The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet, is a liquid diet that involves drinking a beverage made of lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and cayenne pepper for 10 or more days. The diet also includes sipping on salt water and herbal laxative tea. The laxative tea is consumed at night to encourage bowel movements. While the Master Cleanse may lead to rapid weight loss, it is an extreme form of dieting that lacks important nutrients and may cause unpleasant side effects.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Duration | 10-40 days |
Calories | 110 per serving |
Number of servings | At least 6 per day |
Ingredients | Lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, water, salt, herbal laxative tea |
Morning drink | 32 fl oz of warm water mixed with 2 teaspoons of sea salt |
Daytime drink | 6-12 glasses of the Master Cleanse "lemonade" |
Evening drink | 1 cup of herbal laxative tea |
What You'll Learn
- Laxative tea is drunk at night to encourage bowel movements
- Laxative tea is drunk before bed on Day 4 of easing into the Master Cleanse
- Laxative tea can be bought from health food stores
- Laxative tea and saltwater flushes can lead to abdominal cramping, bloating and nausea
- Laxative tea and saltwater flushes can cause frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea
Laxative tea is drunk at night to encourage bowel movements
The Master Cleanse is a liquid diet that involves drinking a beverage made of lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and cayenne pepper for 10 or more days. It is also referred to as the Lemonade Diet and was started in the 1940s by naturopath Stanley Burroughs, who wrote 'The Master Cleanser'. The diet gained popularity in the 2000s after celebrities used the plan.
The Master Cleanse also involves drinking a morning saltwater drink and herbal laxative tea before bed to encourage bowel movements. The saltwater drink is made by adding two level teaspoons of non-iodized sea salt to a full quart of lukewarm water. The laxative tea is drunk the night before starting the cleanse and can be bought from health food stores.
The Master Cleanse is designed to be followed for at least 10 and up to 40 days, but there is no research to support these recommendations. It is a very strict and low-calorie diet that will likely lead to rapid weight loss, but it is not a balanced diet and does not contain enough important nutrients such as protein, fibre, vitamins, or minerals. It is also not a long-term solution for weight loss or health and there is no evidence that it eliminates toxins.
The Master Cleanse is not appropriate for everyone and can be dangerous for some people. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before starting this or any other dramatic diet change.
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Laxative tea is drunk before bed on Day 4 of easing into the Master Cleanse
The Master Cleanse is also called the Lemonade Diet and was started in the 1940s by naturopath Stanley Burroughs, who wrote The Master Cleanser. The diet gained popularity in the 2000s after celebrities used the plan.
The process of easing into the Master Cleanse is recommended because consuming only liquids is a radical change for most people. On Day 1 and 2, you cut out processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, meat, dairy, and added sugars, and focus on eating raw whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables. On Day 3, you get used to a liquid diet by having smoothies, pureed soups, broths, and fresh fruit and vegetable juices. On Day 4, you drink only water and fresh-squeezed orange juice, adding maple syrup as needed for additional calories.
The Master Cleanse itself begins on Day 5. During the cleanse, you drink a beverage made of lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and cayenne pepper. You also sip on salt water and herbal tea. No solid food is eaten for at least 10 days.
The Master Cleanse is intended to be followed for at least 10 and up to 40 days, but there is no scientific research to support these recommendations. The diet is meant to help with weight loss and detoxifying the body, but it is not a balanced diet and does not provide enough important nutrients. It is also not appropriate for everyone and may cause unpleasant side effects.
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Laxative tea can be bought from health food stores
The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet, is a modified juice fast used for quick weight loss. It involves drinking a homemade sweetened lemon beverage, along with salt water and herbal laxative tea. While the Master Cleanse may lead to rapid weight loss in the short term, it is not a balanced or sustainable diet and can cause unpleasant side effects.
Laxative tea, also known as herbal laxative tea, can be purchased from health and nutrition stores, as well as online retailers. It is available in different varieties and brands, such as Traditional Medicinals, Senokot, Celestial Seasonings, and Triple Leaf Tea. These teas are often marketed as promoting digestive health and relieving constipation. They typically contain natural laxative ingredients like senna leaf, licorice, chamomile, and peppermint.
When considering purchasing laxative tea, it is important to remember that detox diets, such as the Master Cleanse, may not be suitable for everyone. While they can lead to short-term weight loss, they are not a long-term solution and may not provide adequate nutrition. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or consuming laxatives.
