In late September, I was having a conversation with my best friend about Plexus. It seemed like we both knew at least 3 people who sold it, and they all made convincing arguments about its validity, had amazing before and after pictures, and had hundreds of testimonials about it. Because we both had gained a few pounds and were feeling a little lethargic in day-to-day life, Plexus presents itself as a miracle cure and magic bullet.
For those of you who are not super familiar with Plexus, it is a MLM (like Herbalife, ItWorks!, Arbonne, etc.) who markets supplements on the basis of fixing your “gut health” as the key to overall wellness.
Because I actually do believe in the validity of gut health, Plexus seems intriguing to me. I’ve been hearing about it on acquaintance’s Instagram stories for well over 2 years now, but to be completely honest, I’ve never truly looked into the products.
In the conversation with my friend, we both made the conclusion that “hey, maybe if someone we know is selling some of the stuff on promotion, we should both try it and see what happens”.
*insert one week later* and a girl that lived on my dorm my freshman year of college was promoting a discount on Plexus. I messaged her on Instagram and she promptly sent me her recommendations and some literature about the products. I think it’s pretty standard for the Plexus ambassadors to recommend the Plexus Triplex to new buyers as it is their three best selling products, which is what she recommended to me. It is a 30-day supply of BioCleanse, Plexus Slim (affectionately known as “pink drink”), and ProBio.
I expected this stuff to be like $75 but a 30-day supply is roughly $130!!!!
(!!!!!!!)
I don’t know about y’all, but I don’t have the kind of money to be dropping once a month on supplements.
Being the prudent person that I am, I researched some of the ingredients in the products and came to the conclusion that it could be legit, but I also did have some issues with some of the ingredients (more on that later).
So naturally, I immediately googled alternatives to Plexus Triplex.
Unfortunately, I did not find a lot of blog posts anything that seemed legitimate. There were a couple of holistic websites that listed a few valid alternatives (like this one), but the supplements that they recommended as alternatives, did not always contain the ingredients that would actually promote a significant benefit. Plus the posts never actually said if the author tried them and liked them….
….so I decided to find my own alternatives to share with the Internet, in case anyone else was looking for ideas.
I spent all of a Monday and Tuesday night reading about each of the Triplex products, their ingredients, scholarly journal articles on the ingredient’s validity, and other supplements that exist on the market.
(9/25/2018) Weight: 138 lbs – Felt bloated and heavy. Felt lethargic and tired consistently. Mood sucks.
(10/18/2018) Weight: 136 lbs – I genuinely feel like I have more energy (could be a placebo effect though). Feel less bloated.
I want to remind anyone reading this post that supplements will NEVER replace healthy eating and regular exercise. There is no such thing as a magic pill to burn fat (trust me, if there was, obesity wouldn’t be such an epidemic in this country)!
In the studies that Plexus conducted on their products that showed some weight loss versus the placebo group, all of the participants were on a Mediterranean diet. Aka they were eating healthy, lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains. But also, the placebo group (the one’s not using Plexus, but eating a Mediterranean diet) lost some weight too! If you’re eating pizza, candy bars, and fried foods every day, you are not eating a diet that is good for your digestive health in the first place, and you should probably reconsider your diet choices before looking for a quick fix to your weight or digestive issues.
I work out (~3 times a week) and eat healthy 90% of the time, yet was still feeling lethargic and gaining a couple pounds which is why I looked into this.
I also took my daily prenatal vitamin with all of these supplements.
UPDATE 3/26/2024: I have now posted a update with what supplements I take these days 🙂
Let’s be honest. This is like a laxative. I think the purpose is to “cleanse your colon of all the bad stuff” so that good stuff can grow. I’m not sure if there is science to back that up, but for the sake of this “experiment”, we will roll with it.
Magnesium is what is doing all the work in this product– you’ll find some laxatives are high doses of magnesium to relax the smooth muscle of the GI tract to produce a bowel movement.
The tolerable upper intake of magnesium supplements (you can’t really OD on magnesium that you get through your diet), is 350 mg for males and females >9 years of age. Some sources even recommend a max of 280-300 mg for women.
