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Claudine Phillips
The living superfood Chlorella has been around for centuries, yet seems to be the new “remedy” for detoxification of heavy metals like lead and mercury. It is also an immune booster, has been shown to increase overall energy, and supports autoimmune disease recovery. Who doesn’t want all of that?!
Chlorella was introduced to my life when looking for the best way to detox heavy metals from my system. In order to recover from any autoimmune disease, you must detox your environment, your food, and your body from ongoing toxicities. I hate to even admit that I had amalgam fillings for over 35 years, but I am grateful that they are gone and now have the peace of mind that those mercury vapors are no longer being released each time I chew!
What is Chlorella?
This superfood is a relatively unknown algae that is available in the U.S. and is grown mainly in Japan and Taiwan.(2) Often times, it gets confused with a sister algae Spirulina. Chlorella is a green algae, where Spirulina in more blue-green. Sourced from a single-celled freshwater algae called Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella is different from Spirulina since Spirulina is a multi-cell algea. Ten times more chlorophyll than Spirulina, Chlorella can also bind to metals, unlike Spirulina. In order for humans to digest Chlorella, it must be processed in a way that the cell walls are broken down down.
It is made in many forms such as powder, tablets, and liquid extracts. These extracts contain what we call “chlorella growth factor,” which is described as a water-soluble extract of chlorella packed with nutrient dense amino acids, antioxidants E and C, beta carotene, proteins, chlorophyl, magnesium, and B vitamins to name a few. All of which may aide in the benefit of your overall health.(2)
“Chlorella has 10 times more chlorophyll than Spirulina and it binds to metals,
unlike Spirulina.”
What are the health benefits of Chlorella?
- Fight infection
- Repair cell damage
- Line and protect gut
- Bind to heavy metals
- Prevent asthma attacks
- Increase B-12 levels
- Soothe stomach ulcers
- Relieve IBS
- Relieve PMS
- Decrease brain fog
- Reduce bad breath
- Decrease cardiac risk factors
- Fight cancer
Can I have have too much Chlorella?
If you are looking to take chlorella for detox purposes, make sure you go slow. We are not in a sprint. You want to take your time and prevent a herxheimer reaction. In saying this, if you experience nausea, stomach cramping, gas, and green bowls, pull back and allow a week to pass before increasing your dose. I started with 1/4 tsp of Chlorella two times a day and am at 1 tsp two times a day. I usually take a shot of it in the morning before my 12 ounces of water.
Are there any dangers to ingesting Chlorella?
Adverse reactions may occure when consuming Chlorella. If you experience any of these, please consult your Functional Medicine Practitioner or physician immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- New allergies
- Sunburns
- Autoimmune or weakened immune symptoms increase
And please avoid chlorella if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have mold allergies, taking anticoagulant meds, have iodine sensitivity, and already have high levels of iron.
What are the best sources of Chlorella?
Make sure when you purchase chlorella that it is labeled as broken cell wall chlorella (so it can be digested). Also, so there are no additives, buy organic. Last, make sure it has been tested and harvested from pure sources, as its structure can be affected by polluted water and the algae itself may retain environmental toxins. Begin slow, pay attention to your body, and always be working with a health professional. Here are a few that I have seen work in my own diet as well as in others:
Although Chlorella has been around for centuries, and some of us are relatively new to it, it is essential to incorporate if we are embarking on a daily detoxification process. This immune booster can also have long lasting effects to healing the gut and curing asthma. But most of all, many people experience a boost in welcome energy.
Sources
I am Claudine Phillips, a Registered Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist who in recovery from Hashimotos Thyroiditis and other autoimmune diseases. I journal, vlog, and podcast my experiences to help you find your healing as well. I termed the phrase #wholisticgreatness to embrace mental, physical, and spiritual health in order to achieve complete recovery. I share my research and protocols to provide inspiration, tactics, and strategies so that you, too, achieve the best life you could image! Is that you? Then let’s do this! I can be found speaking locally and nationally, journalling and vloging my research and protocols on this site, and connecting with you on my podcast The Claudine Phillips Show and on all the socials at @claudinephillips. I can’t wait to connect!