Benefits of Chlorella

One of the best resources available today to help your body naturally fight environmental toxicity is a whole-food based oral supplement called chlorella.  When chlorella is taken into your body, it binds to heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides found in your digestive tract, which is your body’s first line of defense for your immune system.  Also, unlike other detoxifiers, chlorella avoids removing essential elements like calcium and magnesium, and will only bind to the toxic elements to aid in removing them from the body.

Uses

Chlorella is now used as an adjunct supplement during radiation treatment for cancer. Its abundance of chlorophyll is known to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation.¹ Chlorella is sometimes considered better than taking a multiple vitamin, especially in pregnant women as a resource of natural folate, vitamin B-12 and iron.³  Studies show that chlorella increases serum albumin levels.  Without adequate levels of albumin, vital organs such as kidneys and liver cannot do their jobs as well, and the immune system cannot function as effectively.  More than 20 vitamins and minerals are found in chlorella, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, pro-vitamin A, vitamins C, B1, B2, B2, B5, B6, B12, E and K, biotin, inositol, folic acid, plus vitamins C, E and K.²

Research

There has been multiple research studies that prove chlorella not only aids in detoxification, but also is supports the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant.  A study published in the journal Nutrition in 2010 showed that chlorella’s high antioxidant content is a real health benefit for those who smoke. Because smoking is known to cause cell damage, the researchers found that, among smokers taking chlorella, levels of the antioxidants vitamin C and Vitamin E went up 44.4 percent and 15.7 percent.⁴  Another study, published in Nutrition Journal in 2012, confirmed that chlorella also boosts immune by increasing natural killer cell activity (a type of white blood cell part of the immune system) by 127 percent while also increasing gamma interferon activity (a type of protein that regulates nearly all phases of immune and inflammatory responses) increased 53.3 percent!⁴

Chlorella has also been shown to reduce the type of cells that make up adipose (fat) tissue which can aid in the reduction of weight loss.  Studies show that supplementing with chlorella can induce the breakdown of cells that increase the synthesis and accumulation of triglycerides, blood glucose regulation, and may prevent insulin resistance.^5,6 

Did you know that body fat accumulates 10 to 100 times more toxins than your blood?  Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy weight.  Sure, taking supplements such as chlorella to increase your digestion and improve your immune system is part of a weight loss plan, but a healthy diet rich in lean meats, vegetables, and fruit along with an exercise routine is just as important.  For more tips on weight loss see our “Weight Loss” newsletter.

Choosing your Chlorella supplements

Chlorella is completely indigestible by humans. We simply do not have the enzymes to break down its cell wall because of its tough outer cell wall.  Therefore, when choosing a supplement make sure you choose broken cell wall or cracked cell wall chlorella.  Other ingredients that help aid in detoxification are turmeric, citronella, ginger, milk thistle, and spirulina to just name a few.

How to find out what you need

Everyone’s body reacts to heavy toxic metals differently.  There are many factors that weigh in on how well your body is able to get rid of them naturally.  The only way to tell exactly what you are being exposed to and how well you are eliminating it would be to test.  However, more importantly is what is NOT being excreted. Just because a toxic element is not coming out via hair or urine does not mean you have not been exposed to that toxic element. It can indicate one has an inability to excrete the toxic element which can lead to many symptoms.  A comprehensive blood panel and tissue mineral analysis will provide an experienced nutritionist ability to guide you on what exactly your body needs to reach optimal health.  At times, it may be necessary to “purge” or “chelate” using a provoking agent such as DMSA, to remove heavy metals from the system.  Testing is done prior in order to analyze one’s excretion rates.

Combining the blood work with the toxic element testing gives you the best overall picture and plan of action for your health.