Q. Why do I need nutritional cleansing?
A. Toxins and stress from our environment build up in our bodies over time and cause the continual risk of low energy, poor health and weight gain. Once you begin cleansing you’ll notice you’ll instantly feel energized, healthier, and you may also notice you are a few pounds lighter.
Q. How does nutritional cleansing work?
A. Nutritional cleansing contains a blend of botanicals along with vitamins and minerals to support the body nutritionally while helping to remove and flush out impurities and toxins within your cells creating a state in which your body “wants for nothing”.
Q. What's the cost involved in nutritional cleansing?
A. The cost of the programs vary, but a good estimate is roughly around $10.00 a day. This includes your meals provided by the program and the fresh meats, grains and produce that you will purchase from the grocery store on your own.
Q. What is the difference between Everyday Cleansing and Deep Cleansing?
A. Everyday Cleansing consists of drinking 1-2 fl. oz. of Cleanse juice up to twice daily. Deep Cleansing consists of its use as an all-day drink for up to two consecutive days, drinking 4 fl. oz. with 4 fl. oz. of cold purified water four times daily.
Q. Is Cleansing safe for long-term use?
A. Yes, its 100% safe and healthy for long term usage. You can cleanse daily, or do a Deep Cleanse; however this option should be limited to no more than two consecutive days per week.
Q. Is this a colon cleanse? Will I be spending my Cleanse Days in a restroom?
A. No. Cleanse for LifeTM is not a colon cleanse, it’s a total body cleanse on a cellular level. You will not be running to the restroom on cleanse days or on shake days for that matter. You will be using the restroom as much as you normally do on a regular basis. However, you are consuming a lot more water than you normally would be drinking, unless you already drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, so take that into consideration as well. Cleanse for LifeTM goes into your body on a cellular level breaking up the stored fatty tissue in your cells and releasing that fat to be flushed away with the water that you are drinking.
Q. Are there any concerns to know about before performing Cleanse Days?
A. Because of the reduced number of calories you are consuming, Cleanse Days should not be performed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Strenuous exercise should be avoided as an increase in exercise will speed up your metabolism causing you to feel hungry. In addition, those on medication or with a medical condition should consult a physician before Cleansing.
Q: Will I really lose 9 pounds in 9 days?
A: While we can’t make any guarantees, everyone who follows the 9 Day Program WITHOUT CHEATING, and sticking to the Timetable provided on this site should lose between 7-10 pounds. (The men’s average is 8-11 pounds – although we know one guy who lost 23 pounds in the 9 day program!)
Q: What do I do after the 9 day program is over?
A: That all depends on your weight loss and overall health goals. If you’ve achieved the weight loss you want on the 9 Day Program then you can just maintain your current weight by incorporating 1-2 shakes a day and have 1-2 healthy meals a day or incorporate 1 cleanse day a week or every other week for maintenance. If you still have more weight to lose, you can either purchase another 9 day system or a 30 day system (best deal for the money). My overall pick is the shake and cleanse pack or the healthy lifestyle pack for maintenance.
Q. Will I put the weight back on if I stop using these products?
A. That depends on how you go about maintaining your weight if you choose not to stick with these products. If you choose to eat 5 small 250-400 calorie healthy meals a day along with moderate exercise then the answer is NO, but if you fall back into bad habits like drinking excessive amounts of caffeinated beverages, eating fatty fried foods then the answer is simply YES you will! Remember with these products you are eating better and saving money by replacing meals with cost effective healthy items.
Q: Do I have to follow the Timetable exactly?
A: People who follow the Timetable definitely have better results. However you can modify the timetable to your own schedule. For instance, the timetable starts at 8AM but say your day actually starts at 7AM or even 10AM! Just adjust it accordingly to when your day starts so that you are eating something every 2-3 hours.
Q: I work out with a personal trainer, can I continue my normal workout routine?
A: When you are cleansing, your body is working very hard to detoxify, and cleanse impurities. It is best to take it easy on Cleanse days, stick with a low cardio program and try not to break a sweat! Try Yoga, Pilates, or some alternate exercise routines. You should exercise as usual on your Shake days.
