What is a Syrup Cleanse?

A syrup cleanse is a dietary method of detoxifying the body by consuming a tonic for a specified period, exclusive of all other food and drink. Most commonly referred to as the Master Cleanse, it consists of a combination of maple syrup, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper, suspended in water. It is also known by a few other names, including the maple syrup cleanse and the lemon syrup cleanse.

The creation of Stanley Burroughs, this detoxification method dates back to the 1940s. The syrup cleanse gained increasing popularity when Burroughs’ book, Healing for the Age of Enlightenment was released in the late 1970s. The book outlined the cleanse as an adjunct therapy to other components of a detoxification program, and included elements of color therapy and reflexology. Later, another book by Burroughs titled, The Master Cleanser, was solely dedicated to the health-giving benefits of this special diet. In 2005, the book, Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days, by Peter Glickman, gave new life to the practice.

Burroughs has made several claims about the syrup cleanse beyond aiding in the removal of environmental toxins from the body. For instance, he has also touted it as a means to combat addiction to junk food, tobacco, and alcohol. Burroughs also believes that it can cure ulcers and other diseases. In fact, he has described the syrup cleanse as a panacea, being capable of curing "every kind of disease." Of course, it is also designed to facilitate weight loss.

While there is little, if any, scientific evidence to substantiate these claims, many proponents of the syrup cleanse report satisfactory results. For instance, some users claim that the liquid diet clears up acne better than other cleanses. In terms of shedding pounds, many report rapid and significant weight loss. In fact, singer and actress Beyoncé used the method to lose more than 20 pounds (9.072 kilograms) in two weeks in preparation for her role in the movie Dreamgirls.

Critics of this cleanse express concern over the lack of nutrients and calories for the body and brain to function at full capacity. Others say that, while the cleanse may indeed expel toxins from elimination organs, it also removes beneficial bacteria from the gut, leading to an imbalance of intestinal flora. Common side effects reported by those who partake of the syrup cleanse are headaches and irritation of the bowels.

Generally speaking, the syrup cleanse is not highly recommended by the medical community at large. Aside from the potential risks cited above, many clinicians feel that a drastic detoxification diet is simply unnecessary and not worth the associated risks. In addition, there is a good deal of evidence that points to the fact that any weight loss experienced is usually gained back once the cleanse is discontinued.