Cleanse for Life®

What Happens to Body Fat When You Cleanse?

Ah, the visual joy of weight loss—your face is more defined, your belly no longer protrudes over the waist of your pants, and parts that used to jiggle are now toned. On the outside, fat loss seems like a fairly simple process. However, what happens in your body during weight loss involves an intricate web of metabolic changes that include structural transformation of fat cells, the breakdown and use of fat for energy, as well as changes in hormone production.

Performing Isagenix Cleanse Days—a combination of intermittent fasting with herbs and vitamins that support detoxification—is an effective approach for weight loss, especially for targeting fat loss. In fact, the UIC study using Isagenix products found that those who follow the Isagenix system had more fat loss and twice as much visceral fat loss than those who followed a “heart healthy” diet.

How does fat loss occur when you incorporate Cleanse Days into your routine? To understand, we’ll have to start with the basics, or Fat 101:

Getting to know fat

Adipose tissue—or body fat—is comprised of millions of fat cells, also called adipocytes, with the average adult having around 40 billion. The weight of adipose tissue is about 20 percent of body weight, making it one of the biggest organs in the body.

Fat can be defined by where it’s found in the body: subcutaneous fat is located just below the surface of the skin while visceral fat is found in the abdominal cavity, surrounding the internal organs. Furthermore, there are two types of adipose tissue: white and brown. White adipose tissue is primarily used as an energy reserve and brown adipose tissue functions to generate heat.

Adipose tissue is a metabolically active organ rather than just an inert mass as many may have guessed. In fact, each depot of the organ even receives its own vascular and nerve supply.

Adipose tissue has been identified as an endocrine organ because of its production of hormones known as adipokines. These signaling proteins influence several important functions including glucose and lipid metabolism, blood coagulation, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and steroid hormone modulation (1). Excessive adipose tissue has been shown to disrupt the normal endocrine functions of fat cells and can negatively affect health through insulin resistance, abnormal blood lipids, and even increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Leptin is an adipokine that regulates hunger and appetite by telling the brain, “I’m full!” Although intuition may assume that leptin levels would be low in obese individuals due to chronically excessive food intake, the opposite is true. Leptin has been shown to be tightly related to fat cell size: the bigger the adipocyte, the greater the expression of leptin (2).

This would mean that obese persons are constantly feeling full, right? Wrong. Obesity is associated with resistance to the effects of leptin on the brain appetite centers, so they actually end up having an impaired response that doesn’t indicate fullness. This exemplifies how complex the relationship is between adipose tissue and the endocrine system.

Fat cells increase in size, then in number

When energy balance becomes positive (meaning there are more calories consumed than burned), the adipose organ increases, particularly in the amount of white adipose tissue. White adipocytes undergo hypertrophy (increase in volume) followed by hyperplasia (increase in number).

It’s been proposed that adipocytes have a maximum volume, referred to as “critical cell size” that may be genetically determined (3). This means that fat cells can only get so big. Once they reach their critical cell size, they trigger production of new adipocytes. In other words, your existing fat cells are filled until they reach their capacity (much like a balloon) and then signal the body to make more fat cells.

You are more likely to make additional fat cells at certain times in your life. Research has shown that the natural production of fat cells steadily increases during childhood and levels off in early adulthood (4). Although more research is needed, this could indicate that children who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults and experience greater difficulties in trying to achieve weight loss.

How the body burns fat

When energy balance is negative in the body (meaning there are more calories being burned than consumed), the hormones that access stored fuel are increased, namely glucagon. In short, the body flips from an energy-storing state to an energy-burning state.

First, the body will burn stored carbohydrate, also known as glycogen, which is found mostly in the liver and muscles. Once the glycogen energy reserve has been exhausted, the body breaks down fat in a process called lipolysis.

What happens to fat cells during weight loss?

