can spirulina cause diarrhea

There are no studies specifically focused on whether or not spirulina

causes diarrhea, and actually it is suggested that it would prevent diarrhea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center “In test tubes, spirulina has boosted the growth of L. acidophilus and other probiotics”.

Full Answer

Who should not take spirulina?

Spirulina is generally safe to use but may cause allergy, headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, and sweating in some. Because of its possible effect on the immune system, spirulina should be avoided in people with autoimmune diseases or on immunosuppressive therapies. Pregnant and nursing people or those with phenylketonuria should also avoid ...

Does spirulina have any side effects?

Spirulina is a pure nutritional supplement and taking only 50 grams of Spirulina should not lead to any side effects, due to the simple fact it has about 70% of essential protein. However some cases of adverse effects have been reported from its use, such as users experiencing exacerbating skin breakouts, nausea, insomnia or fever.

Does spirulina cause B12 deficiency at diet?

The study validates that Spirulina can improve the vitamin B 12 status. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present study showed that the supplementation of Spirulina in the diet of vitamin B 12 deficient rats leads to the normalization of vitamin B 12 deficiency-induced circulatory and functional biomarkers along with biochemical and histological changes.

What disease could Spirulina platensis help to treat?

What Is Spirulina Used For?

• High Cholesterol. Spirulina holds some promise for lipid disorders such as high cholesterol or high triglycerides, according to a study published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism.
• Allergies. Spirulina holds some promise in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies), according to a review published in 2009. ...
• Diabetes. ...
• Oral Cancer. ...

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Will spirulina make me poop?

And while it's difficult to consume sufficient dietary forms of magnesium to achieve a laxative effect, increasing your intake will certainly help. The best sources of magnesium include dark leafy green veggies like spinach and micro-algae superfoods like chlorella and spirulina.

What are the side effects of taking spirulina?

Some minor side effects of spirulina may include nausea, insomnia, and headaches. Still, this supplement is widely considered safe, and most people experience no side effects (2). Spirulina may be contaminated with harmful compounds, thin your blood, and worsen autoimmune conditions.

What happens when you take spirulina everyday?

For example, it can lower total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising “good” HDL cholesterol. In a study in 25 people with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of spirulina per day significantly improved these markers ( 9 ).

Why you should not take spirulina?

It may also exacerbate medical conditions such as phenylketonuria, renal problems, or neurological disorders. In some cases, spirulina can cause allergic reactions or interfere with the functioning of certain immunosuppressant medications. Limiting or avoiding its consumption can help avoid these complications.

Should you take spirulina on an empty stomach?

Should spirulina be taken on an empty stomach? No, you don't necessarily need to take spirulina on an empty stomach. However, if you decide to do so, you can take the supplement in the morning and wait 15-20 minutes before taking any solid food so that your body can absorb the nutrients.

Is spirulina good for gut health?

Not only does spirulina support the good gut bacteria which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, it is also packed with a powerful mix of vitamins, minerals and complete essential amino acids that helps support your body's natural immune response.

How long does it take for spirulina to start working?

about 1-3 weeksIt takes about 1-3 weeks for you to notice a change in energy levels. The results differ from person to person and obviously depend on your condition. Tip; drink plenty of water every day. Most people around normally ask, where can spirulina be found?

Does spirulina make you gain weight?

Spirulina Calories and Nutrition It takes an extra 3,500 calories over and above your daily needs to gain a pound. A tablespoon of dried spirulina, which is how you're most likely to find it sold, contains only 20 calories, so it would take quite a bit of spirulina to cause weight gain.

Can spirulina make you sick?

Spirulina is generally considered safe; side effects are usually mild and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. However, there are potentially serious risks with using spirulina, including (MedlinePlus, 2019):

How much spirulina is too much?

Tip. A February 2016 study in the Journal of Nutrition Research recommends consuming about 4 grams of spirulina per day. However, it's possible to safely consume about 7 grams per day, and you shouldn't regularly consume more than 15 grams per day.

Is spirulina hard on the kidneys?

