There are a variety of nutritional supplements on the market for consumers to pick from, which could help cleanse toxins from the body or provide other health benefits. Spirulina is one supplement that can do both. This micro-algae can bring a lot of positive health benefits to anyone who takes it.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is actually algae that is found in saltwater. It is turned to powder and sold pure or made into supplements. It is also a common ingredient in top health foods and drinks and has become of the most sought after wholefood supplements of late. For years it has been ingested by people in other parts of the world and only recently has so much interest been focused on it, thanks to the numerous health benefits it offers.
High in protein, vitamins and minerals of many kinds, spirulina is also renowned for its content of the B-group vitamins, and especially vitamin B12. This particular vitamin is crucial to vegetarians and vegans because it mainly comes from animal products, which they obviously do not eat. In a world where we are also advised to limit our consumption of red meat, it is also a recommended supplement to allow the individual to get the right amount of protein in their diet without increasing health risks. Aside from the above benefits, it also contains calcium, potassium and several other minerals. For those who suffer from anemia or follow a vegan diet, it is a great way to boost their iron levels which could be low due to the diet restrictions. Spirulina is also a great way to ensure you are getting the necessary nutrients that will result in a balanced diet. Because of the B-group vitamins it contains, it is recommended for individuals who are stressed, as well.
Spirulina hosts a variety of health benefits, like helping to increase energy and relieve fatigue, it has the ability to cleanse the blood, to boost the immune system and help the digestive system function better. As a nutritional supplement, it is easy to take spirulina in its powder form, simply sprinkled on hot foods, salads, or in smoothies and other drinks.
Using Spirulina to Detox
Detoxification is important for the body because it gives it the opportunity to remove dangerous toxins from within. This can be done with spirulina because it has so many detoxifying agents. By using it, you will not only benefit from removing toxins, but also by nourishing your body with vitamins and minerals that are essential. Some people will take it on a daily basis in order to maintain their bodies in top shape, while removing any toxins through their better functioning digestive system. During detoxification, some will increase their dosages, so to speak, and later returned to normal use for regular maintenance.
Heavy metal toxins may also be found in the body, and spirulina can help to get rid of them. Examples of these heavy metals include mercury which can come from dental fillings or eating contaminated fish, cadmium and arsenic which come from our drinking water and numerous others that can be a direct result of environmental pollutants and industrial waste. These metals remain within the body and can lead to serious health issues. They can be as minor as frequent headaches and chronic fatigue, but also as serious as Parkinson's disease. The spirulina and chlorella in combination help to eliminate these metals from the blood, ensuring that they are passed out through bowel movements. The reason that spirulina can do this is because of its detoxifying substance that is known as chlorophyll a, which happens to be a very strong blood cleanser.
A Healthy Digestive Track With Spirulina
Of late, you may have heard of probiotics and how helpful they are to a healthy digestive system. In fact, they are making their way into a variety of foods like yogurt, for instance. That said, spirulina also contains such probiotics, to keep the good bacteria in check within the justice system. As it is known to stimulate the digestive system, it may also help to relieve constipation, bloating, and other problems, and promote regularity with regards to bowel movements. Probiotics have also been proven to increase immunity to gastrointestinal viruses, thereby helping to reduce the risk of contracting the stomach flu.
How to Take Spirulina
Spirulina in comes in both capsule and powder form. In powder form, its color is either blue-green or dark green. As mentioned above, it may already be in some of the wholefood supplements you may already be taking, or in any natural health drinks that you enjoy. Whatever the case, it is easily digestible and absorbed by the body quickly, providing the individual with an instantaneous boost of energy. Obviously, this brings its own set of positive points, making it a great part of any breakfast. As it can be added to a smoothie or a glass of juice, it can make a terrific and quick breakfast on the run. Such drinks with the supplement can also be enjoyed as an afternoon snack, rather than having something unhealthy.
Spirulina is a supplement that can be taken even in large doses, and it is still considered to be safe. In smaller doses, it is used specifically as a means to supplement a diet. Although it has many health benefits and it may entice you to take it in full dosages from the start, it is wiser to gradually build it up over the course of a few weeks. This way, your body will adapt accordingly. The amount you decide to take is a personal choice and it requires the individual to try to figure out the ideal dose. Do not fear to take spirulina in combination with chlorella in larger doses, when you are undergoing a heavy metal detoxification. However, for daily use and the best health benefits that it can bring, use it sparingly on the foods that you eat, simply by sprinkling a bit on top of them each day.