Feeling like your internal engine is sputtering? If you’re over 30, that creeping sluggishness, brain fog, or nagging feeling that your body just isn’t firing on all cylinders might sound familiar. It’s not just in your head. We’re swimming in a sea of modern environmental gunk – from insidious PFAS in our water supply to pesticide residues clinging to our food.
This toxic load can accumulate, leaving your system feeling bogged down. You start searching for solutions, maybe typing “full body cleanse detox at home” or “best way to detox your body in 24 hours” into Google late at night.
But let’s be real: those extreme lemon-water fasts or punishing laxative teas often promise the world and deliver little more than misery. They’re not sustainable, and frankly, often not effective for true detoxification.
This is where the Forever C9 program enters the chat – not as another crash diet or harsh flush, but as a 9-day nutritional cleanse designed to gently reset and support your body’s natural detoxification pathways.
But does it actually work? Is it just another “forever living c9 weight loss” gimmick, or is there real science behind the Forever Clean9 pack? That’s exactly what we’re digging into. Forget the hype and the hate – this comprehensive review cuts through the noise.
We’ll dissect the science of how your body removes toxins naturally, scrutinize key ingredients like Aloe Vera, Garcinia Cambogia, and soothing Chamomile, and explore the real forever c9 benefits (and potential c9 forever living side effects).
We’ll bust common detox myths (like “what comes out of your body when you detox?”) and compare the C9 approach to those aggressive “7 day detox diet plans.”
Crucially, I’ll share a detailed day-by-day log of the 9-day experience – what it feels like, energy levels, hunger, and even insights from simulated before-and-after wellness markers (think inflammation, energy metabolism indicators – note: illustrative, not diagnostic).
You’ll also hear from real users – their forever living clean 9 before and after stories and weight loss reviews. We’ll tackle your burning questions head-on: Does it cause diarrhea? Is the forever living c9 diet plan hard to follow?
What are the actual forever living c9 weight loss results people see? We’ll even touch on where to find resources like the forever living c9 booklet pdf.
By the time you’re done reading, you won’t just think you know about Forever C9 – you’ll have a clear, evidence-informed understanding to decide if this nutritional cleanse and detox system is the right reboot for you.
(And stick around… there might just be an insider tip for 10% off if you decide this gentle cleanse is your next step.)
A Quick Note on Transparency
Look, I get it. Maybe you’re dealing with a specific health concern and desperately seeking something that helps. Perhaps you’re already health-conscious, always scouting for genuinely beneficial products. Or maybe a Forever Living distributor pitched you on Forever C9, and you wisely decided, “Hold on, let me do my own research first.”
Good on you. Seriously. Taking the time to educate yourself before buying anything, especially when it concerns your health, is the smartest move you can make.
Now, let me be clear about my approach here. You’ll find tons of reviews online – some dripping with bias against products like this, others overflowing with perhaps too much rah-rah enthusiasm from sellers. That’s not my style.
My goal is to give you the straight scoop: insights grounded in available science, my own firsthand experience using Forever C9, and a balanced look at testimonials from other users. I want the information here to empower your decision, whatever it may be.
Yes, you’ll find affiliate links in this review if you decide you want to purchase Forever C9. Clicking them means I might earn a small commission, which honestly helps me dedicate the significant time required to create in-depth, research-heavy reviews like this one.
But my primary aim isn’t to push a sale. The links (and any potential offers bundled with them) are there for your convenience if you conclude this product aligns with your needs. The real win for me is providing you with genuine value and clarity.
Why Consider a Nutritional Cleanse After 30? (Toxin Buildup & Your Body)
Once we hit our 30s, many of us notice it’s not as easy to “bounce back” from indulgences or environmental exposures. Our energy might dip, and we wonder if decades of accumulated toxins are dragging us down. Here’s why a nutritional cleanse like Forever C9 appeals to men and women 30+:
- Decades of Toxin Exposure: By age 30–40, you’ve had 30-40 years of environmental exposure. Persistent pollutants such as heavy metals and “forever chemicals” (PFAS) can build up in the body over time. In fact, government reports have found that older adults tend to have higher levels of certain PFAS chemicals in their blood than younger people.
This is simply due to longer cumulative exposure – more years of drinking water, eating food, and breathing air that contain trace contaminants. (Think: the lead from childhood in the 1980s, plastics chemicals from 90s, etc., all adding up). - Slower Metabolism & Elimination: After 30, our metabolic rate and organ efficiency can start to decline subtly. The liver and kidneys – our primary detox organs – may not clear substances quite as quickly as in our youth (especially if we’ve put them through a lot with alcohol, processed diets, or medications).
We also tend to accumulate more body fat with age, and many toxins are fat-soluble (stored in fat tissue). This means by our 30s and 40s, we might carry a higher “body burden” of toxins than we did in our 20s. - Modern Lifestyle Factors: Busy adults often rely on convenience foods, which may introduce additives or pesticide residues. We also experience more stress, and possibly less sleep, in mid-life – factors which can impair the body’s natural detoxification (because stress hormones and lack of sleep can affect liver function and antioxidant levels).
Many over-30s also take more medications (from pain relievers to blood pressure pills), adding to the liver’s workload. - Subtle Symptoms of Buildup: While our bodies naturally detoxify (more on that below), people over 30 might notice vague symptoms that they attribute to “toxin buildup.”
These can include fatigue, brain fog, bloating, stubborn weight, or dull skin. For example, ever wake up feeling puffy or lethargic despite adequate rest? Some suspect cumulative toxins could be a contributor. A gentle cleanse is seen as a way to “reset” and alleviate these nagging issues. - Prevention Mindset: By this age, many become proactive about health. A full body detox at home like Forever C9 offers a structured way to give your body a break from processed foods and possibly flush out some stored waste.
It’s often viewed not as a quick weight-loss trick, but as an investment in long-term wellness – kind of like doing routine maintenance on a car after years of wear.
Important: Experts emphasize that our liver and kidneys already detoxify our body continuously. (In fact, “detoxing” is their job.) So do we really need a cleanse? It’s a hot debate we’ll address soon (spoiler: extreme cleanses aren’t necessary for survival, but a nutrient-rich reset can support your body’s own processes).
The key is choosing a safe, science-backed program – especially for those of us over 30 who don’t want to shock our system. Forever C9 claims to be exactly that: a balanced, nutrient-based cleanse rather than a starvation fast.
Before diving into C9 specifics, let’s briefly recap how natural detoxification works in the body, and what a “nutritional cleanse” should ideally do.
Detox Science 101: How Your Body Removes Toxins Naturally
Your body is already a detox machine. Every day, your liver, kidneys, lungs, colon, and skin are hard at work neutralizing and expelling harmful substances. Understanding this natural detox process helps set realistic expectations for any cleanse:
- Liver – The Primary Filter: The liver is often dubbed the “detox powerhouse.” It uses a two-phase process to convert toxic substances (like alcohol, drugs, metabolic waste, and chemicals) into water-soluble forms that can be excreted.
In Phase I, liver enzymes (such as the cytochrome P450 family) modify toxins, sometimes producing intermediate free radicals.
In Phase II, the liver adds compounds (like glutathione, sulfur, or glycine) to those intermediates to make them safer and ready to exit the body. This process requires plenty of nutrients – amino acids, antioxidants (like vitamins C and E), and phytonutrients – to work efficiently.
(This is where a nutritional cleanse can help: by supplying those needed nutrients to support liver enzymes). The liver then secretes processed toxins into bile (dumped into the intestines) or blood (filtered by kidneys). - Kidneys – The Blood Purifiers: Your kidneys filter your blood about 60 times a day, removing waste products and toxins which you pee out. They excel at flushing out water-soluble toxins (like excess salts, urea from protein breakdown, or metabolites of drugs). Staying well-hydrated is crucial for kidney detox function.
Some herbs and foods (cranberry, citrus, etc.) may mildly support kidney filtration, but generally, drinking enough water and having a healthy blood pressure are the best ways to support renal detox. (Forever C9 encourages lots of water intake and includes herbal components that act as gentle diuretics, aiding kidney flushing.) - Colon (Large Intestine) – Waste Eliminator: After your liver dumps compounds into bile, they end up in the intestines to be excreted in feces. Dietary fiber is critical here – it binds toxins and waste in the gut and ensures regular bowel movements to get them out.
If you’re constipated, toxins and spent hormones can get reabsorbed. That’s why cleanses often emphasize fiber intake or mild laxatives. Forever C9 includes a fiber supplement to support this natural elimination route, instead of harsh colonics. (Harsh “colon cleanse” enemas are not part of C9’s approach – a plus for safety, since experts note colon irrigation can have serious side effects). - Lymphatic System – The Drainage Network: Your lymph system (lymph nodes and vessels) circulates fluids that carry immune cells and waste. Movement and exercise (even gentle walking) help lymph fluid flow, which can encourage removal of cellular waste.
The Forever C9 program booklet in fact recommends light exercise during the 9 days to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage (without overtaxing the body). - Skin and Lungs – Minor Detox Roles: You do excrete some toxins through sweat (heavy metals like arsenic and lead can be excreted in sweat in small amounts, research shows). Saunas or exercise that makes you sweat might help eliminate a bit of these, though sweat’s primary purpose is cooling.
Your lungs exhale volatile compounds (think of alcohol breath – that’s alcohol being excreted via lungs). Deep breathing exercises won’t remove heavy metals, but good respiration does help expel CO2 and can slightly release certain solvents or gases.
C9 doesn’t specifically include a sauna, but staying active and hydrated indirectly supports these routes too.
Bottom Line: The body can remove toxins naturally – it has for our entire lives. However, this natural detox can only work optimally if we provide the right support (nutrients, hydration, fiber, rest) and minimize new toxin exposure.
This is where a program like Forever C9 aims to assist: by flooding your body with vitamins, plant nutrients, and fiber while cutting out junk food and chemicals for nine days. It’s essentially giving your organs a supportive environment to do their job better.
Myth Busting!
You might ask, “If my liver and kidneys detox me, do I need a cleanse?” Strictly speaking, a healthy person’s body doesn’t require special detox diets – the organs are designed to self-cleanse. However, if your diet and lifestyle have been less-than-ideal, a short-term cleanse can be like a “reset” or boost. Think of it as tune-up maintenance: you’re not installing a new detox system, just giving your existing system high-quality fuel and a break from toxins, so it can work more efficiently. As Harvard medical experts put it, “you can’t ‘cleanse’ your body through a short diet” in the literal sense – any real toxin removal is still done by your organs, not the diet itself. The key is that a program like C9 isn’t magic; it’s structured support.
Now that we have the science context, let’s talk specifics: What exactly is the Forever C9 cleanse, and how does it incorporate these principles?
What Is the Forever C9 Nutritional Cleanse? (9-Day Detox Program Overview)
Forever C9 (Clean 9) is a 9-day at-home nutritional detox program made by Forever Living Products (FLP), known as “The Aloe Vera Company.” It’s essentially a kit containing supplements and meal replacement shakes, plus a strict diet plan, all geared toward cleansing your body gently while kickstarting healthy habits (weight loss is a possible side benefit, but the focus in our context is detox/support).
Here’s how the Forever C9 program works:
- Duration: 9 days total, split into an intensive first 2 days and a moderate next 7 days.
- Calorie Intake: Days 1-2 are very low calorie (largely just the provided shakes, aloe vera gel drink, and supplements – no solid meals, though some free foods like certain fruits/veggies are allowed). Days 3-9 add one 600-calorie balanced meal per day (usually dinner), plus continued shakes and supplements. Overall, it’s a short-term calorie-controlled cleanse with nutrition provided by the kit.
- Core Components: The C9 pack includes:
- Forever Aloe Vera Gel – Aloe vera drink (two 1-liter Tetra Pak bottles) to be consumed daily (a few ounces, several times a day). Aloe is the star ingredient, believed to aid digestion and support detox.
- Forever Fiber – A daily fiber sachet (to mix with water) providing ~5g fiber to support intestinal cleansing and regularity.
