Chlorella Side Effects
Chlorella is one of the most popular super foods in the health food industry. A green algae that grows in freshwater, Chlorella is a single celled plant that is known to have impressive nutritional properties. Chlorella side effects are few and the benefits are many. The name chlorella is derived from the Greek word chloros, which means “green” and ella, meaning “small.”
Chlorella as a whole food supplement is available in different forms. The most common are tablet and liquid. It is also commonly found in blends of green foods formulas and additives, capsules, powders, granules and liquids. It is a common additive at smoothie bars and in health food nutrition bars. These products generally us a commercial process in the preparation of the Chlorella that breaks down the cell walls to make it more digestible.
Chlorella contains an impressive amount of nutrients that make it an important super food. It is a significant source of chlorophyll, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, nucleic acids and many minerals. Most importantly, it is composed of many key amino acids that the body cannot manufacture itself, as well as Vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, thiamin, riboflavin, zinc, calcium and iodine.
There are few known Chlorella side effects. These can include digestive upset when chlorella is first introduced into the diet, but this generally passes over time. A small percentage of people may experience some initial chlorella side effects like symptoms of fatigue, most likely due to detoxification occurring from the natural antioxidant properties of chlorella. Another one of the chlorella side effects is that people may notice a green coloring to their stools.
Uses of Chlorella
Chlorella is recommended as a nutritional support for those undergoing conventional cancer treatments. With its concentrated chlorophyll and nutrient content, it supports more effective detoxification for the cellular waste generated by cancer treatments. Taking up to 20g of chlorella daily may help people with brain tumors better tolerate chemotherapy and radiation.
Chlorella is a helpful supplement for use in overall nutrition and detoxification for those suffering from fatigue. It compliments other nutrients and enhances their effects for treating fatigue. Chlorella is a food based supplement, which makes it much better tolerated by those who have trouble tolerating energy enhancing supplements.
Those with Fibromyalgia, which is a chronic and painful condition of the muscles and tendons that leaves the sufferer feeling tender and bruised, have found that chlorella can be effective in relieving symptoms. A dosage of just 10g per day of chlorella tablets were found to have much benefit and help in relieving the symptoms on Fibromyalgia.
Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory condition that involves ulceration of the gut mucosa of the colon and rectum. One study that looked at chlorella supplementation with 10g tablets for people with ulcerative colitis found that they reported significantly less inflammation. The decrease in stool frequency was also significant. The patients in the study also reported a higher quality of life while taking the chlorella supplements.
Many strict vegetarians rely upon chlorella and other algae for protein and vitamin B12 intake, based on the fact that the alga contains molecules similar to the B-complex nutrient and that it can help elevate the levels of the vitamin in the bloodstream. Studies are inconclusive, however, as to whether chlorella is a reliable source of protein.
For general health, most people can simply take one teaspoon of powered chlorella per day. Larger doses may be necessary for degenerative conditions, but should only be undertaken after consulting your physician. Chlorella is best introduced by starting out with lower doses and increasing the amount each day over time to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms that can sometimes be reported. The intestinal tract requires time to become accustomed to chlorella to avoid any chlorella side effects.