The Lemon Cleanse is a fast intended for purification and weight loss. It involves drinking a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper. Its use of both fasting and laxatives is controversial, making it important to learn as much as possible before using the cleanse.
History
The Lemon Cleanse Detoxification, also called the Master Cleanser, the Maple Syrup Diet or the Lemonade Diet, was first introduced by Stanley Burroughs in his book "The Master Cleanser" published in 1976. It was made available to modern audiences in Peter Glickman's book "Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days."
Identification
The Lemon Cleanse is a fasting program which is intended primarily as a way to remove toxins from the body, however it is also often used as weight-loss program.
Ingredients
The Lemon Cleanse is made with 2 tbs. maple syrup, the juice from half a fresh lemon, 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper and 8 to 12 oz. warm water. Along with the lemonade, this fast calls for the participant to drink salt water in the morning and an herbal tea laxative at night.
Time Frame
Most sources suggest staying on the Lemon Cleanse for approximately ten days. However, some people continue it for as many as twenty days. 6 to 12 servings of the lemonade are recommended per day, however if you feel hunger or are underweight, you should drink as many servings as you need to stop hunger and maintain energy.
Function
The lemon juice and cayenne pepper in the Lemon Cleanse are the ingredients which are said to remove toxins, while the maple syrup provides energy and minerals. The lemon juice also provides vitamins and nutrients. The salt water and herbal tea laxatives flush out the colon.
Warning
Some conventional health sources find the Lemon Cleanse less than effective and even possibly dangerous. Dr. Ed Zimney of Everyday Health calls the Lemon Cleanse "basically a starvation diet" and suggests that the toxins that accumulate in the body can't be removed by any of the ingredients in this drink.
Considerations
As there are many conflicting opinions of this cleanse, it is recommended that you read one of the books, such as "Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days" about the Lemon Cleanse and consider the opinions of a medical professional and evaluate your own health before beginning the Lemon Cleanse.
Tags: Lemon Cleanse, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, Cleanse Detoxification, Energy Happier, Energy Happier Days, Happier Days