“Skinny Fat”, or normal-weight obesity, refers to individuals that do not appear to be visually overweight, however, these individuals have a high percentage of body fat that is often visceral fat, which is fat that surrounds the vital organs. The body composition, or the ratio of fat to lean body mass, for these individuals is high in fatty tissue in comparison to lean tissue, but they still fall within the normal limits of the body mass index, also known as “BMI”. Unfortunately, as is the case with other forms of obesity, “skinny fat” is a growing problem in the United States.

So why should we be concerned with “skinny fat” individuals when they look good? Because the science shows that body composition, the ratio of fat to lean body mass, is more important than simple body weight when analyzing the health of individuals. And unfortunately due to our preconceptions of these individuals, those suffering from normal-weight obesity are being being misclassified as healthy when they could actually be at high risk for chronic diseases and are not being treated or attended to properly.

More and more research is showing a correlation between between body fat and risk of chronic disease and mortality. Until recently, the focus of the research has been geared towards how increased body weight can lead to a greater risk of disease with little emphasis on the health risks associated with being underweight and unfit. However, as we are finding out, being “skinny” does not mean being “healthy and fit.”

For example, a recent study analyzed the relationship between body fat percentage and cardiorespiratory fitness (or CRF), which is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease and premature death. The findings of the study showed that body fat percentage was inversely related to cardiorespiratory fitness. In other words, participants in the study with larger amounts of body fat were found to be less fit, independent of their body weight or stature.

In another recent study, scientists explored the relationship between cancer mortality and various obesity measures as well as fitness, which was quantified in the study by the duration of maximal treadmill exercise. The findings showed that participants that were classified as unfit and underweight were at a higher risk of mortality than those classified as obese. Thus, in addition to managing weight, individuals should emphasize physical activity in their daily lives as it is proven to be a critical part in disease prevention.

Dr. Keith Bachman, a weight-management specialist with Kaiser Permanente’s Care Management Institute, emphasizes, “Good health is more than a BMI or a number on a scale. We know that people who choose a healthy lifestyle enjoy better health.” Dr. Bachman suggests a balanced diet, physical activity, and stress management as healthy lifestyle practices.

In an effort to be a more informed and healthier society, let’s remove “skinny” from our vocabulary and focus our attention on being healthy, strong and fit. And if you’re an individual that is not consuming healthy foods and not undertaking regular physical activity but appears to be of normal weight, you may be “skinny-fat” and should consult your doctor about making lifestyle changes. To address unhealthy nutrition practices, take a look at incorporating Isagenix products into your diet.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) announced in May that out of 600 beach and sport sunscreens, only one in five are safe. The findings were reported in the EWG’s fifth annual guide to sunscreen products called “Sunscreens Exposed: Nine Surprising Truths.”

Sunscreens are supposed to serve as a protection for our skin cells from harmful UVA and UVB radiation. However, a new debate is being waged on how beneficial most sunscreens are to consumers’ health. Not only does the sun penetrate the skin, but new studies find that it may be penetrating and degrading your sunscreen, thereby unleashing harmful free radicals on the surface of your skin.

While not all agree with the methodology used in the EWG’s study, their report deserves high marks for bringing natural minerals used in sunscreens to the forefront as having the “best safety profile of today’s choices.” Two of the most important natural minerals used in sunscreens are zinc and titanium, which offer UVA and UVB protection with little risk of toxicity or skin penetration. The EWG report highlights these two ingredients as superior to the chemical compounds used in most sunscreens.

The EWG recommends against using a broad spectrum of sunscreens due to safety concerns. Among the concerns expressed by the EWG are sunscreens sprays. Often when spraying on sunscreens, you are inhaling the chemical compounds used in sunscreens, which could have health consequences. The EWG also recommends against using sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate as it may contribute to the formation of harmful free radicals. In addition, avoid using sunscreens with oxybenzone, as research indicates it is a hormone disrupter. A frightening statistic is that oxybenzone is used in almost 60 percent of sunscreens sold in the United States. When purchasing a sunscreen, beware of sunscreens with poor UVA protection. Too many sunscreens portect only against UVB “burning” rays, but do not protect against UVA “aging” rays. UVA rays are the primary driver behind skin aging and oxidative stress, and ultimately contribute to skin caner. Finally, claims of “water proof” and “sweat proof” can be misleading, so do not develop a false sense of security when using these products.

The EWG recommends using sunscreens that contain natural minerals, such as the aforementioned zinc or titanium, as products containing these ingredients lead the way in consumer safety and sun protection. By utilizing natural sun-blocking minerals, you avoid harmful chemicals that may have dangerous health consequences. Zinc and titanium also offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVB “burning” rays and UVA “aging” rays. Furthermore, according to the report from the EWG, “Unlike other common sunscreen chemicals, zinc and titanium are not allergenic, do not break down in sunlight and do not disrupt the body’s natural hormones.”

