Side Effects of a Spirulina Detox
The plant-like organism spirulina is purported to be useful as a detox agent and for treating many health conditions. A type of cyanobacteria, spirulina appears to be safe to take even in high doses, as long as you get it from a reputable supplier, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. You should use natural remedies only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Uses
Spirulina has a high concentration of protein, iron and other minerals, and it also contains vitamins. Spirulina is promoted as useful not only for detoxing but also for losing weight and relieving stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue. It is also claimed to improve attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, cholesterol levels, diabetes, digestion, hay fever, immune system function, memory and premenstrual syndrome, notes MedlinePlus, a website provided by the National Library of Medicine. However, research is lacking, and there is insufficient evidence as to whether spirulina is effective for any health benefits, according to MedlinePlus.
- Spirulina has a high concentration of protein, iron and other minerals, and it also contains vitamins.
- Spirulina is promoted as useful not only for detoxing but also for losing weight and relieving stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue.
Detox
Spirulina Pros & Cons
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Mainstream medicine generally does not view dietary detoxing as necessary or beneficial, but the practice is supported in alternative health circles. Some reasons spirulina is claimed to be a good detox agent are offered at the website Disabled World. The pigment chlorophyll is claimed to be good for detoxification, as is the bioavailability of iron in this substance. In addition, although low in calories, spirulina provides vital nutrients during detoxification.
- Mainstream medicine generally does not view dietary detoxing as necessary or beneficial, but the practice is supported in alternative health circles.
- The pigment chlorophyll is claimed to be good for detoxification, as is the bioavailability of iron in this substance.
Considerations
While some supplement manufacturers grow spirulina under controlled conditions, others collect them from natural settings. Spirulina that grows in natural settings may be contaminated with bacteria, toxins called microcystins and heavy metals. Contaminated products are unsafe and can result in stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, rapid heartbeat, liver damage, shock and even death. MedlinePlus notes that you should only use products that have been tested and determined to be free of these contaminants.
- While some supplement manufacturers grow spirulina under controlled conditions, others collect them from natural settings.
- Spirulina that grows in natural settings may be contaminated with bacteria, toxins called microcystins and heavy metals.
Immune System Effects
Spirulina Side Effects
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If spirulina works as claimed, it could stimulate the immune system. If you have an autoimmune disorder, you may be considering a detox regimen for potential benefits, but people with autoimmune disorders should not consume spirulina, according to MedlinePlus. Examples of autoimmune disorders include lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Consuming immune-boosting substances can worsen symptoms and decrease the effectiveness of medications that treat these conditions.
- If spirulina works as claimed, it could stimulate the immune system.
- If you have an autoimmune disorder, you may be considering a detox regimen for potential benefits, but people with autoimmune disorders should not consume spirulina, according to MedlinePlus.
Phenylketonuria
Spirulina is rich in proteins, which are made up of amino acids, including phenylalanine. If you have a rare condition known as phenylketonuria that prevents you from metabolizing phenylalanine, avoid consuming spirulina, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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References
- MedlinePlus; Blue-Green Algae
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Spirulina; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
- University of California Museum of Paleontology: Cyanobacteria
- Park HJ, Lee YJ, Ryu HK, Kim MH, Chung HW, Kim WY. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of spirulina in elderly Koreans. Ann Nutr Metab. 2008;52(4):322-8. doi:10.1159/000151486
- Man LX. Complementary and alternative medicine for allergic rhinitis. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009 17(3):226-31. doi:10.1097/MOO.0b013e3283295791
- Cingi C, Conk-Dalay M, Cakli H, Bal C. The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 265(10):1219-23. doi:10.1007/s00405-008-0642-8
- Lee EH, Park JE, Choi YJ, Huh KB, Kim WY. A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Nutr Res Pract. 2008 2(4):295-300. doi:10.4162/nrp.2008.2.4.295
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- Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP, et al. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformis. Nutr Cancer. 1995;24(2):197-202. doi:10.1080/01635589509514407
- Torres-duran PV, Ferreira-hermosillo A, Juarez-oropeza MA. Antihyperlipemic and antihypertensive effects of Spirulina maxima in an open sample of Mexican population: a preliminary report. Lipids Health Dis. 2007;6:33. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-6-33
- U. V. Mani, S. Desai & U. Iyer (2000) Studies on the Long-Term Effect of Spirulina Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile and Glycated Proteins in NIDDM Patients. Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional & Medical Foods, 2:3, 25-32. doi:10.1300/J133v02n03_03
- Miczke A, Szulińska M, Hansdorfer-Korzon R, et al. Effects of spirulina consumption on body weight, blood pressure, and endothelial function in overweight hypertensive Caucasians: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2016;20(1):150-6.
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Shelley Moore is a journalist and award-winning short-story writer. She specializes in writing about personal development, health, careers and personal finance. Moore has been published in "Family Circle" magazine and the "Milwaukee Sentinel" newspaper, along with numerous other national and regional magazines, daily and weekly newspapers and corporate publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology.