Lemon for Weight Loss

The Master Cleanse Diet, also known as the Lemonade Diet, was developed by Stanley Burroughs, an alternative health specialist. The Master Cleanse Diet is a liquid diet focusing on fresh lemon juice to aid in weight loss. Lemon juice contains essential vitamins, including vitamin C, and turns to a fiber once it reaches the stomach, which aids in bowel cleansing. Lemon juice also increases the acidity of the digestive system, speeding up metabolism and helping food digest more quickly.

Ingredients

The Master Cleanse Diet works best with organic produce, which you can purchase at your local health food store. You will need about 12 organic lemons for each batch, a bottle of grade B maple syrup, and a bottle of cayenne pepper powder. According to the diet, cayenne pepper breaks up mucous buildup in the body, which can contain harmful toxins and bacteria. Each batch will last you about a day, so if you only want to make batches every few days, doubling or tripling the recipe and storing the concoction in the refrigerator is as healthy and tastes the same as drinking the liquid fresh-squeezed.

Preparation

Squeeze 12 fresh, organic lemons through a mesh strainer or colander. This will remove any pulp or seeds. Squeeze enough to make about 14 tablespoons of lemon juice and pour it into a large pitcher. Add 14 tablespoons of maple syrup into the pitcher, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 2 quarts of filtered or spring water. Mix thoroughly. Drink about eight, 8-ounce glasses of the mixture per day. Drink small sips of it throughout the day to curb your hunger, and avoid eating any food or drinking any other liquids for at least two days. As with any diet, consult your doctor first.

How Long to Use the Diet

You may not feel any affects of this diet for two days after beginning the Master Cleanse. Some users will continue to follow the Master Cleanse Diet for weeks, even months. Because the Master Cleanse Diet does contain essential vitamins and nutrients, proponents claim it is possible to go on week- or month-long fasts while drinking nothing but the Master Cleanse lemonade. But consult your doctor first. And if you are feeling faint, dizzy or nauseous, discontinue the diet and eat protein-rich foods such as lean chicken or turkey.

Warnings About the Master Cleanse Diet

The Master Cleanse Diet, like any other fasting diet, should not be used if you have any health problems. Stanley Burroughs, the creator of the Master Cleanse Diet, was not a doctor, nor is the diet approved by the FDA. Burroughs faced criminal charges in 1984--a guilty ruling was later reversed--after suggesting that a sick man remain on the Master Cleanse Diet throughout a severe illness. The man died in Burroughs' care. If you must try the Master Cleanse Diet, discuss the regimen with your doctor and continue to go in for regular checkups throughout your fast.