Since the alternative medicine advocate Stanley Burroughs invented the Master Cleanse diet, digestive system cleansing programs containing lemon juice and maple syrup as major ingredients have been a popular detoxification and weight loss option among both naturopaths and dieters. However, while diets based around lemon juice and maple syrup may not harm you, health professionals advise that they are not successful as methods for either cleansing or sustainable weight loss.
Guidelines
While cleansing diets that incorporate lemon juice and maple syrup differ in some details, all recommend that the dieter sets aside between 10 to 14 days to consume nothing other than water -- in some cases salt water -- an herbal tea like senna tea and a special concoction that contains lemon juice and maple syrup. Followers are recommended to start their day off with a quart of lukewarm water or salt water and to consume six to twelve glasses of the cleansing solution without any solid food throughout the course of the day. A cup of the herbal tea should be drunk just before bed.
Ingredients
Lemon juice and maple syrup cleansing diets typically center around a drink solution that contains four main ingredients: cayenne pepper, water, maple syrup and lemon juice. The lemon juice should be freshly squeezed from organic lemons, although proponents like Burroughs acknowledge that organic lime juice is an acceptable substitution. Pure Grade B maple syrup should be used instead of sweetened pancake syrup, as well as pure cayenne chili pepper, and, preferably, spring water, with no substitutions.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Supporters of cleansing diets that feature lemon juice and maple syrup-based drinks claim that following the program will flush toxins out of your body, enhance the function of your digestive system and promote the health of every system of your body, from your skeletal system to your nervous system. In addition, celebrities like Beyonce Knowles attest that they followed similar plans and lost significant amounts of weight in only a short period of time. However, cleansing programs of this type are extremely difficult to follow. The plans do not recommend any type of exercise and, are not effective solutions for long-term weight loss. Following a lemon juice and maple syrup cleansing diet is not advised for people with heart conditions or who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Expert Insight
Cleansing or detoxification diets are not backed by any scientific evidence proving that they are capable of flushing toxins out of your body tissues. In fact following one of these programs may cause dehydration, nausea, dizziness and extreme fatigue. Before beginning any detoxification program, consult your personal physician.
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