Unfortunately, poor regulations and insufficient research have not made consumers aware of the harms involved when differentiating between sunscreen products. Hopefully, more research similar to that performed by the EWG will help educate the public on the harmful ingredients within many sunscreens and the lack of effectiveness of many of the sunscreens on the market.

If you are interested in learning more about the basics of sunscreens, we recommend reading “How to Protect Your Skin from Skin Cancer.” And, if you are looking to purchase an all-natural sunscreen with high-quality ingredients and minerals, we recommend looking at IsaSunGuard.

A new meta-analysis finds taking calcium helps burn more fat.

Researchers from Northumbria University in the United Kingdom found that consuming calcium for at least seven days increased fat oxidation by 11 percent. Over the course of one year, the higher rate of fat release equates to 8 pounds over the course of one year. Earlier research also found that elevated consumption of calcium is associated with a lower body mass. In addition, the researchers report that calcium supplements result in a similar increase in metabolic rate as caffeine.

The authors write that the average amount of calcium associated with the improved weight loss is 958 mg. The data shows that even after a one-time dose of calcium fat breakdown temporarily increases, however, the authors indicate more conclusive data is needed with regard to this specific conclusion.

In the current study, researchers concluded that calcium plays an active role in lowering body mass. While fat burning increases from calcium, elevated fat excretion results in additional weight loss. Calcium, the authors write, reacts with dietary fat and bile found in the gut to form an insoluble soap which prevents fat from getting absorbed.

In addition to increasing the body’s ability to burn fat, calcium may also reduce food intake. Researchers believe that lower levels of calcium lead to eating more. In other words, propelled by biology, the data suggests that individuals with a deficiency in calcium adopt eating behaviors that seek to consume more calcium. Thus, lower calcium levels may mean more food; more food means more calories, more calories means higher body weight.

Researchers also observed that pairing a low-calorie diet with calcium supplements resulted in a higher loss of fat. Possibly a misrepresentation due to a small body of research, the study also showed that calcium supplements were more effective at bolstering metabolic rate than dairy calcium.

Calcium is closely linked with vitamin D metabolism as well as the parathyroid hormone (PTH). Higher intakes of calcium translate to lower levels of activated vitamin D and PTH—two hormones that regulate blood calcium. High PTH can oppose fat oxidation. The authors site calcium’s ability to lower PTH and the active vitamin D as one way that it may augment lipolysis (fat breakdown).

Given the small size of the study, additional research is needed to fully understand the role between calcium intake and fat burning. But, from this study, we can conclude as the authors have that regular “calcium intake increases fat oxidation, which may contribute to the fat loss benefits of a high-calcium, energy restricted diet.”

Isagenix is only sold thru individual independent distributors and is not sold thru any retail chain stores (such as Costco, Wal-Mart, GNC, etc.). Isagenix also has ceased directly selling their products online, so you must purchase thru an independent distributor’s website (such as this one).

Isagenix mandates that their products be sold only at two price points — a wholesale price and a retail price. You will not find products listed for any other prices unless the product is used and being sold on an auction website (such as eBay), which Isagenix does not permit and takes action against. The wholesale price is offered only to those who enroll in either the Preferred Customer or the Associate programs. To learn more about these programs, click here. If you do not want to enroll in the program and would like the discounted price, contact us directly and we will provide the discounted pricing. However, when we provide the discounted pricing, you will not be entitled to the 30-day refund policy.

With last month being Skin Cancer Awareness Month and many of us starting to get into the full-swing of summer, we thought we would remind you to pay attention to the health of your skin. Each year more than two million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer, and unfortunately, the numbers are rising among the younger generations. And even though we are most conscious about applying sunscreen during the summer months, it’s important to note that dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen year-round. Even on a cloudy day, 80% of the sun’s UV rays pass through the clouds!

There are simple steps we can take as we spend time outdoors this summer with the first line of defense being to seek shade as much as possible and wear protective clothing (i.e. wide-brimmed hats).

And when you are exposed to the sun, nothing comes close to sunscreen for protecting skin against the sun. High exposure to UV radiation from the sun will result in increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, and higher levels of inflammation. Sunscreen not only protects the skin from developing cancers, but it also helps keep the elasticity of your skin so you don’t develop as many wrinkles as you grow older.

As with any product, not all sunscreens on the shelf are created equal. A sunscreen may not protect against both UVB and UVA rays; and a high SPF (sun protective factor) does not necessarily mean an increase in protection. For example, jumping from SPF 30 to SPF 50, lends approximately 1 percent of additional protection. Also, with a higher SPF rating, you may be exposed to considerably more chemical UV absorbers (SPF ratings only guard against UVB radiation, not UVA) and synthetic hydrocarbons that when broken down, could easily penetrate the skin to produce potentially harmful endocrine-disrupting activity. The estrogen-mimetic oxybenzone can be found in more than half of all beach and sport sunscreens currently on the market. Furthermore, since you should be re-applying the sunscreen approximately every 90 minutes, there is not a significant benefit to use any sunscreen greater than SPF 30.