During negative energy balance such as on Cleanse Days, the body will use the fat for fuel causing the fat cells to shrink in size. As fat cells decrease in size, so too does the amount of signaling molecules produced. Over time, this reestablishment of normal endocrine function can be immensely beneficial for health including decreasing the molecules that induce inflammation.

Additionally, fat loss accompanied by adequate intake of optimal nutrition—such as  vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins C and E), minerals (selenium, zinc, copper), and other bioactive nutrients including coenzyme Q10 and polyphenols—support the detoxification systems of the body in the removal of toxins. (Read more in The Basics of Detoxification.)

It is interesting to note that fat cells have the ability to shrink but rarely decrease in number. However, during fat loss, cells can decrease as much as 400 percent in size! For many, this morphological transformation supported by dietary interventions such as Cleanse Days means more than just a slimmer appearance; it can improve health and even add years of quality life.

Research strongly supports a healthy diet, daily exercise, and quality sleep for achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. But what if you follow all these lifestyle habits and still can’t get the scale to budge?

With obesity numbers trending up around the world, scientists are beginning to question if we are missing a part of the obesity equation.

In the last two decades, researchers have unveiled evidence suggesting that environmental triggers may contribute to the obesity epidemic. Dietary, pharmaceutical, and industrial chemicals, termed “obesogens”, may alter metabolic processes and predispose some people to gain weight.

Obesogens include a variety of chemicals with diverse mechanisms of action resulting in excess fat accumulation. While water-soluble chemicals are rather easily metabolized and excreted by the liver, fat-soluble ones are stored in fat cells where they are protected from the body’s natural detoxification systems. Some obesogens have been linked to a greater number of fat cells or increased fat cell size (1-3). Others have been implicated in altering how hormones might affect appetite, satiety, food preferences, and metabolism.

How can you protect yourself from obesogens? Take these steps to avoid exposure to the toxic chemicals:

1. Avoid skincare products with harmful chemicals such as phthalates. Many skincare products—including sunscreens—may improve the look of your skin temporarily but often use harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by the skin and disrupt hormone systems. Phthalates, for example, are common in synthetically fragranced personal care products that can influence hormones related to metabolism (4). Stick with a skincare line (like Rejuvity) that not only supports your skin’s appearance, but also your health.
2. Avoid certain plastics. Some plastics contain toxins that easy leach into food and liquid. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxin found in some plastic products that has been linked with increased abdominal fat and glucose intolerance even at low levels—characteristics associated with obesity (5). When storing foods, use stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastics. Also, look for products that have BPA-free packaging, such as Isagenix products.
3. Choose green house cleaning methods. Toxins aren’t just outside your door—they are also in your house. Harmful organotins (tin-containing compounds) are found in flooring, purses, and shower curtains. Studies show that mice exposed to organotins were predisposed to weight gain problems (3). The best way to manage these obesogens within your home is to clean on a regular basis using green cleaning methods, such as steam, rather than polluting your home further with toxin-filled cleaners.
4. Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoke contains millions of toxic substances and some are suspected obesogens. Research shows that infants born to mothers who smoke while pregnant have an increased risk of obesity during infancy and childhood (6). Second-hand smoke may have the same effects, so it’s best to avoid cigarettes all together.
5. Support internal detoxification. The human body itself has within its organs, tissues, and cells, a series of pathways that are involved in detoxification. These pathways must be supported nutritionally and the use of certain bioactive compounds from plants can improve their efficiency (7-9). In addition, dietary approaches such as intermittent fasting can help stimulate greater detoxification across these pathways and support fat loss—the primary location for toxin storage (10). A combination of nutrition, bioactive compounds, and intermittent fasting is incorporated in performance of Cleanse Days on an Isagenix system (read more here).

Obesity is complex condition involving many factors including calorie intake and expenditure. It’s still too early to know just how and at what level toxins play a role in contributing to obesity. But avoiding toxins that are suspected to be obesogens and cleansing regularly can be a step in the right direction to weight management.

