The Lemonade Diet is a detoxification diet otherwise known as a fast. The diet has been in existence since 1941 when developed by Stanley Burroughs. The Master Cleanse Diet is designed to facilitate changes to the digestive system and the overall health of the individual. It was originally used to treat stomach ulcers. The research done by Burroughs was captured and published in his book called The Master Cleanser. http://www.amazon.com/Master-Cleanser-Stanley-Burroughs/dp/0963926209/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278786872&sr=1-1

The Lemonade Diet, called by the name of the main ingredient, is also the subject of other books by holistic healers who focus on the natural properties of the detox diet. The Master Cleanse is the focus of a step by step guide book by Tom Woloshyn called The Complete Master Cleanse: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing the Benefits of The Lemonade Diet. The book highlights the diet and how to do it, but also discusses the author’s views of the potential health benefits. Woloshyn contends the Lemonade Diet can result in increased energy, weight loss, decreased symptoms of allergies, improvement in skin and hair, and can rid the body of any parasites it has. http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Master-Cleanse-Step-Step/dp/1569756139/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278786941&sr=1-2 The Lemonade Diet was popularized as the Beyonce Diet when she used the Master Cleanse to shed weight before starring in a movie.

The detox diet is established as a 10 day plan which eliminates any food consumption. Dieters drink a lemon drink six to ten times a day. In addition to the lemon drink, a saltwater flush is done every morning and a laxative tea is consumed each night. Those who do the Lemonade Diet must insure adequate time is available after the flush and the tea to allow for the toxins to be passed from the body before traveling or being away from the bathroom.

The drink consists of the following ingredients: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-lemonade-diet-master-cleanse-diet

• 1. 8 ounces of water
  2. Two tablespoons Grade B or C maple syrup
  3. Two tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  4. A pinch of cayenne pepper

Mix together and drink. You can add as much cayenne pepper as you like.

Medical officials today do not all agree on the benefits of a detox diet. The American Dietetic Association believes there is nothing positive about the Lemonade Diet and nothing scientific to support the benefits. The association contends the liver is adequate in its detoxification program and long periods of time without solid food is not good for the body. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-lemonade-diet-master-cleanse-diet?page=2

The content of this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information before embarking on the Lemonade Diet.