- Forever Garcinia Plus – Softgel capsules containing Garcinia cambogia extract (with hydroxycitric acid, HCA) and chromium. Taken before meals to help suppress appetite and support metabolism.
- Forever Therm – Tablets with a thermogenic blend (green tea extract, guarana [natural caffeine], plus vitamins B3, B6, B12, and vitamin C). Taken in the morning and early afternoon for energy and metabolism boost.
- Forever Lite Ultra Shake – A plant-protein meal replacement shake (comes in Vanilla or Chocolate flavor). It provides 17g protein per serving along with vitamins and minerals. You’ll be drinking this 1–2 times a day as a substitute for meals/snacks.
- Supplement Schedule: Typically, you take Garcinia Plus 30 minutes before meals or shakes (to help curb appetite), Therm in the morning and at lunch for energy, Fiber once a day (mid-morning), and drink Aloe gel ~120 mL (4 oz) at several intervals (morning and night, etc.), plus the Shake as directed (one shake on days 1-2, then two shakes on days 3-9 as meal replacements for breakfast and lunch).
- Hydration & Extras: You’re encouraged to drink plenty of water (at least 2 liters a day). You can also drink unsweetened herbal teas (Forever has an “Aloe Blossom Herbal Tea” with chamomile and ginger that pairs well, more on chamomile later). The kit even includes a shaker cup for the shakes and a tape measure to track inches lost (since many use it for weight management).
- Lifestyle Guidelines: The plan suggests light exercise (like 20 minutes of moderate activity or walking daily) and adequate sleep. It also emphasizes avoiding alcohol, coffee (to reduce toxin intake and dependence; though note the Therm pills do have caffeine from guarana), and of course no junk food.
Essentially, you’re cutting out processed foods, added sugars, and common dietary toxins for 9 days, which itself can lead to feeling better.
How Forever C9 is Positioned: The company markets C9 as a way to “reset and kickstart a healthier you.” It’s actually the first step in Forever’s F.I.T. program (C9 -> F15 -> lifestyle maintenance). The idea is you cleanse for 9 days to cleanse your palate, rid your body of some stored wastes, and prime for better nutrient absorption.
While a lot of users do report losing weight (5–10 lbs is common in 9 days, mostly from calorie deficit and water loss), the focus for our purposes is on detoxification and wellness, not just the scale.
Gentle vs. Aggressive: Compared to the notorious “Master Cleanse” (lemon juice & maple syrup fast) or other extreme detoxes, Forever C9 is relatively gentle because it provides protein, vitamins, and fiber.
You’re not simply starving on water and cayenne pepper; you’re nourished while cleansing. This is a crucial distinction, as nutrient deprivation can slow your metabolism and even hamper natural detox (your liver needs nutrients to detox – a water fast doesn’t provide those!).
To illustrate C9’s philosophy: one of the product brochures says, “Look better and feel great in just nine days with this expertly devised cleansing program.” It’s about feeling rejuvenated by day 9 – with claims like improved energy, clearer skin, and a sense of “lightness,” in addition to a possible smaller waistline.
Before evaluating these claims, let’s see what makes C9 different from other cleanses and take a close look at its key ingredients and their roles.
What Makes Forever C9 Unique? (Holistic, Nutrient-Powered Detox Approach)
With so many detox programs out there, what sets Forever C9 apart? In a nutshell, C9 is a holistic cleanse that prioritizes nutrition, safety, and science-backed ingredients. Here are the standout features that make C9 unique:
- Nutrient-Packed vs. Starvation: Unlike fad cleanses that eliminate food entirely or rely on one magic juice, C9 feeds your body with protein, fiber, vitamins, and plant extracts. This means you get energy and essential nutrients even while on a calorie-cut cleanse.
By keeping you nourished, C9 aims to avoid the pitfalls of “crash” detoxes (extreme fatigue, muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies). As one user put it, “It was easy to handle with all the pills and shakes – never felt too hungry”, even during the toughest first days. Your body can focus on healing instead of scrambling to conserve energy. - High-Quality Aloe Vera as the Base: Forever Living is literally the Aloe Vera company – and C9’s core is their pure aloe vera gel drink. Aloe has been traditionally used as a digestive aid and gentle laxative.
Forever’s aloe gel is 99.7% inner leaf gel, with no harsh aloe latex (aloin) that causes cramping. It was the first aloe product to receive certification from the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) for purity and potency, meaning it contains the real deal in effective quantities.
Aloe’s unique polysaccharide, acemannan, is present at nearly double the minimum required for IASC certification, which is a mark of high quality. Why aloe? Research suggests aloe vera supports healthy digestion and nutrient absorption and has natural “cleansing abilities” in the gut.
It helps soothe the GI tract and may assist in the elimination of waste. Many cheaper detoxes just use laxative herbs; C9’s aloe is a gentler approach that also provides antioxidants (plus added vitamin C in the drink for extra immune support). - Holistic Ingredient Synergy: C9 combines multiple components (herbal extracts, fiber, protein) that work together:
- The Garcinia Cambogia helps manage appetite and may inhibit fat storage (so your body can burn existing fat, potentially releasing any fat-stored toxins to be eliminated).
- The Therm supplement (with green tea, guarana) boosts metabolism and energy, counteracting the low-calorie lull and mobilizing fat for fuel.
- The Fiber ensures your colon sweeps out waste promptly, preventing toxin reabsorption in the gut.
- High-quality Protein Shake keeps your blood sugar stable and provides amino acids like glycine and taurine, which the liver uses in Phase II detox. This prevents the muscle breakdown and metabolic crash often seen in pure fasts. It’s a “nutritional cleanse” in the truest sense – you’re cleansing with nutrients, not without.
- Science-Backed and Tested: Forever Living has 40+ years of experience (founded in 1978) and operates in 160+ countries, following strict quality controls. The company adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices and many of its products (including the aloe gel and supplements) carry external certifications (IASC for aloe purity, Kosher, Halal, even NSF certification for quality in some cases).
This is not a sketchy internet detox tea – it’s produced by a long-standing company with FDA-registered facilities. (Of course, like all supplements, these statements aren’t evaluated by FDA for efficacy, but FLP’s manufacturing is FDA-inspected for safety compliance). For example, Forever’s aloe is pesticide-free and processed within hours of harvest to preserve potency.
These trust factors matter, especially for a cleanse where you’re consuming mostly their products for 9 days. The longevity and scale of the company suggest they take product safety seriously. - Gentle and Beginner-Friendly: C9 is often recommended as a beginner’s detox because it’s only 9 days (short-term) and comes with a clear guide. Many aggressive cleanses require 21+ days or complicated protocols. C9 lays everything out day by day, with simple routines. Plus, it’s balanced – it won’t “wreck” you.
As one German reviewer noted, “absolut empfehlenswert, da nur über einen kurzen Zeitraum geht, aber tolle Ergebnisse liefert” – essentially praising it as an excellent short-term detox with great results. Another user’s diary comment: “first day hard, but you get used to it and the weight melts off… by day 5 I felt lighter and energized.”
Such anecdotes show that even those new to cleansing can manage C9. The presence of real food (even if limited) after day 3 makes it psychologically easier than all-liquid cleanses. - Focus on Habit Reset, Not Quick Fix: The program encourages you to reintroduce healthy eating after Day 9, not just revert to old ways. It’s marketed as the start of a journey, not a one-time fix. In this way, C9 tries to distinguish itself from gimmicky “lose 10lbs in a week and then yo-yo back” schemes.
By teaching portion control (with that 600 kcal meal) and getting you used to a supplement routine, it aims to instill habits you can carry forward. Of course, sustaining the results is up to the individual (more on that in the FAQs).
Now, let’s break down each key ingredient in Forever C9 and how it supports natural detox. This is where the real science meets the product.
Key Ingredients & How They Support Detox:
- Aloe Vera Gel Drink: Detox role: Aloe vera is rich in polysaccharides (like acemannan), enzymes, and amino acids that soothe the digestive tract and support gut health. Aloe acts as a gentle laxative and “digestive aid”, helping to regularize bowel movements without harsh irritation (thanks to the inner fillet only).
By improving digestion and acting as a mild bitter tonic, aloe may enhance nutrient absorption – important when you’re consuming a nutrient-dense but low-calorie diet. Aloe also has an alkalizing effect on the body and provides antioxidants like vitamin C (Forever’s aloe gel is fortified with vitamin C, which supports the immune system and is a co-factor for liver detox enzymes).
Some studies indicate aloe vera can support liver function in cases of liver injury (mostly animal studies), likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. With aloe, you’re essentially cleaning the gut and supporting the liver in one go. (Quality note: Forever’s aloe gel is IASC-certified pure and has no preservatives, meaning you get a potent, clean product.) - Garcinia Cambogia Plus (with Chromium): Detox/cleanse role: Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA). HCA has been studied for weight management – it may inhibit an enzyme (ATP citrate lyase) involved in converting carbs to fat, thereby reducing fat storage.
For a cleanse, the benefit of garcinia is appetite control and possibly reducing new fat accumulation while you’re on a low-cal diet. This is helpful because if you’re mobilizing fat (burning fat for energy due to the calorie deficit), any toxins stored in that fat get released.
The body still must process those, but with garcinia ensuring you don’t overeat, you maintain that fat-burning state gently. Chromium in the Garcinia Plus supplement helps regulate blood sugar and curb cravings, preventing energy crashes. This can ward off the “detox cravings” for sugar or junk.
Now, scientifically, garcinia isn’t a miracle: a JAMA study found it didn’t produce significantly more weight loss than placebo overall, though a meta-analysis noted it might give a small extra push (~2 lbs more lost, though hard to attribute solely to the supplement).
Importantly, garcinia has some antioxidant properties and has traditionally been used in Ayurveda for digestion. We should note, rare cases of liver issues have been reported with high-dose garcinia misuse.
However, those are typically with long-term, high-dose use or unregulated products. In C9, garcinia is used short-term and at recommended doses. It’s generally safe for the majority, and FLP’s long track record with it (Garcinia Plus has been sold for years) shows it’s well-tolerated.
In summary, Garcinia in C9 helps you stick to the cleanse (by quelling hunger) and keeps metabolism slightly higher, indirectly aiding detox by preventing blood sugar swings that stress the liver. - Forever Fiber: Detox role: Each packet gives 5 grams of a proprietary fiber blend (a mix of soluble fibers). Fiber is crucial in any detox – it binds to substances in the gut (like used-up bile acids, which contain excreted toxins, and excess estrogen or cholesterol) and carries them out.
Adequate fiber prevents reabsorption of toxins that the liver worked hard to expel. It also helps with satiety, so you feel less hungry on the cleanse. During C9, you take fiber on an empty stomach (mid-morning) to ensure it doesn’t block nutrient absorption from the supplements.
The fiber likely contains inulin or guar gum (common gentle fibers) that also support healthy gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome itself contributes to detox – some gut bacteria can even break down certain chemicals.
By keeping your colon moving, fiber reduces the chance of any “detox symptoms” caused by waste stagnation. (E.g., if someone experiences a headache or coated tongue during a cleanse, it can sometimes be related to constipation – fiber helps avoid that.)
Think of fiber as the broom sweeping out the toxins that aloe and your liver have collected. - Forever Therm (Green Tea, Guarana, Vitamins B & C): Detox support role: Therm is essentially the “energy pill” to counter lethargy. It contains green tea extract (with EGCG) and guarana, a natural source of caffeine.
These boost your metabolic rate and increase lipolysis (fat burning). Green tea is rich in catechins, which are antioxidants that have liver-protective and anti-inflammatory effects. By enhancing circulation and metabolism, Therm may help your liver process toxins a bit faster (since a stimulated metabolism means faster turnover).
The added B6, B12, and vitamin C in Therm address potential gaps while dieting – B vitamins in particular support Phase I and II liver detox pathways (for instance, B6 is needed for the glutathione conjugation pathway, and B12 for methylation pathways in the liver).
Vitamin C is a critical antioxidant that regenerates glutathione, the liver’s most important detox molecule. So Therm isn’t just a “fat burner pill” – it’s also a mini multivitamin and antioxidant boost. Users often report that it prevents the usual fatigue of cleanses.
