I'd follow the recipe if you really want it to work. You're not getting enough vitamins/minerals from the syrup.
Two tbsp. lemon or lime juice (1/2 lemon)
2 tbsps of pure grade B maple syrup
1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper (red) or to taste
12 oz of purified water (very warm)
Combine ingredients and drink.
You many double the recipe and fill a large thermos bottle and drink all day long.