The Lemon Diet

The naturopathic approach to weight loss is quite different to that of the orthodox medical community, and there are very few family doctors who would recommend the Lemon Diet. Having said that, many people do use naturopathic methods with, they claim, success in treating health problems which conventional medicine has left unsolved. I do not recommend this diet, and only present it for general knowledge purposes.

The Lemon Diet is an improved version of a diet recommended by Stanley Burroughs, one of the best known of naturopathic practitioners. It is basically a fast, during which the only source of calories is a special blend of syrups and lemon juice, which can be drunk in unlimited amounts. The length of the fast varies according to the state of the patients health, with some people fasting for as long as ten days, during which time some fasters also use laxative tea and saline washes to cleanse the digestive system of impurities.

The most important ingredient in the fast is a syrup which is meant to balance minerals and support the body while fasting. This is made from the sap of four different types of palm tree which grow in Asia, and pure maple syrup, and is sold mixed and canned as Madal Bal Tree Syrup. A special lemonade is made up from 70 ml of this syrup, 70 ml of lemon juice, a dash of cayenne pepper and enough pure spring water to make up one litre. During the length of the fast at least ten to twelve cups of this lemonade should be drunk each day, providing about 600 to 800 calories. In addition, at least one and a half litres of water and herb tea should be drunk, and a mild laxative tea such as cascara, dandelion, golden seal or licorice root taken in the evening and morning. The final part is an optional daily colon cleanse using a litre of water with two teaspoons of salt.

The fast must be broken gradually, with only fruit juices being taken on the first day, on the second day fruit juices and vegetable soup, and on the third day a small amount of solid food.

According to naturopathic practitioners, this fast is meant not only to aid weight loss but also to allow the body to heal itself, and especially to remove toxins. Among the conditions treated with fasting are asthma, sinusitis, cholecystitis and acne, all considered to be caused by congestion and toxic build up.

The usual objections to unhealthy diets raised by nutrition experts apply to this diet. It is obvious that vitamins and minerals are lacking, protein and calories are severely restricted and weight loss, although rapid, is mostly from water and loss of muscle mass. After ending the fast at least half of the weight lost returns immediately, even according to naturopathic sources, and during the fast many people feel nausea and weakness. On the other hand, some people do report feeling very fit and full of energy during the fast, and many report managing to retain at least some of the weight loss after returning to a normal diet.