This is the first post in what I hope to be a series documenting my journey on the Master Cleanse a.ka. Lemonade Master Cleanse a.k.a. Lemonade Diet. In the winter of 2007, Jeremy and I were preparing for a hiking trip through Utah’s canyons. Along with exercise and a nutritious diet we began to contemplate the various cleanses. One stood out amoung them all: The Master Cleanse which was introduced to the world in 1976 by Stanley Burroughs’ book “The Master Cleanser”. Since we were looking for a quick and thorough detox we decided this was the cleanse for us. That time around we had a goal of 10 days, but made it only 7.
This cleanse changed the way I viewed food in many wonderful ways and was followed by a year of vegetarian diet. I had planned on cleansing at least once a year. Last year my plan was to be on the Body Ecology Diet for the entire year, I think I lasted 3 weeks. With our plans to start our family in the next year or so, detox has moved to the forefront of my mind.
Biomonitoring studies consistently report higher and higher chemical levels being found in umbilical cord blood and exposure does not start at birth, not even with pregnancy, but with preconception and I want to give our children the most chemical free start that I can. A little discipline on my part for a few months seems nothing when compared to a lifetime of health and the Master Cleanse is just what I need to get me going.
The Master Cleanse Ingredients:
- Organic Grade B Maple Syrup (grade a is too refined)
- Organic Lemons
- Organic Cayenne Pepper
- Sea Salt: like Celtic Sea Salt or Real Salt
- Senna Tea
- Filtered Water
The Lemonade Recipe:
- 2 TBS Grade B Maple Syrup
- 2 TBS Fresh Squeezed Organic Lemon Juice
- A Dash of Cayenne Pepper
- 10 oz Filtered Water
The Salt Water Flush Recipe:
- 1 Liter of Filtered Water
- 1 tsp of Sea Salt
The first day of the cleanse is pretty easy, it was a little difficult coming home to a house full of wonderful aromas, but I just diverted my attention to a book and drank my lemonades while others were eating. As for day 2… The senna tea that I drank before bed woke me up around 4:30 am at which point I realized that I had a pretty significant headache. Then around 7:30am I attempted the salt water flush which I was not able to keep down. I then let my stomach settle down and tried again around 9:00am. The second time was a success, I made sure to drink the water room temperature in a semi reclined position. Sometime in the morning my headache went away completely, my sinuses cleared out and I got a burst of energy.
Once again I am home surrounded by the sweet smells of food and sounds of eating. I have not had any hunger pains, just a desire to taste the wonderful flavors of the aromas in the air.
Wow! Go Tiff! You can do it!
Thanks for the encouragement!