Many studies show that the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, chlorophyll and other substances in chlorella, a single-celled fresh water green algae, helps to detoxify the body. But it has been proven that it is the tough fibrous material in the outer shell that actually binds with toxins and carries them out of the body.
It is often included as part of a detox program to help remove heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead, and pesticides, such as PCB’s, and dioxins that accumulate in our bodies causing many health problems.
Most manufacturers break down the thick cell wall mechanically or chemically to make it more digestible and absorbable. New technology that uses sound waves to crack the hard wall claims to be best method as it preserves the vital nutrients inside.
A few people find they get some intestinal discomfort when taking chlorella and they probably lack the enzyme cellulase that would help digest the fibrous cell wall. Cellulase can be taken as a supplement which could help if
you have this problem.
Chlorella Growth Factor
There are a number of different types of chlorella but Chlorella Pyreneidosa is considered the best for toxin absorption although it is harder to digest. Chlorella Vulgaris is higher in Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) but has less metal absorbing capacity. CGF is a phytonutrient that stimulates tissue repair and healing.
Some researchers believe that aging is due to the increased breakdown of RNA and DNA , the genetic blueprint of the body. CGF contains RNA and DNA which can provide the building blocks for repair of our own genetic
Dr. Klinghardt who is is probably the foremost authority on the subject of heavy metals detoxification in the world says that “Chlorella growth factor helps the body detoxify itself in a yet not understood profound way. It appears that over millions of years chlorella has developed specific detoxifying proteins and peptides for every existing toxic metal.”
Chlorella is often combined with cilantro (coriander/Chinese parsley) as according to Dr Klinghard it can release toxic metals better from the nervous system and bones. In fact it can release more toxins than it can absorb so chlorella is used to bind with them and take them out of the body in the stools.
Healing powers of Chlorophyll
Chlorella contains over 12% chlorophyll, the largest amount in any plant gram for gram. Chlorophyll is the substance that makes plants green and photosynthesis possible – the process by which plants use the energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water to glucose. The chemical structure of chlorophyll is very similar to the “heme” of hemoglobin in human blood. The only difference in the two is that chlorophyll has the mineral magnesium at its center and heme has iron in its center.
From studies in Japan where the interest in chlorella has focused mainly on its detoxifying abilities it seems that the detoxification effects are due to both the chlorophyll content and the substances in the cell walls. Chlorophyll carries carries oxygen which rapidly improves blood oxygenation and helps cleanse the body It’s ability to bind to and remove toxic heavy metals such as mercury makes it an extremely useful health.
Chlorella can be used as a colon detox. The cell wall material stimulates peristalsis, the wave like contractions of the colon, and it promotes the growth of the good intestinal bacteria.
Chlorella as a food
The famous American Naturapath Bernard Jensen is quoted as saying ” I know that chlorella is a food and not a medicine. We must realize, however, that the reason so many scientists are putting in so much time and effort
into investigation chlorella and CGF is because there is already a great deal of proof that that Chlorella and CGF even in relatively small amounts stimulate growth, tissue repair and healing to an extent not previously found in any other food.
How Much Chlorella Should I Take For Detoxification?
If you take 5 – 7 grams a day you should notice significant changes in your energy and overall health. It’s best to start off with a much smaller dose and build up gradually as you could initially get mild diarrhea or bowel discomfort such as gas or bloating. Your body should adapt and you can gradually build up the dose.
Take it divided into 3 or 4 doses before meals and at bedtime. The chlorophyll will make your stools go green so if they don’t you are not taking enough!
3 – 5 grams a day is a maintenance dose. You may not notice significant changes but your body should benefit from the nutrients and a slow gradual detox.
To fight disease 10 – 15 grams a day is a better amount. People fighting cancer have been known to take 20 grams a day.
Side effects from the detox of metals can be reduced by increasing the dose. The detox reactions come from the release of more toxins than the chlorella can bind so more is better not worse.
Chlorella comes in various forms from tiny tablets, capsules, powder to liquid forms often combined with other detoxifying substances. Taking the above amounts may mean taking a handful of tiny tablets.
Which chlorella should I take?
Many inferior brands of chlorella sold on the internet have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals and pesticides that seep into the water it is grown in. Be sure to find one that is guaranteed free of these pollutants.
It should be free of fillers, binders, coatings and preservatives. After all it is a natural food.
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger recommends Kyoto Chlorella and Dr Mercola promotes one under his own label which is highly digestible and free from fillers and binders. Personally I prefer HMD’s Organic Chlorella which is grown in the pristine mountains of Japan and comes with a certificate to prove it is truly clean.
To get the best from using chlorella you should take it for 6 – 12 months and follow a good healthy diet high in fresh green vegetables, some fresh fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds and free range grass fed meat if you are not a vegetarian.