These researchers, however, go on to suggest that it is not prudent to eat more than 50 g of spirulina daily. The reason they give is that the plant contains a high concentration of nucleic acids, substances related to DNA. When these are metabolized, they create uric acid, which could cause gout or kidney stones.

How much spirulina should I take daily?

How much Spirulina should you take, and when? As a dietary supplement, the recommended minimum amount is three grams daily – one teaspoon of powder or six 500 mg tablets. Since it is a pure and natural food, you may safely take more, to suit your personal health program.

What is chlorella and spirulina?

In the quest for supplements to boost your health, you may encounter chlorella and spirulina, two types of blue-green algae. You may also encounter a number of claims about these supplements' health benefits, from spirulina for heavy metal detox to chlorella for chronic conditions like hypertension. Video of the Day.

Is spirulina regulated by the FDA?

Harvard Health Publishing adds that spirulina, like other dietary supplements, is not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, there's no guarantee that any supplement you buy will be free of contaminants or contain the amount of spirulina indicated on the label. Advertisement.

Is chlorella harmful to skin?

Regardless of whether chlorella or spirulina benefits skin, improves chronic conditions or aids overall health, it's important to understand the possible risks. Certain forms of blue-green algae may be contaminated with microcystins and anatoxins, both highly toxic substances, says Winchester Hospital.

Can spirulina affect blood thinners?

URMC notes that spirulina may impact the effectiveness of blood thinners.

Is chlorella a good supplement?

At best, chlorella and spirulina may offer certain health benefits, though those benefits are generally not scientifically proven, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Advertisement. At worst, there can be adverse results of taking chlorella and spirulina. Side effects may be more pronounced if these supplements are taken in excess, ...

Does spirulina help with hair?

Study participants largely reported that spirulina benefits skin and that chlorella and spirulina intake had improved their hair and skin quality. Although these benefits are not directly evidenced, say the authors, the claim is nonetheless plausible, given the nutritional content of these supplements.

Does spirulina help the immune system?

The same is true of claims that spirulina can boost the immune system and improve kidney and liver function. When taken at the recommended dosage, spirulina side effects are few, says Harvard Health Publishing.

Why is spirulina dangerous?

). For those taking blood thinners or who have bleeding disorders, spirulina may be dangerous because it could lessen your blood’s ability to clot, causing more bruising and bleeding ( 2 ).

What is spirulina algae?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both fresh- and saltwater. It’s also commercially produced for use in food and supplements ( 1. Trusted Source. , 2 ). Because it packs 60% protein by weight, as well as various vitamins and minerals, it’s widely used as a food source in certain parts of Mexico and Africa ( 1. Trusted Source.

Can you buy spirulina from a trusted brand?

To avoid spirulina that has been contaminated with microcystins or toxins, only purchase products from trusted brands that have been tested by third-party organizations, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF International.

Does spirulina cause autoimmune disease?

Because spirulina boosts your immune system, it may worsen certain autoimmune diseases — such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis — in which your immune system attacks your body ( 2 ).

Is spirulina contaminated?

May be contaminated with toxins. Spirulina harvested in the wild poses a significant risk of contamination. The algae may harbor toxins if it grows in a body of water that’s polluted with heavy metals, bacteria, or harmful particles called microcystins ( 2 ).

Is spirulina safe for allergies?

Trusted Source. ). Spirulina and other algae also contain phenylalanine, a compound that people with phenylketonuria (PKU) — a rare inherited condition — should strictly avoid ( 2 ).

Is spirulina bad for you?

Still, this supplement is widely considered safe, and most people experience no side effects ( 2 ). Spirulina may be contaminated with harmful compounds, thin your blood, and worsen autoimmune conditions.

What is the name of the disorder that causes the patient to not metabolize phenylalanine?

1. Worsens Phenylketonuria. Phenylketonuria is a genetically acquired disorder in which the patient cannot metabolize the amino acid called phenylalanine due to the lack of an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase.

Is spirulina a single cell supplement?

If so, you’d be shocked to learn about the other side of one such popular single cell supplement – spirulina. Scroll down to find out how spirulina, the superfood, is harmful to you, how it introduces toxins in a healthy body, and more fatal side effects.

Does spirulina cause edema?

