How Does the Lemonade Detox Diet Work?

What Is It?

Before we look at how The Lemonade Detox Diet works, let's look at what it is. The Lemonade Detox Diet, also known as The Master Cleanse, was developed more than 50 years ago by Stanley Burroughs. It was developed as a way to improve overall health by detoxing the colon, but it has become popular in recent years as a weight-loss method.

The lemonade consists of 1 tbsp. of grade B maple syrup, 1 tbsp. of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and half a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed with water to taste. For those who feel the cayenne pepper is too spicy, it is permitted to take cayenne pepper capsules instead.

Why Do I Need to Detox?

Through years and years of eating unhealthy foods and absorbing environmental toxins, our colon becomes overloaded with toxic mucous. This mucous clings to the colon wall and effectively "grabs" our waste as it passes through. Over time, this waste collects on our colon wall, making the opening smaller and smaller. This waste not only harms our body by harboring toxins, but also makes it difficult for waste to pass through, contributing to digestive problems.

These toxins can cause bad breath, fatigue, excess weight, sore throat, allergies, frequent colds, acne, irritable bowel syndrome, congestion, irritability, anxiety, rashes, hives and insomnia. The Lemonade Detox Diet works toward ridding us of these ailments by emptying our body of these toxins and allowing us to start fresh.

How Does it Work?

So, how does The Lemonade Detox Diet work? Well, it is recommended to clear your bowels the day before by taking a senna laxative. Then, each day of the cleanse, you start the day with either a laxative tea, or a salt-water flush made with 1 qt. of warm water mixed with salt. This ensures that even though you aren't consuming solid foods, you still pass waste.

Throughout the day, it is recommended to drink six to nine glasses of lemonade, or whenever you feel hungry. It is also permitted to drink herbal teas throughout the day, in addition to the laxative tea or salt water both morning and night. No solid foods are to be taken on the fast.

The ideal length is a 10- to 14-day fast. This will ensure that optimum time has been given to flush out the toxins. Most people report feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after the fast, have shed excess pounds, and are ready to begin a healthier eating regimen. The Lemonade Detox Diet works to cleanse your body and help you to begin anew.