Bio-cleanse recommends 2- 380 mg twice a day, so a total of 1520 mg a day.
In most cases you can’t really OD on magnesium (unless you have kidney issues). Most excess gets excreted through your urine, but I just don’t think it is healthy to be taking a laxative every single day. It can throw your other electrolytes out of whack! I’m also cautious about high doses of magnesium daily because it competes with calcium, which is not great for us ladies who are already predisposed to osteoporosis.
So the main ingredients in BioCleanse are bioflavanoids, magnesium, and vitamin c (as citric acid).
Bioflavonoids are something found in some fruits, but especially in the rind of certain types of citrus. The research I found said it was known to help reduce inflammation and help absorb vitamin C.
-Magnesium 250 mg, once a day [Lower dose than BioCleanse]. You can get 100 soft-gels for pretty inexpensive on Amazon.
–Quercetin BioFlavonoid Complex, 1 capsule a day (90 capsules in a bottle on Amazon)– Quercetin is a type of bioflavonoid known to help reduce inflammation
For around $20, you can get three times more product than you get with BioCleanse. Plus the BioFlavonoid Complex I use has way more bioflavonoids in it than in Plexus.
So the main ingredients in the pink drink that could have some benefit are green coffee bean extract, Xylooligosaccharide (XOS), and chromium.
To be honest, the only ingredient that I think might have some validity is XOS. Green coffee bean extract always seems to be the ingredient in fat burners that are advertised on TV and to be honest, I’m both skeptical and nervous to put anything in my body that markets itself as fat burning. Apparently chromium may help with blood sugar regularity, but clinical trials haven’t shown any significance, so I choose not to go with it.
Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) does have some serious potential though. It is a prebiotic (versus a probiotic) which essentially means that it is stuff for the bacteria to feed on (read more about why I think prebiotics are important here).
XOS Prebiotic, 2 capsules before lunch or dinner [60 capsules in a bottle which is equal to a 30 day supply]– I normally take my two before lunch!
ProBio is probiotics + enzymes
I am a believer in the importance of a balanced gut microbiome (aka the bacteria in the gut)– but it is a part of good diet and genetics. There is one study that looked at sets of twins in which one twin was obese and the other was a healthy weight. They transferred the gut bacteria from the twins into mice and then watched the result. The mice that received the “obese” bacteria gained weight, and the mice that received the other bacteria stayed the same weight.
I’m skeptical of the generalization that “yeast overgrowth in the gut” is the cause of the world’s issues like Plexus claims. Scientific literature says that “only a handful of case reports in the literature describe presence of Candida albicans [yeast] in the gut of otherwise healthy subjects who were older adults and presented with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (Singh & Mullin, 2017). It is, however, an issue with patients with IBS, chronic ulcers, and autoimmune diseases/those who are immuno-compromised. There is no doubt that yeast overgrowth in the gut causes inflammation and disturbs the gut ability to absorb nutrients in that population, butttt if you are an otherwise healthy person, the science says that you probably don’t have yeast overgrowth. (This is a really good article about yeast overgrowth and that it might not be as big of an issue as Plexus reps claim https://www.self.com/story/candida-overgrowth-problem-too-much-yeast-no-too-little-science)
365 Daily Probiotic, 1 tablet, twice a day (I take one with breakfast and one with dinner) [100 tablets which should equal a 50 day supply]
(P.S. make sure you refrigerate this probiotic!)
–Magnesium 250 mg, once a day
–Quercetin BioFlavonoid Complex, 1 capsule a day
–XOS Prebiotic, 2 capsules before lunch (or dinner)
–365 Daily Probiotic, 1 tablet, twice a day
That’s about 70% less than Plexus
General Prenatal Vitamin (under $15 for 110 capsules)
So if you have tried Plexus and like it, but not the price tag, maybe give this a try. Or if you’re like me and seem intrigued by Plexus, but not spending $130, give this a try first.
I think I’m going to continue on with it, because I actually do feel lighter and more full of energy 🙂
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So impressed by your research!! You did a really great job of breaking down SO much information and making it understandable for those with limited medical knowledge. Excited to give this Plexus alternative a try.