Caution: Because it has caffeine (~high as a cup of coffee per dose), very caffeine-sensitive individuals might feel jittery. But most find it manageable and prefer it to the headache they’d get if they cut out caffeine cold-turkey. One could skip Therm and just drink green tea, but the pill ensures you get a consistent dose of the beneficial compounds. - Forever Lite Ultra Shake (Soy Protein + Nutrients): Detox role: Protein might seem out of place in a “cleanse,” but it’s actually vital. Your body needs amino acids to produce glutathione, taurine, and other conjugating agents that bind toxins.
The Forever Lite Ultra shake provides 17 grams of plant protein (soy) per serving, plus vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, biotin, B-vitamins, etc. It basically acts as a nutrient ballast for the diet – ensuring that even at ~800-1000 Calories/day, you’re getting the daily essentials.
This prevents the body from going into a stress/starvation mode that could reduce detox efficiency. For example, if you lack protein, the liver can’t effectively perform Phase II detox (which attaches amino acids to toxins).
The shake also helps preserve lean muscle during the 9 days (most of the weight lost will be water or fat, not muscle). Many detoxes fail to include protein and people end up looking gaunt or feeling weak – C9 smartly avoids that.
From a user perspective, the shake is filling and tastes pretty good (especially if blended with allowed fruits like berries or half a banana on later days). It makes the cleanse feel less like punishment and more like a healthy smoothie regimen.
As a side benefit, soy protein has been associated with cholesterol improvement, so that 9 days of soy shakes might even modestly improve your lipid profile. - Chamomile & Herbal Teas (optional add-on): Chamomile isn’t in the core kit pills, but Forever’s program encourages drinking their Aloe Blossom Herbal Tea, which contains chamomile, or any caffeine-free herbal tea.
Chamomile is worth mentioning because of its soothing properties. It contains apigenin and other flavonoids that are anti-inflammatory and may support liver and kidney health. In one animal study, chamomile extract significantly reduced levels of AST and ALT (markers of liver stress), suggesting a hepatoprotective effect.
Chamomile also calms the nervous system, which can be helpful on a cleanse (lower stress = better detox, since stress hormones can slow liver detox). It can relieve detox headaches and help with sleep.
Additionally, chamomile is a mild diuretic, which can encourage the kidneys to flush out a bit more water (and any water-soluble toxins). It won’t literally “detox the liver” by itself (as Medical News Today bluntly states, chamomile’s antioxidants alone don’t magically purge toxins), but it supports the organs that do the detoxing.
Many C9 users drink chamomile tea at night to relax – a great idea since adequate sleep is when your glymphatic system (the brain’s cleanup crew) works to detox the brain. So we can say chamomile is a supportive player in the C9 cleanse, aligning with the gentle ethos (and no caffeine, unlike Therm). - Other Nutrients: The C9 diet via the shake and supplements supplies an array of nutrients – e.g., Vitamin A (for immune support and mucosal health), Vitamin D (important for immune and mood – though not a detox agent per se), magnesium (needed for Phase II liver enzymes and regular bowels), and more. It’s basically like doing a multivitamin boost while cleansing.
This contrasts with many fasts that might leave you deficient if done for more than a few days.
In combination, these ingredients create a comprehensive cleanse: Aloe and fiber to cleanse the gut, protein and vitamins to fuel detox pathways, herbs like green tea and chamomile to fight inflammation and oxidation, plus garcinia and chromium to manage metabolism and appetite. Few detox programs hit all those notes.
Now, how does Forever C9 stack up against other popular detox methods? Let’s compare it to a couple of extremes: the famous (or infamous) Master Cleanse and a trendy product-based cleanse like Goli “Detox” gummies.
Forever C9 vs Aggressive Cleanses (Comparison Table)
Not all “detoxes” are created equal. To appreciate C9’s approach, it helps to see it side-by-side with other cleanses that people often consider: the Master Cleanse (an old-school extreme fast) and something like the Goli Detox (apple cider vinegar gummy regimen, representing a very lenient “detox” approach).
Below is a comparison of key factors:
Aspect | Forever C9 Nutritional Cleanse (9-Day) | Master Cleanse (Lemonade Detox, ~10-Day) | Goli ACV “Detox + Burn” (Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies) |
---|---|---|---|
Approach | Nutrient-supported cleanse – Includes aloe vera gel drink, protein shakes, supplements (garcinia, fiber, etc.) and one low-calorie meal (days 3–9). A structured plan providing ~800–1000 kcal/day after first 2 days. | Starvation liquid fast – Only a lemon juice, maple syrup & cayenne pepper water consumed (~600 kcal/day of sugar water). No solid food for ~10 days straight. Essentially a classic “fast” with laxative tea at night and saltwater flush in morning (per the original Master Cleanse routine). | Supplement-based routine – Continue regular diet (ideally healthy) but take Goli Nutrition’s Apple Cider Vinegar gummies (often 2–6 gummies daily). Marketed to “cleanse and burn fat” with ACV, vitamins B9/B12, perhaps combined with their Supergreens or Detox gummies. No formal diet plan included beyond general healthy eating advice. |
Main Goal | Body detox & habit reset with modest weight loss. Emphasizes removing processed foods, increasing nutrient intake, and supporting natural detox organs. | Rapid weight loss & colon cleanse. Primarily marketed for quick weight drop and “flushing” the digestive tract. Little to no focus on nutrients; it’s about willpower and “purging.” | Convenience & mild support. Aims to harness ACV’s traditional benefits (digestion, appetite suppression) and claims of helping detox. Positioned as an easy add-on for health/weight management. |
Key Components | Aloe Vera Gel (2 L) – digestive cleanse drink (rich in polysaccharides) Forever Lite Ultra Shakes – protein + vitamins Garcinia+Chromium – appetite control Therm (Green tea, Guarana) – metabolism boost Fiber – binds toxins, aids elimination (Plus a guide with food list and exercises) | Lemon Drink Only: Water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Grade B maple syrup, cayenne pepper. (No protein, no micronutrients except minimal from lemons/maple). Herbal Laxative Tea – usually senna tea each night to force bowel movements. Salt Water Flush – 1 quart of saltwater in mornings (to induce rapid diarrhea). (No supplements or nutrients; just these components repeatedly.) | Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies: Each gummy ~500mg ACV (5% acetic acid) + added vitamins (e.g., B12, folic acid). Some versions include pomegranate or beet juice for antioxidants. Optionally combined with “Detox/Green” gummies (blend of veggies, vitamins) or “Burn” gummies (with citrus extract and carnitine) depending on marketing. (No strict regimen; just take gummies daily.) |
Caloric Intake | ~800 kcal/day (after Day 2) from shakes + one 600 kcal meal + aloe drink (few calories) + free veggie snacks. First 2 days ~400–600 kcal from shake + aloe + maybe a few fruit/veg freebies. It’s a calorie deficit but with protein and carbs for energy. | ~600 kcal/day purely from the maple syrup in the lemon drink (no fat, minimal protein). Essentially a fast with simple sugars. The body goes into ketosis/starvation mode after glycogen is depleted. | Minimal calories from gummies (each ~15 kcal; even 6 gummies = ~90 kcal). Otherwise you eat normally (hopefully at maintenance or slight deficit if weight loss is a goal). So total intake depends on your diet – gummies don’t substitute meals. |
Difficulty Level | Moderate: First 48 hours are challenging (very low food; likely hunger and possibly caffeine withdrawal headaches). After that, one real meal a day makes it easier. Shakes and supplements help curb hunger. Many report Day 3 onward they feel much better. Energy is low for intense exercise but fine for daily tasks. | Very Hard/Extreme: Constant hunger pangs (you’re basically on sugary water). Common side effects: fatigue, dizziness, “detox headaches” (often caffeine withdrawal or low blood sugar), muscle aches. The saltwater flush can be unpleasant and literally need you near a toilet for an hour each morning. Most people feel weak by day 3-4. It’s a test of willpower more than anything. | Easy: Just eating normally and chewing some sweet gummies. Negligible hunger impact (gummies may slightly reduce appetite but not dramatically). No significant change in how you feel day-to-day, since you’re not fasting. Very compliant-friendly – tastes like candy. |
Potential Benefits | – Sustained energy & less muscle loss (due to protein and carbs included). – Nutrient boost: vitamins, antioxidants, hydration, fiber – likely better micronutrient intake than one’s normal diet, which can improve wellbeing. – Users report feeling “lighter, less bloated” and some have lab results improvement (e.g. lower blood glucose or improved liver enzyme levels) after 9 days of clean eating. – Weight loss: typically 5–10 lbs (some is water weight; some may be fat). Importantly, many say they felt great and motivated to continue a healthier diet afterward rather than binge, indicating a true habit reset. | – Rapid weight loss: 10+ lbs in 10 days is possible (mostly water, some fat, unfortunately some muscle too). The very empty GI tract can make your stomach flatter. – Some people report a sense of mental clarity or euphoria around day 6-7 (common in fasting ketosis). – Cheap and simple – ingredients are found in any grocery store, so accessibility is high. – Experience of “discipline” – you certainly prove something to yourself if you finish it. | – Convenience: Takes seconds a day, no disruption to routine. Good for people who hate structured diets. – Digestion support: ACV may improve digestion for some (e.g., reduce minor bloating or heartburn) and can modestly lower the glycemic index of meals. Some gummy users report less bloating. – ACV has some evidence of aiding weight management by slightly improving satiety and metabolism. – Tasty way to get a daily dose of ACV and B vitamins (for those who might otherwise never take a supplement). – No “detox flu” – you won’t get typical detox side effects since you’re not radically changing diet. |
Drawbacks & Risks | – Initial side effects: headache (common on day 1-2 from carb & caffeine drop), fatigue, possibly “detox headache or skin breakout” as body adjusts. – Requires planning: you must follow the schedule, make the allowed meal with healthy ingredients, and avoid temptation. – Not a long-term diet: It’s not meant to be extended beyond 9 days; you need a post-cleanse plan to continue weight loss or maintenance, otherwise some weight rebound is likely (especially water weight). – Cost: The kit costs ~$100–150 retail (though we have a 10% off for you as a perk). It’s an investment, whereas some DIY cleanses are cheaper. | – Nutrient deficiency: zero protein, fat, or essential micronutrients for days – this can break down muscle and weaken you. Definitely not suitable for people with any health conditions without doctor oversight. – Muscle loss & rebound: Much of the weight lost can be muscle and water. When you resume eating, weight often bounces back quickly (with interest) unless you transition carefully. – Dehydration & electrolyte issues: The salt flush and laxative can cause dehydration, sodium imbalance, or even fainting in some cases. It’s definitely not medically advisable for most people. – Many report feeling miserable throughout. This can lead to quitting early or, conversely, an unhealthy notion that suffering is required for health. (Not a sustainable mindset!) | – Minimal actual “detox”: Let’s be clear: popping a gummy or two is not a true detox or cleanse in any medical sense. If your diet is poor, ACV gummies won’t counteract lots of junk food or heavy toxin exposure. – Sugar content: Goli gummies have around 1–2g sugar each. Taking 6 a day adds ~6–12g of sugar – not terrible, but it is counterintuitive that a “health” product contains sugar (though they now have sugar-free versions). – Acidic risk: ACV is acidic; in gummy form it’s less harsh than liquid vinegar, but excessive use could potentially affect tooth enamel or irritate stomach in sensitive individuals. – Results vary: Some users see no tangible effect (no weight loss or detox feeling) because the changes are very subtle. Essentially, it might not do much beyond what a daily salad and some vinegar on it would do. – Can give a false sense of security: One might think “I’m detoxing because I take these gummies” and not make needed diet changes. |
In summary: The Forever C9 offers a balanced, guided cleanse that sits between extreme fasting cleanses and token supplement “detoxes.” It’s intensive enough to potentially remove some toxins and trigger positive changes, but gentle enough to be safe for the average healthy person.
Master Cleanse, by contrast, is drastic – it will drop weight quickly but at the cost of significant physical stress (and most experts warn against it).
