“Fads are the kiss of death. When the fad goes away, you go with it.”- Conway Twitty

Lemon Detox water swept across the nation (not literally like a tsunami of detox water or anything) when Beyonce credited the diet to a twenty pound weight loss over a period of fourteen days. Miss Knowles, looked great for her photo shoot and women across the country began to perk their ears.

Yet does this weight loss miracle mix truly live up to its expectations?

In general Americans (and really people as a whole), tend to value the result more so than the process. “It doesn’t matter if I remember anything from the test as long as I pass it,” “Who cares if I broke the speed limit as long as I get there on time,” etc. People love shortcuts in most situations and fast painless weight loss appeals to everyone.

There exists however a consequence for every shortcut and easy way out. “I may have passed the class but now I will have to relearn all of it when I become a doctor and have to operate on living human beings,” “I got to school on time but I had a greater chance of getting a ticket or being in an accident.” The same applies to quick fix health fads.

Lemon detox water consists of pure water, lemon, organic maple syrup and Cayenne Pepper. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this concoction at all. In fact, detox water (at least in my book) is considered a relatively healthy mixture.

The diet however, is a bit more questionable. The Lemon Detox Diet as prescribed by Beyonce calls for the removal of all solid foods over the course of a ten to fourteen day period. During this time participants consume only detox water (about 6 to 12 glasses a day). A daily or bi-daily laxative or cleanse is recommended in order to really flush everything out (yes I know gross!).

The lemon detox diet water fad is in actuality more of a really long fast than a diet. The question everybody wants to know is does it actually work? The answer: yes. In most circumstances the removal of near all caloric intake results in weight loss. However, many nutritionists have taken on a skeptical air about this quick fix tactic.

According to WebMd detoxification methods have not been scientifically proven to result in permanent weight loss and may even weaken muscles and bone. They state that the livers natural function should make detox and irrelevant practice.

“Because you’re getting so few calories, you’ll probably lose weight. You’ll also be losing muscle, bone, and water. And you’re likely to gain the weight right back. There’s no proof that detoxifying leads to long-term weight loss. Plus, you don’t need to detox your body — your liver takes care of that.” –WebMD

Receiving less caloric intake may lead to weight loss but it also slows the metabolism for a time. A person with little substance is likely to feel light headed which is not only unpleasant but dangerous in some situations. In addition, those engaged in active movement or exercise will have very few calories to expend and therefore become fatigued very quickly. “My diet doesn’t allow me to exercise,” is not a positive or natural statement.

NBC news reported unpleasant and uncalled for side effects for those engrossed in the lemon detox diet plan.
“Vitamin deficiencies, muscle breakdown and blood-sugar problems — not to mention frequent liquid bowel movements — are some of the seriously unpleasant drawbacks to these plans, which are skimpy on solid foods and often call for laxatives.”- NBC News

Children, people with diabetes and pregnant women are not recommended to take part in this low nutrient diet for obvious reasons.

The reality is that one is capable of the same results with natural methods. Eating fiber and drinking lots of water will naturally aid the liver in detoxification. In addition, a less extreme diet supplemented with regular exercise will lead to eventual weight loss. These methods may be slower and more extensive but they are more likely to result in long term weight loss. More importantly they don’t put one at risk for conditions related to a lack of nutrients. In short a natural diet is not only healthier but makes one feel better as well. Remember, thin, not sickly.

The lemon detox diet will work but the results may not be permanent. In addition, the diet deprives the human body of natural nutrients and may lead to fatigue, being light headed and general grumpiness. The detox diet will not (hopefully) kill you but it is in fact an impractical way to lose weight and cleanse the body. Natural alternatives will more than suffice and in most cases are beneficial for muscle and bone density.

The choice is yours. Will you be nutty about health?

To read more from Health Nut, check out The Black List, America’s “Poser Foods”.