I've been on Plexus for a year now, and although is has totally helped me, I don't love spending that much $$ a month! This sounds like a great alternative. Do you have a follow up post since using these? I'd love to hear how they're working for you.
I don't currently, but that's a great idea! I'll definitely be working on a follow-up post :) Plus some people are looking for some other probiotic suggestions, so I'm currently trying some out to be able to add that to the follow-up!
Have you tried florajen?
I’ve been taking this alternative for a couple of years now. Just found out the natural factors quercetin bioflavonoid complex has been discontinued. I need some. I’m out. Is there an alternative to it? Thanks
Weve been on plexus triplex since 2015. My husband was diagnosed with diabetes in 2013. Thank God we found this product. He is no longer on a lot of VA prescriptions that were making him worse. No more seasonal, food or pet allergies. No more migraines. No more acid reflux or bloating. I HAD rosacea. No more joint pain. It's not just a weight loss issue. It's a gut issue.
I know you mentioned your husbands diabetes. Are you still using Plexus and would like to know what worked best for him. I upped on my ProBio5 to 4 pills a day for 6 months and my daily blood sugars went up. Came back down to 2 a day and I am slowly coming down. Been trying to find other people to find out what items they are taking.
Hi Carolyn,
When does he take the Slim?
I have been using Plexus supplements for over 2 yrs and haven't missed a day. They have changed my quality of life like nothing else I have ever tried. They are clinically studied and 3rd party trialed. All supplements are backed by science. They are bioavailable and methylated u like many other things on the market. If biocleanse wasn't safe there would be hundreds of thousands of people sick from it. Not the case. I'm glad you found something that worked for you. You should do some more research on Plexus products.
Thank you for your research!! I don't know enough about it to do this on my own. I like the idea of the Plexus results, but I can't afford it and don't like the idea of "quick fix" products with who knows what in them 😬.
I'll be giving this a try 😉
I'm on Plexus and the prices seem to keep going up, but I seem to think it's more of the shipping charges, that's why I'm here trying to find an alternative because of price, I've been on it 5 years and it seems to really help because of the stomach issues I had..but with the prices going up and me on a fixed income, it's becoming a issue...
After having used Plexus for 3 years, I tried the alternatives you suggested. I started it about 2 weeks after your first post. (Took that long to decide then to get all if the products through Amazon.
Truth be told, the products you suggested worked okay, but definitely not as good for me as the Plexus. The prices are definitely better but I ended up spending more money trying to find a version of the individual items over these months,
The one thing I still like more than your product suggestion is the Biocleanse. Unless I take 2-3-Magnesium tablets every night, I don't get the same results. Not sure what the Quercitin is supposed to do. All in all, I gained some weight. The Slim did reduce cravings I guess, and none of the others have. I'll keep on your stuff for awhile yet before I spend the extra cash for the Plexus. Just checking in..
Thank you for sharing your experience, Joan! Maybe I wasn’t clear enough in my post, but my rationale for cutting down on the magnesium from the amount that is in bio cleanse is that taking bio cleanse every day is really not good for your body... it’s like taking a strong laxative every day!
I’m sorry it didn’t work for you as well as you hoped. Maybe it would be worth swapping out at least a few parts of the triplex to save some money! I appreciate you checking in though and sharing your experience.
It’s actually the form of magnesium that makes Bio Cleanse safe and gentle compared to other magnesium supplements. You can’t find a comparable form of bio cleanse. And bio cleanse is NOT a laxative. Also, not all probiotics are created equal and you need to pay close attention to the strains you’re using. Unless they contain the exact same types of bacteria as plexus, they’re not comparable. Also, probio5 has enzymes AND antifungals. It’s a 3 in one product and is actually a lot more affordable than if you go bought the 3 separately. If you’re not using a natural antifungal, then your not getting the same results. Also, it looks like your dupes are pretty low quality products. Plexus isn’t expensive because you’re getting exceptional quality. You get what you pay for. So your suggestions aren’t bad and are probably better than doing nothing but isn’t not a replacement for plexus. I suggest trying plexus for a couple of months and seeing the difference yourself before making assumptions that what you’ve found is anywhere close to the real deal.
