How to Do a Heavy Metal Detox Using Chlorella?
Curious about adding chlorella to your heavy metal detox protocol? Find out everything you need to know about this detoxifying supplement right here!
Chlorella is a fantastic supplement to add to your heavy metal detox protocol.
Why? Because, in addition to its ability to bind to heavy metals, chlorella also contains a lot of important vitamins and minerals that could help your body during the detox process.
In this article, we will talk about the amazing health benefits of chlorella and show you how to incorporate chlorella in your diet to detox heavy metals from your body.
What is a Heavy Metal Detox?
Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and aluminum, accumulate in the body over time.
This can cause heavy metal poisoning – a condition that arises when excessive exposure to heavy metals affects the normal functioning of the body.
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can vary depending on the metal involved, the amount absorbed, and the age of a person.
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Chronic exposure to heavy metals can result in permanent damage to organs and may increase the risk of cancer.
A heavy metal detox aims to get rid of heavy metal poisoning symptoms and reduce the potential long-term effects of heavy metal exposure.
Who Needs a Heavy Metal Detox?
Heavy metal poisoning can result from both from sudden, severe exposure to heavy metals, and from chronic exposure over time.
The latter scenario is very common – and very dangerous.
Chronic exposure to heavy metals can occur through diet, medications, or our environment.
This means that almost every single one of us has been exposed to heavy metals in some capacity.
For example, did you know that mercury is still found in many common household objects, such as batteries, lightbulbs, and cosmetics?
And that lead is used in not only paints and pigments, but also jewelry, toys, and pharmaceuticals?
If you are experiencing symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, chances are, you have been exposed to heavy metals – and are in need of a detox.
You should ask your doctor for a blood test to determine the severity of heavy metal poisoning and decide on the appropriate detox method.
How Chlorella Can Help You Detox Heavy Metals
There are a few different methods you can use to detox your body from heavy metals.
One of the simplest, least invasive ways is by incorporating detoxifying herbs and supplements, such as chlorella, into your diet.
What is chlorella?
Chlorella is a type of fresh-water algae which, in the last decade, has gained significant attention as a potential adsorbent of heavy metals.
Chlorella also boasts many other health benefits that may help your body during the detox process.
It is a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids, and a great source of vitamins B12, iron, and omega-3s.
It also contains powerful antioxidants such as chlorophyll, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein.
Some studies have found chlorella to enhance the immune response and lower blood pressure.
Is it effective?
Chlorella has been proven effective at removing heavy metals from the body in multiple animal studies.
Algae, including chlorella, has been found to weaken heavy metal toxicity in the liver, brain, and kidneys.
However, if you are a victim of severe exposure, for example, due to unsafe workplace conditions, you may want to consider other detox methods such as chelation therapy.
Is it safe?
Chlorella is generally considered safe.
However, some people have experienced nausea and abdominal discomfort while using chlorella.
Consult with your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms and/or are allergic to other algae.
How to Do a Heavy Metal Detox Using Chlorella
Chlorella has a hard cellwall that humans cannot digest, which means you must take it in the form of supplements.
Chlorella supplements are available in tablet, capsule, powder, and extract form.
You can choose the form that suits your lifestyle the best.
Start out slowly and work your way up to taking 2-5 grams of chlorella per day.
For example, if you are using standard 300mg chlorella tablets, start with 1-2 tablets per day and work your way up to 10-15 tablets.
Take chlorella before meals, with a large glass of water.
Avoid taking them at the same time as your medication (for example, birth control pills).
If you are using chlorella powder in cooking, add 1-3 teaspoons of it at the very end of cooking in order to prevent the breakdown of vitamins and minerals.
Potential Side Effects
During the first week of your detox, you may experience standard detox symptoms exhaustion, irritability, achiness, diarrhea, rashes, and sweats.
If the symptoms persist after the first week, or if you are experiencing nausea or abdominal pain, consult with your doctor immediately.
Final Thoughts
Taking chlorella supplements is one of the easiest, least invasive ways to detox your body from heavy metals.
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Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, “Heavy metal poisoning,” April 27, 2017., World Health Organization, “Mercury and Health,” March 31, 2017., World Health Organization, “Lead Poisoning and Health,” August 23, 2019., Scientific World Journal, “Chelation: harnessing and enhancing heavy metal detoxification–a review,” April 18, 2013., Nutrition Journal, “Beneficial immunostimulatory effect of short-term Chlorella supplementation: enhancement of natural killer cell activity and early inflammatory response (randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial),” July 31, 2012., Clinical and Experimental Hypertension Journal, “Anti-hypertensive effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-rich Chlorella on high-normal blood pressure and borderline hypertension in a placebo-controlled double-blind study,” September 9, 2009., International Immunopharmacology Journal, “Protective effects of Chlorella Vulgaris in lead-exposed mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes,” June 2003., The Journal of Toxicological Sciences, “The enhanced elimination of tissue methylmercury in Parachlorella beijerinckii-fed mice,” January 2011., Nutrients, “Dietary strategies for the treatment of cadmium and lead toxicity,” Jan 14, 2015., Canadian Medical Association Journal, “Safety and immunoenhancing effect of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement in healthy adults undergoing influenza vaccination: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,” July 22, 2003., Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, “Morphology, composition, production, processing, and applications of Chlorella Vulgaris: A review,” July 2014.
In addition to its ability to bind to heavy metals, chlorella also contains a lot of important vitamins and minerals that could help your body during the detox process.
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