Ahhh…day 1. Let’s get some things straight here. The reason I’m going on this fast is not to lose weight. I’m not overweight but could use to lose about 5-10 lbs. to be where I think I look the best. The main reason for this fast is to clean out my system.
Having done many different experiments with diets and eating lifestyles (Atkins, Body For Life, lacto-ovo vegetarian, vegan, all raw, even the Twinkie diet [maybe I'll post something about this one another time]), I’ve come to the conclusion that a healthy system - especially a healthy digestive system - is the key to true health.
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Not long ago - about a year or so - my digestive system was so bound up that I thought I caused myself to have diverticulitis. It was as if someone was stabbing me in the gut. I had these bumps along the left side of my stomach, where my descending colon is. Because of those bumps I thought it was the diverticulum that were inflamed. This was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my life. Now mind you, I’ve experienced some painful things like broken ribs from a car accident, multiple concussions from ice hockey and snowboarding, broken fingers and wrists, and dislocated joints. None of these came close.
Because of that experience, I’ve been very careful with the state of my digestive system. As soon as I begin to feel even a little bound up, I change my eating habits to feel clean again. I try to mostly eat fresh raw fruits, vegetables and nuts. Sometimes however I get in the habit of eating convenient processed foods which reek havoc on my digestive system. So it’s cleansing time again. Recently I’ve read Master Cleanser by Stanley Burroughs. This book details the Lemonade Fast. Having heard rave reviews about this fast from various forums and blogs I’ve decided to undertake my own 10-day fast and report the results.
The fast is pretty easy to follow, the recipe is as follows:
For at least 10 days, drink:
2 Tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice (approx. � lemon),
2 Tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) organic Grade B maple syrup,
1/10 Teaspoon or more cayenne pepper (hot red pepper), and
1 Cup (8 fluid ounces) purified or spring water, NOT fluoridated water.
Although weight loss will occur, the book states that it’s not a diet, but is primarily for the therapeutic benefit of removing toxins from one’s cells & vital organs - especially the digestive system.
Besides drinking the “lemonade” throughout the day, every evening one needs to drink an herbal laxative tea before going to bed to loosen up the fecal matter in the lining of the intestinal track. Upon waking, this matter needs to be flushed out with what Mr. Burroughs calls the “Salt-Water Flush”. This involves mixing two teaspoons of uniodized sea salt (it must be uniodized) with a quart of luke-warm water. According to him this mixture has the same “gravity” as one’s blood and cannot be absorbed by the body (so if you have high-blood pressure you supposedly do not need to worry about it as it will not have an effect). Instead it is flushed through the digestive system cleaning out the pathway to the toilet bowl as it flows along…interesting. The other option if one can’t handle the Salt-Water Flush (I guess it can be pretty unpleasant) is to take the herbal laxative tea morning and evening.
So today is Day 1 for me. I’ve already made a batch of the drink to take with me to work. It really does taste good, even better than regular lemonade. Plus, it has a little kick with the added cayenne pepper. I’ll begin the salt-water flush first thing tomorrow morning since I haven’t had the tea last night.
[...] It has been over a half a year since I last had a soda of any kind. I feel worlds better now and would suggest to anyone to detox after they eliminate soda from their diet. The Master Cleanse being one of the best ways. The journey to becoming soda free has been long but well worth it. Since doing this, none of my previous symptoms have returned. [...]
Left by LifeTraining - Online » Blog Archive » Why I stopped drinking coke and why you should too on September 17th, 2006
[...] I’ve been asked numerous times what the recipe is for the lemonade diet or lemonade fast. I’ve partially included it on Day 1 of my experience with the lemonade diet. However this doesn’t have all the details such as how to make the Salt Water Flush or what type of tea one should drink at night. So here goes: [...]