Q: Will these products help me lose my belly fat?
A: Everyone is different, and will lose pounds and inches in different places. However, the consistent feedback we get is that people are pleasantly surprised when the belly fat is the first to go!
Q: Isn’t losing weight this fast unsafe?
A: Rapid weight loss is only unsafe if you are denying your body of the vitamins, nutrients and minerals it needs for optimal performance. However, if you are able to get your body to burn fat, and build lean muscle mass, and provide all the necessary nutrients, you can lose pounds and inches at an accelerated rate and get healthier in the process!
Q. Can I use these products if I’m a Vegetarian?
A. Yes! Almost all of these products abide by Vegetarian standards and are a great way to get all of the necessary vitamins and proteins your body needs. The only products that are not Vegetarian friendly are the Ageless Actives Vitamins, Essentials for Women Vitamins, Isalean® Creamy Chicken Soup, and the IsaOmega® Supreme Vitamins.
Q. Are these products safe for those pregnant or breastfeeding?
A. Yes and No. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should NOT be cleansing, cleansing releases toxins into the body and you don’t want your baby to be exposed to those toxins through either the umbilical cord or breast milk. However, the healthiest thing you can be doing for you and your baby are the Isalean® Shakes. These Shakes contain 100% Organic nutrition! If you are breastfeeding you should be taking the Woman’s Essentials Vitamins along with the shakes and if you’re pregnant you should be taking these along with your prenatal vitamins.
Q: I have gotten on the scale, but am not losing any weight, how can that be?
A: Have you checked your measurements? If you are exercising, your body is burning fat and building muscle, and muscle is denser and weighs more than fat. So – Check your measurements -- the tape measure never lies!!! (And neither do your jeans!) If the tape measure tells the same story as the Scale – call your representative that introduced you to IsagenixTM. There are lots of options and tools for breaking through weight loss plateaus!
Q: How much water do I need to drink?
A: Hydration is always important for health benefits and especially while you Cleanse. Proper hydration supports the elimination of harmful impurities and helps your body to function more efficiently. Your goal should be at least 8-10 glasses a day or ½ your body weight in ounces of water every day, not to exceed 100 ounces. Don’t skip the water, you won’t get the results.
Q: Can I drink Coffee during the Cleanse?
A: We are not your Boss! We are not the Diet Police! You can do anything you want while you are Cleansing! However, if you want to get the maximum results of the program, you must abstain from all caffeinated beverages. Caffeine causes the liver to release glycogen. The pancreas responds to the sudden rise in blood sugar by releasing insulin, the hormone that causes excess carbs to be stored as fat. Although caffeine is a metabolic stimulant, the ultimate effect is to increase your appetite and contribute to weight gain and thus caffeine should be avoided by anyone trying to reduce body fat.
Q: Can I drink Diet Sodas since they have no calories?
A: You are going to be so sorry you asked …Drinking carbonated beverages forces much of the food consumed to sit in the higher part of the stomach, where the stomach enzymes are not found, preventing the normal breakdown of protein. This can also contribute to acid reflux. Remember – you can use Coca Cola to dissolve the corrosion on your car battery – do you really want this in your body?
Carbonated beverages which contain aspartame like Diet Coke, for example, may be particularly harmful. Many studies have shown that aspartame may actually stimulate appetite, as the sweet taste signals body cells to store carbohydrates and fats, which in turn causes the body to crave more food. In addition, aspartame ingestion leads to the significant exposure to and accumulation of formaldehyde!
Q: Can I chew Sugar Free Gum?
A: See the information on Aspartame above!
Q: Can I drink Alcoholic Beverages on the 9 Day Cleanse?
A: You can if you can find one that contains no sugar & no carbs! If you find one, let us know J
Q: Why are Almonds a good idea for a snack on Cleanse Days?
A: The studies suggest that one reason for almonds' healthful benefits may be the way their nutrients are absorbed in the body. Almonds appear to help block absorption of fat and carbohydrates and improve satiety, which may be a key mechanism behind their heart-healthy, cholesterol lowering and weight-maintenance capabilities. Almonds had been considered too fatty to be a healthy snack, but research has shown that the nuts actually lower blood cholesterol levels. 90 percent of the fats in almonds are unsaturated, and the nuts are high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. Almonds help prevent osteoporosis and they regulate blood pressure. However, just remember to only eat 2-5 almonds at a time and make sure they are unsalted!
