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Is spirulina OK for liver?
There is evidence that suggests Spirulina may help to protect against liver damage, cirrhosis and liver failure in those with chronic liver disease.
Is spirulina good for fatty liver disease?
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation at a high dosage of 6 g daily in NAFLD patients has strong and multiple beneficial metabolic effects and improves their health-related quality of life. Spirulina supplementation could be used as a safe and effective dietary supplement on NAFLD patients.
Is spirulina good for liver and kidneys?
Researchers concluded that spirulina and vitamin C may help reduce cancer patients' risk of liver damage or renal failure after receiving Cisplatin. They suggested that a supplementation regimen of spirulina and vitamin C be adopted before and during chemotherapy cycles.
What are the dangers of spirulina?
But Spirulina may become contaminated with toxic metals, harmful bacteria and microcystins — toxins produced from some algae —if it is grown in unsafe conditions. Contaminated Spirulina can cause liver damage, nausea, vomiting, thirst, weakness, rapid heartbeat, shock and even death.
Is spirulina good for alcoholics?
Sparkling spirulina drinks by FUL® are great for curing a hangover. They are rich in vital nutrients and antioxidants found in spirulina. They can also help your liver process all the alcohol liver without experiencing too much stress due to spirulina's anti-inflammatory effects.
How does chlorophyll cleanse the liver?
Some chlorophyll is absorbed into the bloodstream during digestion. As the blood passes through the liver, chlorophyll promotes the liver's cleansing and detoxification process by its action on the Phase II detoxification enzymes produced by the liver.
Who should not take spirulina?
You should avoid spirulina if you take blood thinners or have an autoimmune condition, bleeding disorder, allergies, or PKU. If you're unsure whether this supplement is right for you, consult your doctor.
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 ).
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.
Does spirulina remove toxins?
With a powerful chelating agent, Spirulina reaches deep into bodily tissues and takes out toxins like mercury, radiation, arsenic, cadmium, pesticides, synthetic food chemicals, and environmental carcinogens, leaving them up for excretion.
Is spirulina high in heavy metals?
Many commercially-available brands of spirulina have low levels of heavy metals that do not fall within an unsafe range, according to a study published in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences in 2013. However, some brands are found to contain toxic levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic.
Are there heavy metals in spirulina?
The heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic are mostly found to adulterate in Spirulina products. Each is found as a trace contaminant in certain pesticides and fertilizers, so they are common in agricultural areas (Pande et al., 1981; Kotangale et al., 1984).
What is spirulina made of?
OVERVIEW. Introduction. Spirulina is a dietary supplement made from blue-green algae (cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis) that is used both as a food and as a medicinal supplement to counteract unintentional weight loss and to ameliorate a variety of medical conditions including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, allergic rhinitis, ...
Where does spirulina grow?
Spirulina typically grows in warm open lakes with high alkalinity and can be contaminated with other blue-green algae that produce toxins (microcystins). Spirulina has been used as a food and source of nutrients for centuries by the people of Mexico and Central America but only recently has been prepared as commercial dietary supplements.
Is spirulina a good anti-inflammatory?
In animal experiments, spirulina has demonstrated antioxidant, antiinflammatory and analgesic effects and has been well tolerated without evidence of toxicity even in high doses. There have been limited studies in humans, but it has not been proven to be effective in treating any medical condition.
Does spirulina cause liver failure?
The severity of the liver injury in reports of spirulina hepatotoxicity has varied from mild, asymptomatic elevations in serum enzymes to self-limiting, clinically apparent hepatitis. There have been no reports of acute liver failure, chronic hepatitis or vanishing bile duct syndrome attributed to spirulina . There is no information on management or the role for corticosteroids or other interventions except for prompt discontinuation of the suspected agent.
Is spirulina a prokaryotic?
Spirulina refers to a large number of photosynthetic eubacterial species belonging to the phylum Cyanobacteria (Arthrospira platensis and maxima). While known as blue-green algae, spirulina it is a prokaryotic, eubacterial species belonging to the phylum Cyanobacteria. Spirulina typically grows in warm open lakes with high alkalinity ...
How much iron is in spirulina?
According to a Wolters Kluwer Health article: • Spirulina preparations contain iron 300 to 400 ppm (dry weight). • Unlike many forms of plant iron, this iron has high bioavailability when ingested by humans. • A dosage of 10 g/day can contain 1.5 to 2 mg of absorbable iron, similar to standard ferrous sulfate.
What is spirulina algae?
About Spirulina. A blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, spirulina is often considered to be one of the most nutritious foods available. More specifically, some of spirulina’s nutrients include: • B-complex vitamins. • Beta-carotene.
Is spirulina good for fatty liver?
Based on their observations, the authors concluded that spirulina could be considered as an alternative treatment for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. All three of the studies described above are insufficient for concluding spirulina’s effectiveness at protecting the liver.
Does spirulina protect the liver?
To that effect, there is some evidence suggesting that eating spirulina is a strategy capable of shielding liver cells from injury.
Does spirulina reduce meds?
As such, spirulina has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of medications like Humira, Imuran, Neoral, Enbrel, Remicade, Arava, Methothrexate, Prednisone and CellCept. Its allocation as a super-food is no accident; spirulina contains many powerful health properties.
Is spirulina safe to drink?
Despite all of its purported benefits, spirulina is not 100 percent safe. Spirulina flourishes in warm climates and warm alkaline water, which is the same environment that renders it vulnerable to contamination with heavy metals and toxic substances called microcystins.
Can a liver grow new cells?
