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Chlorella: A Dozen And More Health Benefits

Many people donā€™t know much about chlorella. A fast-growing type of algae, its proponents claim several health benefits for it. This article will take a look at those claims and what the research shows.

What is Chlorella?

An image of two soup spoons containing chlorella one in tablets and one in powderConsidered a superfood, chlorella contains an abundance of nutrients. A type of algae that thrives in freshwater, the entire plant can be used as either food or medicine. Also, some research indicates it also finds use as a biofuel.

The chlorella available in the U.S. typically comes from Japan or Taiwan. Because of its hard cell wall, processing must take place to make it into tablets or liquid extracts. Its cultivation, harvesting, and processing may differ altering the content of the tablets or liquid extracts.

Researchers report thirty different species of this alga, but only two types, Chlorella Vulgaris and Chlorella Pyrenoidosa find use in research.

What are the Health Benefits of Chlorella?

Claims about the medical benefits of chlorella run the gamut from dealing with bad breath to reducing asthma to helping protect the body from heavy metals. Therefore, this article considers dozen or more of the most likely health benefits of this alga.

A Source of Good Nutrition

A large number of beneficial nutrients come in chlorella. However, these depend to an extent on the processing and cultivation of this superfood.

It contains 50-60% protein. And the protein in this superfood contains all nine essential amino acids to make it complete.

Chlorella supplies between 6-40% of the daily need for iron, depending on which supplement you take. And it contains vitamin C which helps the body absorb iron.

It also contains a wide variety of antioxidants, other vitamins, and minerals.

Three grams of this superfood provides 100 mg of Omega-3. Also, taken in large quantities it can become a good source of fiber.

Chlorella Assists in Detoxification by Binding to Heavy Metals

Chlorella is of great interest to many who suffer from Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS) and become exposed to heavy metals in the environment. These algae can help your body to detox.

Research shows its effectiveness in helping rid the body of heavy metals and in weakening toxicity caused by heavy metals in the brain, liver, and kidneys. This finding can bring great benefit to those who may suffer from dysfunction of the detoxification circuit of the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response mechanism. This mechanism will be discussed later in the article.

Chlorella Could Strengthen the Immune System

Studies report mixed results when this benefit undergoes research. For example, some show little to no effect while others indicate significant effects with some populations and ages.

Helps to Control Cholesterol

Research indicates the use of chlorella can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides when taking 5-10 grams per day. This research included people with high blood pressure and/or slight elevations in cholesterol.

The following factors in chlorella appear to influence cholesterol.

  • Fiber: considered a natural way to lower cholesterol.
  • Antioxidants: prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol that contributes to heart disease.
  • Niacin: a B vitamin that lowers cholesterol.
  • Carotenoids: naturally lower cholesterol.

Antioxidant Activity of Chlorella

The antioxidants found in this algae can fight the development of chronic illness conditions. Some of these antioxidants include lycopene, lutein, vitamin C, chlorophyll, and beta-carotene. Some inhibit the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), thought to promote the complications found in diabetes.

However, this research continues because of its preliminary nature.

Helps to Control Blood Pressure

Supplements containing these algae may benefit the health of the heart and kidneys, thus affecting blood pressure indirectly. Also, research findings support the effectiveness of chlorella in reducing blood pressure. Nutrients found in this algae may lie behind its effectiveness. These nutrients include potassium, calcium, arginine, and Omega-3s.

May Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Research indicates chlorella can help lower glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Insufficient research evidence exists to say definitively that these algae alone can help control blood sugar. However, when used in conjunction with other therapies, it appears very beneficial.

Chlorella May Help You Manage Respiratory Conditions

An image of a woman using an inhailerManaging serious respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma requires controlling inflammation. Chlorella contains substances such as antioxidants that work to decrease inflammation. However, to determine whether these algae do help in this way, more research must take place.

May Increase Aerobic Endurance

Thus far, researchers conducted only one study into the effectiveness of chlorella on aerobic endurance. The results showed significant improvement in the subjectsā€™ ability to saturate their lungs with oxygen. The branched-chain amino acid content of chlorella may provide the mechanism for this finding.

