Can I Do the Lemonade Cleanse for 3 Days?

The Lemonade Cleanse -- also known as the Lemonade Diet, the Maple Syrup Diet or the Master Cleanse -- was created by Stanley Burroughs in the 1950's. The diet consists of drinking between 6 and 10 glasses of a homemade "lemonade" solution every day, as well as a glass of salted water in the morning and a laxative tea in the evening to aid bowel movements. The cleanse is designed to remove toxins and reduce cravings for junk food, tobacco and alcohol.

Lemonade Cleanse

The liquid-only diet is based on the consumption of a lemon drink consisting of lemon juice, high grade maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper or ground ginger. The detox usually lasts between seven and ten days, although the length may vary, especially if undertaken more regularly. The cleanse may be followed for three days as part of a mini detox, or as a trial to see how the body reacts to the process of detoxing.

Advantages

As well as losing weight, proponents of the lemonade cleanse feel more energetic and focused during and following the diet. There is a greater sense of well being and a notion that they are purifying their bodies. Following the diet for just three days may help to train the body out of bad habits, kick-starting a healthier eating pattern. However, there is little concrete evidence to show that detox diets remove impurities. Most toxins are effectively removed from the body via the liver, kidneys, bowels and skin.

Drawbacks

The lemonade cleanse is an extremely low calorie diet, and as a result may place the body under severe stress. Side effects include dizziness, nutrient deficiencies, fatigue and nausea. Following the diet for three days, rather than the prescribed seven to ten days, may lessen these side effects. However, the yo-yo effect of eating normally and then consuming very little can cause the body to store fat, which may lead to weight gain over time.

Variations

Several variations of the lemonade cleanse exist for those who wish to detox more gently. Versions include following the diet for one day each week or for a weekend every month. Other options involve eating one light meal a day for three to five days, alongside the consumption of the lemonade drink, in order to detox without giving up food completely.