diets is often attributed to the ‘detoxification’ of the body but is actually a side effect of poor nutrition. If you have any chronic conditions, like diabetes or kidney disease, the lemon detox diet can be potentially fatal.
Don’t get caught up in fad diets with little weight loss benefit. These quick fix solutions will not offer lasting results and can work against your weight loss goals in the long run. Remember that a healthy diet of low GI foods with a daily calorie intake that is suitable for you along with a good exercise program is the only way to lose weight and keep it off.