About The Lemon Cleanse Diet

The lemon cleanse, also known as the Master Cleanse or Lemonade Diet, is a detoxification diet consisting of a few simple ingredients. Similar to a juice fast, the lemon cleanse consists of a liquid diet of up to 1,300 calories each day. Stanley Burroughs, author of "The Master Cleanser with Special Needs and Problems," recommends using the cleanse to eliminate toxins and rid the body of impurities while burning excess fat stores. Once used as a treatment for ulcers, the lemon cleanse has become a popular, but not necessarily effective, diet.

History

In 1976, Stanley Burroughs wrote the lemon cleanse into existence as way to rid the body of toxins and disease and remove cravings related to alcohol, drugs and tobacco use. After a test case involving ulcers showed the healing benefits of the cleanse, Burroughs took the recipe and its benefits to print. The cleanse is said to have a positive effect on disorders, such as mucus diseases, ulcers, allergies and skin disorders. Burroughs says, "All types of infections are the result of these vast accumulations of poisons being dissolved and burned or oxidized to produce further cleansing of the body." According to Burroughs, the elimination of these toxins relieves the body of infectious diseases of all kinds. In 2005, Peter Glickman's book "Lose Weight, Have More Energy, and Be Happier in 10 Days" revitalized the cleanse with information, suggestions and observations from those who have followed the diet.

Weight Loss

Originally developed to help cure ailments of the body, the lemon cleanse has recently become a fad diet. According to Burroughs, an individual can lose up to two pounds a day during the diet without harmful side effects. The lemon cleanse became popular among celebrities in 2006 when Beyonce Knowles reportedly lost 22 pounds while on the diet. Dr. Ed Zimney, a physician for 30 years, notes that, while the diet may aid in weight loss, individuals are guaranteed to regain the weight afterward. Rapidly losing weight only to gain it back effects metabolism, making it difficult to lose weight in the future.

How It's Made

The ingredients for Burroughs' Lemonade Diet consist of 2 tbsp. lemon or lime juice (approximately 1/2 of the fruit), 2 tbsp. real maple syrup, 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper and purified water at medium hot temperature. Mix lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper in a 10-oz. or larger glass and fill with water; medium hot is preferred, but cold water can be used. According to Dr. Zimney, there is nothing nutritional or magical about the ingredients; maple syrup is added for calories, while the lemon juice isn't acidic enough to make a difference in weight loss. Cayenne pepper may cause disruption in the GI tract, and water is included, as it is "essential for life."

Additional Instructions

Burroughs recommends following the diet for a minimum of 10 days and up to 40 or more days for extreme body disorders. Ten days is an adequate amount of time for most people, but even 10 days should not be attempted unless under the care of a physician. Following the cleanse for more than 10 days is a serious undertaking, and definitely needs strict monitoring by a physician. Individuals following the diet should drink 6 to 12 glasses of lemonade per day. Additional cleansing methods used in conjunction with the diet include an internal salt water bath consisting of a full quart of warm water mixed with sea salt or a laxative tea. According to Dr. Zimney, the use of laxatives causes concern, as laxative abuse is a misguided form of dieting.

Warning

Individuals who are pregnant or nursing should not engage in fasting or detoxification. Individuals should consult a physician before beginning a detoxification diet or cleanse. Side effects to the lemon cleanse include diarrhea, intestinal cramps, headaches, nausea, dizziness and dehydration. Individuals interested in permanent weight loss should educate themselves in optimal health and nutrition rather than deprive themselves of protein, other essential nutrients and calories.