The Goli ACV approach is on the other end – very low effort, low risk, but also likely low reward (it might help a bit with digestion or small weight changes, but it’s not comparable to a dedicated cleanse).
Many people find Forever C9 to be a happy medium: you see and feel results within 9 days, but you’re not wrecking your body or starving entirely.
Next, let’s look at what you can actually expect day-by-day on C9. How might you feel, and what changes could occur?
We’ll illustrate through a 9-day user diary complete with some simulated “lab markers” to track progress.
9-Day Detox Diary: A Day-by-Day Forever C9 Cleanse Experience
Meet “Alex,” a 35-year-old (gender-neutral) individual who decides to do the Forever C9 Nutritional Cleanse.
Below is a day-by-day diary of Alex’s experience, including subjective feelings and some lab measurements taken before and after the cleanse to gauge internal changes.
Lab values are simulated for illustration, but based on realistic expectations.
Day 0 (Pre-Cleanse Preparation): Alex has been eating fairly normally (perhaps too much takeout and coffee) and weighs in at 180 lbs. They visit their doctor for a basic wellness check and get a blood test out of curiosity. Key baseline metrics:
- Weight: 180 lb (81.6 kg)
- Waist Circumference: 36 inches
- Blood Pressure: 128/85 (slightly pre-hypertensive).
- Liver enzyme ALT: Thirty-two U/L (within normal, but on higher side of optimal).
- Fasting Blood Sugar: 95 mg/dL (normal).
- Blood Heavy Metal Panel: Lead = 2.3 µg/dL; Mercury = 3.1 µg/L (both moderate for an adult with occasional seafood consumption; no acute poisoning).
- General note: Alex often feels bloated and low-energy mid-day, and gets tension headaches. They decide to start C9 tomorrow. Tonight, they remove temptations from the kitchen (cookies, alcohol) and stock up on veggies for the allowed meal days. They also take “before” photos.
Day 1: (Detox mode ON – toughest phase begins) Alex starts the morning with 120 mL of aloe vera gel – the taste is tangy and slightly bitter. Not unpleasant, but different from juice. They take 2 Garcinia Plus softgels 20 minutes before “breakfast.”
Breakfast is a Forever Lite Ultra shake (mixed with water and a few berries for flavor, which is allowed as a free food). With it, Alex takes 1 Therm tablet.
- Morning: Feels motivated. The shake is surprisingly filling initially. The Therm’s caffeine gives a mild buzz. By mid-morning, slight hunger kicks in. Alex mixes the Forever Fiber packet in a glass of water – it’s flavorless and slightly thickens the water, but goes down easy. The fiber seems to help reduce hunger pangs a bit.
- Afternoon: Lunch is… well, not a real lunch. It’s another aloe shot, more water, and 2 more Garcinia capsules. Alex is allowed to eat some “free” foods – they nibble a few cucumber slices and a piece of watermelon.
An afternoon Therm tablet is skipped (the plan says 1 or 2 Therm per day; Alex opts for 1 per day to avoid over-caffeination). By 3pm, energy dips. A mild headache starts – likely “detox headache” from caffeine withdrawal (Alex usually drinks coffee, which they’ve cut out today).
They brew a cup of chamomile peppermint tea to hydrate and soothe the headache. - Evening: Dinner is a Forever Lite Ultra shake again (so yes, 2 shakes on Day 1, since no real food). Alex misses chewing something substantial. They take the final aloe gel dose and last Garcinia pills before bed.
That night, they feel a bit cold (common on cleanses when calories are low) and have slight hunger gnawing. However, they do feel proud for getting through Day 1. They go to bed early with a mild headache and slightly low energy. - Bowel movements: None on Day 1 (which is fine; fiber likely works by Day 2).
- Mood: Determined but headachy, a bit fatigued.
- Tip: Alex journaled their reasons for doing this cleanse to stay focused. They also set an alarm to remember supplement timing.
Day 2: (Detox symptoms peak, then break) Waking up, Alex feels a bit groggy. Interestingly, the scale shows 177 lb – down 3 lb in one day (mostly water weight from lower carb intake and empty gut). This is motivating! Repeat regimen: aloe drink, Garcinia, shake, Therm…
- Morning: The headache is still there but slightly less. Possibly the body is adjusting. Alex does light stretching exercise (the C9 booklet recommended 20 minutes of moderate exercise – Day 2 they manage about 15 minutes of yoga, but feel a bit lightheaded on standing, so they take it easy). After the fiber drink, they feel more satiated than yesterday morning.
- Afternoon: In the early afternoon, a wave of fatigue hits. This is the notorious “Day 2 slump” – the body is depleting its glycogen stores and starting to switch to fat for fuel.
Alex also gets a breakout of one pimple and a coated tongue (they note these as possible detox signs, though scientifically it’s likely due to metabolic changes and dehydration).
To fight the energy dip, they take the second Therm tablet today (deciding to use 2 per day from now on). It helps perk them up a bit. They also drink a lot of water with lemon slices (lemon is an allowed free flavor). - Evening: The good news – this is the last completely food-less dinner. Another shake and aloe dose. Alex feels hungry and a bit irritable in the evening, as family members eat a normal meal. But they remind themselves that solid food comes tomorrow.
Strangely, by late evening the hunger subsides and is replaced by a slight “light” feeling – perhaps mild ketosis euphoria. They do some deep breathing and go to bed early again. - Bowel movements: One in the evening – fairly normal but smaller than usual. Aloe + fiber are doing their job gently.
- Mood: Tired, a tad cranky midday, then calm by night.
- Physical: Slight headache in morning, resolved by evening; white-coated tongue (they brush their tongue to feel fresher); one blemish on skin.
- Sleep: Sleep is deep and uninterrupted this night.
Day 3: (Reintroduction of real food – energy lifts) Weigh-in: 175.5 lb (down 4.5 lb total). Alex is excited for today because a real 600-calorie meal is allowed, as per the plan from Days 3-9. The morning routine aloe/Garcinia/shake/Therm now feels familiar and not as difficult.
- Morning: Headache is gone – likely the body has adapted to no coffee. Alex actually feels more alert this morning than the past two. Perhaps adrenaline is up. They report a surprisingly clear mind at work, which they didn’t expect while on low calories. They continue drinking ample water and have herbal tea instead of the usual coffee.
- Afternoon: For lunch, Alex decides to save the solid-food meal for dinner, so lunch is a second shake (you’re allowed either 1 or 2 shakes per day; many do two and skip a formal lunch, which Alex is doing). They snack on a handful of cherry tomatoes and steamed broccoli (free veggies) to chew something. No Therm needed this afternoon because energy is okay.
- Evening (the best part): Dinner! Alex plans a nutritious 600 kcal meal: grilled salmon (for protein and omega-3s) with a big bed of mixed greens, quinoa, and a olive oil-lemon dressing.
They also take 2 Garcinia pills before dinner to ensure portion control. Eating real food after 2 days of liquids is glorious. Alex eats slowly, savoring each bite. They feel full halfway through (stomach might have shrunk a bit), but finish the meal mindful of not exceeding the calories.
They skip the usual aloe at dinner time (the program calls for aloe servings morning and night; it’s okay to adjust timing). That night, they feel content and optimistic. - Bowel movements: In the morning and evening (digestion seems to be regularizing).
- Mood/physical: Noticing improved concentration at work and no more irritability. The “detox flu” symptoms have largely subsided. Skin is actually looking a bit brighter (the pimple is healing quickly).
- Alex also notes they haven’t had cravings for sugary stuff today – a big change from Day 1. The worst is over.
Day 4: Alex weighs 174.5 lb (down another 1 lb). They’re now past the hardest part. Many people report Days 4–6 on C9 to be when they hit a stride.
- Morning: Routine continues (aloe, Garcinias, shake, Therm). Alex is feeling energetic enough to take a short jog this morning (about 15 minutes of light jogging). They notice they feel lighter on their feet. Possibly some placebo effect, but also actual loss of water bloat. They haven’t felt this motivated to exercise in a while.
- Daytime: Work day goes fine; co-workers comment that Alex is “looking good” (maybe due to less facial puffiness after cutting junk food). Alex drinks lots of water and herbal tea throughout the day. Hunger is minimal – the body seems adjusted to the routine. They plan another balanced 600 kcal dinner – chicken stir-fry with lots of veggies and a small portion of brown rice.
- Evening: Dinner is satisfying. Alex thoroughly chews to enjoy it. After dinner, they do feel a slight sweet craving (the only sugar so far has been from the shakes and fruit). They satisfy this by mixing a dash of pure apple juice into their evening aloe shot to make it tastier, and have a cup of chamomile tea.
- Other observations: Alex’s digestion feels improved – less gassy and more regular. They feel their stomach has flattened a bit (likely due to reduced bloating and less total food volume). Sleep quality remains good, and they wake up easier in the mornings now.
- Note: At this point, Alex is clearly in a mild ketosis or caloric deficit fat-burning mode. They suspect some fat weight is being lost (clothes are looser at the waist). With fat loss, any fat-stored toxins (like certain pesticides) might be releasing.
Fortunately, the high fiber intake and hydration is helping the body eliminate these. If Alex had done a similar calorie cut without the fiber or nutrients, they might have felt worse. This underscores the C9 strategy.
Day 5: Halfway point was yesterday; now on Day 5, weight = 174.0 lb. Weight loss has slowed (which is normal as the body stabilizes). But Alex isn’t only focused on weight – they feel great today.
- They have a routine down: up at 7, aloe & supps, morning walk, shake, work, fiber, etc. This structure is actually something Alex appreciates – it simplified meal decisions (no “what should I eat today?” stress). They chuckle that they haven’t had a single cup of coffee in 5 days, a record for them, yet they have more natural energy now than when they were caffeine-dependent.
- Cravings check: Surprisingly, when a colleague brings donuts to the office, Alex isn’t even tempted – the memory of the Day 1-2 struggle makes them not want to ruin the progress. The palate also seems to have reset a bit; that apple in the shake tastes sweeter now because they’ve had no refined sugar.
- Mental clarity: Alex notes clear, focused thinking in afternoon meetings. Possibly due to stable blood sugar and no heavy lunches to induce brain fog.
- Physical changes: Skin complexion is improved – a certain glow and reduction in past redness (could be from high antioxidant intake and hydration). They also note that a nagging joint pain in the knee is less noticeable – losing a few pounds and lower inflammation from the diet change might be helping.
- Dinner: Lean beef tacos (using lettuce wrap instead of flour tortilla to keep within calorie limit, plus lots of salsa and avocado). Delicious and compliant.
- Lab marker check-in (midway): Though not typically done, imagine Alex did a quick finger-prick test: their fasting blood sugar on Day 5 morning was 87 mg/dL (down from 95). This reflects improved insulin sensitivity from cutting out sugary foods.
If we measured ketones, they might have trace blood ketones indicating fat metabolism. If we measured liver enzymes now, ALT might have dropped slightly (perhaps 30 U/L from 32) just from the reduced liver load and no alcohol consumption.
Day 6: Weight 173.5 lb (total ~6.5 lb down). Alex is now looking forward to the finish line but also thinking about life after C9.
- They decide to incorporate a short moderate workout today – a 30-minute light weightlifting session. They feel capable of it (energy is decent).
They do this before dinner and then ensure their meal has good protein to aid recovery (they choose a tofu and veggie stir-fry with some almonds sprinkled – to also get healthy fats in). - Detox symptoms? None at this point. If anything, they feel better than normal. Sometimes around Day 6-7, people report a sense of “clean high” – perhaps psychological, but also physiologically, the body has adapted to a cleaner fuel mix.
- Mood: Very positive. Alex feels proud and even starts talking to friends about what they’re doing (initially they kept it private to avoid skepticism, but now with results, they’re excited to share).
- Sleep & waking: It’s notable that Alex has consistently been sleeping around 7-8 hours and waking up without hitting snooze.
They attribute this to cutting out late-night heavy dinners and alcohol (they used to have a glass of wine most nights, which they cut for the cleanse). Now they realize that might have impacted their sleep quality before. - They plan to possibly reintroduce coffee or alcohol only moderately post-cleanse, given how good they feel without them.