Sadly, only one in four sunscreens are approved by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for safety and complete broad-spectrum protection. The EWG is a non-profit organization that provides valuable information for the sake of public health and the environment. According to EWG, mineral-based sunscreens are the top choice for sun and consumer protection. The EWG’s latest report touts mineral-based sunscreens, specifically those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as the best consumer choices because they remain stable in sunlight without the threat of dangerously seeping into the skin, and still offer protection from the deepest-penetrating UVA rays—something sorely lacking in most available sunscreens.

For those looking for a high-quality sunscreen without the toxicity, Isagenix offers a sunscreen called IsaSunguard that is SPF 30 and provides protection using natural minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, so you don’t have to worry about the toxicity as you would with many other brands. IsaSunguard is also a moisturizer so it is rich in soothing botanicals such as Aloe Vera gel, green tea, chamomile and Pro Vitamin B5 that help hydrate and replenish the skin. IsaSunguard is long-lasting and water-resistant. If you’re interested in purchasing IsaSunguard, you can do so here.

Glutathione protects your cells from oxidative damage better than vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lycopene and any other antioxidant currently available.

Glutathione is made by your cells, for your cells and devours pro-oxidants and free radicals, making it an antioxidant powerhouse within your body. Glutathione is a key component in oxidative balance because it protects against dangerous oxidative species that break thru a cell’s defenses. Glutathione also helps renew other antioxidant agents.

Biological aging occurs as a result of cellular decline due to a combination of oxidative stress and telomere shortening. The health of the cell serves as a junction between biological, cellular, and functional aging. Glutathione protects cells against damage, that according to recent scientific studies, accompanies the dysfunction of telomeres and mitochondria that develops over time.

Environmental, dietary, and psychological stressors all wreak havoc on cells. In addition, byproducts of metabolism that are essential to sustain life will also break our bodies down.

Glutathione synthesis rapidly decreases as we age. Researchers have discovered that older people have about 50 percent less glutathione in their cells than younger people (with height- and weight-matched controls) (2). Low glutathione levels are also linked to higher levels of oxidative damage and lower levels of intracellular antioxidants, which are commonly found in aged individuals (3). Glutathione’s actual involvement in the aging process and relationship with chronic disease is not entirely clear. However, studies reveal that glutathione may be the best indicator of functional age.

Glutathione is a tri-peptide, which means it is synthesized from three different amino acids. Since it is made by the cell, it would make sense to believe that rate of synthesis is regulated by cells. Fortunately, this is not the case, or at least it is up for debate. Glutathione naturally decreases with age—but so will muscle, collagen, and maybe even cognition. Your antioxidant systems will degrade, and your cells will have a harder time processing toxic loads, unless you enable their defenses. The human body is remarkable in its ability to accept, adapt, and to renew itself.

Boosting glutathione levels may preserve your health and delay cellular aging. One way to boost glutathione levels is thru consumption of whey protein. Whey protein is also the best source of the sulfur containing the amino acid cysteine (1). Cysteine, in conjunction with glycine and glutamic acid, are the building blocks for intracellular glutathione. With more cysteine than any other plant and animal protein, undenatured whey protein brings the resources to counter-balance the compression of aging on cell protection.

Studies show that older people supplementing with cysteine and glycine increased their rate of glutathione synthesis by 230 percent (2). After just two weeks of supplementing with the glutathione precursors, the participants obtained an antioxidant status on par with a younger crowd. (To read more about this study, click here.) While these men and women supplemented with individual amino acids, some research suggests that whey protein may actually be a more effective stimulus for dosing up on glutathione (1).

Unfortunately, we cannot reverse the effects of aging, however, biological age doesn’t have to have a fixed rate. The Free Radical Theory of Aging suggests just that—oxidants, radicals, and toxins debilitate cells and deprive us of our youth. Promoting glutathione production is a direct way to reduce the oxidative duress put on cells. Being the sum of our parts, preserving our cellular age should be a key focus for turning back the clock.

References
1) Bounous G and P Gold. The biological activity of undenatured dietary whey proteins: role of glutathione. Clin Invest Med Volume 1991;14:296-309.
2) Sekhar R et al. Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation. Am J Clni Nutr 2011; 1-7.
3) Kharb S et al. Glutation levels in health and sickness. Indian J  Med Sci 2000;54:52-4.

More than 30 percent of adults are in pain because of their joints, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It probably comes as little surprise that 18 percent of adults report the pain to be in their knee.

The knee bears a heavy burden that grows heavier with more body weight. Adults who are obese are three times more likely to have knee pain than their normal weight counterparts. However, researchers have found that weight loss can prevent nearly one-fifth of all new cases of severe knee pain.

At least 30 percent of Americans have a hard time imagining a life without physical discomfort. For those chronically affected by disaffected joints, pain is a part of life. However, while some cases of joint pain require more to correct the condition, other times little steps and a little proactive thinking may take your joints a long way.

Know Your Joints

Joints are primary places for pain because they are complex, multi-functional, and utilized a great deal. Three types of joints exist in the body: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial.

