Article at a glance:
- Increased exposure to heavy metal toxins is one of the costs of living in modern society. It’s everywhere — from the air we breathe to the food we eat and even the things that make our life more palatable and enjoyable.
- As a result, there is an increased toxic burden on the body. Heavy metal toxins can compromise our body’s ability to function optimally, making us more susceptible to serious and chronic diseases.
- Thankfully, we can rely on chlorella to detoxify heavy metals from the body. It provides incredible detox power, along with many other chlorella benefits.
Have you been dealing with many health concerns, such as nausea, fatigue, irritability, acne, allergies, or weight gain? If so, it might be time to consider a chlorella detox. Though these symptoms seem minor, they may point to a bigger problem: heavy metal toxicity. Thankfully, this mighty green superfood can help rid the body of heavy metal toxins that may compromise your immune function and overall health.
Does Chlorella Detox the Body?
Chlorella is known for its many excellent health benefits, including the ability to detoxify heavy metals and other toxins in the body. This is because chlorella is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support the body’s natural detoxification process.
Compared to other microalgae nutritional supplements like spirulina powder, the chlorella plant has unique properties contributing to its fantastic detox capabilities. Chlorella detox benefits include binding to heavy metal toxins, cleansing the liver, and supporting optimal gut health.
Is Chlorella a Toxin Binder?
Chlorella detox benefits are largely due to the microalgae’s ability to bind with heavy metals and other toxins. According to scientific literature, this can be attributed to the following components:
Adhesive Cell Wall
A major component of chlorella’s detox power is its rigid cell wall. Add to that, chlorella’s cell wall also has unique adhesive properties that allow it to bind with heavy metal toxins like cadmium, mercury, and lead.
Researchers found that chlorella’s cell wall — comprised of carbohydrates, polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids — has negatively charged metal-binding functional groups at the surface. In the presence of positively charged metal ions, chlorella binds with these toxins and then removes them from the body.
Chlorophyll
Chlorella has the highest chlorophyll concentration compared to other known Earth plants. This is essential since chlorophyll in itself is already a potent detoxifying agent capable of binding with heavy metals and other toxic compounds.
In addition, chlorophyll may also improve oxidative stress tolerance. Heavy metals are known to generate free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage.
Metal-Binding Peptides and Polysaccharides
Chlorella contains metal-binding peptides — specifically metallothionein (MT) and phytochelatin (PC), which help prevent heavy metal toxicity. They function by chelating heavy metals and stopping them from generating damage-causing reactive oxygen species.
Chlorella also has polysaccharides like alginic acid, which binds with heavy metals like lead and mercury. Alginates help prevent the absorption of heavy metals. Instead, they facilitate their excretion from the body.
As such, these metal-binding compounds are essential in detoxifying excess heavy metals to ensure optimal concentrations in the body.
Does Chlorella Detox the Liver?
An unhealthy liver cannot effectively transform heavy metal toxins into less harmful substances (Phase II enzymes) and excrete them from the body. Instead, heavy metals are further stored in tissues and recirculated throughout the body, which may lead to serious health issues. Specifically, heavy metal exposure is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other liver diseases.
Chlorella’s nutritional profile can help support liver detoxification. Chlorella is rich in beta carotene, flavonoids, and phenols, which help maintain the oxidative/antioxidative balance in the liver. Chlorella is also packed with B vitamins, vitamin C, amino acids, iron, selenium, and many other nutrients that play a role in the liver detoxification process.
According to studies, chlorella also exhibits hepatoprotective properties. A meta-analysis found that chlorella supplementation may help reduce liver enzymes associated with oxidative damage. Among participants with NAFLD, those taking chlorella vulgaris supplements saw a significant reduction in their serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. ALT and AST are serum biomarkers for liver disease.
One of the benefits of taking chlorella for detox is helping the liver to filter heavy metals and other toxins more efficiently. In addition, it may also protect against liver disease caused by oxidative damage.
Does Chlorella Clean the Gut?
The gut is also essential to our body’s natural detoxification process. It is responsible for eliminating waste products — including heavy metal toxins — from the human body.
However, constipation and other issues with the gastrointestinal tract can make waste products move slowly through the large intestine. This means you are exposed to heavy metal toxins for much longer, and there is an increased risk of heavy metals escaping into the bloodstream.