Q. What are healthy snacks?
A. Most things in moderation can be considered a healthy snack as long as they pertain to this guideline – they must be between 35-90 Calories and contain no trans or saturated fat. Ideas for this are (1) Hard Boiled Egg, (3) Baby Carrot Sticks, (1) Whole Cut up Cucumber or Tomato with lemon juice or vinegar, (1) Small Apple, (1) Banana, Celery Stalks, (1) IsaDelight®, (1) SlimCake®, (2) IsagenixTM Snacks®, etc.
Q. Can I use Cleanse for LifeTM by itself for nutritional cleansing benefits without the full program?
A. Yes, however the product was designed to be used as part of one of the 9 or 30 day programs. You might not get the results you want if you solely use this product without the program.
Q. Where can I find instructions on how to use the 9 and 30 Day Cleansing and Fat Burning Systems?
A. You can find and print the pdf instructions on how to use the 9 and 30 Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System on www.healthychoiceforlife.com
Q. Can someone on blood thinners perform Cleanse Days?
A. If you’re on blood thinners or any other medication, we strongly advise you seek supervision of your healthcare professional. Your physician will need to monitor your Pt levels if you choose to cleanse. Performing Cleanse Days may result in natural thinning of the blood. This is because you are drinking lots of fluids and limiting your caloric intake.
Q. I have diabetes. Should I be worried about my blood glucose rising too high or falling too low?
A. Blood glucose levels should be monitored closely while on the program if you have diabetes. Not every individual will have similar results and you may need to make modifications as necessary. Please consult your doctor before adjusting medication. These products will help you keep your blood sugar at a steady level however you might want to add the FiberProTM to your order to help you add extra fiber to your shakes.
Q. Can athletes and people who don’t need to lose weight use these programs?
A. Yes. Athletes and “thin” people can certainly benefit from nutritional cleansing and the 9 and 30 Day Programs even if they don’t have weight issues. We regard nutritional cleansing to be the “missing link” to many health benefits such as vitality, more energy and better absorption of nutrients to contain a constant stable blood sugar level. Everyone no matter their physical stature should be using these products.
Q. How should someone who is diabetic and insulin dependent use Cleanse for LifeTM?
A. We strongly advise anyone who is diabetic perform Cleanse Days only under close medical supervision. A physician will be able to help a patient with diabetes monitor glucose levels, modify medication and transition to short-acting insulin versus long-acting insulin when needed for cleansing.
Q. I get headaches while Cleansing. What can I do about them?
A. First-time cleansers may experience mild headaches (possibly for up to a week) as a common caffeine withdrawal symptom from giving up coffee or caffeinated sodas. If necessary, headaches can usually be alleviated by eating an IsaDelight® dark chocolate (approximately 10mg of caffeine per piece) or by drinking a cup of green tea along with a 2 aspirin or Tylenol.
Q. I experience leg cramping while Deep Cleansing. What can I do to avoid the cramping?
A. Some cleansers will experience leg cramps if they are receiving insufficient amount of mineral electrolytes—magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. These can be alleviated by taking IsaFlush® and IsaCalcium®, eating 1 or 2 IsaDelight® pieces, and/or snacking on nuts, fruits or leafy green vegetables. If cramping continues or becomes chronic, please be sure to follow up with a visit to your doctor’s office.
Q. I experience constipation while Deep Cleansing. How can I make sure to stay regular?
A. The key to avoiding constipation during a Cleanse Day is to keep dietary fiber intake high on Shake Days. Our recommendation is to gradually increase fiber intake to 25-30g daily in line with the daily recommendations from the National Fiber Council. Getting enough is easily achieved by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as taking advantage of products suchas FiberPro® and SlimCakes®. Try incorporating 1 Tbsp. of flax seed oil into your shake as well. Regular water intake also works with fiber to help alleviate constipation. If constipation continues beyond 1-2 days, you might want to try IsaFlush® or a visit your local doctor’s office.
