Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and fear. However, anxiety disorders, which involve a prolonged, abnormal stress response, can cause a significant impact on your well-being and overall functioning. While a number of treatments can help anxiety, certain natural remedies, such as chlorella, may also provide benefits. Consult your doctor before using dietary supplements.
About Anxiety
Anxiety involves the activation of your body's fight-or-flight response, which helps you to mobilize for action during times of fear or stress. However, anxiety disorders involve constant, persistent feelings of anxiety, stress and worry. You may experience a feeling of being constantly under attack, even if there is no discernible threat or stressor. Sometimes, exposure to chronic stress or trauma can cause anxiety disorders. Other times, a lack of sleep, poor diet and an imbalance of certain mood-regulating chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, can cause prolonged feelings of anxiety. Certain dietary supplements, such as chlorella, are believed to have a beneficial impact on anxiety and stress, because it may help increase production of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin, according to author R.A.S. Hemat in his book, "Principles of Orthomolecularism." Unfortunately, there's not much scientific evidence to support this claim.
Chlorella Facts
Chlorella is a single-celled algae that grows in fresh water and is available as a commercially prepared dietary supplement. It contains a number of beneficial nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B complex and carotenoids, which are substances that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that fight the cell-damaging effects of free radicals, or damaging substances that occur in toxins like cigarette smoke. According to the American Cancer Society, proponents of chlorella's benefits believe it can help fight cancer, fight infections and promote healing, although there is no clinical evidence to support these effects. Additionally, in their book, "Prescription for Natural Healing," Dr. James Balch and naturopathic doctors Mark Stengler and Robin Balch state that chlorella can assist with detoxification and energy production. Limited research shows that chlorella may help alleviate anxiety, although these studies were mostly performed on patients suffering from other concurrent medical disorders.
Clinical Evidence
A clinical review, published in the May-June 2001 issue of the peer-reviewed integrative medical journal "Alternative Therapies," showed that chlorella supplementation promoted a significant reduction in levels of anxiety in patients suffering from hypertension. A study published in 2000 in the journal "Phytotherapy Research," a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal about medicinal plant research, showed that chlorella produced noticeable benefits for improving symptoms of nervousness and mood in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, there are no clinical studies evaluating the effect of chlorella on anxiety symptoms in the general population.
Considerations
While chlorella may have some impact on symptoms of anxiety, you should never rely on dietary supplements as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Do not attempt to self-diagnose any symptoms you may be experiencing. Anxiety can often become worse if not properly treated. Inform your doctor if you plan to use chlorella.
References
- "Principles of Orthomolecularism"; R.A.S. Hemat; 2003
- American Cancer Society: Chlorella
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James Balch, M.D., et al.; 2011
- "Alternative Therapies"; 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-June 2001
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Nutritional Supplementation With Chlorella Pyrenoidosa for Patients With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Pilot Study; R. Merchant, et al.; 2000