I tried Plexus. I was an ambassador. I was poor because it’s expensive. I was depressed because it took my money.
I stopped plexus. I started eating right. I started exercising regularly. I have money in my pocket. I’m no longer depressed. I feel better than ever.
Plexus, you are the weakest link. Goodbye...
Hi. Actually, my gastroenterologist works for UF and he took my plexus supplements to a meeting with the gastro board. Plexus truly has quite a bit of filler product. So I was disappointed. But he sent me links to several videos and labs that have been performed on plexus products. These products are quite cheap to make. It's the MLM that makes it cost so much. Your doctor can prescribe and recommend the highest quality supplements that match these. There are reports that plexus refuses to put their product on shelves??? Fishy! Still way less expensive from your doctor. It has changed my life and pocket book. 😉 Thanks for sharing with these ladies! Cause plexus CAN DO BETTER! I won't buy after 3 years on just because it's Sammy and I dont support that. ❤
Criss
What did you doc recommend?
Thank you
Sara Ann
Thank you so much for this❤️
Just to clarify, the Plexus recommendation of taking 380 mg of magnesium twice a day would add up to a total of 760 mg - a serving size is two capsules. This is significantly less than suggested above.
Thanks for your article!
Well researched, thank you I will try this. Hoping that I will be able to find similar products in Australia
I have tried Plexus for nearly to yrs. Must admit that I did notice some small changes in my gut and over all health. Unfortunately the monthly cost of these products was unsustainable and I cancelled my order.
I don't take Plexus either, but something you missed in your research was the ingredient chitosanase. It breaks down the cell wall of the yeast so that it can be killed easily. So I found the Plexus supplier, a company called AST Enzymes. It's even on the Plexus bottle. I would have told you I had no significant yeast growth. I was so wrong. It was coming out of me for 3 days. A lot of it. Probiotics can only do so much when your gut is full of yeast, taking up that space and boring into your intestines leaving holes for food particles to get through, resulting in good allergies which results in inflammation and illness.
Did u buy the chitosanse? Where did u get it if so?
There is a pre/probiotic/enzyme candida supplement by Mary Ruth Organics that has chitosonase in it. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s one I am looking at: https://www.maryruthorganics.com/products/candida-pre-probiotic-enzyme-60-count-br-supports-candida-cleanse-enhance-healthy-gut-biome-immune-support
Any probiotic that contains bacillus coulagens has chitosanse
I am very glad I found this site too! Thanks for all your research.
I actually bought into the gig last year. I wasn’t coached by this relative so it didn’t work out. Besides, without asking she took my information to sign me up with a membership! It’s why I stopped.
So, I’m very excited to have found these posts. I want to be healthy after the covid 19 weight gain.
Wow! Thank you so much for putting this together! I will share it with my friends. I hope it helps a lot of people :)
Thank you, Jessica!
I have been with Plexus for 2 years and I have tried everything under the sun. There is no doubt that you can "copt cat" any product, however there are a couple of things I have learned over the years.
One is that you get what you pay for. I am a total bargain shopper, but I am not about to go cheap when it comes to supplements or essential oils. It blows my mind when people spend so much on clothes, coffe stands, sun glasses, their pets, etc. Yet not on what they are putting in or on ther bodies.
Two, I want to know where things come from, how they are sourced and if they are plant based.
Three, do I think it could be done. Finding something comparable, absolutely; but I am a busy mom of 5 and I do not have the time to come up with the perfect combo that has helped me so much.
Four, yes buying Plexus at a retail price is speedy, but if you are an Ambassador or preferred customer it is less. And if you are actively and consistently working the business it is not difficult to pay for your products. I have worked the business, extremely part time and I make enough to pay for Plexus for my entire family.
Five GNC or Wholefoods does not provide you with guidance, support, friendship and community or a possible income. Why would I spend less money out of pocket when I can make money and get healthy and help others at the same time.