Left by Lemonade Diet Recipe on October 21st, 2006
Hi,
My husband and I have started the lemonade diet and because we are old and both in very poor health I thought it might benefit some to hear how it will go for us. I am 53 and my husband 51. He weighs 179 and is 6ft1″ He fell off a roof in the 80’s and has multiple problems from that fall. Both hips are bone on bone and he has herniated discs in his back. His shoulder is also affected and has limited mobility. He is in constant pain of varying degrees. He has had 2 heart attacks in the past 2 years and his own father died at age 49 from his 6th heart attack. He has developed sensitivities to certain foods that make his condition worse and increases the pain. He has extensive muscle wasting and his blood pressure last night was 215/120. He has fat around his belly and the rest of him looks very skinny. Don’t write me and tell me to get that poor man to a doctor cuz he won’t go anymore. We have no insurance and he is major needle phobic and surgery phobic. I am an RN and know all to well the dangers that he is in. I am 5ft.5 and weigh 166. I also have multiple health problems. I have rheumatoid arthritis and have recovered from skin cancer. (stay out of tanning booths, I didn’t) I have had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for more years than I can count and have multiple severe food allergies. I have never smoked but my mother did like a chimney and never opened a door or window throughout my childhood so my lungs are very compromised. I think many of my problems are from breast implants and while I have saline ones they are encased in silicone. (Don’t do that either) We are both intelligent and formerly ambitious type A people who are now broken and broke from the American lifestyle. It should be interesting how we do. If we survive, probably anyone could. One my first day I think my body was in an all out pout about the matter and sort of in shock and disbelief. It was sure that I would not last the day and of course suggesting things for when that moment took place. I was very afraid to start this because all efforts at dieting have left me starving and I am a sugaraholic/carbaholic. Let me add that we both have been juicing very regularly for over 2 years now and that is why we are probably still alive. But, we eat junk too and have never been able to wean ourselves from it altogether although we have done 100% better than before. Anyway, I was very surprised that I was not really hungry. Later in the day I snuck a few almonds but I think that was because I was afraid I was hungry rather than the real thing. I thought that maybe by eating these I would then get very hungry but I didn’t. My husband, the rock was faithful without cheating. I didn’t sleep very well but I don’t anyway without pills so that was nothing new. I was not hungry in the night like I am so many times and I did not wake up hungry. Neither of us did the flush, I am trying it this morning. So far so good.
Left by kaye mcdaniel on March 12th, 2007
Kaye,
Wow, that’s quite an extensive list. I’m very excited to hear how you two progress with the fast. With all those issues, I may suggest extending the cleanse beyond the 10-day point. Please stick with it, I think you’ll both be surprised!
Stay in touch,
- Erich
Left by Erich on March 12th, 2007
what does the cayenne pepper do?
can I eat something?
—————–
The cayenne pepper aids in the cleansing process as well as raises the metabolic rate and no you can’t eat anything during the 10 days.
- Erich
Left by kenya on March 12th, 2007
Hi Erich,
The end of day 2. I made it through with just pangs of hunger now and then. The flush was interesting. : O In my first big swig of it, it came up and went into my wind pipe. Well, then of course it went all over my computer and everywhere else I could get it. BUT, undaunted I continued on and drank it all. It worked well. We were sort of afraid to give it to my husband today since his blood pressure was so very high but we intend to do it tomorrow. He had a bad episode in the afternoon of hypoglycemia and just had to eat something. (cheese sandwich) but when he recovered he went right back on the lemonade. I failed to mention earlier what a severe case of gout he has. His feet are so painful that he often cannot stand to wear shoes. At the end of today, he said his feet were better. He said that he did not have any energy at all (that was before the sandwich) but my energy level is good. I would of course feel better because I have so many food allergies that I am better off not eating. Thanks for your suggestion to keep on with this past the 10 days, obviously we are both tough cases. Your website and support is greatly appreciated. thanks again
—————————————-
Kaye,
I’m so proud of you guys. Definitely keep it up and keep us posted!
- Erich
Left by Kaye on March 12th, 2007
On day one I didn’t really use the bathroom that much. I probably used it twice in regards to “flushing”. The two times really didn’t add up to that much. I experienced more urination than anything.
Left by Nisha on March 16th, 2007
[...] with the Master Cleanse, a 10-day fast devoted to cleaning out your system…with great results!http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/lemonade-diet-day-1.htm/Green and Environmentally Correct Business PR Clients …Freeman has won awards from the Los Angeles [...]
Left by devotion and clean on June 11th, 2008
[...] Lemonade Diet - Day 1 [...]
