Chlorella is a tiny, single-celled green algae that contains a plentiful amount of chlorophyll, the compound responsible for giving plants their vibrant green color. It grows in fresh water and is also called sun chlorella, Chinese chlorella and green algae. Chlorella is composed of 58 percent protein, along with all the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and amino acids. Chlorella has a tough cell wall, so it must be processed in order to make its nutrients available.
Step 1
Consult your doctor about using chlorella. Your doctor can assess your need for taking it. Not all of chlorella's uses have been backed up by scientific research. Chlorella is used for fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diverticulitis, some cancers and to cleanse the blood and liver.
Step 2
Decide which form you want to use. Chlorella supplements are available as a powder, liquid, tablet, capsule and softgel. Chlorella may also be found in combination with other dietary supplements, including spirulina, wheat grass and barley grass.
Step 3
Use chlorella supplement from a reputable manufacturer. Chlorella is classified as a food substance by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore is not stringently tested for safety and efficacy. Purchase your chlorella from a well-known vitamin or health food shop. This also pertains to purchasing chlorella supplements online.
Step 4
Read the label on the supplement bottle. You want to be sure to get the proper strain of chlorella. The two strains used most often in dietary supplements are Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlorella vulgaris. Any additional ingredients will also be listed on the product label.
Step 5
Use chlorella exactly as directed. The product label will give detailed instructions on how to use this supplement. There is no standard dose established for the use of chlorella. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center states that 10 g of chlorella daily was found to be effective in alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia, while altMD suggests 3 g daily for general use. Ask your doctor about the dose that is right for you.
Step 6
Understand that there may be side effects associated with the use of chlorella. It's possible to have an allergic reaction to chlorella, especially if you are allergic to iodine; the symptoms include rash, difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth. Call your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to chlorella. Other side effects include sensitivity to sunlight, gas, bloating, stomach cramps and green-colored stools.
Step 7
Inform your doctor of all your medications and supplements. Chlorella should not be taken with blood thinners or immunosupressant drugs. You should not take chlorella if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have an immune disorder, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Second Edition"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- altMD: Chlorella
- American Cancer Society: Chlorella
- RxList: Chlorella
- Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
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