Article at a glance:
- While there’s no known cure yet for fibromyalgia syndrome, chlorella supplement may help relieve symptoms of this chronic disease.
- Chlorella is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, giving it anti-inflammatory properties that may improve chronic pain.
- The popular green alga has also shown incredible antioxidant activity that may enhance immune functions and boost stamina, which could improve fatigue symptoms.
Millions of people suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome, although scientists have yet to determine what causes this serious chronic illness. That also means fibromyalgia patients will have to live through it by managing fibromyalgia symptoms because there’s no cure for it yet.
The good thing is nutritional supplementation is among other natural remedies that may help reduce pain and improve symptoms. Here, we will cover — with research-backed claims and answer the question, how is chlorella good for fibromyalgia?
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia, sometimes referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a chronic disorder that causes widespread pain or tenderness all over the body. It’s also known to cause chronic fatigue and issues with sleep and mental health.
Fibromyalgia patients also tend to be more sensitive to pain. Another well-known symptom is “fibro fog” because patients may experience cognitive challenges that affect concentration and memory.
Patients with fibromyalgia may also experience stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, and hypersensitivity.
What Causes It?
To this day, the main cause of fibromyalgia syndrome remains unknown. But scientists have found evidence linking this chronic illness to changes in how neural signals for pain are transmitted in patients with the disorder. These changes could also explain why this disorder is often experienced with disrupted sleep cycles, cognitive problems, and chronic fatigue.
There are also theories suggesting that sudden increases or imbalances in certain brain chemicals trigger fibromyalgia syndrome. Some patients may develop fibromyalgia following physical traumatic incidents (i.e., injuries and accidents) or long-term mental stress.
Several factors may also increase a person’s risk of getting fibromyalgia syndrome. These risk factors include genetics, age, and infections. Patients with mood disorders, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis also have a higher risk of suffering from this chronic illness.
Is Chlorella Good for Fibromyalgia?
Chlorella has been recognized as one of the most nutritious superfoods for decades. It is naturally packed with tons of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, healthy fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins, and carotenoids like beta-carotene.
Studies have shown how chlorella supplementation can benefit different treatment approaches for chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia syndrome. There is available scientific literature that has tried to answer the question: is chlorella good for fibromyalgia? While researchers still have a long way to go before concluding that consuming a chlorella supplement can be used as a treatment, results from previous research have been promising.
How Does Chlorella Help With Fibromyalgia?
Chlorella is one of the richest sources of chlorophyll, and a 2022 scientific review noted that this pigment is a likely component that gives chlorella its potential as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Many of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals found in chlorella may help improve the quality of life of fibromyalgia patients. Evidence suggests that dietary chlorella supplementation has been found to treat fibromyalgia symptoms like chronic fatigue and pain.
Chlorella for Chronic Pain and Tenderness
Chronic pain, muscle pain and tenderness, and higher pain sensitivity are some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia. And the positive effects of this algae supplement are one of the reasons why chlorella is good for fibromyalgia.
A 2000 study, where participants consumed 10 grams of tablets of Chlorella pyrenoidosa and 100 ml of liquid Chlorella extract every day for two months, measured tender point index to see if chlorella supplementation has positive effects on fibromyalgia-related pain. The trial found that dietary chlorella supplementation helped reduce pain intensity by 22% in fibromyalgia patients.
Similar promising results were observed in a subsequent clinical study with 43 fibromyalgia patients who took 50 tablets of chlorella and 100ml liquid chlorella extract daily for three months. The study measured how the participants responded to chlorella supplementation, specifically how it affected various fibromyalgia symptoms like sleep disturbances, muscle pain, and fatigue. Scientists noted a significant improvement in quality of life, indicating that chlorella supplementation may help treat fibromyalgia symptoms.
Another study analyzed the effect of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses like hypertension and ulcerative colitis. Patients who consumed 10 grams of pure chlorella tablets and 100 ml of liquid with chlorella extract daily for 2 to 3 months. It concluded that dietary chlorella supplementation could potentially help relieve symptoms of these conditions.
Participants experienced improvements in immune functions, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and wound healing.
Does chlorella reduce inflammation?
Supplementing chlorella for reducing inflammation has also been analyzed, including one study using a murine model that indicated it might inhibit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Chlorella for Chronic Fatigue
First, it’s worth noting that chronic fatigue is a long-term disease of its own called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It’s often associated with fibromyalgia because this musculoskeletal disorder is commonly experienced with persistent fatigue.
Is chlorella good for chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia have similarities, too, such as having no clear causes and no existing cure. It is also commonly managed with lifestyle changes and natural approaches, including taking supplements like chlorella for chronic fatigue.
But does chlorella help with chronic fatigue? Several clinical studies with human participants indicate that chlorella dietary supplements may be able to provide relief to symptoms of chronic fatigue.
