Spirulina is a good source of vitamin B, iron and protein and is found in abundance in large fresh and salt water bodies. Aside from learning the various uses of Spirulina, we will be highlighting on the different Spirulina side effects. The increasingly wide use of Spirulina in the treatment of various ailments has resulted in its overgrowing cultivation across the world. This has given rise, to a lot of options for people around the world and has changed our concept of nutritious diets.
What is Spirulina?
It is a type of blue-green algae that is generally found to occur in groups in the salt water bodies of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Spirulina is rich in vitamin B, iron and certain type of dietary proteins. It is basically a supplement used in foods. Two different pieces of Cyanobacteria namely Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima are primarily used in its manufacture. It can also be taken as a whole food and not necessarily as a dietary supplement. This food supplement is primarily available in the form of tablets, powder and flakes. Places like poultries and aquariums also find Spirulina as a substance of major utility.
- Side Effects of Spirulina
Does Spirulina work?
It is being used a lot for the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, and hay fever. Spirulina also proves very effective in preventing weight loss, fatigue and serious instances of stress. Being a type of blue-green algae, Spirulina is rich in minerals. Further, it doesn’t require land for the cultivating purposes, which means that a lot of fertile land is saved anyway. The high protein content of around 60% found in this supplement speaks highly of its nutritional value. Overall, using Spirulina as a part of diet will give you reasons enough to call yourself a part of a green life. As with most types of algae, large groups of Spirulina act as a very effective carbon sink. Thus Spirulina helps us fight global warming to a large extent. The following paragraph discusses the Spirulina side effects.
Side Effects of Spirulina
In a previous post, I have spoken about side effects of Reglan. The most important thing that needs to be made sure is, if the Spirulina that you are consuming is contaminated or not. Contaminated Spirulina may cause severe liver damage due to the presence of microcystins and other harmful bacteria. The high toxicity levels of some metals found in the contaminated form of this alga may prove quite damaging to the liver. Children are mostly vulnerable to contaminated form of Spirulina. Liver damage, nausea, stomach troubles, abnormal heart rate, weakness, thirst, and shock are some of contaminated Spirulina side effects. If ignored, the contaminated Spirulina side effects may also prove fatal; one should be very careful before making it a part of their diet.
In the next post, I will talk about side effects of Suboxone.
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