Isagenix

[Celia]

Hello All,

I am a returning donor to this site and I have two things to bring to the table. One is a question and the other is an update. The update I will begin in a separate thread but it's a follow up to my original thread now archived called "How is Celia?" That thread refers to my kidney donation to my Uncle on 1-26-09. (Sorry Michael-I had my date wrong when I emailed you. I had meeting on the brain.) Now that I'm embarking on my third year anniversary I thought some people might welcome an update. I'll call it "How is Celia Now?" if you want to keep an eye out for it.

My question though, is related to a product called Isagenix. I don't know a ton about it but my first instinct was to call my doctor for his opinion. He stated that he did not think I should do it. We played a little message tag so I don't have the details as to why but it's been my experience that he thinks I am fine just as I am. I on the other hand would not mind to shed a small amount of weight but otherwise I agree with him.

Here's what I do know. Isagenix is an all natural lifestyle nutritional program. It involves cleansing and supplementing meals with shakes and nutient bars etc. The initial cleanse was to be a 9 day event followed by a 30 day program. I have a website that can offer more answers to any questions which I am posting below. So, I had already ordered the program before my doctor and I touched base. When my stuff arrived by mail I was mentally shipping it back. Two things have since been brought forward-one is that I read the Recommended DV columns on the products. I have to say I was impressed. Who doesn't need plenty of B-12? Then I came to learn that the founder is a Kidney Transplant Recipient from his Daughter who has been taking Isagenix for 11 years. They seem to have nothing but good to say. My sense is to cautiously move forward. They have a vested interest in their own product so it behooves me to find out more from unbiased people. I have opted out of the 9 day fast based on my doctors advice. But I have had a shake every morning for the last three days (and they are surprisingly tasty!) and I drank one ounce of the cleanse juice. My approach is to offer my body some of the nutrients I most certainly deny it but to ingest at a pace less drastic to my system.

My question is (are)-Have you heard of it? Does it work for people with one or three kidneys? Should there be something for people like us in writing to encourage a slower pace of ingestion. It sounds good and has money making potential as it's designed as a personal business as well.

My thoughts are-If I do it and I can advocate it in a positive way for people like us (The one and three kidney group) I may be helping people out there who like the healthier side of life. My hesitation is am I really promoting something that can be endorsed?

www.celiafulfs.isagenix.com

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated!

Celia
Living Kindey Donor 1-26-09

[Orchidlady]

Welcome back, Celia! It is good to see your name! Hope all is well and looking forward to hearing how you are doing.

I have not heard of the product, but am willing to give my opinion (my husband would say I am always willing to give my opinion!).  First, it looks a little like the pyramid type of sales structure where the main thing is you sell and then encourage others to sell for you. Never have been a big fan of that type of structure (although I am sure the people at the top of the pyramid are!)

Second, I am very suspicious of the hype on any advertised product - particularly supplements. Take a look at any health or fitness magazine. If the product worked the way they say, we would all be thin! And some can be downright dangerous - I know a young woman who was a figure competitor that ended up with a liver transplant because of liver failure  from a supplement. The majority of supplements aren't regulated, which has always bothered me. When they are tested, a lot of them have either extra ingredients not listed, or inconsistent levels of the ones that are listed.

There really isn't anything that you can't get from a good, healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. In fact, unless you are deficient in a certain nutrient, the only thing you should need to take is a good multivitamin, vitamin D and fish oil.

I am certainly not product bashing, and you are the one to ultimately make the decision. I would just be sure that you know exactly what you are getting into, and what you are putting into your body.

[Fr Pat]

Dear Celia,
     I have no qualifications or information to comment on that particular product, but your saying "who doesn't need plenty of B-12?" reminded me of reading recently about the dangers caused by taking TOO much of any vitamin. I would tend to suggest that you be VERY cautious. If possible, check with a kidney specialist rather than with a general practitioner.
   best wishes,
      Fr. Pat

[Celia]

Thanks to both of you for your feedback. It is nice to be back and see familiar names on this site.

Yes-it is a pyramid concept. Those that run with something like this can be very successful. It's not something I forsee as a monetary drive for me. The part I like about it is the all natural health benefits. I realize there are so so many choices out there regarding vitamins and nutritional lifestyles. I could just as easily go into a drug store and buy up different daily vitamins to supplement my body with the same results. The results that this is promoting is better organ function all the way around. The shakes, snack bars etc become meal replacements (so to speak). For me, I travel in the car a lot. A shake out the door and a snack on the road is a very handy thing. It's far better than a drive thru. So if using the product is better for me than not I figure why not. I have to eat anyway.

But... I agree about asking a nephrologist as opposed to a GP. Good advice. My concern is how the product interacts with my kidney. If it's good then great but I err on the side of caution when it comes to telling people how great something is if in fact for them it is not. That said I would of course direct them to their own doctors. Vitamins are like perfume in that way. What works for me may be terrible for you. (That's one of my wine sales pitches ). The other side of the coin is that if it is a good thing I'm doing for my body then why not help myself and others make the money to pay for the product. I know of a couple of gyms that have full displays. The kidney angle means I need to have complete research.

Thanks so much for your help. If there are any others with thoughts on this I appreciate it.

Have a super day!

Celia
Donated to my Uncle 1-26-09