(NaturalNews) Ever since Beyonce Knowles was associated with the Lemon
Detox diet, there has been a surge of interest in this particular
program. Also known as the Master Cleanse, this detox diet has been
around for almost 50 years and has seen variations on its recipe and
program. It's effectivity in breaking down built up toxins in the body
while contributing to short term weight loss has made it a popular
option for a spring detox.
Reviewing the Master Cleanse
The
Lemonade Detox diet first became effective, strangely, when its
creator, Stanley Burroughs, recommended it for the healing of stomach
ulcers. In his book "The Master Cleanser", he goes on to share how he
first came to test the Master Cleanse diet on a patient who was
suffering from ulcer for three years. Left with no other recourse, the
patient approached Stanley who recommended that he undertake the
cleanse. After eleven days, the patient was totally healed to the
amazement of the doctors. Many other cases followed with same consistent
and astounding results corrected within ten days. Of particular note
also was that those undergoing the Master Cleanse also experienced a
reduction in weight.
If there have been doubts as to the veracity
of Stanley Burrough's claim of the Lemon Detox diet's effectivity,
there have been testimonies over the years of its efficacy. Of recent
vintage is Tom Woloshyn's work, "The Master Cleanse Experience",
published by Ulysses Press in 2009. This book briefly mentions
Woloshyn's experience in advising clients who has undergone the Master
Cleanse program and provides among other insights health benefits which
include better sleep, positive outlook, clarity of mind and freedom from
addictions. He, thus, advocates keeping a journal to monitor
developments as well as a reference for future use when undergoing the
program for the second or many more times over.
The Master
Cleanse operates on the principle that, for disease to be addressed,
cleansing must be undertaken. Simplifying and correcting disorders
through this process is actually a way of correcting every disease.
Developments in nutrition and science have clearly identified improper diet,
negative mental attitudes and inadequate exercise as the factors that
create the conditions to produce toxin build up over time. That is why
the Master Cleanse is not an end to itself. It is actually just the tip
of a long chain of healthy decisions of those who wish to undertake it.
Observing a healthy diet, regular exercise as well as stress reduction
is essential in maintaining the gains that the Master Cleanse Detox diet
can offer.
Surrendering to the process
Undergoing a
detox diet is just like preparing for a marathon. It is necessary to
keep sight of your goals or you stand to be cast in the wayside, a
victim of your doubts. Tom Woloshyn offers this delightful insight when
encouraging first timers who wish to undertake the Master Cleanse, fully
knowing its side effects firsthand. Defining the outcome after having
identified where you are, and what you want to achieve is the next step
to achieving the goal you have set for yourself.
According to Woloshyn, some people prepare themselves before undergoing the detox
by going on a vegetarian diet. It's less stressful on the body and
makes the transition to the Master Cleanse easier. For those who
regularly take coffee or soda drinks, a gradual reduction in intake are
recommended as well as taking pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5) to help
prevent the onset of headaches brought about by caffeine withdrawal.
People
who have undergone organ transplants as well as those on immune
suppressant drugs cannot take the fast. Woloshyn warns that the cleanse
stimulates the immune system while effectively inhibiting the results
of the drugs, this combination will most likely lead to the organ
transplant being rejected by the body.
How to do the Master Cleanse
The
Lemon Detox diet is a cleansing program and encourages only the intake
of lemonade made from the following ingredients: lemons, pure maple
syrup, cayenne pepper and water for a minimum of ten days only.
To
create the mixture, mix the ingredients in the amount instructed by
Burroughs and drink a minimum of at least six to twelve glasses of the
concoction daily through out the day. Drink the lemonade whenever hunger
pangs strike.
A laxative must be taken in the morning and then
in the evening. Using a salt water flush instead of a morning laxative
can also be availed of instead. However, be sure to observe at least
three bowel movements in a day. This will ensure that the waste
accumulated in the intestinal walls is totally removed.
Always
enjoy the Master Cleanse lemonade drink fresh and do not subject it to
microwave as doing so will minimize its effectiveness. For each
successful day, the psychological need to eat is slowly overcome full,
providing confidence and a sense of control that motivates the person
undergoing the diet.
Breaking the Master Cleanse is just as
critical as starting it. On day one coming off the fast, immediately
after the end of the master cleanse, slowly introduce orange juice into
the diet. Day two will see the introduction of vegetable soups and
broths. Day three observe a diet of fruits and vegetables. Be careful
not to overeat or eat too soon and drink plenty of water. Slowly ease
your self to a normal diet and avoid meat, fish, milk and eggs.
After
undergoing the Master Cleanse, it is advisable to eat wisely. The gains
derived from the Master Cleanse diet will surely be a powerful
foundation to change old habits and start a life free from disease.
The lemonade recipe
The
original recipe by Stanley Burroughs produced fantastic results for
almost 50 years. However, some have been promoting alterations of the
original recipe.
The problem with this arrangement is that they are done without
understanding why the original ingredients work. Since the Master
Cleanse is essentially a juice fast, adding shakes, cayenne pepper
capsules or protein powder in an attempt to improve its efficacy is self
defeating because it reduces the efficacy of the diet.
The
purpose of the program is to give the digestive tract a ten day
vacation, so adding things to be digested does not contribute to the
objective of the diet. Stanley Burroughs in fact discourages the intake
of supplements and vitamins during the program because it interferes
with the body's elimination system. Furthermore, the natural sources of
vitamins and minerals already found in lemon and the maple syrup already provide for the body's needs during the detox program.
Other
alterations include mistakes in the ratio of water through modification
of the original recipe and dilution. This modification defeats the
purpose of the minimum 6 drinks a day because it is more than the amount
of water required. It is best to remember that variations on the
process and especially in the recipe will not produce the results that
originally worked for the many that faithfully followed the original
Master Cleanse program and lemonade recipe.
This is the classic single serve recipe provided in Stanley Burrough's book:
2 (tbs). of lemon or lime
2 (tbs). of genuine maple syrup
1/10 tsp cayenne pepper
10 oz. water (hot or cold as preferred)
For those who cannot enjoy their lemonade, Tom offers this alternative:
1. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and maple syrup as a concentrate in a dark container. Keep this mixture cool.
2. Make enough concentrate for as long as you are incapable of making the fresh lemonade juice.
3. Every time you want a glass of lemonade, measure 4 tbs. of this mixture in a glass.
4.
Add water and cayenne pepper, stir and drink. The maple syrup preserves
the lemon juice and prevents oxidation of the vitamin C and enzymes.
Tom
Woloshyn fondly recalled Stanley Burrough's remarks. He was said to
have repeated many times over a phrase most technical people use when
instructing frustrated customers, "When all else fails, follow the
instructions." In order to ensure success and experience the benefits of
the Master Cleanse Detox diet, it is essential to understand how to do
the program properly. Faithfully following what has been prescribed is
the first step in this direction.