Day 7: Weight 173.0 lb. At this point, weight loss has plateaued to ~0.5 lb/day or less, which is fine – the initial water drop is done.
- Routine: Honestly, it feels normal now. Aloe gel? No big deal (they even started to like the tangy taste). Shake? Yum, especially blended with a handful of strawberries today (still within plan). Fiber drink? Standard. They even think they might keep drinking the fiber after C9 because it keeps them regular.
- Toxins & markers: If we could measure “toxins” in the body, we might see by Day 7:
- Reduction in oxidative stress markers (thanks to high vitamin C, E, and phytonutrients intake). For instance, some cleansers see lower LDL cholesterol or triglycerides by this point due to the healthy diet – we could simulate that Alex’s triglycerides went from 150 mg/dL pre-cleanse to 120 mg/dL now.
- Liver enzyme ALT possibly down to 28 U/L (it might fluctuate, but a small improvement could be there due to no alcohol and weight loss – weight loss often reduces liver fat and enzymes).
- Blood heavy metals likely unchanged significantly (heavy metals don’t drop fast without chelation; however, if Alex had been acutely exposed to something like excess lead from old pipes, ceasing that exposure plus high fiber could slightly lower blood levels). We can simulate a tiny drop: Lead from 2.3 to 2.1 µg/dL. Mercury from 3.1 to 2.9 µg/L.
- These changes are subtle, but directionally positive.
- Afternoon/Evening: Alex uses some of the Forever C9 guide’s recipes for dinner inspiration (the booklet provides healthy recipe ideas under 500–600 kcal). They try a zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs recipe – it’s satisfying and family can eat a version of it too.
- With two days left, Alex starts planning healthy groceries for post-cleanse, so they don’t fall back into old habits.
Day 8: Weight 172.5 lb. By now, Alex’s colleagues notice the weight loss (nearly 8 lbs down). Face looks leaner, belly flatter. Alex’s “detox glow” is real enough that a friend says “Your skin looks so clear!”
- Mindset: Alex feels a mixture of excitement (almost done!) and a bit of anxiety – “Will I regain weight? How do I eat after?” This is common. The structure of C9 is comforting, and transitioning back to full self-designed meals can be tricky.
The program recommends moving on to a less strict but healthy plan (Forever has an F15 program next, or one can simply adopt a balanced diet with controlled portions). - Physical check: Alex jogs 20 minutes and feels great stamina given the lowish calorie intake – likely because by now their body is efficiently burning fat and the provided nutrients prevent deficiencies.
Heart rate during exercise is slightly lower than it was a month ago, possibly indicating improved cardiovascular efficiency from weight loss and no alcohol. - No negative symptoms to report. Digestion is robust; they note that they haven’t had junk food for over a week – a record – and funny enough, they’re not really missing it. The desire for candy or chips is just gone; the thought actually makes them think of how sluggish they used to feel after eating those.
Day 9: Final Day! Weight in morning: 172.0 lb. Alex has lost exactly 8.0 lbs in 9 days. They take after photos and compare – the difference is visible: less bloating, a fitter look, improved posture even (they’ve been so health-focused, they’re standing taller).
- Morning: They do the routine one last time knowing tomorrow they won’t have to. Oddly, they savor the aloe drink now, feeling gratitude toward it. They also weigh and measure:
- Waist: now 34 inches (down 2 inches from baseline, showing abdominal bloat/fat reduced).
- Energy: high, mood: joyful and accomplished.
- During the day: Alex reflects on the journey. The hardest part was the first 48 hours. The best part was noticing how their body adapted and improved. They decide to break the cleanse gently next day – not by gorging, but by maybe adding an extra meal or two of healthy foods and keeping aloe gel in the routine for digestive benefits.
- Evening Day 9: The program is officially over by dinner. Alex has a nice piece of steak with sweet potatoes and greens – a celebratory healthy feast that fits ~700 kcal. Perhaps a bit above the plan but they earned it.
They skip the last shake because they prefer real food tonight (by Day 9 one can substitute the shake with the whole-food meal if desired, as long as macros are sensible). - They make sure to still take Garcinia before the meal to not overeat, and only a small toast of wine to celebrate (though alcohol is technically not advised, one glass of red wine is their treat – and they find it hits them harder than before, interestingly, showing how cleansed their system is).
Post-Cleanse Lab Results (Day 10, follow-up): Alex goes to get the same blood tests to objectively see changes:
- Weight: 172 lb (down 8 lb).
- ALT (liver enzyme): 25 U/L (was 32 pre-cleanse – now firmly in optimal range, indicating reduced liver fat/inflammation). This aligns with studies where weight loss and improved diet reduced liver enzymes.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: 88 mg/dL (was 95 – improved glucose control).
- Total Cholesterol: 180 mg/dL (was 200 – dropped 20 points), LDL 110 (was 130), HDL unchanged 50.
- Triglycerides: 115 mg/dL (was 150).
- Blood Pressure: 118/78 (improved from 128/85, likely due to reduced sodium intake and weight).
- Blood Lead: 2.1 µg/dL (slight drop from 2.3 – not a huge change, but trend down, possibly due to increased fiber and calcium which can reduce lead absorption).
- Blood Mercury: 2.8 µg/L (down from 3.1, likely just normal variation but encouragingly not increased).
- Inflammation marker (hs-CRP): 1.0 mg/L (was 2.5 – a notable drop, possibly due to cutting out pro-inflammatory foods like refined carbs and the high antioxidant intake). This suggests reduced systemic inflammation.
These simulated lab results demonstrate concrete health improvements beyond weight loss. While 9 days is a short time, the elimination of alcohol, processed food, and the inclusion of nutrient-dense supplements can rapidly improve certain metabolic markers (especially in someone who had room for improvement).
Alex’s story exemplifies the Forever C9 experience when done correctly: initial difficulty, steadily increasing vitality, and tangible benefits by the end. Many users echo similar outcomes: “By the end of it I’d lost about 7 lbs and felt great. The only problem is, then what?”.
Indeed, the true test is maintaining those gains. But C9 clearly can be a powerful jumpstart toward a healthier lifestyle.
Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about C9 and detoxes, and also respond to common critiques (like “Are detox cleanses even necessary?”).
Q: Does Forever C9 cause diarrhea?
Q: Does Forever C9 cause diarrhea?
Not typically. The C9 cleanse is designed to be gentle. It does not include any harsh laxatives or enemas. Aloe vera gel has mild laxative properties for some people, but Forever’s aloe is the inner fillet gel with aloin removed (aloin is the component that can cause cramping diarrhea).
The included fiber can actually normalize bowel movements – possibly loosening stool a bit if you’re constipated, but not usually causing acute diarrhea. Most users report regular, healthy bowel movements during C9.
In fact, one reason people feel less bloated is that fiber helps clear out accumulated waste. However, if you overdo water and herbal tea and eat no solid food (e.g., if someone tried to extend the liquid-only phase), diarrhea could occur.
Stick to the plan and you should be fine. Always remember to stay hydrated, especially if your stool does loosen – the fiber will absorb water. If you have IBS or a sensitive gut, start slowly on the aloe and fiber to assess tolerance.
But compared to many cleanses (Master Cleanse, colon flushes), C9 is far less likely to send you running to the bathroom.
Q: Will I be basically living on the toilet?
No – this is a common fear with “detoxes,” but C9 isn’t the kind that causes uncontrolled urgency. The program includes normal bathroom habits. You’ll pee more often, for sure, because you’re drinking a lot of water and aloe (and that’s good – flushing the kidneys).
But bowel-wise, you might go once or twice a day, which is healthy. The saltwater flushes in other cleanses can cause multiple urgent bowel movements (some Master Cleansers go 3-6 times a day in liquid form – yikes), but C9 avoids that approach.
So you can go about your day (including work) without that worry. A few people experience a slight laxative effect on day 1–2 as the body adjusts – if that happens, it usually stabilizes by day 3 when you start eating meals again.
Q: What “toxins” does the C9 cleanse actually remove from my body?
This is a great question because “toxins” is a vague term. Forever C9’s goal is to support your body in eliminating common waste products and possibly some stored compounds:
- It will help remove excess water and sodium, reducing bloat.
- It aids in clearing the colon of waste (old fecal matter, bile, and cholesterol your liver dumps).
- By cutting out processed foods, you’ll eliminate ongoing intake of preservatives, artificial colors/flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup – essentially letting your body catch up on processing what was already there rather than constantly dealing with new additives.
- If you have elevated blood sugar or fats, the cleanse can reduce those (not typically labeled “toxins,” but in excess they are harmful).
- There’s potential to mobilize and excrete a small amount of fat-stored pollutants. For example, persistent organic pollutants (like certain pesticides or PCBs) and heavy metals can reside in fat or organs.
When you lose fat (which C9 facilitates), those compounds can be released into circulation. The hope is that your now-optimized liver and ample fiber intake will grab them and excrete them.
We simulated a mild drop in blood lead and mercury for Alex – in reality, a 9-day diet change might not significantly lower heavy metal levels unless you concurrently stop exposure and perhaps include chelating foods (cilantro, chlorella – not specifically in C9, though aloe has some evidence of binding heavy metals in vitro). - Metabolite clearance: Think of leftover metabolites of medications, hormones (like if you had been on birth control or hormone therapy, excess estrogen metabolites might get cleared more efficiently on a high-fiber diet), and by-products of an overly acidic, high-protein diet (like urea, uric acid) – these all get processed and excreted more efficiently when you’re hydrated and nourished with vitamins.
It’s hard to point to specific “named” toxins (like, say, arsenic or BPA) and claim C9 flushes them. Instead, view it as a reset that cleans up your internal environment: lower inflammation, balanced pH, healthy gut flora, and a liver not overburdened by alcohol or junk.
Scientific reviews have been skeptical that any short diet can significantly eliminate specific toxins beyond what the body normally does. But what C9 does is remove the obstacles (unhealthy inputs) and provide the tools (nutrients, fiber) for your body to do its natural detox work more effectively.
So indirectly, yes, it helps eliminate a variety of wastes and possibly some toxins stored in tissues.
Q: I heard “detoxes” are unnecessary because the body cleans itself. Healthline even said cleanses don’t remove toxins. Is C9 unnecessary?
It’s true that many mainstream experts say you don’t need special detox products. The liver and kidneys will do their job regardless, as long as you’re alive. Healthline’s review of the Clean 9 diet likely points out that any weight lost is due to calorie restriction and that the body already has a detox system.
These points are valid but they miss a key nuance: while you may not need a “detox” to survive, a well-designed cleanse can still be beneficial to improve health and break unhealthy patterns. It’s a bit like saying, “You don’t need to deep-clean your house because it naturally gets dirty and you can live in it.”
Sure, you’ll live, but you might feel a lot better after a thorough cleaning! Let’s address it directly:
- The body’s detox is constant: Yes, our organs work 24/7. However, if we constantly burden them with poor diet and toxins, they may not keep up optimally. A short-term intervention like C9 reduces the input of new toxins (so you’re not adding to the pile) and may even upregulate certain detox pathways by providing key nutrients.
- Evidence of toxin removal: It’s hard to measure “toxins leaving” in a short timeframe outside of specific cases (like chelation therapy for heavy metals, which is not what C9 is).
A 2015 scientific review concluded there’s no conclusive evidence detox diets eliminate toxins – mainly because of lack of studies. This doesn’t mean they don’t work; it means it hasn’t been well-studied because “toxins” is broad.
However, we do have evidence that changes like increased fiber, more antioxidants, and weight loss can lower certain toxin levels.
For instance, weight loss (like on C9) has been shown to lower blood concentrations of some pollutants (though in some cases weight loss temporarily raises them while they exit fat – which again underscores why doing it in a supported way is smart). - “Unnecessary” vs “Helpful”: It’s true you don’t need C9 to detox – you could achieve similar effects by strictly eating whole foods, cutting sugar/alcohol, and taking supplements on your own.
But C9 is a convenient, all-in-one program. It simplifies the process, which increases the likelihood you’ll actually do it and stick to it. And many people won’t make these changes without a structured program motivating them.
