Master Cleanse

Master Cleanse History

The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemon Cleanse and the Maple Syrup Diet, is a body and mind detoxification program created by alternative medicine performer Stanley Burroughs in 1941. In the mid-nineties it was made popular by Peter Glickman by promoting Burroughs’ regimen to a modern audience. Burroughs states that it is a detoxification program that aids in the removal of harmful toxins from within the body, as well as a reducing diet for loss of weight, and a cure for ulcers and “every kind of disease,” resulting in “the correction of all disorders. However, there is no empirical, peer-reviewed evidence that this diet achieves anything beyond weight loss. (Source Wikipedia)

Master Cleanse Benefits

Lemons: The Master Cleanse has the benefits of lemon which has an alkalizing effect on the blood. It has be discovered that by changing the pH balance of the blood the cell membranes become more permeable and therefor dumping more cellular waste. Limes could be substituted for lemons if they are not available.

Dr. Ehret, an avid water faster, author and promoter of water fasting stated that it is better to have some fresh lemon juice with some brown sugar during a fast rather than water fast solely on water.

Maple Syrup: Adding a sweetener slows the detoxification rate making the process of fasting more comfortable. It does have manganese and zinc but in basically is low in nutrients. The major value of maple syrup is taste and that makes fasting more enjoyable. Dehydrated cane sugar or black-strap molasses would offer more nutrients and could be used as a cheaper substitute for the Maple Syrup.

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	1,093 kJ (261 kcal)
Carbohydrates	67.09 g
Sugars	59.53 g
Dietary fiber	0 g
Fat	0.20 g
Protein	0 g
Thiamine (Vit. B1)	0.006 mg (0%)
Riboflavin (Vit. B2)	0.01 mg (1%)
Niacin (Vit. B3)	0.03 mg (0%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.036 mg (1%)
Vitamin B6	0.002 mg (0%)
Folate (Vit. B9)	0 μg (0%)
Vitamin C	0 mg (0%)
Calcium	67 mg (7%)
Iron	1.20 mg (10%)
Magnesium	14 mg (4%)
Manganese	3.298 mg (165%)
Phosphorus	2 mg (0%)
Potassium	204 mg (4%)
Zinc	4.16 mg (42%)

Cayanne Pepper: Has a long history of medical benefits and a metabolic stimulant. For more info on Cayenne benefits during a fast. Cayanne Fasting

Master Cleanse Medical Considerations

Diabetes: Medication has to be cut down or stopped as the fasting reduces bloos sugar levels.

Heart Conditions: The master cleanse is not advisable for any serous heart condtion as rapid dotoxification can affect the heart.

Schizophrenia, Manic Depression, Epilepsy: Rapid release of toxins may trigger an episode.

Kidney Disorders: Damaged kidneys will be stressed over the increased demand to process toxins.

For any severe medical condion juice fasting is preferable as the rate of detoxification can be controlled, and it offers a wider range of nutrients to assist healing.

Master Cleanse Glasses of Lemonaid Daily

Burroughs and Glickman both state that one should drink 6 to 12 glasses of the lemonade per day. With 100 calories per 2 tablespoons of Grade B maple syrup, and 8 calories per 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 calories per 1/6 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, each drink provides approximately 109 calories. Thus, it would be important to drink 11 to 12 glasses per day to ensure that at least 1200 calories were consumed. To me this seems like a lot of calories especially for people with a slower metabolism. I would recommend following your body and drink what it needs. As with juice fasting, the more you drink the slower the rate of the detoxification. People that have activities to perform would do better drinking more.