The Lemon Fast Cleanse, also known as the Master Cleanse and the Maple Syrup Cleanse, was created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941 and regained popularity in the mid-nineties. In his book, "The Master Cleanse," Burroughs states that his cleanse is a body and mind detoxifying program that aids in the removal of harmful toxins from the body and offers a pure way to loose body weight.
Ingredients
The main ingredient of the Lemon Fast Cleanse is a lemon-water tonic that you drink throughout the day while avoiding solid foods. This tonic consists of purified water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grade B maple syrup and a dash of cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper helps induce internal cleansing and works as a vasodilator, according to author Jeremy Safron of "The Fasting Handbook." Also permitted is a warm salt water flush that dieters consume first thing in the morning and in the evening (if necessary) to help eliminate bowel build up.
Phases of the Lemon Fast Cleanse
The lemon fast diet has three phases: pre-cleanse, actual cleanse and breaking the cleanse. In the pre-cleanse phase, dieters spend two to three days eating fruits, vegetables and fresh squeezed juices. The actual cleanse phase, which can last from one day to more than seven days, involves consuming only the salt water flush and the lemon-cayenne-maple syrup water. The final phase, breaking the cleanse, is a gradual way to get your digestive system ready for solid food again. This phase requires adding fresh juices and soups to the diet in the first two days and adding fruits and vegetables on the third day to help your system accept solid foods.
Benefits
Burroughs suggests that his Lemonade Cleanse helps eliminate toxins such as prescription drugs, pesticides, chemicals, hormones and metals that have built up in the body over time. It is essential to use fresh lemons in this cleanse because they contain live enzymes that are believed to help cleanse the intestines, liver and kidneys. Using fresh fruit in liquid cleansing diets helps alkalinize the tissues and raise the pH balance in the cells, according to Don Colbert, M.D., in his book "Toxic Relief."
Dangers
While losing water weight may be a benefit of the Lemon Fast Cleanse, there are many dangerous side-effects to consider. Muscle breakdown, vitamin deficiencies and blood-sugar problems are serious disadvantages of any liquid fasting diet, according to the MSNBC article "Experts Warn of Detox Diet Dangers," by author Susan Moore, R.D. Depriving the body of vital nutrients from the foods we eat can weaken the body's ability to fight infections and inflammations. Moore also states that although people do lose weight while on this diet, the majority gain all of the weight back.
Weight Loss Alternatives
Most people decide to try the Lemon Fast Cleanse as an aid to weight loss. For weight loss that lasts and provides your body with the nutrients it needs, Moore recommends cutting back on high fat-foods, eating in moderation and consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables.
References
- "The Master Cleanse;" Stanley Burroughs; 1971
- "The Fasting Handbook, Dining From an Empty Bowl;" Jeremy Safron; 1999
- "Toxic Relief;" Don Colbert, M.D.; 2001
- MSNBC: Experts Warn of Detox Diet Dangers
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