Thankfully, chlorella can help clean the gut and promote optimal gut health. This is thanks to a nutrient-dense profile that includes:
- Fiber – Promotes stool formation and movement through the gut
- Essential Fatty Acids – Increases healthy gut bacteria; Helps reduce gut inflammation
- Vitamins A and E – Strengthens intestinal barrier function
- Vitamin C – Promotes gastric motility; Helps relieve constipation
- Vitamin D – Helps regulate gastrointestinal inflammation
- B Complex – Ensures proper digestion for energy production
- Magnesium – Draws water to intestines to promote peristaltic movement; Helps soften stool
- Chlorophyll – Eliminates toxins; Increases healthy gut bacteria; Promotes bowel movements
Does Chlorella Detox Heavy Metals?
Numerous scientific studies have recorded Chlorella’s ability to detox heavy metals. In an experimental investigation, chlorella removed 37% of copper, 34% of chromium, and 56% of lead in a heavy metal concentration after 4 days. After 8 days, removal rates were 43%, 43%, and 69%, respectively. By day 12, chlorella could remove 67%, 50%, and 77%, respectively. The study also observed a 93% reduction in cadmium after 12 days. Such findings prove that taking chlorella for detox may be effective, especially after exposure to heavy metal toxins.
What Heavy Metals Can Chlorella Get Rid Of?
Chlorella’s role in heavy metal detoxification can be seen in the following studies:
Cadmium
We can get exposed to cadmium through the food and drinks we consume and the air we breathe. Smokers are particularly vulnerable due to high levels of cadmium in tobacco or cigarette smoke.
According to researchers, cadmium has a high affinity to metallothionein (metal-binding protein) found in chlorella. They bind with cadmium to prevent absorption and accumulation in the body, which could otherwise cause dysfunction or cancer in the liver, kidney, blood, and bones.
In an animal study, rats were exposed to 160 ppm of cadmium in their diet. They were also treated with either 0%, 3%, or 5% chlorella vulgaris powder. After 10 weeks, rats showed higher cadmium concentrations in their small intestine, blood, liver, and kidney. However, the chlorella treatment groups had significantly lower cadmium concentrations in their blood and kidney. They also had increased fecal cadmium excretions.
Mercury
Dental fillings are the most common source of mercury exposure, alongside eating seafood with high mercury content. Researchers say chlorella supplementation may be a promising protocol for reducing heavy metal toxicity from mercury fillings.
In a study involving patients with long-term titanium implants or amalgam fillings, those who were supplemented with chlorella for 90 days were observed to have decreased mercury and tin levels in their hair samples. They were also noted to have increased Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD-1) activity, which may indicate greater antioxidant effects for patients in the chlorella treatment group.
Lead
Chlorella’s heavy metal chelating effects also appear to be effective against lead exposure. In animal studies, mice were given 50 mg/kg of chlorella vulgaris and drinking water with 1300 ppm of lead acetate for 10 days. Those in the chlorella group showed significant reductions in lead levels in their blood and tissues.
These results are promising since lead toxicity has been associated with chronic health problems like high blood pressure and hypertension, degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, and death.
Other Metals
Though more studies are needed, chlorella’s heavy metal detoxification capabilities may also be effective for removing other metals like aluminum, nickel, copper, and arsenic.
What Toxins Does Chlorella Remove?
Apart from heavy metal removal, chlorella’s detox benefits may also be effective for other toxins, including:
Dioxin
Dioxin exposure from contaminated food or environmental pollution can cause cancer and other serious diseases. Thankfully, studies show that chlorella supplementation may help remove dioxins from the body.
In an animal study, rats fed a 10% chlorella diet had significantly higher dioxin excretions than the placebo group. Given the developmental risks of dioxin exposure, chlorella’s ability to remove toxins is especially important for pregnant women. Pregnant women who took 6 g of chlorella pyrenoidosa supplements daily from weeks 16-20 of gestation until delivery were observed to have significantly lower dioxin levels.
This also translated to reduced dioxin transfer through breast milk. Given the benefits of chlorella in strengthening the immune system, chlorella supplements also increase IgA levels in breast milk, which can help protect nursing infants from infections.