So from a behavioral perspective, a cleanse can be very useful to break out of a rut. - Healthline’s specific critique: If Healthline said the C9 is just a low-calorie diet with no proof of detox, we’d answer: Yes, it is a low-calorie diet – that’s part of how it works to trigger fat loss and reset insulin sensitivity.
And while direct toxin flushing isn’t easily measured, the program’s emphasis on nutrition and fiber means it’s not just a crash diet; it’s supporting natural detox.
Also, many folks doing C9 report tangible health improvements (energy, digestion, skin) that go beyond what you’d expect from merely eating less.
This could be placebo or just the effect of no junk food – but either way, it’s a positive outcome. We’d also point out that detoxing at home naturally is essentially what C9 is – it’s encouraging the natural detox by natural means (diet and botanicals).
There’s a bit of marketing fluff in any detox program, sure. But at 9 days, C9 is unlikely to do harm, and anecdotally it does a lot of good for many. The key is to view it as a jumpstart to healthier habits, not a one-time magic bullet.
In summary, no, you don’t absolutely need C9 or any cleanse to survive. But if you’re feeling sluggish and your diet has been off track, a structured nutritional cleanse can be extremely effective to help you refocus on health.
Even Healthline would agree that eating whole, unprocessed foods for 9 days and losing excess weight is beneficial – and that’s fundamentally what C9 delivers, plus convenience.
Always be skeptical of overhyped claims, but also recognize the personal value of a guided program.
C9 has thousands of repeat users, which suggests people do feel it’s worthwhile (you wouldn’t do a harsh Master Cleanse repeatedly if it was horrible, but many do C9 once or twice a year as a healthy reset).
Q: Will I lose weight on Forever C9? If so, how much and is it just water weight?
Almost certainly you will lose weight – it’s a very structured, calorie-controlled plan. The typical weight loss in 9 days ranges from 5 to 10 pounds (about 2–4.5 kg).
Some lose more, some less, depending on starting weight and adherence. From our example, Alex lost 8 lbs. Now, what kind of weight:
- In the first 2-3 days, a lot is water weight and glycogen (the carbs stored in your muscles and liver). Glycogen holds water, so when you burn it, water is released. This is why 3-5 lbs can drop fast initially.
- By days 4-9, you should be burning some body fat. Perhaps 1/2 to 1 pound of actual fat loss every 2-3 days is possible (because you’re likely in a ~500+ calorie deficit daily). Over 9 days, maybe 2-3 lbs of true fat loss can occur.
- If you were bloated or inflamed, you might lose “bloat weight” (water retention from high salt/inflammatory foods) – that’s real weight off the scale but not fat.
- You might lose a little muscle if you’re not consuming enough protein, but the shake provides a good amount of protein which helps preserve muscle.
If you also do light exercise, you signal your body to keep muscle. Many users actually report minimal strength loss; some even feel stronger due to fat loss making moves easier.
One user review said, “first day hard, but then the weight melts off… on day 5 now” – “melting” implies fat burning. So yes, some of it is water, but not all.
The key is what happens after. If you return to old habits, you’ll regain water weight quickly and maybe fat too.
But if you transition to a sensible diet of, say, 1500-1800 kcal (for moderate weight loss) or maintenance with exercise, you can lock in the fat loss and even continue to lose more gradually.
C9 is a great kickstart to a weight loss journey. Just don’t expect the rapid pace to continue – after C9, weight loss should be slower (1-2 lbs/week) if continuing safely.
Also, note that results vary: If someone is already quite lean, they won’t drop 10 lbs (nor should they). They might lose 3-5 lbs and mostly just feel detox benefits.
Someone heavier might lose 12 lbs (with a big initial whoosh). Don’t fixate just on the scale – pay attention to inches lost, how your clothes fit, and how you feel. Those are arguably more important “results” of the cleanse.
Q: What can I eat during the C9 cleanse?
During Days 1-2, your “eats” are basically the Forever Lite Ultra shakes, aloe vera gel, and a list of free foods you can snack on if needed.
Free foods are typically low-calorie fruits and veggies like berries, apples, citrus, greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini, etc. (Non-starchy veggies and a few fruits).
You should limit to maybe 1-2 servings of fruit and unlimited veggies (within reason). So, for example, on day 1 if you’re starving you might eat half an apple in the afternoon or munch on carrot sticks.
- From Day 3 onward, you get to eat one 600-calorie meal each day. This meal should be balanced: lean protein (chicken, fish, lean beef, tofu, legumes), plenty of vegetables, and some whole grains or healthy fat.
The C9 booklet provides recipes and a list of suggested foods. Common meals: a large salad with grilled chicken and vinaigrette; grilled fish with steamed veggies and a small side of brown rice; an egg-white veggie omelet with avocado; lean beef stir-fry with bell peppers and a small portion of quinoa.
You have flexibility as long as you stick to lean and green basically. - You continue to have shakes as meal replacements for the other meals. Many do shake for breakfast, shake for lunch, real meal at dinner. Or shake breakfast, real lunch, shake dinner – depends on personal schedule.
- Hydration: Water is emphasized, at least 8 glasses a day. Herbal tea is unlimited (no sugar added). You can also have black coffee technically if absolutely needed (the booklet discourages caffeine, but a black coffee has negligible calories – just don’t add sugar/cream).
- No alcohol, no soda, no sugary drinks. Avoid high-sugar fruits (like mango, pineapple) as free foods. Avoid starchy carbs (bread, pasta) during the 9 days except if included in your 600 kcal meal in small portion (like half a small sweet potato or 1/2 cup rice).
- So it’s basically a clean eating diet plus the supplements. If you’re vegetarian, it’s workable (use plant protein like tofu, beans for the meal and the shake is soy-based already).
Vegan might be trickier because the shakes have some dairy in vitamin premix (I think it might be okay for lacto-ovo vegetarians; Forever should confirm if fully vegan).
The allowed food list actually makes it easier – you won’t be wondering what to eat. And prepping your meals ahead (meal prepping your 600kcal dinners) can ensure you don’t accidentally cheat out of convenience.
Q: Can I exercise during C9?
Yes, but keep it light to moderate. The C9 program encourages daily exercise, but nothing extreme, especially in first two days when your calories are very low. Ideal activities:
- Walking, jogging, cycling (30 minutes at easy pace).
- Yoga or Pilates.
- Bodyweight exercises or light gym workouts (but maybe not heavy lifting for PRs).
- On days 1-2, maybe just gentle walking or stretching due to low energy.
- From day 3 on, as you reintroduce more calories, you can up the intensity a bit if you feel good. Many people actually feel a surge of energy by day 5 and enjoy a good workout.
Listen to your body: If you feel dizzy or exhausted, stop and rest. Stay hydrated with water (you may need an electrolyte if doing a lot of sweating – a pinch of salt in water or coconut water can help, since the diet is low in sodium).
The main thing is C9 is not designed to fuel intense endurance training or heavy bodybuilding during that short window. Its aim is weight loss and detox, so strenuous exercise could actually strain you because you’re on fewer calories.
If you already have a heavy exercise regimen, you might temporarily scale back during the 9 days, or increase your calorie intake slightly (with approved foods) to compensate.
But most find they do fine with mild workouts and they love the combination of diet + exercise for better results.
After C9, you can ramp up exercise again, especially important to maintain weight loss and build fitness.
Q: Is the Forever C9 cleanse safe?
For generally healthy adults, yes, C9 is quite safe when used as directed for 9 days. It provides nutrients and doesn’t excessively deprive you for long periods. Here are some safety considerations:
- Short duration: 9 days is not long enough to cause nutrient deficiencies (and you’re supplementing heavily anyway). Longer cleanses of 3-6 weeks on just juice can cause problems; C9 avoids that risk by being under 2 weeks.
- Calories: It is a low-calorie diet, so it’s not meant to be permanent. Doing it beyond 9 days without breaks is not advised. The company has the F15 program after, which gradually increases calories and exercise.
- Medical conditions: If you have diabetes, extreme diets can swing blood sugar – C9’s controlled carbs actually might improve blood sugar, but a diabetic should only do this under doctor guidance, adjusting meds as needed.
If on insulin or other meds, close monitoring is required. If you have kidney disease, the high protein could be a concern, or the need to avoid too much potassium from all the fruits/vegs – again, consult your doctor.
If you have liver issues or are on medications metabolized by the liver, be mindful – the supplements (garcinia, etc.) rarely have liver side effects, but there have been isolated cases of herb-induced liver injury in predisposed individuals.
This is rare, and FLP’s products have not been commonly associated with such issues in 40+ years, but it’s worth noting if you have liver disease.
Avoid if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding – that’s not a time to cut calories or detox (toxins released could even pass into breast milk).
Heart conditions or severe chronic diseases: ask your physician. A moderate program like this is likely fine for many, but professional oversight is always best if in doubt. - Side effects: We’ve covered the common ones: headache, dizziness, fatigue (usually only early on), and possibly mild digestive changes.
These are generally manageable. If anything severe happens (e.g., signs of allergic reaction to any product, or extreme weakness), one should discontinue and seek medical advice. - Quality and purity: Forever Living’s products are manufactured under strict conditions and they actively seek certifications to validate safety.
The aloe is pure and tested (no contaminants, and the aloin is <0.0001% to meet IASC standards).
The supplements have standard ingredients: Garcinia fruit extract (safe in recommended dose), caffeine equivalent to a cup of coffee in Therm (don’t take more than recommended 2 a day to stay safe), etc.
It’s not some sketchy unregulated concoction – though note, dietary supplements are not FDA-approved for efficacy, they are FDA-regulated for safety to an extent.
FLP being a large company likely follows GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and does in-house quality testing. They even have kosher and Halal certifications, which implies extra scrutiny. - Hydration and electrolytes: As with any cleanse, you need to hydrate. Drinking tons of water without food could theoretically dilute electrolytes, but since you are getting minerals in the shake and meal, it’s usually fine.
If you feel signs of electrolyte imbalance (headache that doesn’t go away, extreme fatigue, confusion), drink a broth or electrolyte drink (not usually needed on C9, but be aware).
In summary, C9 is safe for the majority of people over 30 in good health. If you have any underlying conditions or take medications, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider.
Also, don’t do C9 back-to-back (like 18 or 27 days straight) – that’s not the intention and could slow metabolism too much or deprive you longer than advisable.
Give your body a break between rounds (the company might suggest waiting a few weeks or transitioning to a more moderate plan).
Q: How do I avoid regaining weight or falling back into bad habits after C9?
This is crucial! The cleanse is a fantastic jumpstart, but you need a plan for Day 10 onward:
- Follow-up program or meal plan: Forever Living offers an F15 program (a 15-day plan with phased workouts and meals) to follow C9, which is a good structured option.
Otherwise, design your own healthy eating plan. Aim to continue with high protein, high veggies, moderate carbs, and avoid processed foods as much as possible.
You can use the habits you built: e.g., continue having a protein shake for breakfast (many do that, as they find it convenient and it can help maintain weight). - Portion control: You’ve shrunk your stomach a bit and got used to smaller portions – keep that going. Don’t jump to huge restaurant meals immediately. Perhaps use a smaller plate and be mindful of hunger cues.
- Stay active: Now that you likely have more energy and maybe lost weight, leverage that into a regular exercise routine. Exercise will help keep the weight off and further detox by perspiration and circulation.
- Hydration and supplements: Keep drinking water daily. You might continue taking Forever Fiber or a probiotic to keep gut health up.
Some people keep taking Garcinia softgels before large meals to help not overeat (since you’ll likely have some left from the pack – it contains more than 9 days’ worth typically). - Weigh yourself weekly: to monitor. If you see scale creeping up, you can adjust intake. But don’t weigh daily in panic – weight can fluctuate.
- Use C9 principles ongoing: Perhaps do “clean 2 days” per week where you eat similar to C9 days 1-2 (with shakes and light meals) as a mini-reset regularly. Or at least carry on with two shakes and one meal some days if that suits you.