Left by Skinny In 10 Days Fasting | Fat, Weight Loss Info on February 28th, 2009
[...] the lemonade diet or lemonade fast. I’ve partially included it on day 1 of my experience with the lemonade diet. However this doesn’t have all the details such as how to make the Salt Water Flush or what type [...]
Left by Lemonade Diet | FreeDiet Online on May 23rd, 2009
I must say I am very impressed with the article and also the experiences you quoted on a day to day basis. Some questions that come to my mind:
1. Can you buy fresh lemon juice or you buy fresh lemons and refrigerate them (5 lemons a day is a LOT of lemons)
2. Can you freely drink plain water during the diet?
3. Can you consume nicotine products (gum etc) while on the diet
4. is it ok to exercise 30 mins or so (walking etc) while on the diet
I am 30 and about 20 lbs overweight. I am definitely going to try this out and thanks for the wonderful article.
Left by Desifitness on October 16th, 2009
Desi,
Hopefully this helps:
1. Always use fresh lemons and not lemon juice. Yes the lemons should be refrigerated.
2. Drink as much water as you like
3. If you CAN refrain, I would otherwise the gum would be a better option.
4. Exercise is fine. I had no issues with exercising (assuming it is already a regular part of your routine).
Left by Erich on October 16th, 2009
Some people find the cayenne pepper to be of some concern to people. If this is an issue for you, there are cayenne pepper capsules available to purchase at most health food stores. Also Grade B syrup is sometimes difficult to find, but try not to use regular or grade A syrup. Organic and Grade B ONLY!
check out some other helpful tips at http://www.mastercleansesystem.com
Left by casey on October 24th, 2009
Hey,
I’m on day 3 and haven’t yet had any herbal tea or tried the salt water flush. I’m worried I’m not loosing any weight so I think I will start.
Would it be ok if I started doing the flush at nighttime after I’ve drank the lemonade all day?
Also, can I drink a cup of black coffee in the morning?
Left by Mellie on November 18th, 2009
Mellie,
If you haven’t started with the salt-water flush or at least the herbal tea, you’ll need to definitely start. The cleanse is not effective without doing the purging. Early morning is the best time but if all you can do is the evening, then that should be fine.
I would stay away from the black coffee.
Left by Erich on November 19th, 2009
Good day Doctor,
In my part of the world, it’s a general assertion that Lime / Lemon has adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Kindly clarify if this diet process is prescribed for both men and women alike.
Left by Mex on November 23rd, 2009
I’m not a doctor, but I do not believe nor have I ever heard anything about lime or lemon having adverse effects on men’s reproductive systems.
Left by carol on December 4th, 2009
Hi. Excellent past Erich, thanks. I just wanted to throw my two cents in and reiterate what Erich has said regarding the ingredients and why it’s important to stick to them for a successful cleanse. To get down to the nitty gritty, here are a couple of ingredients and there nutritional virtues that seem to get quite a few of questions:
Grade B maple syrup
-Contains manganese, an antioxidant mineral which helps neutralize free-radicals. Just 2
teaspoons equals 22% of your daily value
- Provides energy with its high levels of B vitamins and amino acids (amino acids are the
building blocks of protein).
- It also contains zinc, which helps maintain a healthy immune system. Zinc is required by
hundreds of enzymes in your body for normal functioning.
Cayenne pepper
- As the best blood circulation stimulant known, capsaicin (its active ingredient) stops
platelets from clumping together and therefore allows blood to flow more easily.
- It soothes the digestive tract and stimulates the flow of stomach secretions and saliva.
- It is considered a thermogenic, which raises metabolism and aids in weight loss.
If anyone is interested, there’s a great Master Cleanse iphone app for a buck ninety-nine that’s pretty sweet. Have a look and good luck! http://itunes.apple.com/app/master-cleanse/id338342280?mt=8
Cheers and happy holidays!
Left by Noah on December 5th, 2009
Hi Noah,
You forgot one of the key ingredients in the lemonade diet… lemons!
Lemons are packed with Vitamin C - an energy booster and a very powerful vitamin, especially when it comes to increasing our immune system’s response. Lemons are used in naturopathy for dissolving kidney and gall bladder stones, washing out the bladder & colon, as well as ridding the body of calcium deposits.
Left by lemonade diet on December 11th, 2009
So you have to CUT out ALL FOOD for the ENTIRE 10days? Please let me know
Left by naya adams on January 7th, 2010
Yes, no food during the cleanse. Only the lemonade.