Synovial joints are the most mobile and most common joints in the body—they are also the most prone to injury and pain. Synovial fluid is a viscous gel within a joint space that reduces friction. With a high content of hyaluronic acid to attract and trap water molecules, the fluid functions as a lubricant providing pain free movement. While synovial fluid is continually synthesized, levels decrease with age and activity.

The other movement within a synovial joint comes in the form of cartilage—the cushion that pads the ends of bones. A connective tissue with a soft spot, the function of cartilage is not particularly noticeable, until it is gone. Years of wear and tear on bones and joints will whittle away this protective covering, resulting in something synovial fluid can’t prevent: a bone-on-bone joint.

Stepping Out of Pain

While weight loss is an important preventative measure for managing joint pain in overweight adults, Isagenix also has a solution to arrest your pain and promote lifelong joint health. Ageless Pain Relief Cream provides a fast-acting topical solution for joint pain relief. Including key ingredients like menthol and methyl salicylates, this cream provides immediate comfort to joints and can help put you on the path to greater mobility. Over-the-counter pain killers can help reduce pain, but when taken too often they may also cause problems. Give your liver and stomach a break and instead go straight to the source; Ageless Pain Relief Cream does not have to be ingested and metabolized so you can choose where it goes and which body part reaps the benefits.

Lifelong Joint Support

Glucosamine is a foundational ingredient that supports cartilage from the ground up. Combined with proteins that form the base for cartilage, glucosamine supplementation helps give this rate-limiting step a step-up. Chondroitin pairs with glucosamine in the formation of cartilage, mostly noted for its promotion of a firm and flexible structure.

Synovial fluid is more readily rejuvenated than cartilage, but taking it for granted could take the spring out of your step. Hyaluronan, the water-grabbing molecule found in synovial fluid, may help increase the fluid in the joint space. Building on what we know to build up joints, Ageless Joint Support is a triple-action support for protecting, rejuvenating, and supporting the joint.

Complete with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM (methyl-sulphonyl methane), and collagen, the major building blocks of cartilage, as well as hyaluronan to support synovial fluid, this supplement is part of the Isagenix solution to soothe and support. Why take eight different supplements for your joints when one has everything you need?

Optimal joint support provides protection as well as relief. Isagenix provides a one-two punch to gain immediate relief while supporting your joints for a healthier tomorrow. Living with constant pain should not be the norm. It’s time to get away from acceptance and move toward renewal.

Set your DVRs!

On January 21, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, the TLC network will be featuring Isagenix Co-Founder Kathy Coover, 2011 IsaBody Challenge Winner Jill B., 2nd-Place IsaBody Winner and Fitness Competitor Lisa W. and 2010 Ms. Bikini America and Ms. Bikini Universe 2010 Lori Harder in a special segment.

The segment will feature famed “Taxi” actress Marilu Henner highlighting incredible transformation stories of these dynamic Isagenix ladies. Set your DVR and make sure you share the news with your friends, family and prospects.

Be sure to check your local listing for viewing times and don’t miss out!

Here’s a sneak peek at the segment:

Does the Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing and Fat Burning System work? Recent clinical trials found that Isagenix provided subjects with a statistically significant average weight loss of 6.4 pounds over the course of nine days. And over the course of time, Isagenix has performed even better.

And if you still do not believe whether Isagenix works, just ask the 2011 IsaBody Challenge winners…

Have you been working out and eating healthy, but struggling to lose stubborn fat? In other words, have you hit a “weight loss plateau?”

Well, there’s good news for you. In the September Issue of the Journal of Nutrition a study was published showing losing belly fat and gaining lean muscle is more easily accomplished by eating more protein from dairy. Specifically, the researchers credit the whey protein fraction of the milk.

The study followed 90 obese women (ages 19-45) for 16 weeks as they followed a weight-loss program. The women were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group consumed 0-1 servings of dairy each day (low dairy and adequate protein), while the second group consumed 3-4 servings of dairy each day (medium dairy and adequate protein), and the third group consumed 6-7 servings of dairy each day (high dairy and high protein). Each serving of dairy was equivalent to 1 cup of milk or about 1.5 ounces of cheese.

The diet was designed so that the women consuming the most dairy were eating two times more protein and lower carbohydrates than the other two groups, and twice the amount of dairy than the medium group. All women also engaged in an aerobics program five times per week and resistance training twice per week.

At the end of the 16 week program, the women in the third group (high dairy and high protein) lost significantly more weight, particularly belly fat, and gained more muscle mass than the other two groups. All of the women lost weight, but as the lead author of the study Andrea Josse from the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University pointed out, “One hundred percent of the weight lost in the higher protein/high dairy group was fat. And the participants gained muscle mass, which is a major change in body composition.”

