Lemonade cleansing will take you through various stages of detox, body cleansing, and mind clarification. There are 5 stages in all, each exhibiting it’s own Benefits and Side Effects. With focus and determination to finish, you will be able to make it to at least Stage 3.

The descriptions below give general estimations regarding the cleansing time frame. The stages extend into a 30-day cleanse, although most people will only perform the Lemonade Cleanse for 10 days (ending at Stage 3).

Remember, everyone’s cleansing cycle will be slightly different. How did yours compare?

Stage 1 (Days 1-2)

The first few days of drinking the Lemonade Drink can be the most difficult. Your body switches into a fasting state, and your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dl. To bring it back up, your liver glycogen is naturally converted to glucose and released into your bloodstream. Your heart rate will slow a bit, and your blood pressure will drop.

The Maple Syrup consumed throughout the day will give you added energy. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR), or resting metabolism, will naturally slow. The Cayenne Pepper in the lemonade will help speed it back up to burn extra fat.

These first few days of cleansing are usually the most uncomfortable, causing some common side effects. As your body begins to transition to a fasting state, you will experience hunger pains and may become irritable. You might also experience weakness, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, and a heavily coated tongue.

Remember, do not exercise vigorously until you break the fast and complete your cleansing. Your body will be devoting all of its energy to this detoxification process. Instead, this is a good time to engage in External Pampering and gentle yoga.

Stage 2 (Days 3-7)

By Stage 2, your body has embraced the fast and thorough detoxification can begin. Your digestive system is able to rest and your body can focus on cleansing and healing. White blood cells and your immune system kick into action. Your colon will cleanse as you SWF.

Autolysis will begin during this stage of fasting. Your body starts to feed on dead and dying cells in your system. Useless cells, mucus, and plaque will be rejected by the natural, powerful forces of your body. Your organs, including your lungs and lymphatic system, will begin repairing and rejecting this waste. You will find yourself blowing your nose and coughing up yellow phlegm. You may feel some pain in your lungs, as the toxins are being rejected.

Toxins will also be released through your skin. Your complexion may become oily and you may develop pimples or other mild skin irritations as your purge the rancid, oily toxins. Transformed fatty acids are actually being broken down and releasing glycerol, converting to glucose for energy.

Stage 3 (Days 8-15)

Day 10 is where most people end their Lemonade Cleanse. You will experience invigoration, Positive Mindset, and Increased Energy. Your body will be refreshed, and your Skin will begin to glow. The solid built-up stool in your colon will have been released. Your appetite will have become accustomed to the lemonade mixture and excess weight will drop off your body.

During Stage 3, your body will continue to dissolve damaged tissue and cells. You may experience pain or irritation from old injuries, especially in your legs. Your body is actually continuing the healing process that was compromised during your previously unhealthy lifestyle. Canker sores may develop at this stage. Your body has achieved maximum efficiency in detoxification and cleansing. You may now quit your cleanse and Ease-Out, or continue onto Stage 4.

Stage 4 (Days 16-30)

Congratulations. If you have made it this far, you have completed a total detox. It is easy to tell when this process is complete; your tongue will turn pink again. Your organs and lymphatic system will finish the cleansing process and you will only have rare bouts of mucus and stuffy nose. Your body, at this point, is used to the fasting process, and you will experience beautiful clarity and peace of mind. Your memory, concentration, and determination will improve. Remember; do not fast for too long. Your body, especially the sign of a healthy pink tongue, will let you know when your detox process is finalized.

Stage 5 (Breaking the Fast)

You may jump from Stage 3 or 4 into Stage 5, during which time you will perform the 3 Day Ease-Out process and break the fast. You may want to consider an improved Post-Cleanse Lifestyle to keep off the weight. When you begin to eat solid foods again, you may experience diarrhea or constipation as your digestive system kicks back into action. It is important to follow the ease-out steps during this time to lessen any discomfort.

If you had successfully completed Stage 4 and gone beyond the 10 day cleanse, your Stage 5 may include a successful elimination of the toxic, slimy, mucus-like coating of the intestinal walls that has accumulated over years of unhealthy eating. This usually happens right after your first solid meal. Your gallbladder will also drop its waste in a discharge of bile. This is the ultimate in full body cleansing. Your intestines and colon will be completely clean, and you will feel exhilarated and renewed.