Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by achy pain that affects multiple muscles, including the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders and upper chest. Other symptoms include fatigue, insomnia and headaches. An estimated 5 million Americans were suffering from fibromyalgia in 2005, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on preliminary studies, chlorella may provide some relief of symptoms of fibromyalgia. If you have been diagnosed with this condition and are considering taking chlorella, first talk to your doctor.
About Chlorella
Chlorella is a green-blue algae that grows in fresh water. It contains significant amounts of proteins and chlorophyll, as well as several minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and fats, according to RxList.com.
Research
Supplementation with chlorella in patients with fibromyalgia has been evaluated in clinical studies. For example, a study published in the May 2000 issue of "Phytotheraphy Research" assessed the benefits of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in 20 participants suffering from moderate to severe fibromyalgia who consumed either 10 g or 100 ml of chlorella daily for two months. The authors found a decrease in pain by 22 percent and concluded that chlorella helps decrease pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Another study featured in the May 2001 issue of "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" indicates that chlorella may relieve symptoms and improve quality of life and bodily functions in a few medical conditions, including fibromyalgia. The University of Maryland Medical Center also reports that chlorella may possibly be a beneficial natural therapy for fibromyalgia, although further research is warranted to confirm these findings.
Safety
Chlorella is generally considered as a safe and well-tolerated supplement. In rare cases, side effects such as loose bowels, nausea, stomach pain and excessive gas may occur, especially when at the beginning of the treatment. In order to avoid these symptoms, you can start with one-quarter of the recommended daily dose of chlorella for two or three days, then slowly increase your intake. Chlorella may increase your sensitivity to sunlight, especially if you are light-skinned. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid this supplement. Chlorella may interact with certain conventional drugs like immunosuppressants and blood thinners, according to RxList.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care professional to find out the optimal dosage of chlorella to help your condition. Keep in mind that chllorella does not replace and should not be used to replace any standard drugs prescribed for fibromyalgia. Chlorella is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia or any other medical condition.
References
- RxList.com: Chlorella
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis-Related Statistics
- "Phytotheraphy Research"; Nutritional Supplementation With Chlorella Pyrenoidosa for Patients With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: a Pilot Study; R. Merchant et al.; May 2000
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; A Review of Recent Clinical Trials of the Nutritional Supplement Chlorella Pyrenoidosa in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia, Hypertension and Ulcerative Colitis; R. Merchant et al.; May 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