A 2018 study observed healthy male individuals taking 6 grams of chlorella daily for four weeks. Scientists concluded that chlorella consumption might improve fatigue management, especially in resting conditions.
Taking chlorella may also help reduce physical fatigue because of the vitamins and minerals present in the algae superfood.
Studies have shown that supplementation of B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium may facilitate fatigue recovery, enhance physical and cognitive functions, and relieve muscle pain and fatigue.
Can I Get Rid of Fibromyalgia Naturally?
Without a definitive answer to what causes fibromyalgia, it’s unsurprising that there is no known cure for it yet. However, there are various ways to manage fibromyalgia symptoms.
Taking chlorella for fibromyalgia is just one of the excellent options that may help relieve symptoms naturally. There are various ways to do so, including lifestyle changes, mind and body therapies, and different dietary supplements.
Lifestyle Changes: Diet and Exercise
Aerobic and low-intensity exercises might not seem like the best suggestion for anyone experiencing fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. But adding physical activities is often suggested and may reduce pain, increase energy, and help with sleep quality.
Fibromyalgia patients are also often advised to consume more vegetables, fiber, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Common diet recommendations also include reducing the intake of trans fats and refined foods.
Mind-Body Therapies
These refer to techniques that may improve how the mind and body interact to enhance physical body functions and promote relaxation.
Mind and body practices range from simple relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga to therapies that trained individuals perform, such as body massage and acupuncture.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also a commonly recommended mind-body therapy. A 2022 study found that a combination of yoga and CBT can help reduce the severity of symptoms in fibromyalgia patients.
Herbs and Dietary Supplements
Incorporating supplements into your diet to boost your intake of essential nutrients is one great way to manage fibromyalgia symptoms naturally.
The same goes for consuming a herbal supplement, which could be done by drinking tea, taking natural supplements in a tablet or capsule, and using topical applications.
Consuming herbs and nutritional supplements may help alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms. They also mostly come from natural sources, so they are generally safe to take.
Always consult your doctor first before taking a herbal supplement and starting alternative therapies, especially if you’re taking medications for fibromyalgia. Some of them may interact with drugs taken to manage pain, sleep disturbance, and mood issues associated with the disorder.
What Herbs Are Best for Fibromyalgia?
- Astragalus has anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease fatigue, although it might affect the immune functions of patients with autoimmune diseases.
- Panax ginseng may help boost stamina and enhance mental clarity.
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants and may enhance the immune system. Opt for non-caffeine variants so they won’t alter your sleep cycles.
- St. John’s Wort may help manage symptoms of mood disorders, although it could interact with some medications like antidepressants.
- Turmeric may help reduce inflammation but could increase the effect of blood-thinning drugs.
What Supplements Are Best for Fibromyalgia?
- Chlorella, specifically supplements made with Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Several clinical studies that administered chlorella to fibromyalgia patients found that the algae supplement helped ease several symptoms.
- Melatonin is typically taken as a sleep aid.
- Vitamin D supplementation may help with pain management.
- Magnesium may help reduce fatigue, tenderness, and other symptoms.
- Probiotics promote gastrointestinal and immune health.
- Multivitamin supplements contain antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like magnesium, selenium, calcium, and zinc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Grams of Chlorella Can You Take a Day?
The standard daily dose for chlorella supplementation in adults is 2 to 3 grams, but others take higher doses (up to 10 grams daily) for short-term consumption. You can also take as low as 1 gram daily if it’s your first time taking chlorella dietary supplements.
Can You Take Chlorella if You Have Fibromyalgia?
Chlorella supplements are known to be generally safe in most adults, even those managing chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia. However, it’s best to always consult your doctor before adding chlorella to your dietary intake.
Who Should Avoid Chlorella?
No known severe adverse effects and toxicities are linked to short-term chlorella consumption. But people taking certain drugs, like blood medications, may have to avoid these dietary supplements for potential drug interactions.
The general rule is if you’re taking maintenance medications, always make sure to ask your doctor if it’s safe to take them with a chlorella tablet or chlorella powder daily.
Should You Take Chlorella for Fibromyalgia?
We’re fortunate to live in a time when plenty of natural remedies are available and may help reduce symptoms for illnesses that don’t have a definitive cure yet — like fibromyalgia. Thankfully, many complementary and alternative therapies have been subjected to research and clinical trials and demonstrated promising effects to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms.
Supplementing with chlorella is one of the natural remedies that showed great promise in helping fibromyalgia patients manage chronic pain, tenderness, fatigue, and other symptoms in not just one but several clinical trials.
Many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, and fatty acids that may be difficult to include in our daily diet can be found in chlorella supplements. Hence, it will be beneficial in achieving optimal health, whether or not you’re living with fibromyalgia.
Ensure you get your chlorella tablets and chlorella powder from a trusted brand offering safe, organic, and pure chlorella products.
Don’t forget to ask your healthcare provider how to incorporate chlorella supplements into your diet.
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