 4 Signs There Are Too Many Toxins in Your Life:

1. You’re full of “it.”

Literally. Our bodies need to eliminate waste every day. This includes having a bowel movement at least once a day. If you’re not releasing the junk in your trunk, then those toxins are absorbed back into your bloodstream and can wreak havoc all over again.

Tip: If you’re having trouble with constipation, try drinking more water, exercising, taking a good-quality probiotic or sipping on an herbal tea such as senna leaf.

2. You’re have a “dirty mouth.”

Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, can not only ruin a perfectly good makeout session... it can also tell your date that you’re toxic. Bad breath can come from bacteria in the mouth releasing odor-causing byproducts. It can also indicate that your liver and colon are having some difficulty eliminating toxins.

Tip: You can start using a tongue scraper to eliminate excess bacteria and yeast that might be coating your tongue. Also, try getting fresh with herbs like parsley and cilantro, which are fantastic liver detoxifiers. There’s a reason for their use as a garnish.

3. You’re a little too nose-y.

Do smells often offend you? If you find yourself having strong reactions to smells like perfumes or smoke, then you might have toxic overload. Many times we become more sensitive to environmental smells when our liver is having trouble eliminating various toxins from the body. When these detox pathways are blocked, our bodies and senses can become heightened and cause reactions such as headaches and nausea.

Tip: Support your liver with herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root, both of which can be consumed in tea form. You could also try one of my favorite detoxifying practices: the castor oil pack. This oldie but goodie is a great tool to also help relieve less-than-pleasant symptoms resulting from detoxing too quickly.

4. Those extra pounds just won’t budge.

There are many reasons for weight loss resistance. Out-of-whack hormones, consuming the wrong foods for your body, and — you guessed it — toxic overload are among them. Toxins such as dioxins, PCBs, and many pesticides are lipophilic (literally “fat loving”) which means in our bodies they’re stored in our fat cells. When the body is overloaded with them, it can seem impossible to release that extra weight. Tip: The key here is to make sure your body is releasing toxins properly. This means enhancing your body’s natural ability to detox and find balance. Doing a safe cleanse or detox can be really helpful, but reducing your exposure to toxins is super important. Choose clean, organic foods when possible and make sure you sweat, poop, hydrate and breathe well each and every day.

The Cleanse for Life Solution

The need to cleanse is vital in today’s dangerously toxic world. our demanding lifestyles, environmental toxins, poor nutrition and daily stresses overload our body’s own detoxification defenses—namely its ability to cleanse naturally. Without proper cleansing of impurities, the body struggles to maintain good health. Isagenix has established itself as the World Leader in Whole-Body Nutritional Cleansing, Cellular replenishing & Youthful aging, with more than 1 million people experiencing the benefits of the detoxifying impact of Cleanse for Life. The gentle cleansing herbs and other natural botanical have been scientifically formulated to help support the body’s natural ability to remove toxins and impurities. according to Isagenix Founder and master Formulator John Anderson, using Cleanse for Life daily can help your body prevent toxins from becoming embedded in the soft tissue and cells. Some noticeable benefits may be a boost in mental and physical performance and safe weight loss.

Cleanse for Life^®

CLEANSE. NOURISH. REPLENISH.

Cleanse away toxins and impurities the natural way with Cleanse for Life®. With no artificial colors or flavors, this synergistic blend of natural cleansing herbs and botanicals nourishes your body’s systems to help boost metabolism and energy levels.

When used as part of an Isagenix system. Cleanse for Life:

• Protects cells and vital organs from aging
• Encourages safe weight loss
• Boosts mental and physical performance
• Supports detoxification and protects against toxins

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  • “When you use CFL daily, you help prevent the toxins that enter the body every day from becoming embedded in the soft tissue and cells. Plus you benefit from the powerful ingredients that are building blocks for good health and vitality.”
    - John Anderson

  • I’ve started doing the Cleanse for Life® every day and I feel like it lights me up even more. I also do a two-day cleanse a couple of times a month.
    - Karolynn D., California

  • I can’t imagine not cleansing my body and doing the daily cleanse every day. It gives me so much energy and has made such a profound difference. I feel better now than I’ve ever felt in my life.
    - Rick R., California

• FAQs
  • How do I use Cleanse for Life?

