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spirulina side effects on kidneys

by Libby Stiedemann Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Just like your liver, your kidneys too can be affected by consuming spirulina. The protein in spirulina gets metablozied and a huge amount of ammonia is produced which then gets converted into urea. All this adds additional pressure on your kidneys and due to the excess urea, people can also develop kidney stones.

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.

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 ...

What is spirulina and what are its health benefits?

What are the benefits of spirulina?

  1. Excellent nutritional profile. Spirulina is high in protein and vitamins. ...
  2. Losing weight. People can usually lose weight if they eat fewer calories than they use. ...
  3. Improving gut health. ...
  4. Managing diabetes. ...
  5. Lowering cholesterol. ...
  6. Reducing blood pressure. ...
  7. Preventing heart disease. ...
  8. Boosting metabolism. ...
  9. Reducing allergy symptoms. ...
  10. Antitoxic action. ...

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Is spirulina good or bad?

While spirulina is safe, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers and to get it from a trusted and proven source. 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.

How does spirulina affect your health?

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.

Is spirulina good for the kidney?

Spirulina and phycocyanin prevent the progression and complication of chronic kidney disease. Spirulina and phycocyanin delay chronic kidney disease. Spirulina and phycocyanin may be treatments for chronic kidney disease.

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.

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.

Is spirulina hard on 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.

What organs does spirulina help?

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.

Is it OK 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.

Is spirulina hard on the liver?

Spirulina has been implicated in isolated case reports in causing clinically apparent liver injury, but the role of spirulina as opposed to other herbal components or contaminants has not been shown. Liver injury due to spirulina must be very rare if it occurs at all.

Can spirulina lower creatinine?

Effect of spirulina on cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction On the other hand, pretreatment with Spirulina at a dose of 1000 mg/kg significantly improved the concentration of both creatinine and BUN as shown by a significant reduction in plasma creatinine and BUN concentration when compared with cisplatin-treated group.

Is spirulina good 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.

What is the best time to take spirulina?

When should I take spirulina? Generally, it doesn't matter how and when you take spirulina, the supplement will still be effective. However, some specialists recommend taking it at least four hours before going to bed.

Does spirulina clear arteries?

Spirulina It's also a source of protein that contains all of the essential amino acids needed by the body to maintain optimum health. It can help relax artery walls and stabilize blood pressure while balancing your blood fat levels.

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.

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.

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.

How many grams of protein are in a spoonful of spirulina?

A spoonful of Spirulina contains approximately 4 to 5 grams of Proteins. Iron in spirulina: Spirulina is a favorite among vegans and vegetarians because it provides high amounts of iron. And unlike the iron derived from meat, it is easier to digest the iron that comes from Spirulina.

What is spirulina algae?

What Is Spirulina? Spirulina is a biomass of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) that can be consumed by both humans and animals. There are two species of Spirulina, namely Arthrospira platensis and A. maxima. Arthospira is cultivated worldwide and used as a whole food or dietary supplement.

Is spirulina a good antioxidant?

Powerful Antioxidant Qualities: Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants. It can protect you against oxidative damage. Oxidative damage can harm your DNA and even lead to Cancer. The main active component in Spirulina, Phycocyanin, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Does spirulina cause stomach cramps?

Even though Spirulina is beneficial for a lot of people, as with everything else, it too has a few side effects. Contaminated or low-quality Spirulina can lead to a variety of side effects, including: Nausea. Stomach cramps. Thirst.

Does spirulina increase blood count?

A study showed that consumption of Spirulina led to an increase in the red blood cells count and also improved the immunity of the patients. Though more research needs to be done on this front.

Does spirulina lower blood pressure?

High blood pressure is the reason behind many diseases, including heart strokes, attacks, and kidney illness. It is believed that high doses of Spirulina lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Spirulina produces nitric oxide, which helps dilate and relax the blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood pressure. 7.

Is spirulina a protein?

Spirulina contains high amounts of: Protein in spirulina: Spirulina is considered to be a complete source of Protein, i .e. it contains all the proteins that our body needs but is unable to produce by itself. The protein in Spirulina has a net protein utilization rate of 50% to 60%.

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 kidney stones?

Just like your liver, your kidneys too can be affected by consuming spirulina. The protein in spirulina gets metablozied and a huge amount of ammonia is produced which then gets converted into urea. All this adds additional pressure on your kidneys and due to the excess urea, people can also develop kidney stones.

Does spirulina cause liver damage?

Liver Damage: You need to make sure that your source of spirulina is is dependable since consuming spirulina from undependable sources can be harmful for your body and also cause liver damage. The reason being that spirulina from such sources can contain traces of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium.

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.

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.

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.

How long does it take for spirulina to decrease radioactivity?

Children were given 5 grams of spirulina daily over a period of 45 days, and showed urine radioactivity levels decreased by 50% in only 20 days. The value of these studies is apparent as spirulina is a product that is becoming more widely available—most people can find it at a local health food store or online.

Where is spirulina used?

Spirulina is an ancient superfood, used at least since the 9 th century in Chad, Africa.

Is spirulina safe for children?

In addition to protecting against and reversing damage from mercury, spirulina is also valuable in protecting against and reversing radiation damage. In fact, after the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, a British company reportedly sent over shipments of spirulina to treat the child victims.

Is mercury toxic?

by Elizabeth Renter Posted on April 13, 2014. Featured. by Elizabeth Renter Posted on April 13, 2014. It’s highly toxic, but used all around us. Mercury can significantly damage the immune and nervous systems, and the kidneys. As Anthony Gucciardi reported last year, while other countries are doing their best to eradicate the use of mercury, ...

Is spirulina good for kidneys?

Researchers with the University of Rjasthan, India, say Spirulina fusiformis is able to not only protect the kidneys, but may also be able to reverse the damage done by toxic mercury.

How to prevent permanent damage to kidneys?

This is best done by taking the excellent plant extract of Solidago, as contained in Nephrosolid, a remedy that should be kept in every home.

Why does my urine burn when I pass water?

Chronic cases of cystitis are pain or burning sensations on passing urine. Due to the infection and irritation a strong urge to pass water persists. The urine generally contains some red and white blood cells, is cloudy and forms a white, often slimy sediment when left standing.

What is the best tonic for kidneys?

A general tonic for the kidneys is: Nephrosolid from A Vogel used in conjunction with Urticalcin. Please also ensure that you drink enough filtered water daily.

How often should I take Vogel's Nephrosolid?

Doses of 5-10 drops should be taken every hour. Also, A Vogel’s Nephrosolid has healing properties and stimulates the kidneys. If at the same time the urethra is narrowed, or an enlargement of the prostate gland or bladder stones exist, the treatment must be adapted accordingly and some other remedies added.

What is a Vogel's Urticalcin tablet?

A Vogel’s Urticalcin tablets are a biological plant calcium supplement which is well absorbed. Calcium is essential for healthy functioning of the kidneys and to maintain a reasonable alkalinity in the urine. This calcium preparation is of particular importance to people suffering from kidney stones and gout.

Is Nephrosolid good for pregnancy?

Nephrosolid is very useful to ensure healthy kidney function during pregnancy. A Vogel’s Prostasan drops or capsules is a herbal formula to assist men who suffer from enlarged prostate which can be the cause of poor urination flow or the urge to want to pass urine constantly.

Can kidneys be protected from salt?

Just to prove the point, the patient would again be given sugar on a test basis and, sure enough, the pains would return. It is generally known that the kidneys can be rendered a great service and protected if the intake of salt is reduced to a minimum. Bacterial poisons, likewise, have a detrimental effect on them.

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