Information On The Lemon Cleanse Detoxification

The lemon cleanse diet first published in "The Master Cleanse" by Stanley Burroughs, is an alternative health practice to promote the removal of excess toxins from the body. The lemon cleanse uses the body's natural detoxification process to remove toxic substances from the body. According to "The Original Internist," published in 2009, a build up of toxic substances in the body may lead to less efficient removal of toxins.

Liver Function

Some toxic substances form inside the body during nutrient metabolism and cellular energy production, notes "The Original Internist." Other synthetic chemicals come from outside the body. The liver protects the body by detoxifying the blood through biochemical reactions using antioxidants and enzymes.

Cleansing Diet

According to 'The Master Cleanse," the lemon cleanse should last for a minimum of 10 days and up to 40 days to dissolve and remove toxins from the body. The author suggests drinking 6 to 12 glasses per day when sickness develops, when the digestive system needs a rest, and for weight loss. Scientific research has not been completed to show the safety or effectiveness of using a lemon cleansing diet for removing toxins from the body.

Preparing Lemon Cleanse

Use fresh organic ingredients when possible to make the lemon cleanse drink. Ingredients include lemon juice, maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper. The drink should be made fresh each time.
The lemon cleanse drink may be used as a daily supplement to a healthy diet or as part of a juice fast.

Cautions

Rinse mouth with plain water after drinking lemon cleanser to prevent the acidity from the lemon juice from damaging tooth enamel. Though not specific to lemon cleanse, side effects of juice cleansing presented at the 2005 National Association of Nutrition Professionals Conference may include headaches, breath and body odor, feeling tired and developing a coating on the tongue. Most symptoms stop after two or three days. Seek medical attention for allergic reactions including swelling of the tongue or throat, itching or severe reactions.

Biologically Active Compounds

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the body to scavenge reactive oxygen species. High levels of ROS can damage cells, and antioxidants can protect cells from that damage. According to a rat study at Panjab Univeristy in India, published in "BMC Pharmacology" on January 31, 2005, hesperidin, the main flavonoid found in lemons, increases levels of glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant made in the liver to assist with the metabolism of reactive oxygen species. An additional rat study in Japan published in "Life Sciences" in February 2003, showed eriocitrin, another flavonoid found in lemons, protected the liver from damage caused by the production of free radicals during exercise.