    Cleanse for Life should be used as part of an Isagenix Cleansing and Fat Burning System for either daily cleansing or deep cleansing. Drink 1 scoop of powder dissolved in 4 oz of water, or one 2 oz bottle of Cleanse for Life, up to twice daily. Enjoy warm or cold. For a deeper, one- or two-day cleanse, drink 2 scoops of powder dissolved in 4 oz of water, or two, 2 oz bottles of Cleanse for Life, up to four times throughout the day. Enjoy warm or cold. Cleansing is most effective with a combination of both daily and deep cleanses. Refer to the Cleansing & Fat Burning Guide for further guidance.
  • How does Cleanse for Life work?

    Cleanse for Life is not a colon cleanse or laxative. It is different because it nourishes the liver and promotes whole-body cleansing on a cellular level. And, unlike other products on the market that may deplete the body of vital nutrients, Cleanse for Life actually nourishes the body as it cleanses, gently removing contaminants from your body’s tissues, promoting weight loss.
  • What are the differences between liquid and the powder?

    The Cleanse for Life Liquid and the Cleanse for Life Powder equally provide nutritional cleansing benefits with the main variation being delivery form—liquid versus powder. With Cleanse for Life conveniently available in two forms, it is perfect for a variety of busy lifestyles. The liquid is already blended, so there is no mixing needed. Alternatively, the Cleanse for Life Powder is portable; you can take the powder with you and mix it with water whenever you want. Both taste great.

    
    

    *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. 
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Cleansing is a multifaceted tool to support sustained weight loss.

Why Cleansing with Isagenix Works

Even with weight loss clinics readily available, calorie counts on menus, and public policy initiatives aimed at supporting a healthier population, people are struggling to lose weight and keep it off. Of the 45 million Americans dieting each year, 80 to 90 percent of them will regain all their weight (1). The repeated cycle of weight loss and regain shows that the simple remedy of eating healthier and exercising regularly isn’t working.

A new solution is needed to help people achieve a healthy weight and maintain it. Mounting scientific evidence for intermittent fasting as an effective tool for weight loss and maintenance may be the solution for preventing repeated cycles of dieting. Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating that involves going without food for several hours or up to a couple days. And it can become a lifelong habit.

Cleansing with Isagenix include a specific form of intermittent fasting because cleansers drink the detox-supporting beverage, Cleanse for Life. Not only are cleansers benefiting from intermittent fasting, but they are also supporting their body nutritionally to rid itself of impurities. Cleanse for Life provides nutritional support in the form of antioxidant vitamins and botanicals, which are essential for effective detoxification. Additionally, nutritional support is needed to counteract the oxidative damage caused by toxins.

Studies on intermittent fasting have shown that it’s as effective for weight loss as cutting calories (2). In one study, overweight women who fasted intermittently for six months lost more weight than women who restricted their calories each day (3).

Improves insulin sensitivity

How intermittent fasting works to support weight loss and maintenance is multifaceted. One of the ways intermittent fasting helps is through improving how well insulin ushers glucose from the blood (after eating food) into cells where it is used for energy. It’s an important part of healthy weight management. Similar to how drinking coffee habitually can dull the response to caffeine, an excess of carbohydrate intake can decrease sensitivity to insulin. When people are less sensitive to insulin, they cannot efficiently use the food they eat leading to a cascade of health issues including fatigue and increased hunger—two culprits in weight gain.

Insulin sensitivity is “reset” by fasting. Healthy men who fasted for 20 hours every other day for 15 days had increased rates of glucose uptake, signifying improved insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar control (4). With insulin sensitivity becoming an increasingly common issue among aging adults (5), intermittent fasting may be especially effective for older adults with weight loss goals.

