What Is an Isogenic Diet?

Isogenic diets are diets that seek to detoxify the system through the use of supplements and other products. The best-known isogenic diet is sold through Isagenix, a multi-level marketing company. There is debate as to the merits and effectiveness of isogenic diets.

Cleansing

Nutritional replacement drinks are part of many isogenic diets.

Isogenic diets incorporate nutritional cleansing as a major component. The makers of these diets assert that users can lose weight by cleansing their body of toxins; the colon, especially, is a target for this cleansing. The theory is that people carry as much as 25 pounds of extra weight in their digestive tract, and that cleansing can release this weight. These claims have not been scientifically proven, however.

Nurtitional Support

Protein shakes are a key part of some isogenic diets.

Isogenic diets also incorporate "nutritional support." Through the use of supplements, meal replacement products such as protein shakes and specially prepared packaged foods, isogenic diets claim to provide complete nutrition. This may allow the body and its systems to function at optimal levels and purge toxins.

Drawbacks to Isogenic Diets

Isogenic diet products can be costly.

Current science does not support isogenic diet claims that cleansing the body will lead to long-term weight loss. Cleansing may jumpstart weight loss, but does not seem to be a formula for lasting loss. Additionally, most isogenic diet products must be bought through a distributor and do not offer a money-back guarantee.