Potential Protection Against Dementia

A recent animal study reported chlorella to help prevent age-related mental decline in mice. The antioxidants in the algae likely played a major role in this finding. However, no research with humans has been conducted.

Chlorella May Help During Pregnancy

Research suggests the vitamin B12, iron, and folate contained in this algae may help control blood pressure in pregnant women. Above all, pregnant women should consult with their healthcare professionals before taking these algae.

May Help Fight BPA

A recent study showed chlorella to remove up to 90% of a xenoestrogen, bisphenol A (BPA) from laboratory culture. These xenoestrogens, often found in your water, plastics, and contaminated soil, potentially cause cancer when ingested.

Other Potential Health Benefits of Chlorella

Although a lack of research fails to support these claims, some other potential benefits have been reported.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids found in this algae, may help protect against macular degeneration.

Chlorella supplements appear to help improve markers of liver health in people suffering from liver disease. Research shows no benefits for healthy people.

Anecdotal evidence suggests chlorella helps with digestion and reduces bloating. However, no research results support this finding.

Other anecdotal evidence shows these algae relieves PMS symptoms. If true, it would likely come about as a result of the calcium and B vitamins in the algae.

How Do You Use Chlorella?

An image of a woman drinking a green smoothieNo specific dosage information exists for chlorella. Much of the reason for this lies in the lack of evidence regarding needed amounts for therapeutic results.

Studies found beneficial effects with as little as 1.2 grams per day. On the other hand, other studies used dosages of 5-10 grams per day to get beneficial results.

Most supplements recommend 2-3 grams per day as a dosage.

Available in powder form, chlorella can be sprinkled on salads, added to beverages, and included in baked goods to increase the nutritional value of these foods.

Chlorella and the Detoxification Circuit of the NEM

The NEM makes up your bodyā€™s natural stress-fighting mechanism. Consisting of six circuits of three organs or organ systems each, it kicks into gear when the adrenals become fatigued due to AFS and can no longer produce sufficient cortisol. Cortisol is a stress-fighting hormone with other roles as well.

The detoxification circuit of the NEM helps your body rid itself of toxins from various sources to keep your health optimal. This circuit contains the liver, extracellular matrix (ECM), and the immune system.

Metabolites, Reactive Metabolites, and RMO

Understanding how the Detoxification Circuit works and how it becomes dysfunctional requires knowledge of metabolites and reactive metabolites. Metabolites come into being as the by-products of any substance that enters your body. These substances break down in your body and leave behind metabolites. Toxic substances in particular must break down for the body to excrete them. When metabolites build up, they become toxic.

This buildup can occur when the amount of metabolites overwhelms the ability of the ECM to transport them to the liver and the liver becomes clogged with the volume. As these metabolites become toxic, the immune system works overtime to destroy them as threats to your body.

When you suffer from AFS, your ability to detoxify your body becomes weak. This weakened state adds to the overload felt by the detox circuit. The metabolites may not be processed and excreted fast enough. This leads to some of them becoming reactive, reacting with other substances in your body, and becoming toxic.

People who enjoy good health do not typically experience problems getting rid of these toxic metabolites. However, those with compromised health do experience problems.

This may result in reactive metabolite overload (RMO) and lead to dysfunction of the Detoxification Circuit. Liver congestion, ECM pollution, and a hyperactive immune system may result.

All of this adds to the stress already experienced by people with adrenal fatigue. It works to make their condition worse.

The potential for chlorella to help your body detox from heavy metals provides some relief for the dysfunctional detox circuit and relief from the internal stress of dealing with these toxins.

Risks, Side Effects, and Safety Issues with Chlorella

While chlorella appears to lead to a few side effects, some issues deserve consideration.

For example, chlorella works to strengthen the immune system. This may hamper the effectiveness of medications designed to inhibit immune responses.