Resets calorie intake

Although it seems counter-intuitive, evidence suggests that when intermittent fasting becomes a lifestyle, less food is commonly consumed during normal calorie days. A study with overweight adults found that they consumed only 20 percent of their normal calorie intake on alternate days (6).

The exact mechanism has not been identified; however, some theories suggest alterations in calorie intake could be due to shrinking of the stomach causing people to become full faster. Another theory suggests that relying on fat for fuel during fasting can up-regulate or down-regulate certain enzymes involved in metabolism affecting appetite regulation. More research is needed, but there’s no denying the benefits of calorie control for weight loss.

Encourages adherence

One of the biggest issues with fad diets is that people cannot adhere to them long-term. They are usually restrictive, can leave people feeling sluggish and tired, and often cause muscle loss. The key to weight loss and maintenance is a diet plan that fits into your lifestyle.

There are various definitions of intermittent fasting and it’s up to the individual to choose what works best for her or him. And while it may seem daunting at first, studies show that satisfaction during fasting increases with time (7).

Maintain muscles mass

Muscle is a very greedy tissue. It requires a lot of calories just to exist and puts the body to work resulting in a higher metabolism. For that reason, muscle is an important player in weight loss. Because fasting requires a period of time without significant food intake (including protein), some fear that it would cause muscle loss. While long periods of fasting will cause the body to turn to muscle for energy, short periods (24 to 48 hours) are not going to result in significant muscle loss.

A study with 16 obese subjects who incorporated alternate day fasting had an average weight loss of 12 pounds with 99% coming from fat (8). That’s a very different outcome than on most diets—on average, typical dieters shed about 75 percent of weight as fat and 25 percent as muscle, leading to a decreased metabolism and greater risk of weight regain.

Keep weight off for good

Any diet can help you lose weight, but many times it’s at the expense of muscle mass. And once normal eating patterns resume, weight comes back on quickly.

Researchers have evaluated weight patterns for the average dieter. The key is to make a dietary changes that can be maintained for the long-term and support muscle mass. Because there are many ways to do intermittent fasting, it can be integrated into any lifestyle to support weight maintenance.

Cleanse Days, or intermittent fasting days, however, are just another tool in the weight-management toolbox. Combined with a healthy diet including “Shake Days,” regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress-relieving practices like meditation, and they can lead to long-term weight maintenance.

References

1. Kramer FM, Jeffery RW, Forester JL, et al. Long-term follow-up of behavioral treatment for obesity: patterns of weight regain among men and women. Int J Obes, 1989:13(2):123-36.
2. Eshghinia S, Mohammadzadeh F. The effects of modified alternate-day fasting diet on weight loss and CAD risk factors in overweight and obese women. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2013;12:4.
3. Harvie MN, Pegington M, Mattson MP et al. The effects of intermittent or continuous energy restriction on weight loss and metabolic disease risk markers: a randomized trial in young overweight women. Int J Obes (Lond) 2011;35:714-27.
4. Halberg N, Henriksen M, Soderhamn N et al. Effect of intermittent fasting and refeeding on insulin action in healthy men. J Appl Physiol 2005;99:2128-36.
5. Viljoen A, Sinclair AJ. Diabetes and insulin resistance in older people. Med Clin North Am, 2011;95(3):615-29.
6. Johnson JB, Summer W, Cutler RG, et al. Alternate day calorie restriction improves clinical findings and reduces markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in
   overweight adults with moderate asthma. Free Radic Biol Med, 2007;43(5):665-74.
7. Klempel MC, Bhutani S, Fitzgibbon, et al. Dietary and physical activity adaptations to alternate day modified fasting: implications for optimal weight loss. Nutr J, 2010;9(35).
8. Varady KA, Bhutani S, Church EC, et al. Short-term modified alternate-day fasting: a novel dietary strategy for weight loss and cardioprotection in obese adults. Am J Clin Nutr, 2009;90(5):1138-43.

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