All weight-loss programs will lead to the loss of fat, but muscle is typically lost as well, which may explain the “plateau” effect. So, the fact that the body composition changed as well is crucial. Muscle plays an important role in regulating levels of glucose and fats in the blood, which means losing muscle could have negative effects on long-term metabolic health. Visceral fat, or “belly fat”, is also bad for metabolic and cardiovascular health. Thus, the fact that the study showed increasing calcium and protein in the diet may help promote fat loss from the worst storage area in the body is an important finding.

According to the authors, the increased loss of fat with higher consumption of dairy is “likely related to other bioactive components such as the protein fraction [whey] rich in branded-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine).”

If you’ve reached a plateau in your weight-loss journey and are looking to boost the protein from dairy in your diet, I recommend taking a look at the IsaLean Shakes and IsaPro developed by Isagenix.

Source: Increased Consumption of Dairy Foods and Protein during Diet- and Exercise-Induced Weight Loss Promotes Fat Mass Loss and Lean Mass Gain in Overweight and Obese Premenopausal Women.

Living gluten-free can be challenging. Reading labels to determine whether a product contains wheat, barley or rye can be tedious. Plus, you still need to ensure your body is receiving the nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, and trace minerals it needs on a daily basis.

Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack options, Isagenix has made eating nutrient-rich, gluten-free products easy and affordable. According to Isagenix, nearly all of its products are gluten-free, including their IsaLean Shakes and IsaLean Bars. The IsaLean Shakes and IsaLean Bars are full meal replacement alternatives that are easy to prepare and economical. Their FiberSnacks and IsaDelight chocolates provide great tasting gluten-free snacks.

For more information on which Isagenix products are gluten-free, please refer to the food allergen table.

While coaching product users thru their Isagenix program, I am often asked some variation of, “What do I do after I complete my Isagenix system? Do I still have to buy the products?” And my answer is always the same, “Do you want to maintain what you’ve achieved and achieve even better health?”

Isagenix is designed to be a “healthy lifestyle” and not a “band-aid diet.” The products are formulated to provide better overall health by cleansing your body of toxins, which usually build-up in your fat cells, and then nourishing your body with vital nutrients, amino acids, trace minerals and vitamins to build lean muscle mass. As this process occurs, most people shed pounds and inches while building lean muscle mass. To put it more simply, you experience results with Isagenix because you’re giving your body what it needs to perform at its peak. And if you’re experiencing results and feeling great, why stop taking Isagenix?

“Ready to feel and look healthy for the long-run? Maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be the ultimate goal in any health-and-wellness journey, but often times it can be challenging to find the right balance. With Isagenix, it’s easy to maintain your new physique and energetic outlook.” – From IsaFYI

Isagenix has developed maintenance systems in addition to the 30 Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System, including:

• Total Health and Wellness: 4 Pillars of Health Pak
• Healthy Lifestyle Pak
• Shake and Cleanse Pak
• Athlete’s Pak

If you want to continue to look great and feel great, research the Isagenix pak that’s right for you by clicking here.

In May 2005, the Salt Lake City ABC 4 News team decided to test the Isagenix 9 Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System that had reportedly been providing people with incredible weight loss results.*

The Isagenix system is based on regularly cleansing the body internally with a natural aloe botanical drink called Cleanse for Life in conjunction with taking their proprietary IsaLean Shakes and eating a balanced diet. The company says you’ll not only lose weight, but you’ll be on the road to becoming healthy, clean, and lean.** Reports from many customers claim the cleansing and fat burning system has helped them lose substantial weight…and inches.*

One of those customers is Kim Olson, who previously weighed nearly 300 pounds and had struggled with her weight for 23 years, having tried her share of fad diets. Kim shared with ABC 4, “With each diet I’d lose weight, but then I’d gain it back…and then some.”

Eventually, Kim was introduced to the Isagenix Cleansing and Fat Burning System, and Kim followed the program diligently and stayed on the products consistently. She focused on her goals and achieved them monthly.

Kim succeeded in losing a total of 152 pounds.* That’s not all. She managed to keep it off, which she had previously been unable to do. Kim is leading a new life filled with energy and confidence, saying, “Isagenix has totally changed my life.”

Hearing Kim’s story was amazing, but ABC 4 needed to challenge Isagenix and put the products to the test. ABC 4 enrolled two people, Debbie Olds and Rob Rogers, both of whom had never tried any Isagenix products before. Debbie, a mother of two, wanted to lose weight to gain energy. Rob wanted to gain more energy, but hoped to get back to his college-football weight. The two participants took their own measurements, weighted themselves, and started their Isagenix Cleansing and Fat Burning System.

Debbie and Rob kept track of inches and pounds lost, and amazingly, both saw results right away. After five days on the Isagenix products, ABC 4 reported Debbie had lost 4 pounds and Rob had lost 13 pounds.* Debbie, happy with the results, said, “That’s pretty good.” Rob, who expected the program to be more difficult, added, “My pants are nice and loose.”

