Known by many different names, the lemon cleanse, the Lemonade Diet, or master cleanser was first used to detoxify the body. More recently it has become better known as a great way to lose weight fast.
Created by Stanley Burroughs, a man dedicated to alternative health options, the master cleanse was mentioned in his first book, Healing for the Age of Enlightenment. In 1976, Burroughs dedicated a book entirely to the detox method called The Master Cleanser.
This book is still available today and although only 50 pages (it sells for $6. 50), it gives complete details on exactly what you need to do before, during and after going on the master cleanse.
Basically, you do not eat any solid foods for 10 days. Instead you drink a mixture of the juice of a half a lemon, 2 tablespoons of grade B maple syrup and 1/10th teaspoon of cayenne pepper mixed in 8 ounces of water. If you don’t like maple syrup, you can substitute agave. You drink this mixture 6 to 12 times a day.
With the main ingredients listed above, it wasn’t long before this procedure become better known as the lemonade diet, the maple syrup diet and even the cayenne pepper diet. The combination of lemon juice, maple syrup and pepper may seem frivolous but each item has its own purpose.
The lemon juice provides vitamin C, minerals and improves the pH balance of the body. Maintaining a healthy pH level and keeping the alkaline levels on an even keel helps the body build its immunity system. Unprocessed honey is high in zinc, minerals and manganese and provides some calories during the fast. The cayenne pepper stimulates your metabolism and helps with circulation.
Author Peter Glickman brought the master cleanse back into the public eye in 2005 with his book Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days. More recently, popular singer and entertainer Beyonce used the master cleanse to lose weight for her role in the movie Dream Girls. Reportedly Beyonce went on the plan for 14 days and lost 22 pounds.
It is important to read The Master Cleanser before starting this program. There is vital information that you must follow to protect your health during this fast as well as what you need to do to prepare for it before you start. Glickman’s book lists the 12 most common reasons that people have problems completing the fast and what you can do to avoid them. It also features people who have been successful at losing weight with the infamous lemon cleanse.