HCA and PAH
We are also exposed to carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with meat consumption.
Researchers found that chlorella can form stable bonds with HCAs, halting them from continuing their carcinogenic reactions. The chlorophyll in chlorella also appears to act as an interceptor molecule, and this helps stave off the absorption of carcinogens like HCA and PAH.
Pesticides
According to studies, chlorella is also capable of pesticide detoxification. The blue-green algae had high removal percentages for pesticide concentrations with atrazine, pendimethalin, molinate, dimethoate, and carbofuran. Chlorella also appears to have the ability to degrade herbicides and metabolize insecticides.
Does Chlorella Detox Mold?
A study by the John Hopkins School of Public Health found that chlorophyllin can help remove aflatoxins and other toxic compounds produced by molds. Aflatoxins, in particular, are carcinogenic and associated with liver cancer and cancers in other organs.
Participants who received 100 mg of chlorophyllin three times a day for four months showed a 55% reduction in aflatoxin-induced DNA damage compared to the control group. This was attributed to chlorophyllin’s ability to block the absorption of toxins and carcinogens in the body. Based on these findings, taking supplements with chlorophyll — such as chlorella — may help detoxify the harmful substances from molds.
What Are the Other Benefits of Chlorella Supplements?
Apart from removing heavy metal toxins from the body, chlorella’s detox benefits include being healthier and feeling more energetic. A chlorella detox may also help improve mental well-being. Without the toxic burden, you may also start to feel happier and more relaxed.
As a powerhouse superfood, chlorella contains essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, phytochemicals, and other nutrients needed for good health.
Other amazing chlorella benefits include:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Lowering and maintaining blood pressure to prevent heart disease
- Lowering cholesterol levels to keep heart problems at bay
- Lowering blood sugar
- Enhancing aerobic endurance
- Facilitating weight loss
- Protecting against age-related macular degeneration
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Chlorella Should I Take a Day to Detox?
The recommended chlorella detox dosage is 3 to 6 grams daily for healthy individuals. This will provide a gentle detox and remove heavy metals from the body. Meanwhile, those with long-term heavy metal exposure may benefit from a higher dosage of up to 20 grams.
Since human bodies react differently to chlorella products, you may want to consult your healthcare provider regarding the ideal chlorella detox dosage based on your specific health requirements. This is even more essential for those with pre-existing health conditions and/or those who may be taking medications like blood thinners.
How Long Does It Take to Detox with Chlorella?
A chlorella detox may take up to three months. However, those with heavy metal accumulation may start to detox within a few days of taking chlorella. This will also depend on your chlorella detox dosage. The higher the dosage, the stronger the detox effects.
What Are the Symptoms of a Chlorella Detox?
Chlorella detox side effects are similar to what you may experience when first introducing chlorella to your system. This includes:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Green-colored stool
- Allergies
- Sun sensitivity
While these side effects may be uncomfortable, these symptoms may also indicate that detoxification has begun. You can always reduce your initial dosage if the symptoms are too much. Start with a lower dosage for a gentler detox and then gradually increase the dosage as your body builds tolerance. If there are adverse side effects, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
How Long Do Chlorella Detox Symptoms Last?
Chlorella detox symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. This will depend on your chlorella dosage, how much heavy metals have accumulated, and how your body can tolerate chlorella powder or tablets. Rest assured that these detox symptoms will go away, and you’ll be left with the wonderful health benefits of taking chlorella for detoxification.
How Often to Detox with Chlorella?
If you’re taking chlorella for detox, we recommend having short-term supplementation about once or twice a year that can last up to 45 days than doing those 7-day detoxes.
Unlock the Power of a Chlorella Detox Today!
As you can see, the power of a chlorella detox is backed up by scientific evidence. To experience all these chlorella detox benefits, make sure that you’re choosing a high-quality chlorella supplement.
Not all chlorella is made equally. How it is cultivated, harvested, and processed will impact the bioavailability of this blue-green algae. You can opt for Taiwan-sourced chlorella as they are known to undergo strict quality control and have certified manufacturing processes. This gives you peace of mind knowing that stored toxins will be no match for the amazing detox capabilities of your chlorella supplement.
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