While a healthy liver can grow new cells after it has sustained minor damage, those with chronic liver disease may be unable to regenerate new cells.
What is the effect of spirulina on the body?
Spirulina is known to inhibit the action of enveloped viruses and prevent their penetration into the body.
What does spirulina help with?
What does this Mean? Spirulina helps in the regulation of essential enzymes indicative of healthy liver functioning.
What is spirulina extract?
Spirulina extract treats metal toxicities and helps the liver in the removal of toxins.
What is the best supplement for liver health?
It is also important to have a well-balanced nutritional diet. Spirulina is one such dietary supplement that is very beneficial for maintaining a healthy liver.
What is the purpose of spirulina?
Spirulina helps in maintaining a favorable liver lipid profile and preventing fatty liver disease.
What is the effect of phenols on spirulina?
It was reported that the high quantity of phenols in Spirulina was responsible for causing death and impairment of cancerous cells. [ 32 ]
How old do you have to be to take spirulina?
Children below 14 years of age and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with the doctor to know if Spirulina is suitable for use by them.
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.
What are the health effects of phosphorus?
When consumed in excess, these compounds can present health concerns: High intake of protein, chlorophyll and iron may cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, nausea or cramps. Excess phosphorus can adversely affect the kidneys. In high concentrations, manganese may contribute to neurotoxicity.
What is the microalgae that contains gamma linolenic acid?
Spirulina, another microalgae, contains protein, gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, iron, vitamin B12 and other nutrients, says the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). Spirulina and other microalgae may be used as a source of protein and certain vitamins. However, Winchester Hospital notes that spirulina, while nutritious, ...
Does chlorella detoxify heavy metals?
Half of the study respondents stated that their intention in using microalgal supplements was to eliminate bodily toxins, such as heavy metals. However, claims about chlorella or spirulina heavy metal detox effects are not supported by scientific studies, but rather promoted by unreliable internet sources, according to the Journal of Applied Phycology.
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, ...
Is spirulina bad for you?
When taken at the recommended dosage, spirulina side effects are few, says Harvard Health Publishing. However, spirulina may contain the amino acid phenylalanine and is therefore contraindicated for people who have phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder whereby the body cannot metabolize phenylalanine.
What are the health effects of spirulina?
Spirulina varieties infested with contaminants, such as microcystins ( toxins produced by blue-green algae), also give rise to serious gastric ailments like acute dehydration and indigestion.
What is spirulina in water?
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.
Why can't a person metabolize phenylalanine?
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.
What are the metals in spirulina?
Certain varieties of spirulina that are produced under unrestrained settings are often infested with significant traces of heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead.
Where does spirulina come from?
Spirulina harvested from the unrestrained wild sources, such as lakes, ponds, and littered seas, contain toxic strains.
What happens when you have too much iodine in your blood?
The build-up of excessive nutrients, along with iodine, in the blood leads to fluid retention (edema) in your limbs, imbalance in calcium, phosphate, and iodine absorption, and sudden weight gain or loss, lethargy, and cardiovascular diseases. 7. Digestive Discomfort And Nausea. Shutterstock.
Why does the body produce ammonia?
Our body produces a significant amount of ammonia as it metabolizes the protein in spirulina, which gets converted into urea. This puts excessive pressure on the kidneys to flush out such a large amount of urea from the blood, ultimately resulting in decreased efficiency of the kidneys and even renal failure.
What is spirulina good for?
Spirulina is rich in a range of vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining a healthy immune system , like vitamins E, C, and B6. Research finds that spirulina also boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria in your body.
What is the taste of spirulina?
Spirulina has a bitter taste, so people often mix it with yogurts, juices, and smoothies to improve its flavor. Spirulina is commonly available as a supplement at health food stores.
Does spirulina help with HIV?
Laboratory studies show that spirulina can fight herpes, flu, and HIV — though much more research is needed to test these effects in humans.
Does spirulina help with triglycerides?
These are fats in your blood that can contribute to the hardening of arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatitis . Spirulina increases nitric oxide production in your body as well, which helps your blood vessels relax.
Does spirulina have magnesium?
Spirulina also contains magnesium. This mineral supports normal daily functions like muscle use and your heartbeat. It’s also responsible for producing protein and creating energy — but most people don’t get enough in their diet.
Does spirulina cause cancer?
Chronic inflammation contributes to cancer and other diseases. Phycocyanin — the a plant pigment that gives spirulina its blue-green color — has been found to not only reduce inflammation in the body, but also block tumor growth and kill cancer cells.
Is spirulina a plant based protein?
Spirulina is a potent source of nutrients. It contains a powerful plant-based protein called phycocyanin. Research shows this may have antioxidant, pain-relief, anti-inflammatory, and brain-protective properties. This antioxidant and other nutrients in spirulina are linked with several health benefits:
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 made of?
Spirulina is a popular supplement and ingredient made from blue-green algae. While it has several benefits, you may be wondering if it comes with any side effects.
Can you take spirulina with autoimmune disease?
If you have an autoimmune condition, you should avoid spirulina and other algae supplements ( 2 ).
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 a green algae?
It’s also commercially produced for use in food and supplements ( 1. , 2 ). ). ). ). Spirulina is a blue-green algae commonly used as a dietary supplement. It may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting benefits.
Does spirulina cause headaches?
Spirulina and other algae also contain phenylalanine, a compound that people with phenylketonuria (PKU) — a rare inherited condition — should strictly avoid ( 2 ). Some of the minor side effects of spirulina may include nausea, insomnia, and headaches.