Triggers Edema And Body Weight Fluctuation. Spirulina is packed with vitamins, proteins, and minerals. People with compromised renal function would be unable to expel the unnecessary components from their bloodstream. One of the most abundant minerals found in spirulina is iodine.

Does spirulina interfere with immunosuppressants?

Interferes With Drug Action. Spirulina is an irritant to your immune system. It can interfere with drugs, especially immunosuppressants. A person on immunosuppressant medication must not consume spirulina. Else, it will diminish the effect of the medication, resulting in serious complications. 4.

Can you take spirulina powder in a smoothie?

People consume spirulina orally in the form of powder, flakes, or tablets for several health benefits. Spirulina powder and flakes are usually added to fruit juices and smoothies. It can have an adverse impact on your health if you do not take it in controlled doses. Read on to find out how.

Is spirulina a microalgae?

Spirulina is free-floating filamentous microalgae growing in alkaline water bodies. Due to its high nutritional value, spirulina has been consumed as food for centuries in Central Africa. It is now widely used as a nutraceutical food supplement worldwide. People consume spirulina orally in the form of powder, flakes, ...

Does spirulina affect thyroid?

While on the one hand, it is good to take in iodine via spirulina, on the other hand, it could affect your thyroid and parathyroid glands. The effects are more pronounced in people with hyperparathyroidism.

What are the nutrients in spirulina?

It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid). Spirulina -- like any blue-green algae -- can be contaminated with toxic substances called microcystins. It can also absorb heavy metals from the water where it is grown.

Where are spirulinas grown?

Spirulina maxima (cultivated in Mexico) and Spirulina platensis (cultivated in California) are the most popular.

Is spirulina a good supplement?

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Spirulina appears safe, even at high doses. However, it can be contaminated with other substances that can be toxic.

Does spirulina help with macular degeneration?

As such, spirulina may help reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. More research is needed.

Does spirulina have protein?

However, although spirulina contains a certain level of protein, you would need to take very large quantities to see any effect. Other sources of protein, such as nuts, legumes, whole grains, and meat, provide protein in smaller servings.

Does spirulina interfere with drugs?

There are no reports in the scientific literature to suggest that spirulina interacts with any conventional medications. However, it is possible that spirulina might interfere with drugs given to suppress the immune system, including:

Can you take spirulina with phenylalanine?

People with a metabolic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid taking spirulina. People with this rare condition cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Spirulina is rich in all amino acids, including phenylalanine.

Can spirulina cause nausea?

If you take spirulina, it could cause certain side effects, including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, thirst, weakness, rapid heartbeat, liver damage or shock. This supplement is generally considered safe even when taken in high amounts, however. The side effects are most likely if your spirulina is contaminated, so be sure to purchase this product from a reputable source that has tested it for contaminants.

Is spirulina algae safe?

It may not be safe for everyone, so check with your doctor before adding it to your daily routine.

Is spirulina safe for pregnant women?

Because of the risk for contamination, spirulina isn't recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. People with phenylketonuria shouldn't take this supplement because it provides all of the amino acids, including phenylalanine, which is dangerous for people with this condition. Those with autoimmune diseases should also avoid spirulina supplements, as they may stimulate the immune system and increase your symptoms.

Can spirulina be taken with blood thinners?

Although no medication interactions are well-documented, spirulina may interact with medications that suppress your immune system and with blood thinners. If you are on these medications, you'll want to either avoid spirulina entirely or take it under the supervision of your doctor.

Can spirulina be contaminated?

Spirulina can also be contaminated with substances called anatoxin and microcystin, which can be toxic. For this reason, some researchers recommend limiting spirulina consumption to no more than 50 grams per day.

Contraindications for spirulina

The specificity of spirulina lies in the richness of its composition, which one finds in abundance, for example, iron, vitamins, trace elements, or even phenylalanine or phycocyanin.

People who need to be careful

As a precautionary principle, some people are often advised not to consume spirulina, at least without the advice of a doctor. We are not talking here of absolute contraindication, but caution. It is :

Side effects of spirulina

It is very rare to have side effects if you consume spirulina correctly, that is to say: respect the dosages and start a cure gradually, that is to say, start with low consumption and l ‘gradually increase each week.