Vitamin K works in the body to increase blood clotting. Chlorella contains high levels of vitamin K. This may work against medications such as Warfarin that decrease blood clotting. You should consult your healthcare professional regarding this possibility.

While the FDA recognizes chlorella as ā€˜generally safeā€™, you should keep these things in mind:

  • It does bring on nausea and abdominal discomfort in some people.
  • Supplements are not regulated by the U.S., so you canā€™t be certain what you get.
  • Several factors play a part in the nutrition content of the product you buy. Seek only reputable dealers.
  • If you take immune system medications or experience a compromised immune system, you probably should avoid these algae.

Viruses can affect different types of green algae, including chlorella. And these viruses may affect humans. Studies show memory and other cognitive function losses.

Some research shows endotoxin-like effects from chlorella. Endotoxins can increase the risk of developing inflammation.

Some reports of severe allergic reactions to chlorella have been experienced. For example, it may lead to asthma or other significant breathing problems.

Using chlorella can lead to your skin becoming extra sensitive to the sun. As a result, you should wear sunblock when you go outside.

A lack of reliable information regarding taking chlorella when pregnant or breastfeeding suggests you should stay away from it if you fall into these categories.

If you experience allergies to molds, these algae may increase that risk.

With a weak immune system, chlorella could enable ā€˜badā€™ bacteria to take over your digestive tract.

If you deal with an autoimmune condition, chlorellaā€™s effects on your immune system could cause their symptoms to worsen.

Final Word About Chlorella

An image of a green drink with chlorella fresh and powdered around the glassKnown as a superfood, chlorella appears to possess several health benefits. Although research into these benefits appears contradictory at times, sufficient positive findings exist to say this algae can benefit many people.

Certainly, those people suffering from a dysfunctional Detoxification Circuit can benefit from chlorella. It possesses properties that help your body detox from heavy metals that can invade your body from environmental sources. A supplement called Chloro BC combines the benefits of chlorella with ribonucleic acid (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), beta-carotene, vitamin B12, and iron. This combination is great when looking for a chlorella supplement because it supports various of the issues mentioned and more. Besides the benefits of chlorella, the added nutrients have the following benefits:

RNA: RNA promotes a quicker recovery after injury and provides digestive and cognitive support while slowing down the aging process.

DNA: Besides staving off the effects of aging, DNA also helps enhance mental and physical performance, aids in counteracting the signs of aging, boosts your sex drive, and may help in addressing depression.

Beta-Carotene: Because it quickly converts into vitamin A, the added beta-carotene plays a role in immune, skin, eye, and mucous membrane health.

Vitamin B12: This vitamin plays a role in the health of your blood, genetic material component, and nerve cells. It is also necessary to produce DNA in your body.

Iron: This metal is needed to produce hemoglobin, i.e., the protein found in red blood cells responsible for moving oxygen from your lungs to various parts of your body, as well as myoglobin, the protein responsible for supplying your muscles with oxygen. Furthermore, it also plays a role in the production of certain hormones.

On a note of caution, do remember that there are safety concerns about the use of a chlorella supplement with regards to possible interactions with certain medications. Please talk to your healthcare provider before considering a supplement.

Conclusion

If you are planning to start using chlorella, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  1. Consult with your healthcare professional before starting these algae.
  2. Find out about any current illness conditions or autoimmune conditions you have.
  3. Seek out only reputable dealers from whom to buy chlorella.
  4. Be aware of the risks, possible drug interactions, and safety concerns.
  5. If you suffer from AFS, reduce your overall stress as much as possible before starting this supplement.

Whatever you choose to do, please do so with the guidance of your healthcare professional. He or she can help you with the potential benefits and appropriate dosages of this supplement.

If you would like to know more about or need help with chlorella as a supplement, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free** no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234 where we will privately discuss your symptoms and various options. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.

Ā© Copyright 2021 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Lamā€™s Key Question

Research shows promise for chlorella to be quite useful in removing heavy metals from your body. This can help your natural detox mechanisms when they get slowed down by metabolites. It is especially helpful for those who suffer from AFS and have an impaired immune function.

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