The Lemon Detox Diet allows the body to cleanse itself naturally while taking a break from solid food.

The body has miraculous powers to cleanse itself, but a growing proportion of us in the developed world eat too much food lacking in nutritional value and of little benefit to our bodies. Our system has to work harder and faster to eliminate the waste created by these foods. In addition, the numerous chemicals and toxins that have been introduced into the natural environment can find their ways into our bodies through the air we breathe and the water we drink. This puts added strain on the elimination processes in our bodies

The Lemon Detox Diet is a drink consisting of pure water, fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper or ground ginger and Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup. Whenever you get hungry simply mix a glass of the drink.

The Detox Drink

To make one glass of Natural Tree Syrup and Lemon Drink take

• Two small tablespoons (or 20 ml) of Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup.

• Two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon). Use fresh lemons, not lemon drink or concentrate.

• Half a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger (adjust to taste).
  

Mix the ingredients and dilute with half a pint of hot or cold water.

Drink as much as you like, ideally 6 to 9 glasses a day.

If you prefer you can prepare one batch of Natural Tree Syrup and Lemon Drink to last for the whole day. For 1½ litre of water (approx. 7 glasses) you will need 140ml of Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup and 3½ lemons as well as the cayenne pepper or ginger.

There are 4 Versions of the Detox. Find out the most appropriate for you - click below for more information:

The Challenge - It's all in the Mind

The main challenge of the programme is mental. Because we are accustomed to eating whenever we feel like it, the discipline of not taking any solid food can seem a bit daunting. Eating has become a habit and like any other habits it's not so easy to break, even temporarily. It is often very tempting to cheat during the detox. Don't give in to temptation. Stick to it! Be strong! When you experience hunger simply treat yourself to another Natural Tree Syrup and Lemon Drink. Keep thinking of all the benefits you will achieve when you have finished the Lemon Detox Diet and can enjoy solid food again.

A true fast is complete abstinence from food of any kind, yet the Lemon Detox is liquid food - nourishing and energizing. It is important not to burden the body with solid food during the detox. Digesting solid food consumes much of the body's energy and overrides many of its other tasks. In the absence of solid food the body can focus its energy on cleansing. Throughout history, experience has shown a periodic abstinence from solid food to be a blessing for the entire organism, the best investment in improved health and a longer natural life span.

While the actual inner cleansing and rejuvenation is performed by the body itself, the Natural Tree Syrup and Lemon drink fulfils important functions in assisting this process: It supplies the nutrients necessary for the body's continuing alert functioning, assisting to restore the biochemical and mineral balance in tissues and cells and expediting cell regeneration. It is assimilated directly into the bloodstream, placing no additional burden on the digestive system. It provides a liquid medium essential for the efficient flushing of wastes from the system.

The acidity of lemon juice assists the cleansing process, acting like an internal detergent to dissolve excess fats and the cayenne pepper or ground ginger helps speed up metabolism, thus promoting circulation and the elimination of toxins.

More about cleansing.

Elimination - Key to Success

To ensure the success of the Lemon Detox Diet, proper elimination is essential. The better the elimination, the better the results. If toxins are not continuously removed throughout the programme they will be reabsorbed. Drink a total of at least three litres of liquid each day including the 7 to 10 glasses of Natural Tree Syrup and lemon drink, peppermint tea and water.

Brushing your skin and light exercise are also a great complement to the diet. It helps the elimination process by increasing blood flow and perspiration of toxins through the skin.

Laxative Teas and Salt Water

To assist with bowel elimination, a laxative herb tea is recommended in the evening and salt water in the morning. The laxative tea helps to break up wastes and the salt water to flush it from your system. To make the salt water drink, mix two teaspoons of sea salt into one litre of warm water and make sure you stay close to a lavatory for the next half an hour.

If the taste of the salt water is too strong to handle, you can substitute another cup of the herbal laxative tea instead.

Exercise

Light exercise is also a great complement to the diet. If you already exercise keep training but avoid strenuous exercise as intense exertion may encourage toxins to be reabsorbed rather than eliminated.

Nevertheless, gentle exercise is very helpful to the cleansing process. The key is finding the right balance of activity and rest. Adequate rest is crucial during the Lemon Detox Diet, while resting the body performs its vital cleansing tasks. Far from interfering with your training the Lemon Detox Diet is a wise investment for anyone wanting to keep fit. You'll find that your body performs more efficiently when it is cleansed and purified, experiencing higher energy levels and performance.

Some Cleansing Symptoms

It is normal to experience some discomfort during the course of the Lemon Detox Diet. As the stored-up toxins and wastes are released, they circulate through the blood stream before being eliminated. This release of toxins may cause headaches. Also any chronic skin disorders may temporarily worsen in the early stages of the programme as toxins are released through the skin.

Don't worry; these symptoms are normal and a positive sign that the Lemon Detox Diet is working. Persevere! Be prepared to take some extra rest if necessary. Usually the symptoms will only last a day or two. As the wastes are eliminated the body will regain its natural strength and vitality. You will also notice your skin improving and becoming clearer than ever.

Concluding the Programme

Since the digestive system has been resting for five to ten days, treat it carefully and considerately at the conclusion of the programme. The most common mistake is to eat too much too soon.

Gradually return to healthy eating over two or three days. On day one, stick with fresh squeezed fruit juices. On day two start the morning with juice and then try some pureed vegetable soup for lunch. By the third day you can you can try some steamed or raw vegetables. Do not eat any meat, fish, eggs, bread and sweets and do not drink soft drinks during the first three days. On the fourth day you can start eating "normally" again.

Maintaining Good Health

You have done your mind, body and spirit a great service by completing the Lemon Detox. You have cleansed your body, lost excess weight, and increased your fortitude and willpower.

Now it's important to use that increased fortitude and willpower to stick with an improved diet, especially if you are trying to keep off excess weight. There are many different ideas as to the appropriate diet to follow on a permanent basis, but no one diet that is right for everyone. Different body types have different requirements. There are, however certain basic principles that we believe are important to follow on any diet.

Try to keep down the amounts of processed foods that you eat. Processed sugars, refined foods, and saturated fatty foods all can have a detrimental effect on the body, as can alcohol and too much caffeine. Listen to your body and try to stick with natural, whole foods. Try eating lots of fresh vegetables and experiment with different combinations until you find the right long-term nutritional plan for you.

The Full Detox

This is the classic version that has been used by thousands of people throughout the world. Some people, when thinking about fasting for the first time imagine that they won't be able to make it through seven days but what you'll probably find is that after the second day it just gets easier and easier. The 5-7 day version is also convenient because one 1-litre tin of the Madal Bal Syrup lasts most people 5-7 days.

For the beginner, a shorter period is recommended - 5 to 7 days. Stanley Burroughs recommended doing the diet for 10 days because the cleansing gets better the longer the diet continues. By the time you get to the 7th day you'll most likely feel so good that going a few extra days will be easy. Going 10-14 days will give you the maximum result by keeping your body in a fasting mode for the fullest length of time.

During the total detox programme, drink only the recommended liquids.

If you are on any medication do not go off your medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not eat any solid foods.

For those more experienced at detoxing, 10 days is the optimum time. It can be extended up to 14 days but should only be done so with the consent of a healthcare professional.