A friend of mine is doing the Master Cleanse fast (a.k.a the Lemonade Diet) right now. Seems like the perfect time for an intestinal roto-rooter. The popular detox, created by the late naturopath Stanley Burroughs in the 1970s, is designed to sweep the intestines and give greater vitality. Here’s the deal, according to a website with comprehensive descriptions of the plan and its effects:

For a minimum of 10 days, drink:

2 Tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice (approx. ½ lemon)

2 Tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) organic Grade B maple syrup, not maple-flavored sugar syrup or syrup from companies that use formaldehyde to harvest their syrup

1/10 Teaspoon or more cayenne pepper (hot red pepper)

1 Cup (8 fluid ounces) purified or spring water, NOT fluoridated water.

Drink six to twelve glasses of this lemonade mixture daily. No food is eaten nor any vitamin supplements taken during the cleanse. If you get hungry, have another glass of lemonade.

You can drink more plain water, if you want.

You should read more at therawfoodsite.com or this book, “Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days,” and talk to your doctor before trying it. You can also chat with others about the cleanse on these bulletin boards.

My friend, on the cleanse for about a week now, is even perkier than before; according to this, you won’t feel hungry if you follow the instructions. You’ll also clear out all kinds of mucus and toxic nasties. Most people go through a phase where they feel tired or headachey, but lemonade devotees say that clears after day three. I’m considering giving it a try.

Have you done the Master Cleanse? What was it like? Are there other cleanses that you like?

—by Valerie Reiss (Amy’s on vacation)