R&B star Beyoncé Knowles recently followed a starvation diet to shake a whopping 10kg in two weeks – weight she apparently had to lose for a film role.
The diet was simple: the singer could only drink a mixture of cayenne pepper, lemon juice, water and maple syrup. According to reports, the syrup was included because of its "detoxifying qualities".
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Health24 comments on the dangers of the so-called "Lemonade Diet":
Detox considered
The word "detox" is a term that is gaining popularity as the ultimate answer to the world's increasing weight problems. In this country, it has become synonymous with health hydros and weight-loss plans.
But what does it actually mean? Detox regimes are based on the premise that the body becomes saturated by "toxins" that we ingest and requires regular "cleansing" by means of a meagre eating plan that can range from water only to minimal amounts of raw fruit, vegetables and water.
There's no scientific evidence to support the idea that this approach is necessary or actually beneficial. The liver and kidneys are the filters in our bodies. As long as these organs are healthy, they will adequately rid the body of any toxins – without the need to starve.
Water intake positive
Perhaps the only positive thing that can be said about "The Lemonade Diet" is the intake of water.
Water is essential in terms of the body’s metabolism, digestion and absorption of nutrients. It keeps us hydrated and facilitates the transport of nutrients. It also flushes waste products for excretion through the kidneys.
Although it's unclear how much water Beyoncé was drinking while on the diet, one could assume that it would have been at least the recommended 6-8 glasses a day.
Associated risks
Apart from the above-mentioned water factor, I can think of no other pros to following such a restrictive starvation diet. So, let's concentrate on the potential cons:
1. Breakdown of muscle protein. While on the diet, Beyoncé was essentially starving her body of energy and essential nutrients. When we fast, whether for a day or a week, the effect is the same on the body.
When insufficient energy is obtained from food, the body will attempt to seek energy from body stores. It will first break down the muscle protein stores, and not the fat stores. Ultimately, there will be very little fat loss in the short term.
2. Strain on the organs. Muscle protein breakdown results in a large number of circulating waste products. These need to be flushed out of the body with the help of the liver and kidneys, placing additional strain on these organs.
3. A slower metabolism. Sudden, short-term weight loss will result from this type of regime. However, it is necessary to look at the type of "weight" lost.
The initial large weight loss is mainly caused by loss of glycogen (the stored form of carbohydrates in the liver and muscle), muscle and water. This will result in a slower metabolism and decreased metabolically active tissue, so your body will be utilising energy consumed less efficiently.
Once you stop the "detox diet", and eat as you did before, these losses, except for muscle, will be replaced very quickly. You will also tend to gain more fat mass as there is less muscle to burn energy, resulting in fast weight regain.
4. No long-term success. Losing 10kg in two weeks equates to five times the recommended 0,5 to 1,5kg per week considered appropriate for healthy, sensible weight loss and weight-loss maintenance over the long term.
5. An emotional toll. This approach doesn't encourage you to make long-term lifestyle and diet changes necessary for sustained health and weight management.
Diets that emphasise fast results with very little effort encourage unrealistic expectations, setting the individual up for disappointment, feelings of guilt and failure.
6. Negative effect on blood sugar. Juice and syrup will have adverse effects on blood sugar levels, causing a dramatic increase once consumed and an equally sudden drop in blood sugar soon thereafter.
This see-saw in blood sugar levels can lead to an energy surge, followed by an extreme lack of energy, lethargy, irritability, lack of concentration and cravings for highly sugary and fatty foods.
I assume that Beyoncé had to consume relatively large quantities of juice and syrup to maintain her blood sugar levels. Again, this doesn't instil healthy eating habits.
In conclusion
It's unfortunate that a marketing word, such as "detox", is used in an attempt to satisfy society’s need for quick fixes and instant gratification. It's hyped up by the media and given "star-status".
Instead, the potential dangers of something which can be extremely harmful to the body should be highlighted.
It's also a pity that celebrities, instead of leading by good example, continue to fall prey to a multimillion-dollar fad-diet industry, their actions being followed by a world of young and impressionable fans. – (Gina Stear, registered dietician, August 2006)
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