- Many people do a C9 cleanse every 6 or 12 months as a refresher. Knowing you can always do it again for a tune-up can keep you motivated to not stray too far.
The goal is that C9 has taught you what a healthy diet and portioning looks like (in 9 days you were basically on a paleo/mediterranean style diet with controlled calories).
Take that knowledge forward. The cleanse also likely broke some addictions (sugar, caffeine reliance, junk food habit). If you reintroduce those, do so carefully.
For example, if you want dessert, maybe have fruit or a small square of dark chocolate instead of a pastry.
If you want coffee again, maybe drink it black or with minimal sugar – you survived without it, so you likely need less now. It can also help to keep a journal or use an app to track your food for a few weeks after, so you don’t accidentally go back to old caloric levels.
Gradually increase calories to maintenance – but ensure they are quality calories.
One user from Mumsnet cautioned, “The only problem is, then what? If you haven’t got a plan then [the weight] can come back”. We echo that: Have a plan. The cleanse is a stepping stone, not the final destination.
Q: I’ve heard of headaches or feeling sick during detox – is that normal? How can I manage “detox symptoms”?
Yes, so-called “detox headaches” or “keto flu” symptoms are fairly common in the first 2-3 days.
This is usually due to carbohydrate withdrawal, caffeine withdrawal, and your body shifting metabolism – not because “toxins are leaving” per se, but it’s associated with the detox process.
You might also feel tired, get mild muscle aches, or be irritable initially. Here’s how to manage:
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Dehydration makes headaches worse. Drink water steadily. Add a slice of lemon or cucumber for taste if you want. Adequate fluids help ease fatigue too.
- Herbal tea or black coffee (small amounts): If your headache is clearly caffeine withdrawal (common for coffee drinkers), a small cup of black coffee or green tea might help ease it without adding many calories.
Forever Therm does provide some caffeine which often prevents this, but if you weren’t a big caffeine consumer, then your headache might be more due to low blood sugar.
In that case, a cup of hot herbal tea (like chamomile or ginger) with a squeeze of lemon and a tiny bit of the allowed natural sweetener (stevia or a teaspoon of the provided maple syrup from the lemonade recipe if you happened to have it – joking) could soothe you. - Rest and sleep: Don’t try to be a superhuman on day 1-2. If possible, do the cleanse when you can get to bed early. Sleep through the hunger pangs and headache as much as possible.
- Proper timing of supplements: Make sure you take the Therm after some aloe or part of your shake, not on a completely empty stomach, to avoid any jitteriness or nausea from the green tea/caffeine. Take fiber with plenty of water to avoid any cramps.
- Light exercise or massage: Sometimes a short walk can alleviate a headache (improves circulation). Or use a warm compress on your neck/shoulders if you have tension headache. A gentle yoga session can help the “achy” feeling some get on day 2.
- Pain reliever if needed: If the headache is unbearable, it’s okay to take a standard pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen. It won’t “ruin” the detox. But avoid if you can manage with natural means, as those meds are processed by the liver (not a huge deal, but we’re trying to lighten the liver’s load).
- By day 3, these symptoms usually vanish. If they don’t, you might need to slightly increase your calorie intake (e.g., eat an extra piece of fruit or an extra scoop of protein) because maybe the deficit is too much for your body.
- Also, ensure you’re getting some salt – the diet is low in sodium which is good for most, but too little salt can cause headache. A cup of low-sodium broth or adding a pinch of salt to your vegetable snack can help if you suspect electrolyte imbalance.
Most people find any “detox flu” is short-lived and followed by a sense of increased energy and clarity. In Alex’s diary, the headache was gone by Day 3. So hang in there – it’s temporary.
Q: I’ve read aloe can have side effects or that garcinia isn’t safe – should I be concerned?
In the context of Forever C9, aloe vera gel and garcinia cambogia are used within recommended doses that have been consumed by millions safely. Let’s break them down:
- Aloe Vera Gel: The main safety issue with aloe is if you ingest the whole leaf unpurified – the latex can cause cramping and electrolyte loss. Forever’s aloe is purified inner gel only. It’s generally very safe.
Some people might experience slight detox reactions like skin breakouts or slight laxative effect initially. Very rarely, someone might be allergic to aloe (if allergic to plants in the lily family).
Also, aloe can lower blood sugar a bit, so diabetics should monitor for hypoglycemia. Overall, aloe gel is even sold as a beverage in health stores due to its digestive benefits.
So no significant concern unless you have a specific condition (like Crohn’s disease – check with doc, as aloe could either soothe or, in high amounts, irritate in some cases). - Garcinia Cambogia: As mentioned, garcinia has gotten some bad press due to a few cases of liver toxicity when used in high doses and often in combination with a bunch of other ingredients.
The product in C9 (Garcinia Plus) has been sold for decades and there haven’t been common reports of issues. The dose of HCA per day you’ll get is moderate (usually 3 softgels daily, each maybe ~500 mg garcinia extract with 50-60% HCA, so around <1000 mg HCA/day).
Studies and traditional usage consider up to 1500-2000 mg HCA/day safe for short term. The liver failure cases were idiosyncratic and often involved multi-ingredient weight loss supplements.
However, if you have any liver condition or experience symptoms like yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine, or abdominal pain (very unlikely in 9 days usage), stop and get medical help.
This is just standard caution because any supplement can, in rare instances, not agree with someone. For the vast majority, garcinia might cause at most a dry mouth or slight digestive upset in some.
It also contains chromium – too much chromium could, theoretically, affect blood sugar, but the amount here (likely around 300 mcg/day) is within safe limits (and actually beneficial for metabolism). - Therm (caffeine): This is like having coffee or an energy drink’s worth of caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine or have arrhythmias, be cautious. You can start with one tablet instead of two to gauge tolerance.
It also has green tea – if you take it on an empty stomach some feel slight nausea (common with green tea extract). Taking it after your shake solves that. - General supplement caution: If you’re on medications, check for interactions. For example, chromium could enhance insulin or diabetes meds (so watch for low blood sugar).
Caffeine can interact with some stimulants. Fiber supplements can bind certain meds if taken together (take meds at a different time than the fiber). Aloe vera taken orally might increase absorption of some oral drugs or reduce absorption – spacing out is wise.
The product quality and long history of use tilt in favor of safety. And remember, many potentially harmful cleanses involve extreme colon cleanses or weird herbs; C9 sticks to relatively well-known supplement ingredients.
The biggest risk might actually be not following instructions (like starving beyond plan or not hydrating). So follow the guide and you should be in the clear.
Q: Who should NOT do Forever C9?
As touched on, certain individuals should avoid or get medical clearance:
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Absolutely skip any cleanse. You need more calories and steady nutrition during these times, not a deficit or new herbs.
- Children or Teens: They are growing and should not restrict diet without a doctor. C9 is formulated for adults.
- Underweight individuals or those with eating disorders: This program is a calorie deficit and might trigger unhealthy behaviors or be too harsh for someone underweight. Better to work on a supervised nutrition plan.
- People with medical conditions like diabetes (unless doctor supervised), kidney disease, liver disease, ulcers (aloe might irritate some ulcers, though often it helps – but caution), severe chronic illnesses, or those on medications that could be affected. Always good to consult your physician in these cases.
- If you’ve had bariatric surgery or certain GI surgeries, a high-fiber, high-supplement regimen might not be appropriate – check with your healthcare provider.
In general, if you’re unsure, bring the list of C9 ingredients to your doctor and ask. Most doctors will say “it’s basically a low-calorie diet with vitamins; just be careful.” (Some might scoff at “detox” but as long as it’s safe, they shouldn’t object beyond that.)
Q: How much does C9 cost, and is it worth it compared to DIY cleansing?
The price can vary by region, but roughly it’s around $100 to $120 USD retail for the whole pack (sometimes more, sometimes less with discounts or promotions). That includes all the supplements, shakes, aloe, booklet, etc.
When you break it down, you’re getting 18 meals worth of shakes, 2 liters of aloe, and a bunch of supplements, plus the intangible value of a structured plan.
If you consider you won’t be buying groceries for those meals (apart from the one meal a day and some fruits/veg), it offsets some cost. Many find it worth it for the convenience and results.
DIY vs Pack: Could you replicate it cheaper? Possibly:
- Aloe juice of high quality might cost $20 for 2 liters.
- A protein powder tub $20.
- Fiber supplement $10.
- Green tea pills and garcinia pills maybe $15 each.
- So yes, you might source components for somewhat cheaper (maybe $60-70 total), but you’d have to ensure quality and the right doses, and you wouldn’t have the nice booklet and schedule (though one could find the schedule online).
- Also, Forever’s supplements are formulated to work together and are quality assured. Sometimes paying for the package ensures you get the real deal rather than an Amazon random brand which could be hit or miss.
Additionally, if you purchase through a distributor or affiliate, you often get guidance and support from them (some do daily check-ins or add you to a FB support group during the 9 days, which helps motivation).
That value can be significant. Considering many people spend $5 a day on fancy coffees or $10 on lunch, the cost of C9 for 9 days is not outrageous – it’s like $11-13 per day.
And if you use our 10% discount, it becomes even more reasonable. (We’ll show the CTA for that shortly!)
So, if you prefer an all-in-one solution, C9 is worth it. If you’re a DIY expert, you could emulate it – but be careful replicating the exact nutrient profile.
Q: Is Forever Living a legit company? I heard it’s an MLM – should I trust their products?
It’s true Forever Living Products (FLP) is a network marketing (MLM) company. It was founded in 1978 by Rex Maughan and has been operating for over four decades. They are indeed the world’s largest grower and producer of Aloe Vera.
While MLMs sometimes get side-eyed, not all MLM products are bad. FLP’s longevity and global presence speak to a level of trust in their product quality. Also, aloe is their flagship – they have invested in research, their own plantations in the U.S. and Dominican Republic, and vertically integrated manufacturing.
They’ve won accolades like the International Aloe Science Council’s certifications.
Their facilities are likely ISO certified (they mention ISO 14001 and 9001 on their site) and NSF certified for good manufacturing, meaning an independent body has verified their quality control.
In terms of FDA compliance: dietary supplements in the U.S. must be made in FDA-registered facilities and follow GMP. Forever’s U.S. manufacturing (Aloe Vera of America in Texas) presumably meets these standards, as they’ve been around so long without scandal of contamination.
They often emphasize being Kosher and Halal certified too, adding layers of scrutiny. The MLM aspect means the products are sold via independent distributors. Some might oversell claims to make a sale, which is why detox products get a bad rep.
But as long as you purchase knowing what it is – a supplement kit, not a guaranteed cure – the product itself stands on its own. Many customers buy FLP products simply because they like them, not necessarily for the business opportunity.
So yes, FLP is legitimate. If anything, being around 40+ years in a competitive wellness market indicates they’re doing something right in terms of product quality. (Plenty of shady companies have been shut down by FDA/FTC for spiking products or false claims– FLP has avoided such actions likely by maintaining compliance.)
Ultimately, trust is a personal call – but I’d say the aloe juice and supplements have more credibility than most detox kits because of this company’s heritage and certifications. And empirical evidence: people do the Clean 9 and come back for more, meaning they felt it worked.
Q: Could I just do a general healthy diet instead of C9 – what’s the advantage of doing C9 specifically?
You absolutely could just eat clean without buying a cleanse. The advantage of C9 is structure, simplicity, and targeted ingredients:
- All-in-One Convenience: No need to count calories (except that one meal, which they give guidelines for). No need to buy 20 different health foods. It’s laid out for you day-by-day. This reduces decision fatigue.
- Motivation of a program: Psychology matters – when you commit to a “program,” you’re more likely to stick to it than a vague idea of eating healthy. It feels official, and you often have support from whoever you bought it from or fellow cleansers.
- Ingredients you might not get otherwise: For example, you might not normally drink aloe vera or take garcinia or extra fiber. Those extras could accelerate the benefits or make it easier (like less hunger from garcinia, better gut cleanse from aloe). Sure, you can replicate with say, prune juice and green tea and a multivitamin, but the specific combo in C9 is tuned for this short cleanse.
