The Master Cleanse diet is a detoxification plan for cleansing the body of toxins, while also preparing you for starting new and healthier eating habits at cessation of the detoxification. Master Cleanse is also referred to as the Lemonade Diet and it has been in use for decades. The ingredients of this detox plan include fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. A specific regiment is used for completing the detox, beginning with an induction or ease-in step to acclimate your body to the actual concoction you will drink during the 10 day program. Although this diet is highly popular, MayoClinic.com notes that little evidence exists regarding the removal of toxins from the body, as the diet claims.
Step 1
Start the induction and fasting before beginning the diet. You can opt to ease in to the Master Cleanse diet with a three-day induction and fast. Day one requires you to eat fruits and vegetables only, which will prepare your body for the next days of fasting. Do not eat meats, dairy or processed foods starting with day one. Day two is a liquid diet only. You can drink broth or soups containing no food chunks. Vegetable or fruit juice is acceptable for day two. On day three, you will drink orange juice only. Use your juicer and fresh oranges to prepare 2 liters of orange juice to last throughout the day.
Step 2
Make the salt water flush and drink it on an empty stomach. You will begin each day drinking the salt water flush before the lemonade concoction. Use 1 liter of pure water mixed with 2 tsp. of sea salt. If a bowel is not induced after drinking this, you can increase the sea salt to 1 tbsp. Shake the salt water mixture and drink the entire liter. You may gag and want to vomit. Try not to throw up as this will delay the laxative process. The night before beginning the lemonade detox, use the salt water flush or a laxative to cleanse your digestive system.
Step 3
Mix six to 12 glasses of the lemonade concoction daily. After your morning salt water flush and bowel movement, prepare your daily mix of concentrate. Prepare one day's worth at a time, or one glass at a time, to keep the enzymes in the lemon juice fresh for detoxifying your body. For one 8 oz glass mix, use pure water, 2 tbsp. of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 tbsp. of maple syrup. Add 1/10 tsp. of cayenne pepper powder and shake the mixture. Drink the 8 oz glass of mix immediately. For a daily preparation, mix 64 oz of pure water with 12 tbsp. of maple syrup and fresh lemon juice. Add 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper powder and shake the mixture. A 64 oz daily serving will yield eight individual servings of the detox.
Step 4
Drink pure water in between the lemonade drink. Water in between the detox is important for keeping a feeling of fullness as well as continuing to process the toxins out of your digestive system. Carry a take-a-long water jug with you to work and refill throughout the day. There is no limit to the amount of water you can drink daily.
Step 5
Stop the Master Cleanse diet by reversing the induction process. An ease-out process is suggested after your last day on the diet. Drink orange juice throughout the day on day one after detox. Day two after detox, you can reintroduce soups, broths and juices. On day three post detox, eat vegetables and fruits. Try to avoid returning to processed foods, meats and dairy.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult your physician before starting the Master Cleanse to insure safety for your health. Use the salt water flush in the morning and at night for maximum benefit. Use only fresh lemons that you juice or squeeze in order to achieve best results. Stay on the diet for 10 days.
- Side effects of this diet include dehydration, fatigue and nausea. The salt water flush will make you feel the need to rush to the bathroom for elimination. Prepare for this effect daily. Do not store your lemons in the refrigerator as this will decrease the detoxifying effects of the enzymes in the lemons.
Things You'll Need
- Sea salt
- Juicer
- Measurement spoons
- Pure water
- Fresh lemons
- Maple Syrup
- Cayenne
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