Interactions with drugs or other natural products

To date, there is no known interaction between spirulina and drugs. However, if you are following a specific treatment and wish to consume spirulina, it is essential to seek the advice of your doctor.

Dangers of poor quality spirulina

There is as many spirulina as there are people who “cultivate” it, a spirulina from China and spirulina from France will not be equivalent.

Spirulina dosage

Beyond the firm contraindications, it is possible to avoid the appearance of undesirable effects by starting to take spirulina in small doses.

What happens if you don't take spirulina?

8. Stomach Disorders: If you do not take the right dosage and end up consuming high dosages of spirulina, then it can result in various stomach disorders like diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, etc. So if you are facing any of these symptoms while consuming spirulina, stop using it. 9. Kidney Problems:

What is spirulina powder?

Known for its high content of nutrients, spirulina also consists of iron, vitamin B12 and 8 essential and 10 non-essential amino acids. Health conscious people have embraced this supplement and they ensure that they include it in their diet.

What are the effects of phenylalanine on children?

Phenylketonuria: Phenylketonuria is a birth defect where phenylalanine, an amino acid builds up in the body. If left untreated, it can lead to seizures, mental retardation, brain damage and behavioural symtopms.

Can spirulina cause rapid heartbeat?

Rapid Heartbeat: This is definitely the most harmful side effect of using spirulina. If your spirulina is contaminated and is not completely free of mycrocystins, then you can face side effects like rapid heartbeat and shock and can also cause death.

Is spirulina bad for you?

Health conscious people have embraced this supplement and they ensure that they include it in their diet. But like every other supplement out there, spirulina too has a set of side effects which can make it harmful for your body.

Can you take spirulina if you are on immunosuppressants?

It can decrease the effect of your medication so it would be better if you don’t take spirulina if you are on some other medications like immunosuppressants. You can always consult your physician and use it if you get the go ahead. 8.

Does spirulina contain mercury?

The reason being that spirulina from such sources can contain traces of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium. [ Read: Possible Olive Leaf Extract Side Effects ] 7. Interaction With Drugs: Consuming spirulina can interfere negatively with you other medications.

Is spirulina a good alga?

Before you start consuming spirulina, your nutritionist will likely tell you about its pros and cons. For instance, because it is an alga, there is always the possibility that it can be contaminated with heavy metals, which can be toxic.

Does spirulina cleanse your colon?

Another symptom of spirulina's colon cleansing ability is that as the toxins are removed , they can cause problems on the skin surface, leading to breakouts, rashes, redness and mild itching. These are only temporary, as a result of your colon being flushed of toxins and waste. In the long run, taking Spirulina can clear your skin.

Is spirulina a supplement?

So much so that Spirulina is often used in nutritional supplements. It is considered by many nutritionists as the ultimate source of concentrated proteins and vitamins. Though it is a sought-after dietary supplement for sportsmen, bodybuilders, and athletes, as with any supplement it is important to be aware of the possible unwanted effects ...

Can you take spirulina with hot water?

You can take Spirulina in a variety of ways, but the easiest is to wash down either tablets or capsules of Spirulina with some cold water. If you’re going to consume Spirulina, do not heat or cook it, as this removes the nutritional value. This includes taking it with or before a hot beverage.

Is spirulina a complete source of nutrition?

This little alga is a complete source nutrition. Even if you are not keen on taking other food supplements, the Spirulina alone can to provide you a comprehensive nutritional profile. It is rich in vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, zinc, copper, beta-carotene, selenium, fatty acids, and iron. Even more important is that Spirulina contains approximately ...

Is spirulina a multivitamin?

For this reason, researchers call Spirulina a complete food supplement that contains properties similar to multivitamins. As such, taking spirulina can help you to get your full quota of vitamins and minerals regularly.

Does spirulina turn waste green?

Green Coloured Waste. Spirulina helps flush out any waste that may have accumulated in your colon, meaning it could turn your waste green. Furthermore, your waste may have a slight greenish hue, due to the chlorophyl concentration. Liquid error: Could not find asset snippets/relatedblogs.liquid.