Chlorella for Detox

by Vorst Canada May 03, 2022

chlorella for detox

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

Chlorella is considered a superfood that supports natural detoxification in the body. The benefits of chlorella for detox are gaining increasing interest over recent years due to its incredible ability to remove harmful toxins such as heavy metals and pollutants from the body.

In this article, we’ll discuss what chlorella is, its nutritional facts, and the benefits of chlorella for detox along with how to use it and possible side effects. But before we get into the properties of chlorella for detox, it’s worth knowing why we need to detox and what are the signs and symptoms of toxin overloads in the body. So, let’s get started.

Why do we need to detox?
Symptoms of toxin overloads in the body
What is chlorella?
Nutritional facts of chlorella
Benefits of chlorella for detox
How to use chlorella
Precautions and side effects
Final words

Why do we need to detox?

The human body is exposed to a wide variety of toxins such as heavy metals through lifestyle, food, and various environmental factors like pollution. There is a dedicated system in the human body known as the excretory system that deals with the harmful chemicals and waste materials that should be flushed out regularly.

Modern-day lifestyle is overloaded with harmful chemicals and toxins. Though the excretory system is well designed to eliminate toxins quickly and effectively from the body, it’s working overtime and often becoming compromised due to modern-day toxic overload.

As a result, toxins aren’t properly removed and deposited in the body which gradually leads to various health issues ranging from chronic illness to serious organ damage. In this situation, the human body requires extra support to detox. Studies suggest chlorella has the ability to bind toxic substances and flush them out from the body before they are absorbed.

Symptoms of toxin overloads in the body

Signs and symptoms of toxin overloads widely vary depending on the type of overwhelming toxins, lifestyle, and immune responses. However, here are some of the most common symptoms you should be aware of to know whether you’re suffering from toxicity.

Symptoms of toxicity include, but aren’t limited to:

Digestive problems
Migraines and headaches
Insomnia or sleep issues
Pain in joints
Extreme fatigue
Water retention
Sinus congestion
Skin issues such as psoriasis or eczema
Bloating
Acne
Cravings
Frequent changes in moods
Unwanted weight gain
Anxiety, irritability, and depression

What is chlorella?

Chlorella is a single-celled nutrient-dense green alga that grows in freshwater and is very similar to saltwater algae spirulina. Though there are more than 30 different species of chlorella, only two - Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlorella vulgaris - are most commonly studied in nutrition.

Chlorella has a hard cell wall that the human body cannot break down which is why people must consume it as supplements only after the cell wall is removed or pulverized.

Chlorella is available in tablets, capsules, or powder forms and you can add it to your favorite juices, smoothies, savory recipes or you can take it directly as a dietary supplement. With its loaded nutrient compounds, chlorella shows many health benefits.

Nutritional facts of chlorella

Chlorella is packed with many nutrients such as proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and various healthy fats including omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. But the actual nutrient compounds of chlorella supplements vary depending on the species used and their growing and processing techniques and how supplements are prepared.

Chlorella is a great source of:

Protein
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1 or thiamine
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin
Vitamin B3 or niacin
Vitamin B9 or folate
Vitamin B12 or cobalamin
Lutein
Iron
Zinc
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Chlorophyll
Calcium
Vitamin D
Omega 3 fats
Omega 6 fats
Vitamin C
Fiber

Benefits of chlorella for detox

Studies have found that chlorella can help flush out heavy metals and harmful toxins from the body. It can bind to these toxic substances and help remove them from the system before they are absorbed into the body.

In a 2015 animal study published in the Nutrients, researchers concluded that dietary supplementation with chlorella can reduce cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) toxicity in people with risk of these heavy metals exposure and these dietary strategies can be used in the prevention and alleviation of cadmium and lead toxicity.

Moreover, chlorella has been found to be effective in lowering harmful chemicals that are often entered into the body through diet. Dioxin is one of the most common harmful chemicals that’s found in foods. When entered into the body, dioxin can disrupt hormone levels and affect the immune response in the body.

A 2007 clinical trial published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that supplementing with chlorella can reduce dioxin levels and enhance the immune response by increasing immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in the body.

Based on multiple studies, it seems that chlorella has an incredible ability to improve the body’s natural detox process and can help clear toxins naturally.

How to use chlorella

Dosages of chlorella widely vary depending on the active compounds of the supplements and health conditions. In general, dosages range from 1 gram to 3 grams per day which have been used in most research.

Precautions and side effects

Chlorella is considered generally safe for most people. A few rare side effects might show up in some people. They may include abdominal discomfort and nausea. But these side effects aren’t common for all.

People with allergies to algae should avoid taking chlorella. Chlorella may interact with certain medications such as immunosuppressants and blood thinners.

It’s recommended to consult with a licensed naturopathic healthcare provider before taking chlorella especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for any underlying health conditions.

Final words

Chlorella is one of the most nutritious algae that delivers a range of nutrients including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The effectiveness of chlorella for detoxing the body from heavy metals and harmful toxins has been substantiated by research.

However, like with any supplements, ask your healthcare provider before starting chlorella supplements for detox.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Chlorella with Spirulina and Matcha.

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