Some of the 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.
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What does spirulina do to the brain?
Preliminary clinical studies have also suggested that spirulina can help to reduce mental fatigue, protect the vascular wall of brain vessels from endothelial damage and regulate internal pressure, thus contributing to the prevention and/or mitigating of cerebrovascular conditions.
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.
Can spirulina make you dizzy?
Risks of using spirulina Spirulina is generally considered safe; side effects are usually mild and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
Can spirulina cause body aches?
The side effects of spirulina include sweating, trouble concentrating, headaches, muscle pain and flushing of the face. Additional side effects, such as liver damage, diarrhea and vomiting, are associated with certain types of spirulina that can be contaminated with heavy metals.
Is it safe to take spirulina everyday?
Up to 8 grams of spirulina per day is safe, and many people add it to their shakes or smoothies because it comes in powder form.
Does spirulina remove toxins?
1. Spirulina is known to be alkalizing to the body, which boosts liver function, a necessary element while detoxing. 2. Spirulina contains chlorophyll which is used for “detoxification” by helping remove toxins such as heavy metals and other pollutants from the blood.
Who should avoid spirulina?
Risk For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women. The safety of spirulina for pregnant and nursing women is not well explored. Hence, it is recommended that pregnant or nursing women avoid taking spirulina or remain under strict medical surveillance while doing so.
When should I take spirulina morning or night?
Because high-protein foods have been found to increase alertness – and Spirulina is the richest whole food source of protein – it is best to take Spirulina at least four hours before going to bed.
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.
Why does spirulina make me sleepy?
Over fatigue – The spirulina will help cleanse your colon and flush out toxins and other waste materials. As a result of this cleansing process, you may feel sleepy or tired because your colon and other excretory organs are working overtime.
How long does it take spirulina to work?
It 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.
What does spirulina do to the body?
Evidence suggests spirulina has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering properties. It may help treat or manage con...
How does spirulina affect weight?
Research suggests spirulina can help reduce body fat, waist circumference, BMI, and appetite, which could make it useful as part of a weight-manage...
Is spirulina safe?
A person should always buy from a reputable source, check it has undergone testing, and follow the instructions on the label. It may not be safe du...
How much sodium is in spirulina?
73 mg of sodium. 0.7 mg of vitamin C. It also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamins B-6, A, and K. Taking spirulina, as part of a balanced diet, may help a person to stay well nourished. 2.
Why is spirulina digested easily?
3. Improving gut health. Spirulina can be digested easily because of its structure where the cells do not have tough, fibrous walls.
What is spirulina algae?
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that people can take as a dietary supplement. People consider spirulina a superfood due to its excellent nutritional content and health benefits.
How long does it take for spirulina to lower cholesterol?
Researchers found that taking 1 g of spirulina every day reduced participant’s total cholesterol after 3 months. 6. Reducing blood pressure. As discussed above, spirulina may lower cholesterol, and there is also evidence that it could help control a person’s blood pressure.
Does spirulina extract lower cholesterol?
Taking spirulina extract may help to lower cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is an unhealthful fat in a person’s blood that medical experts link to heart disease.
Does spirulina help with gut health?
More research on humans is needed, but animal studies indicate spirulina may support gut health as people age. A 2017 study on older mice suggests that spirulina may preserve healthy gut bacteria during the aging process.
Is spirulina poisonous to humans?
In certain parts of the world, people are at risk of poisoning from contaminated drinking water and other sources of pollutants. Early research#N#Trusted Source#N#suggests that spirulina may offer a way to treat those affected.
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.
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.
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 foreign substance?
Spirulina is, after all, a foreign body. When you consume it, the body overreacts and amplifies the activity of the immune system. This exacerbates the symptoms of a pre-existing disease or gives rise to severe inflammation ( 1 ). 3. Interferes With Drug Action.
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.
What are the side effects of spirulina?
The main side effects associated with the consumption of spirulina are manifested in the form of digestive disorders, headaches, and more rare skin rash. They generally appear at the start of the treatment and are most of the time caused by too much consumption too quickly, or by simple over-consumption of spirulina.
How long does it take for spirulina to work?
Spirulina is only effective if taken as a daily cure for several weeks, between 4 and 6 weeks, followed by a break as long as the cure. It is not recommended to do more than 3 cures per year.
What happens if you produce spirulina in a contaminated or polluted environment?
Indeed, spirulina takes care of the elements that it draws from its environment, so if we produce spirulina in a contaminated or polluted environment, we will produce contaminated spirulina, in particular heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, etc. .), which this type of algae can absorb in significant quantities.
Can spirulina cause intoxication?
Indeed, spirulina is a microalga that has a high ir on content, so if you suffer from hemochromatosis, a fairly rare genetic disease that manifests itself by an excess of iron in the blood, it can lead to intoxication of the blood . ‘organization.
Can spirulina amplify symptoms?
Indeed, in some cases, spirulina could amplify the symptoms of these people.
Is spirulina contraindicated?
As a precaution, spirulina is, therefore, contraindicated in people:
Can spirulina cause diarrhea?
By exceeding the dosages, it is possible to see classic intestinal symptoms: bloating, diarrhea, nausea, cramps, etc., caused by the action of spirulina on the stimulation of the liver, intestinal transit, and detoxification of the colon. It is generally sufficient to reduce the doses to see these inconveniences disappear.
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:
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.
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.
Can spirulina cause mental retardation?
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. Spirulina also contains phenylalanine and consuming it can worsen your phenylketonuria.
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.
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 expensive?
However, Winchester Hospital notes that spirulina, while nutritious, can be expensive. There are more inexpensive sources of protein you can eat, such as legumes, nuts, grains and animal meat. For iron, options include dark greens, prunes and meat. For carotenes and vitamins, you can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
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.
Is spirulina contaminated?
Spirulina may also be contaminated by dangerous bacteria if grown with the use of fermented animal waste fertilizers — or by radioactive ions if they're present in the environment.