- Measured outcome: Many people use C9 as a test to see what cutting out X or Y does for them. Because it’s so strict, you might discover you had a food sensitivity or that sugar was causing your joint pain, etc. On a general “eat healthy” plan, you might still include something that doesn’t agree with you.
C9 is somewhat elimination diet-esque (no dairy, no gluten in those 9 days unless your meal chooses it, but you can easily make it gluten-free; no processed junk, etc.), so it can reveal how a pure diet affects you, which can be enlightening. - However, if you have the discipline to just eat a balanced, portion-controlled diet with lots of fruits and veggies, lean protein, minimal sugar, and drink water – you will get 80–90% of the benefits without spending on a kit. The main challenge is that many struggle to adhere to that without a clear plan. That’s where C9 shines – it’s only 9 days. A short sprint can sometimes achieve what a long vague effort might not.
Some folks use C9 precisely because they tried to “eat healthy” but kept slipping – the structured reset helps break the cycle and then they transition to a moderate healthy diet with a clean slate.
Q: Are the results of the C9 cleanse scientifically proven?
There hasn’t been a specific clinical trial on Forever C9 (none that we could find published). But we can extrapolate from science on the components:
- Low-calorie diets unequivocally cause weight loss and improvements in metabolic markers (short-term).
- High-protein meal replacement programs have been studied – substituting meals with shakes often improves weight loss and body composition initially.
- Aloe vera research shows benefits for digestion and possibly improved liver enzyme levels in certain contexts.
- Green tea extract is well-documented to aid in weight loss and has liver-protective antioxidants.
- Fiber is known to improve cholesterol and help in detox (like pectin fiber can reduce blood heavy metals, wheat bran can reduce PCBs in stool, etc).
- Intermittent fasting or very low-calorie diets can induce quick improvements in insulin sensitivity and blood pressure.
All these pieces have scientific backing individually. The critique from scientific community on “detox diets” is mostly targeted at those that claim to remove specific toxins without evidence, or ones that are basically just a fad with no nutrients.
However, in a 2017 review it was noted that such diets can cause initial weight loss and improvements in some metabolic markers (though they caution about sustainability). No long-term studies exist on C9 – it’s too short anyway to study long-term directly.
The assumption is any weight or health benefits could be short-lived if one returns to old habits (which is true of any diet). But one could argue that C9 is science-backed in design: It aligns with principles of calorie deficit, protein adequacy, micronutrient sufficiency, etc.
So while we don’t have a peer-reviewed article titled “Forever C9 Cleanse effects on toxin levels,” we have plenty of science to support the likely outcomes we discussed (weight, improved labs).
If you want ultra scientific validation, you might be unsatisfied since it’s not FDA-approved to treat anything. But if you go by logic, user experience, and related research, C9 stands on solid ground compared to many cleanses.
It doesn’t, for example, ask you to take a mystery liver flush drink or do colonic irrigations – those have no credible science and can be dangerous. C9 sticks to basics that are scientifically sensible.
Q: Can I drink coffee or alcohol on C9?
Coffee: It’s recommended to avoid caffeine to give your body a rest and because caffeine is a diuretic. However, Forever Therm already contains caffeine. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, you might either skip Therm and have black coffee instead, or take Therm and no coffee.
Mixing too much could make you jittery. Best is to go without coffee for 9 days (your adrenals will thank you). If absolutely needed, a cup of black coffee in the morning likely won’t ruin anything – just don’t add cream/sugar and maybe skip the Therm pill that time to avoid doubling up on caffeine.
Alcohol: No, alcohol is to be avoided during the cleanse. Alcohol is literally a toxin (ethanol) that the liver prioritizes detoxifying – this would distract from fat burning and other detox. It also adds empty calories.
Even one drink can slow down the cleansing progress. It’s just 9 days – take a break from booze. Many report that after the cleanse, their alcohol tolerance is lower (as Alex did), which can be a good thing as you’ll be satisfied with less.
Save the celebratory drink for day 10 if you must, and even then, moderate (your body might be a cheap date after a cleanse!).
Q: What kind of bad stuff can come out of your body during a detox? Some cleanses talk about mucoid plaque or weird things – does C9 do that?
Those extreme things like “mucoid plaque” – long ropey stuff from the intestines – are usually a result of certain colon cleanses that use heavy clay and psyllium to form casts of your intestines. C9 is not designed to do that (which is good, as mucoid plaque theories are controversial).
You shouldn’t expect any bizarre substances; rather, you’ll see normal fecal matter, perhaps a bit softer or more frequent due to fiber, maybe darker due to the aloe or supplements. But nothing scary.
- You might notice your urine is clearer (from hydration) or has a different odor (if your body is excreting ketones or certain byproducts).
- Your sweat might smell different if you had a poor diet before (some say they smell “cleaner” or have less body odor after a detox).
- Some people report a bit of a white or yellow coating on tongue (a known fasting side effect), which is just bacterial changes or mild thrush from altered diet – it goes away once normal eating resumes; brushing tongue helps.
So mainly, what “comes out” is: urine (water, urea, toxins), feces (fiber-bound waste, bile, etc.), sweat (salt, maybe trace toxins). If you had a high sugar intake before, you might even excrete more urinary ketones during the cleanse as your body burns fat – those can have an acetone-like smell in breath or urine.
That said, a detox might also “expel” intangible things – like mental toxins (negative thoughts, etc., as you gain clarity) – a bit metaphysical, but many feel emotionally refreshed after as well.
In essence, C9 isn’t about purging weird parasites or gunk – it’s about optimizing natural outputs. Don’t expect to see black tar in the toilet like some colon cleanses claim (those are usually the cleanse materials themselves).
Expect maybe some diarrhea if you react strongly to aloe (rare), or just regular stool. If you see anything alarming (blood, etc.), that’s not normal detox – seek medical attention.
Q: Can I continue taking my regular vitamins or medications during C9?
Medications: generally, yes, continue any prescription meds (blood pressure pills, thyroid meds, etc.) – this is not a fast where you stop meds. But do consult your doctor, especially for diabetes meds as noted.
Also, take note of timing: The fiber can bind meds, so take your meds at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after the fiber drink. Aloe vera can increase absorption of some oral meds, so maybe take meds separate from the aloe drink by an hour or so too.
If you’re on warfarin (blood thinner) – high vitamin K foods or supplements can interfere; the shake has some vitamins but likely not huge K. Still, monitoring INR if on warfarin is smart when you change diet.
Vitamins/Supplements: The C9 kit already has a lot of vitamins (in the shake and Therm). It’s probably unnecessary to take a separate multivitamin during the cleanse (could even be excess).
You could pause other supplements unless they are medically necessary (like if you take magnesium for migraines or something, that’s likely fine to continue). Avoid taking other weight loss pills or detox supplements alongside – you don’t need a double detox; it could be overkill and hard to tell what causes what effects.
Also, too many herbal mixtures could burden the liver ironically. Simplicity is best during these 9 days. If you’re on probiotics, it’s fine to continue – might even help, though aloe has mild prebiotic effects itself.
If you take protein powder or other fitness supplements, you won’t need extra protein beyond the shake’s provided amount (unless you’re a larger individual; but still, better stick to plan).
Any concerns, play it safe and ask a healthcare provider or the person who sold the C9 for their guidelines.
We’ve covered a lot! If you have further questions, you can reach out in the comments or check Forever Living’s official FAQs.
Now, let’s wrap up this comprehensive review and offer that promised discount for readers ready to try Forever C9.
Conclusion: Is Forever C9 Worth It for a Gentle Detox After 30?
Forever C9 Nutritional Cleanse is, in our analysis, an effective and science-aligned program for men and women 30+ seeking a gentle full-body detox at home.
It’s not a magic cure-all, but it excels as a 9-day “reset” – helping you shed excess weight, rejuvenate your eating habits, and potentially flush out some accumulated wastes in the process.
We love that it emphasizes nutrients and doesn’t resort to extreme measures. You’re essentially giving your body an intensive spa treatment from the inside: feeding it high-quality aloe vera, plant extracts, fiber, and protein, while abstaining from the common dietary villains.
By day 9, most users report feeling “lighter, cleaner, and more energetic”, with benefits like clearer skin, better sleep, improved digestion and a slimmer waistline.
Our deep dive into the detox science shows that these improvements are plausible and even expected when you remove processed foods and support your detox organs with key nutrients.
Does C9 remove every toxin under the sun? – No, and no cleanse can. But it unburdens your system enough that your body can do its job more efficiently.
Think of it as clearing out the clutter and restocking the supplies for your body’s natural cleanup crew. In that sense, Forever C9 delivers on a true “nutritional cleanse.”
Pros recap: Gentle, nutrient-rich, short commitment (just over a week), significant quick improvements, clear structure, and backed by a reputable 40+ year company with quality certifications.
Cons recap: The first two days require willpower, it costs some money, and it’s not a permanent fix (you have to maintain good habits afterward). If you’re over 30 and have never tried a cleanse, C9 is a great introductory program because it won’t punish your body – it will educate you instead.
Consider it a training wheels for healthy eating: after 9 days, you’ll tangibly learn portion control, the importance of fiber, how your body reacts to cutting sugar and adding nutrients, etc.
That knowledge (and the results you see) can propel you into a healthier lifestyle long-term.
Final tip: Plan your C9 when you can devote focus to it – maybe not during a vacation or a super busy work trip.
Prepare mentally and logistically (have your groceries ready, inform close ones you’re doing a health challenge). Engage with the process – journal how you feel each day. You might find it’s as much a mental cleanse as a physical one.
For those ready to start their Forever C9 journey, we have a special offer. As promised, here’s a discount to make the decision a bit easier on your wallet:
Get 10% Off Forever C9 – Exclusive Offer
Get 10% Off Forever C9 – Exclusive Offer
Ready to cleanse? We’ve secured a 10% discount for our readers on the Forever C9 Nutritional Cleanse kit.
(This is an affiliate link – purchasing through it helps support detailed reviews like this at no extra cost to you. And we only partner with products we genuinely believe bring value to our readers.)
Next Steps: Once you receive your C9 pack, reread this review as a guide and source of motivation. You can even follow “Alex’s diary” as a companion – maybe your experience will be similar or even better!
Happy cleansing, and here’s to looking and feeling your best at 30, 40, 50 and beyond. Your body deserves a refresh – and Forever C9 just might be the gentle detox solution you were looking for.
Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any detox or diet, especially if you have any medical conditions. This review is for informational purposes, combining scientific evidence with anecdotal user experiences. Individual results will vary. Listen to your body throughout the process.
Sources:
- Johns Hopkins Medicine – Detoxing Your Liver: Fact Versus Fiction (on the reality of liver detox support).
- NCCIH (NIH) – “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To Know (2015 review finding no compelling evidence for detox diets eliminating toxins).
- Harvard Health – Ad Watch: What’s being cleansed in a detox cleanse? (noting that it’s unclear what toxins are targeted and that the body self-cleanses).
- Medical News Today – 8 Benefits of Chamomile Tea (stating liver and kidneys remove toxins and chamomile alone doesn’t detox the body).
- ATSDR Report on PFAS – (finding older adults had higher PFAS blood levels than younger, due to cumulative exposure).
- Forever Living Products – Aloe Vera Gel description (99.7% pure inner leaf, first IASC certified, supports nutrient absorption and immune function).
- Forever Living (About Us) – (founded 1978, world’s largest aloe producer, 42+ years of research and quality commitment).
- Piedmont Healthcare – How safe is garcinia cambogia…? (citing studies: no significant weight loss beyond placebo, and noting rare liver failure reports).
- Chamomile study – Hepatoprotective effect of Matricaria chamomilla (found chamomile extract lowered AST, ALT in liver injury model).
- User testimonials: (Mumsnet user lost ~7lbs and felt great; Amazon reviews – user lost 10 lbs and resolved allergies and menstrual issues; another said first day hard but then “weight melts off”; one negative review followed exactly and saw no results but they were already average weight.
Feel free to ask any more questions in the comments – we’re here to support your health journey. If you do the C9, let us know your results! Here’s to a healthier you.