Laxative teas can be found at health food stores, both in physical locations and online. These stores typically offer a wide variety of herbal teas, including those with laxative properties. When shopping for laxative tea, it is essential to read the ingredient list and choose a product that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Some teas may be caffeine-free, while others may be organic or contain additional ingredients for flavour or added health benefits.
In addition to health food stores, some pharmacies and supermarkets may also carry laxative tea. However, the selection may be more limited compared to specialised health food stores. Online retailers, such as Walmart and CVS, also offer a convenient option for purchasing laxative tea. They often provide detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and delivery services, making it easier to find the right product from the comfort of your home.
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Laxative tea and saltwater flushes can lead to abdominal cramping, bloating and nausea
The Master Cleanse is a modified juice fast used for quick weight loss. It involves drinking a mixture of warm water and non-iodized salt, which has a laxative effect. This saltwater flush is believed to help remove toxins, old waste material, and parasites in the colon. However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
While the saltwater flush may be effective in the short term at cleansing the colon, it can also lead to several side effects. One of the most common side effects is dehydration, which can occur due to the sudden and frequent diarrhoea that the flush may induce. Dehydration can cause symptoms such as infrequent urination and, in severe cases, black or bloody stools.
Another potential side effect of the saltwater flush is an electrolyte imbalance, which can occur due to the rapid loss of sodium and fluids. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to symptoms similar to those of dehydration, as well as difficulty breathing, seizures, muscle cramps, kidney damage, or low blood volume, which can be life-threatening.
In addition to the saltwater flush, the Master Cleanse also involves the consumption of herbal laxative tea. This tea, in combination with the saltwater flush, can lead to abdominal cramping, bloating, and nausea. These side effects are particularly common when consuming the tea and saltwater flush on an empty stomach.
It is important to speak with a doctor before starting any detoxification method, including the Master Cleanse, as it can be dangerous for people with existing medical conditions.
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Laxative tea and saltwater flushes can cause frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea
Laxative tea and saltwater flushes are an integral part of the Master Cleanse, a modified juice fast used for quick weight loss. The cleanse involves drinking a beverage made of lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and cayenne pepper for 10 or more days, in addition to consuming saltwater and herbal laxative tea. While this cleanse may lead to rapid weight loss, it is crucial to understand the potential side effects, including frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea.
The laxative tea and saltwater flushes are intended to stimulate bowel movements. However, they may also contribute to abdominal cramping, bloating, and nausea in some individuals. These side effects can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, impacting an individual's ability to carry out their daily activities. It is important to recognise that everyone's body is different, and the severity of these side effects may vary from person to person.
The Master Cleanse is a drastic change from a regular diet, and it is recommended to ease into it gradually. The process typically involves cutting out processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, meat, dairy, and added sugars for a few days before starting the cleanse. This initial phase aims to prepare the body for the upcoming liquid diet.
During the cleanse, individuals consume a homemade lemon-maple-cayenne beverage as their primary source of calories and nutrients. In addition to the lemonade drink, the cleanse includes drinking one quart of warm saltwater each morning and herbal laxative tea in the evenings. This combination of saltwater and laxative tea is what leads to frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea.
While the Master Cleanse may result in short-term weight loss, it is not a balanced diet and lacks essential nutrients such as fibre, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. It is also important to note that the weight loss achieved during the Master Cleanse is often regained once the cleanse is stopped. Therefore, it is not a long-term solution for weight loss or health.
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Frequently asked questions
The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet, is a modified juice fast used for quick weight loss. It involves drinking a beverage made of lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and cayenne pepper for 10 or more days. The diet claims to cleanse or "detox" the body of harmful toxins, promote weight loss, and improve overall health.
The Master Cleanse typically lasts for 10 to 40 days, during which no solid food is consumed. Each morning starts with a "Salt Water Flush," where you drink a mixture of non-iodized sea salt and lukewarm water to stimulate bowel movements. Throughout the day, you drink 6-12 glasses of the Master Cleanse lemonade mixture, which is made with lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water. Before bed, you drink a cup of herbal laxative tea to encourage bowel movements.
The Master Cleanse may lead to rapid weight loss, provide a break from unhealthy eating habits, and be relatively easy to follow and affordable. However, it is not a balanced diet and does not provide essential nutrients such as fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It can also be difficult to stick to due to hunger and tiredness, and the saltwater flush and laxative teas can lead to dehydration and digestive issues. There is also a lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of the Master Cleanse for detoxifying the body and long-term weight loss.