A detox diet helps your body effectively remove impurities, toxins and pollutants that may cause illness or disease. Detox diets are not weight-loss plans, but weight-loss is often a pleasant side-effect. There are many types of detox diets, but one of the most popular is the lemonade detox, also known as the Master Cleanse. It is a modified fast and involves drinking up to 10 glasses of lemonade daily, combined with a morning sea salt flush and an evening laxative tea.
Purified Water
Each glass of lemonade starts with 8 to 10 oz. of purified water. Do not use tap water, as it contains chlorine, chemicals, sediment and metals from the pipes transporting the water. Bottled water may not be much better, as the sources of the water are not closely regulated. The point of a detox diet is to remove toxins -- so be sure the water you choose is as filtered and pure as possible.
Organic Lemons
Each glass of lemonade contains 2 tbsp. of fresh squeezed organic lemon juice. You may substitute organic limes for lemons, if you choose. Do not use concentrated lemon juice which may have sugars, stabilizers or preservatives added.
Organic Grade B Maple Syrup
The majority of calories in the lemonade come from organic grade B maple syrup, which adds about 100 calories for the 2 tbsp. used in every glass. It must be maple syrup -- not "pancake syrup" which is often made from corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. Grade B syrup is darker with more minerals and nutrients than grade A, and not as sweet.
1/10 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a thermogenic food, which speeds up metabolism. It also helps break up mucus and is high in vitamins B and C, which is an anti-inflammatory. If 1/10 tsp. is too much spice, you may start off with less and work your way up to the full amount -- but do not eliminate the cayenne pepper as it adds essential vitamins.
Sea Salt Flush and Laxative Tea
Make the sea salt flush by adding 2 tsp. of sea salt to 1 qt. of warm water. It's important to use an un-iodized salt, but any type of sea salt, Celtic salt or Himalayan salt will work. Also, any store-bought laxative tea will work. A senna leaf tea, commercially known as Smooth Move, is a popular choice. But any herbal laxative tea is effective.
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