Q. I feel cold when Deep Cleansing in winter. How can I stay warm?
A. Customers may feel cold while cleansing because they are drinking cold water and liquids regularly and avoiding regular amounts of food, which in itself produces a thermal effect during digestion. To alleviate feelings of coldness during cleansing in the winter months, consider drinking Cleanse for LifeTM and accompanying water and herbal teas at warm temperatures.
Q. I feel flu-like symptoms or feel like I may be becoming sick while Deep Cleansing. How can I avoid this feeling?
A. If you begin to feel like you are coming down with the flu, please stop your Cleanse Day, return to Shake Days, and be sure to follow up with a doctor’s visit. If it turns out you have caught a bug, you may need medical treatment and steady nutrition for your immune system.
Q. I feel very hot and turn red sometimes when I cleanse. Is this and allergic reaction? Is it harmful? How can I avoid it?
A. Customers may experience what’s called a “niacin flush” while on the program. This reaction is 100% safe and may be related to an individual who has sensitivity issues to nicotinic acid, a form of niacin. This is not an allergic reaction and should go away within 20 minutes or so. This can be avoided by taking the following products, separately: Cleanse for LifeTM, Ionix Supreme® and Natural Accelerator®. Because the Natural Accelerator® also contains other ingredients that may result in a niacin flush, it should be taken with food or a shake.
Q. I have experienced an allergic reaction while Deep Cleansing. What should I do?
A. If you experience an allergic reaction, please discontinue whichever product may have been associated with the reaction and be sure to follow up with a doctor’s visit. Please also report your reaction or any other serious adverse condition to nutrition@isagenix.com
Q. I feel dizzy, like I will pass out when I’m cleansing. Could this be because my blood pressure is too low?
A. Yes. Lower blood pressure may be a natural result of performing Cleanse Days. If you have low blood pressure or are on blood pressure medications, please have your doctor monitor you and make adjustments as necessary before and while cleansing. Dizziness can also be caused by blood sugar becoming too low.
Q: Is there a reason that I should 2 Cleanse Days in a row to start off?
A: Studies have shown that a system cleanse is much more effective over 48 hours rather than 24. The focus of this program is to put your body into fat burning mode, it takes approx. 24 hours just to get out of sugar burning mode. According to John Anderson, the formulator of the IsagenixTM Product line, 20% of the effectiveness of the cleanse happens on the first day, 80% happens on the second day. Don’t quit – And DON’T CHEAT ON CLEANSE DAYS – IT’S NOT WORTH IT!
Q: I am on my second Cleanse Day, and I am feeling very fatigued. Is this normal?
A: Though not everyone experiences the fatigue, this is quite normal. Your body is working hard to rid itself of toxins that have built up over time. In addition, if you were a heavy caffeine or sugar user, the fatigue may be resulting from your withdrawal from those items. Make sure you eat the IsagenixTM snacks on your Cleanse days; they help keep your energy levels up. You may also want to try the “Want More Energy?” drink mix included in every 9 day and 30 day program.
Q: Why do I feel so good after my Cleanse Days?
A: When you eliminate harmful impurities and excess pounds from your body, you naturally feel fantastic. You're on your way to being healthy, clean, and lean for life. The 9 and 30 Day Programs, which we also refer to as the Cleansing and Fat Burning Systems, are a safe and amazing way to assist the cleansing of impurities that build up in your system over the years. This, in turn, can help you lose excess pounds and inches. A healthy body is a clean and lean body. That's why cleansing makes you feel great!
Q: Are all IsagenixTM products organic?
A: Only the highest quality raw materials are used. IsagenixTM does prefer to use organic ingredients whenever available – and does so in many of our products. Not all ingredients, however, are organic due to unavailability. All products are inspected to ensure safety, purity and potency.
Q: Are IsagenixTM products FDA approved?
A: The FDA does not pre-approve nutritional or dietary supplements because they are regulated as foods (not drugs) under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The FDA does monitor manufacturing practices and labeling for compliance. Isagenix does use products with an FDA GRAS (generally recognized as safe) certification if available.