Also...addressing some of the comments and article, whoever is presenting it at a cure all, was doing a major disservice to the company. I have never heard that, quite the opposite and it is no quick fix or magic . You have to be consistent and have a "healthy lifestyle" to see major changes. It takes time and work even with awesome products.
I appreciate anyone who does research and self advocates. So so important. I am so happy that you found something that works for you. I personally will always be on Plexus. It has worked for me, I am making money and I am on my way to being able to stay home with my kids and still bring home a substantial paycheck.
How do you know where Plexus is getting their ingredients from? I wouldn't take them on their word for it.. Just because you're paying a high price doesn't mean the ingredients are outstanding.
Phenomenal point, Jimmy!!
I agree Jimmy
Hi, I’m just curious to see how this regimen has worked for you. Are you still using everything you listed?
I have been using it on and off because of traveling, but whenever I do use it consistently, it helps with my bloating and I feel significantly better with my energy levels!
Thank you. I love the results from plexus but it doesn’t fit my budget. I appreciate your putting this list together.
Well if you give it a try, let me know!
Thanks for this info. I’ve had Hashimotos for 5 years. The first couple years I was on Plexus and noted that my critical lab values were lower at then. Then followed trying some other attempts. I’m happy to report that I started the prebiotic xos and turmeric (instead of the Quercetin since April of this year. I just had labs drawn again a few weeks ago and the only things I have done differently is the Prebiotic and tumeric. My Thyroid thyroglobulin antibodies were both cut in half in that time!! I’m so stoked! I’m going to change to theQuercetin now and see what that does. But I’m so excited and grateful for the knowledge and resources! I wanted to share in case others are looking.
Wow! What great information!! How is this going for you? And do you have any other recommendations for the probiotic? Amazon only has it through prime pantry...
I have been using it on and off because of traveling, but whenever I do use it consistently, it helps with my bloating and I feel significantly better with my energy levels. :) I always buy the 365 probiotic in person at Whole Foods. Sorry about that link!
The one that I linked is a pretty basic probiotic, but there are so many great options out there. I've used Align and Culturelle brands of probiotics in the past and they worked well for me. I had horrible stomach issues in high school and used the culturelle brand of probiotics exclusively and they did wonders for me back then!
Thank-you SO MUCH! I took Plexus for a year, but recently decided to stop taking it due to the price. I'll be honest...I have missed it! Your post is a blessing!! I bought everything and am excited to get back to consistently taking something. I really do appreciate all of the time you put into this post!
This comment makes me so happy to see! Let me know how it works for you. I hope that they bring results to you like it has for me! :)
I have also tried plexus , and am a nurse as well. and while it does seem to help boost my energy and the way i feel, i cannot justify the price. I too have been looking for cheaper alternatives, i am going to give what you recommend a try when i run out of the supply that I have now. thank you so much for posting this
Thank you for commenting! I hope you like my alternatives. Let me know how they work for you :)
Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for! I’ve been on plexus for a year (because I wanted to give it a fair chance) and too be honest I’m not sure how much it has help me and I’m tired of paying the money for it if I don’t love it. But I am nervous if I get off of it that I’ll feel awful so I was looking for an alternative. I’m excited to give this a try!!
Yay! This makes me so happy to hear!! I hope you'll share your results with my alternatives! :)
THANK YOU for all your research!! I’ve bought my assortment of baddies and eager to take better care of myself without breaking the bank. I’ll report back with my results 🤗!
Cheers!
Thank you! I love I was a Plexus "ambassador" for 1 year, and even with my discount, the products were still over my budget. I had added a good probiotic and magnesium, but not the pre-biotic or Quercetin.
Yea I had no idea Plexus is so expensive before I started all this investigation! It seems like it is way out of most people's budgets. I hope the information helps you out!
Thanks for this article! I have been taking the plexus products for the past couple weeks. I do feel better and am seeing a difference in my middle but I cannot afford to be consistent with it. I will give these a try 🙂
Yay! Let me know how it goes :)
Definitely going to try this. I was on Plexus for about 6 months. I did lose weight and my stomach was flatter, but it about broke the bank. Thank you for your research.
Thanks for your comment! Let me know how it works for you :)