According to National Public Radio, almost one-in-three Americans is classified as obese. Thus, nearly 72 million adults in the United States is classified as being obese. If this trend of expanding waistlines is not hindered, almost 50 percent of the population in the United States will be obese by 2030.
Because of the staggering increase in overweight and obese individuals, diets and weight loss tips have flooded bookstores and online publications. One of the most popular diets in recent times is the Cayenne Pepper Diet.
The Cayenne pepper Diet has been endorsed by celebrities, and bloggers throughout the world sing its praises. While this diet can help you shed unwanted pounds, it has raised an alarm within the medical community as its structure can cause severe adverse health reactions.
If you are interested in performing the Cayenne Pepper Diet, thoroughly read this article and decide if losing weight in this manner is worth the potential health risks.
Cayenne Pepper Diet Structure:
The Cayenne Pepper Diet, which is also called the Lemonade Diet as well as the Master Cleanse, is designed to promote weight loss and detoxification. While proponents of this diet claim it can dramatically alter your physical appearance while enhancing your overall health, the scientific community does not support this diet at all. While there are several variations of this diet, typically users are instructed to drink a lemonade, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and alkaline water concoction for 10 days. While you will probably lose weight on this diet, it will most likely be water weight that will be re-gained when you return to regular eating.
Side Effect – Headaches:
One of the most common side effects of the Cayenne Pepper Diet are chronic headaches. Headaches are typically caused by the lack of solid food and caffeine. According to information published by ScienceDaily, a headache is typically brought on by an alteration in cerebral blood flow.
Side Effect – Weakness
Another common side effect of the Cayenne Pepper Diet is weakness, or fatigue. Because you are severely eliminating your caloric and carbohydrate intake, your body does not have any incoming energy sources to call upon. Thus, your muscles will become weak and you will likely experience a decrease in alertness and cognitive function – not a great plan during the work week.
Side Effect – Ketosis:
Perhaps one of the most serious side effects with the Cayenne Pepper Diet is a state known as ketosis. Ketosis is caused by a lack of glycogen within your liver. When your liver does not have ample glycogen stores, your ketone blood level begins to rise. When your body enters this phase, your receive your energy from oxidizing stored fat cells, and proponents of the Cayenne Pepper Diet claim this is beneficial as you begin to feel full even though you have not eaten. However, if your blood ketone levels become too high, your blood become too acidic and your kidneys and liver can be damaged.
References Used:
http://www.npr.org/2011/05/19/135601363/living-large-obesity-in-america
National Public Radio: Obesity in America, By The Numbers
http://themastercleanse.org/the-lemonade-diet/
The Master Cleanse: The Lemonade Diet
http://cayennepepperdiet.org/the-side-effects-of-cayenne-pepper-diet
Cayenne Pepper Diet: The ‘Side Effects’ of Cayenne Pepper Diet
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/detox-diets/AN01334
Mayo Clinic: Do Detox Diets Offer Any Health Benefits?