By the ninth day, ABC 4 reported Rob had lost 22 pounds.* Thrilled with the results and energized, Rob shared, “I feel really good…When I measured I said, ‘No, I’m cheating, I’m pulling the tape too tight,’ but I wasn’t, it was real loss.” Debbie lost 8 pounds*, but was more pleased with her new level of energy. Debbie shared, “My 8 pounds that I lost is almost irrelevant for the amount of energy that I feel, the amount of sleep I’ve been getting and how clear I can think.”

So, the results are in. The independent test conducted by ABC 4 showed Isagenix can help people lose weight.*

*Weight-loss results may vary. Always consult your physician before making any dietary changes or starting any nutrition, weight control or exercise program.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Did you know that in 2008 the average cost of groceries rose 8.4 percent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics? And personally, I have only seen them rise more since 2008. Whether it’s the increasing cost of healthcare, energy or groceries, millions of us are feeling the pressure of tough economic times.

On first glance, most people may look at the Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing and Fat Burning Systems and think to themselves, “How does this fit into my shrinking budget?” But, if you review the numbers, Isagenix is a cost-effective, convenient and healthy solution, especially when compared to the average cost of groceries and eating meals out. Isagenix programs replace up to three meals per day and will significantly reduce the amount of money you spend on groceries and eating meals out. Plus, Isagenix products are fast and easy to prepare and they provide busy families with the all the nutrients they need.

But can you really put a price tag on ensuring you and your family are providing your bodies with all of the nutrients your bodies need and achieving optimum health? Well, we can.

*The average American spends per month.
**The average person eats 90 meals per month. With a 30-Day System, there are 26 Shake Days (52 meals) and 4 Cleanse Days (12 meals), totaling 64 meals. The remaining 26 meals are using groceries or eating out (26 x $6/meal=$156).

Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey; Average Price of Groceries & Food for Average American Household (March 2008)

According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, the levels of arsenic in apple juice sold in the U.S. is of concern. In studies conducted by an independent lab contracted by Dr. Oz, the results indicated that 10 of the 30+ juice samples tested had higher arsenic levels than allowed in drinking water, which is 10 parts per billion. The FDA does not view the findings the same way saying, “tests do not indicate that apple juice contains unsafe amounts of arsenic” and that “it would be irresponsible and misleading for the Dr. Oz show to suggest that apple juice is unsafe based on tests for total arsenic.” Obviously, the Juice Products Association, which represents the juice companies, stands firmly in the corner of the FDA.

Arsenic is toxic and known to cause cancer, as well as other serious health problems, so the allegations leveled by Dr. Oz should be deemed serious.

Arsenic is an element that can be found naturally in rocks, soil, water, air, plants and animals. Arsenic can be found in its pure form, but is more commonly found as part of chemical compounds, which can be divided into organic (combined with carbon and other atoms) or inorganic (combined with oxygen, iron, chlorine, and sulfur). Inorganic compounds are more toxic and linked to cancer, while organic compounds are less toxic and have not yet been linked to cancer. Inorganic compounds are by-products of industry, such as in some glass manufacturing, preservatives in pressure treated lumber and animal hides, in pesticides and other manufactured products as well.

Dr. Oz claims that the high levels of arsenic found in the samples he had tested are the result of apples imported from countries that still permit the use of arsenic as a pesticide. The U.S. outlawed the use of arsenic in pesticides in the early 1990s. However, 60% of the apple concentrate used to make apple juice in the United States is imported from China, which still permits the use of arsenic in pesticides.

The controversy is ongoing, but appears to now boil down to whether the high levels of arsenic found are the result of inorganic or organic arsenic. The FDA claims that organic arsenic is naturally found in apples and that the tests conducted on behalf of Dr. Oz did not separate the two compounds and only determined the total arsenic in the samples. Dr. Oz counters that when the FDA issued a “level of concern” in 2008 for high arsenic levels in pear juice (23 ppb), the FDA tested total arsenic as well.

We will have to see how the controversy unfolds in the weeks ahead, but if nothing else, Dr. Oz does bring to light the fact that the U.S. still imports large quantities of food from other countries that may not have the same rigorous standards the U.S. has. Furthermore, with the current regulations that are in place, the source of the ingredients can be hidden from consumers so that they believe they are buying American food products when in reality a high percentage of the ingredients sourced to make those products may be from countries such as China. Therefore, I would reiterate Dr. Oz’s proclamation to only buy products sourced from organic American farms.

What is Isagenix?

Isagenix is a Cleansing and Fat Burning System designed to detoxify and improve overall health. “Cleanse, Replenish, and Revitalize” is the founding principle behind the cutting-edge Isagenix products. Cleansing helps keep the body healthy and is the missing link to supporting health and successful, long-term weight loss. Replenishing the body with nutrients helps to revitalize the body’s systems, leading to vibrant good health. Nutritional supplements are more important today than ever. Our bodies are forced to deal with greater environmental pollutants (impurities) and we’re undernourished because over-farming has depleted the nutrients from our land and produce grown on the land. Isagenix seeks to replace the nutrients missing from the food we consume. Isagenix products are made with the highest quality raw ingredients and provides nutrients that enhance absorption and cleanse impurities. Combining Isagenix nutritional cleansing with exercise and a sensible diet can help you arrive at a healthy weight and feel better.