Left by Erich on January 7th, 2010
Its pretty impressive to see, you are still very quick and consistent in terms of adding your responses for any comments. Couple questions…
1. How often you do this fast/diet… or just the one time you did that 3 or so years before?
2. What kind of diet you follow in your day to day life? (don’t tell me ‘Atkins’, ‘South Beach’… like buzz words. I kinda expect your answer in the lines of ‘a bread slice with some milk for breakfast, salad for lunch…’)
3. You still maintain your weight in the desired range?
Athma.
Left by Athma Iyer on January 8th, 2010
Athma,
1. I do the cleanse about once per year (three times so far) and am due for a new one soon.
2. I don’t follow any particular diet other than watching the amount of calories I consume. I’m still pretty liberal in that I eat a wide range of foods (fatty and otherwise)
3. Because I’m so active physically (I work out 5-6 times a week and train in martial arts as well) I’m able to keep my weight fairly easily under control. This is probably why I’m not so intent on watching everything I eat.
Hope that helps!
- Erich
Left by Erich on January 9th, 2010
Hello All!
I am contemplating beginning this fast on today but I have a rather important question.
I would first like to state that I have never COMPLETED a cleanse/fast successfully and it may have been partially due to lack of an adequate support system. I find it rather encouraging to read the experiences (both pleasant and unpleasant) of people who have completed it successfully. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!
My question is concerning sleep and schedule. I am a full-time college student and I also work part-time, OVERNIGHT, 2 nights during the week. Because I am aware of the fact that sleep is extremely necessary for benefit both physically and mentally and that there are certain processes that occur in the body during sleep, I wanted to know if my working overnight and having inflexible sleep during those days would have a negative affect during the cleanse….or if it shouldn’t be a problem.
Thanks in advance for you responses!
~Marvin
Left by Marvin on January 17th, 2010
Marvin,
First of all let me note that I can’t provide medical advice as I’m not a doctor so take this advice at your own risk. From a health-perspective, I don’t think doing the cleanse will have any negative adverse effects since you’re still taking in a decent amount of calories — albeit a reduced amount. So if anything you may be a bit more tired and get stronger hunger pains especially during your night shifts than what is typical during the cleanse.
A normal sleep schedule would be ideal but I still think from a health and cleansing perspective you’d be ok.
Left by Erich on January 17th, 2010
A lot of the benefits of this come from all the unhealthy things that you are not eating. People who do a juice fast or a water fast, also benefit.
Left by Chuck on January 18th, 2010
hi, I am thinking about starting a diet, I have recently started exercising and am considering the soup diet during weekdays with regular healthy foods on weekends, but I am addicted to coke. All I drink all day every day is coke, I hate the taste of water, so I was considering using this as a substitute, since i do like lemon drink anyway! Is the lemonade suitable for this purpose? and since I would still be eating, should I do the flush aswell, or just the drink? Thanks
Left by kylie on January 25th, 2010
How is this diet more effective than any other colon cleaner? I’m interested in it strictly for the cleaning of my system. I dont have much body fat to lose, and i am worried about losing some muscle.
Left by JT on January 25th, 2010
JT,
I don’t have a lot of experience with other colon cleansers other than Psillium husks, but I did have better results with the lemonade diet for cleansing.
I like you was not doing it for the weight loss but only for the cleansing. While I did lose some weight, most of it was water weight and I did not have any adverse effects like muscle loss. If you’re only doing the cleanse for the 10 days, then I wouldn’t worry about muscular atrophy.
Left by Erich on January 26th, 2010
I read that you worked out quite a bit before the cleansing. did you feel that during the 1st couple of days (I read were your hardest) you were able to maintain your workouts? I to a lot of spin and cardio classes and it is hard for me to think that I could maintain the classes on just drinking liquid.
I really want to start this, and is 1/2 tempted to get up and run to the store to start tomorrow, but dont know if I have to dedication.
Left by amie on January 31st, 2010
Amie,
Even though the first few days were the hardest I was still able to maintain my workout schedule without issue. Either way, the first days will be difficult but just stick with it and you’ll be happy you did!
Left by Erich on February 2nd, 2010