Master cleanse diet recipe

The master cleansing diet is a liquid diet used to cleanse and detoxify the body. It was created by Stanley Burroughs in 1940. This diet, also known as the 'Lemonade Diet' helps to flush off the toxins and waste materials from different organs of the body. This is also being used as a means to lose weight quickly.

The master cleansing diet consists of the following:

1. Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
2. Two tablespoons of maple syrup.
3. Two to five tablespoons of cayenne pepper.
4. One cup of water.

If you have diabetes, you can use molasses instead of maple syrup. But before going for the cleanse, you should always consult your doctor.

The above diet should be taken for at least ten days. You have to drink six to twelve glasses of this liquid per day. You should not take any other food or supplements during the diet. You can drink any amount of water. Drink a herbal laxative tea like senna tea every evening(not more than twice a day). It helps in normal bowel movement. Each morning, a salt water drink is recommended. It also stimulates normal bowel movement.

How does the diet work?

Fresh lemon juice is a very good cleanser and contains vitamin C. It is easily digested. It helps to break-up and eliminate the mucus which accumulates within the body. Cayenne pepper also acts as a cleanser. Maple syrup provides energy. The herbal laxative tea facilitates 'peristalsis' or the movement of the colon which helps in bowel movement.

After the diet is over, breaking of the fast should be done in a systematic way. After the first day, only orange juice is allowed. On the second day, vegetable soups may be taken along with orange juice. On the third day, vegetable salads and fruits may be taken. Normal food is allowed from the fourth day onwards.

During the master cleanse, loose stool or diarrhea may be experienced. This is caused due to the herbal laxative tea and the salt water drink. This frequent bowel movement is good for the body as it flushes off toxins.

Potential dangers of the diet:

Some researchers suggest that a long fast is not beneficial for the body as the diet lacks in the necessary nutrients, proteins and carbohydrates. People with some chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, anemia, gallstones etc. should not go for this diet. People who are underweight should also avoid this diet. This diet is not suitable for children and pregnant women. You should better consult your doctor, before going for this diet.