Why Use Isagenix?

Isagenix improves on the ancient practice of cleansing. Throughout history, ancient cultures have cleansed by fasting to support good health. Even today, it is not uncommon to cleanse with liquids and broths. But, most common cleansing practices deprive your body of the nutrients necessary for it to properly function. These cleanses work against a healthy body. While cleansing, you must provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to function. Doing so will rebuild health, sustain energy, maintain a healthy weight and allow your body to perform at its peak while ridding your body of the toxins that are hampering it. The products from Isagenix are packed with enriching nutrients that strengthen your body’s ability to cleanse and replenish itself naturally. Your body will then have the potential to lose unwanted pounds, cleanse impurities, reduce unhealthy cravings and gain energy both mentally and physically. Combining nutritional cleansing with exercise and a sensible diet can help you arrive at a healthy weight and feel better. For additional information on nutritional cleansing, listen to Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing 101

How Do You Buy Isagenix?

Isagenix products are sold thru independent distributors, such as The Better Cleanse. When the products are purchased thru an independent distributor, you should be receiving your products directly from Isagenix. This will ensure that your products are fresh. In addition, some distributors will offer free coaching on how to use the Isagenix products to ensure that you have the best experience possible.

The soil in which most of our commercial food is grown is nutrient bankrupt and loaded with toxins from pesticides and herbicides due to our agricultural practices over the last half century. These toxins have not only killed the living organisms above the top soil, but have seeped down into the ground and killed many of the organisms below, thereby sterilizing the soil. Micro-organisms once helped convert the inorganic rock minerals into an organic water soluble form that plants could uptake. Since the plants are unable to absorb the rock minerals, many of our commercial foods are missing the trace organic minerals.

For example, have you ever eaten at a buffet to get your money’s worth? In other words, did you over-eat? On the way out of the buffet, did you say to yourself, “Gosh, I shouldn’t have eaten that last portion. I ate too much. I don’t think I’ll be hungry for at least a week.” And yet, just a few hours later, did find yourself in the refrigerator or cupboard craving something to eat? So, what happened?

Unfortunately, many of the foods we eat are empty calories. They’re high in sugar and high in flavor, but nutrient poor. Because the body is not getting the trace minerals it needs, it never gets satisfied. So, while we’re desperately trying to cut calories, at the same time the body is saying, “Go eat some more because I am not getting what I need.”

A well-made meal replacement shake with properly sourced ingredients, such as the IsaLean Shake manufactured by Isagenix, is nutrient-dense and will provide the body with the minerals it needs to stay satiated. It is amazing to watch a larger person who normally intakes a huge number of calories per day (3000+) become satisfied on a low calorie (250 or so) shake a couple of times per day.

When looking for a meal replacement shake, you want to be careful to perform your due diligence because one shake may fill you up, while another will actually nourish you.

If you are not a vegetarian or vegan, you should look for a shake that uses whey protein (versus soy, etc.). As good as soy is as a protein, scientists have recently discovered some negative side-effects, including cancer. Whey is an abundant source of branded-chain amino acids, which are used to fuel working muscles and stimulate protein synthesis. Whey can also help increase cellular glutathione levels. Glutathione is an antioxidant that defends the body against toxins and free radical damage. But, of course, whey protein comes in many different grades and it is important to research where the whey in your shake is sourced from. Like all animal products, you want to find whey that is from cattle that are free-range, grass-fed, milked according to season, and not given antibiotics or hormones — in other words, “happy cows.” Again, refer to the IsaLean Shakes that source their whey protein from New Zealand cattle that meet the aforementioned criteria.

In addition to the protein value of a shake, make sure the shake has other nutrients as well if you’re planning to supplement an entire meal. Most “protein shakes” do not include the other nutrients the body needs to function properly, including essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, essential vitamins and essential minerals. Most shakes will only include a partial number of these essential nutrients that the body cannot produce on its own. But instead, unfortunately, many of the shakes will include artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners — all of which you want to avoid. On top of all of this, you want to find a shake that has the enzymes that will help break the protein down into the amino acid building blocks that can then be transported throughout your body to the locations in which they are needed.

So, in summary, why a well-made replacement shake? Because it has all of the essential building blocks your body needs that other foods may not.

For additional information on the Isagenix IsaLean Shake, click here to listen to the product call.

If you look in your closet, you probably have a tattered pair of shoes with frayed laces. And if you’re like me, you wear the shoes until one day you pull one of the frayed ends too far, making it nearly impossible to push the end of the lace thru the tiny hole again. This spells the end for that particular shoelace. And it all started when the little plastic tip on the end of the shoelace wore off, allowing the shoelace to become frayed.

So what do shoelaces and telomeres have to do with one another? Well, our genes are located on twisted, double-stranded molecules of DNA called chromosomes. And at the ends of the chromosomes are stretches of DNA called telomeres. The telomeres protect the genetic code and allow the cells to divide, while also preventing the chromosome ends from fraying and sticking to one anther. So, surprisingly, telomeres function similarly to the little plastic tips at the end of your shoelaces. Maybe it’s a little bit of a stretch, but hopefully, you get the metaphor.

Unfortunately, each time a cell divides the telomeres get shorter. Without telomeres, cell division would cause the main part of the chromosome containing the genes essential to human life to become shorter. When the telomeres become too short, the cell can no longer divide and ultimately dies. The process is associated with aging, cancer, etc., and ultimately death.

However, our body produces an enzyme called telomerase that actually increases the size of our telomeres. The telomerase is effective in young cells, but as cells continually divide, there is not enough telomerase to go around and the telomeres become shorter and shorter. So, scientists have begun to study telomeres and telomerase and have seen a correlation between aging and the length of an organisms telomeres.

Geneticist Richard Cawthon and his colleagues at the University of Utah have found shorter telomeres are associated with shorter lives. They found people over 60 with shorter telomeres were 3x more likely to die from heart disease and 8x more likely to die from infectious disease. Cawthon’s study found that when humans are divided into two groups, those with long telomeres and those with short telomeres, those with longer telomeres live five years longer than those with short telomeres.

But, unfortunately, the length of telomeres and its direct correlation to aging is not that simple because scientists have found, for example, that mice have longer telomeres than humans but humans significantly outlive mice. So, there are likely other factors at work in the aging process as well, including oxidative stress and glycation.

Much work still needs to be done to understand the role telomeres play in aging. Some companies have started developing products designed to support telomeres, such as Product B from Isagenix. For now, it would seem your best bet to live longer would be to research ways to combat oxidative stress (i.e. antioxidants) and glycation (i.e. proper diet), as well as monitor the effect new telomere supporting products have on aging. This may take time, but hopefully, advancements continue to prolong the time we all have.

Are Isagenix products gluten-free? Are Isagenix products suitable for vegetarians? What about for people who are lactose intolerant? I receive these types of questions often. Many of us have food allergies and it is important to know whether the Isagenix products are compatible with any allergies we may have.

To help address these concerns, we have compiled the Isagenix Allergen Table below. The table is designed to be used as a quick reference, and I would always encourage checking the ingredients in each Isagenix product and reviewing the ingredients with your physician. A list of ingredients in each Isagenix product can be found on the Isagenix website.

Isagenix Allergen Table - Click on Image to Enlarge

When I first discovered the Isagenix 30 Day Nutritional Cleansing System, I was not aware that I could purchase the program at a lower cost. I purchased it at the retail price, and only later, I learned Isagenix also offers a wholesale price that would have saved me over $100.00.

One day, in an effort to be frugal, I typed “How to save money on Isagenix?” into the Google search bar. The results returned by the search were mostly advertisements from eBay and eCrater merchants selling second-hand Isagenix products. However, I wanted to purchase products directly from Isagenix, so I could be certain I would not receive expired or defective products. At the same time, I wanted to save as much money as I could on the Isagenix products.

Eventually, I stumbled upon a website that explained how I could save money on Isagenix. The author explained that Isagenix has two different price points on all of their products — retail price and wholesale price. In some cases, the difference between the two prices is not much, but in other cases (for example, on the 30 Day or 9 Day programs), the difference between the retail price and wholesale price could amount to significant savings. The author also pointed out that even if you ordered products where there was not a significant difference between the prices, the savings could add up quickly if you ordered products on a regular basis.

Obviously, I wanted to get the wholesale price the next time I ordered, but I was not clear as to how or whether I would have to sign-up for anything that would ultimately cost me more money than I would be saving. The author went on to explain that in order to receive the wholesale pricing, I would need to enroll in Isagenix’s Preferred Customer Program.

After researching further, I learned I would need to submit my information and pay a one-time annual fee of $39.00. From there, I would receive the wholesale price on all Isagenix products for one year. I investigated as to whether or not I would be obligated to buy (or sell) any products, and was pleased to find out that I would not have to unless I opted into their monthly autoship program. I was not interested in doing so, but apparently, you would save $20.00 on your enrollment fee if you opted in and you then receive whichever product(s) you want on a monthly basis until you cancel, which it said you can do at any time.

At the end of all of my research, I concluded it would be prudent for me to enroll in the Isagenix Preferred Customer Program. After submitting some basic personal information to Isagenix (name, address, etc.) and my credit card information, I had enrolled within a few minutes and began immediately saving money on my first purchase. Years later now, I continue to receive the lowest prices directly from Isagenix whenever I need to order products.

Given the confusion I faced personally, I attempted to help others to better understand how they could save money on Isagenix thru the Preferred Customer Program by creating a short video below that explains all you need to know. If after reading this post and watching the video you still have questions, I encourage you to visit the Isagenix Support Forum. And if you’re ready to enroll, just go to jointhebettercleanse.com.