When my children were little, they had chronic health problems. It didn’t take long to realize mainstream medicine didn’t have the answers. In fact, the regular doctors couldn’t even figure out what was wrong with my youngest, despite the fact he was losing weight, had chronic wheezing, and had also developed sickly looking dark circles underneath his eyes.
This horrible experience led me on a quest to find natural alternatives. We visited homeopaths, chiropractors and other holistic-minded practitioners. Soon, I realized we’d have better luck just focusing on improving my children’s health. It took years. I cooked special meals with low-allergy foods. They took an assortment of homeopathic remedies. Sometimes, they took herbal remedies.
Blue Green Algae Uses and Benefits
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One of the few things we didn’t try was blue green algae, a nutritional powerhouse that’s been safely consumed around the world for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Now, I”m wondering why.
Later, I developed my own health problems. Blue green algae in the form of spirulina was one of the remedies I tried. It did seem to help my chronic nerve pain. So, at times I rotated it into my diet. One thing I’ve learned is not to take the same remedy too many days in a row. Switching remedies around seems to work better, at least for me.
Is Blue Green Algae Good for Your Health?
The blue green algae that’s bottled and sold as a dietary supplement is a type of cyanobacteria, typically grown under controlled conditions. The kind of algae I used is known as spirulina. This also grows naturally in various parts of the world, including Central American and Africa. It’s long been used as a food source.
I decided to add natural spirulina to my growing list of natural remedies, which I use periodically to naturally treat my chronic nerve pain, without drugs. It’s believed spirulina contains natural compounds that help block excess inflammation. It’s also rich in B-complex vitamins, which are good for the nervous system. Unfortunately, we tend to burn through B-complex vitamins when we’re under stress. (Nowadays, most of us seem to be under some sort of stress.)
I do need to point out that I’m not a doctor. I can’t give medical advice, and I need to be very careful about claiming that any natural remedy can help a specific condition. So I limit the discussion to sharing my own experiences. Spirulina did help my energy level and it seemed to relieve my pain. I take it periodically, along with a lot of other natural supplements.
Blue Green Algae Is It Good for You?
There are not a lot of studies that point us to the definitive health benefits of spirulina and other types of blue green algae. The little research we do have, though, is encouraging. Ironically, one of my favorite sources of natural health information is the University of Maryland Medical Center. That’s because it has an open-minded view of alternative approaches. It’s website has a post on spirulina. Various potential benefits are noted. These include:
- Spirulina is rich in trace minerals, including manganese, copper and zinc. It also contains gamma linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid we need for optimum health.
- In laboratory tests, it appears as if spirulina can help boost immunity. It may also have compounds that naturally fight cancer, and allergic reactions too, by blocking histamines, which cause allergy symptoms.
- Among other benefits, spirulina may also protect against liver damage.
The UMMC website also warned its readers to get spirulina from a trusted supplier. That’s because of the possibility of contamination from toxins.
Blue Green Algae Spirulina Benefits
There are a lot of companies selling spirulina. So I did some research. I also tried a generic brand and it had a terrible taste and smell. From what I understand, spirulina is very efficient at absorbing toxins. (That’s also one of its potential health benefits.) So I wanted to make sure I got my spirulina from a good source.
So I settled on Earthrise Spirulina. This is grown in California, in an inland area away from pollutants. It also did not have the disgusting fishy smell that made me stop taking the previous brand. (I really couldn’t stomach it.) Actually, Earthrise Spirulina powder had a very pleasant taste. I mixed it with water in the morning, and took it for a jolt of natural, caffeine free energy. Later, I switched to spirulina tablets, just because it was easier. (When you’re in a hurry, seconds count.)
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use dietary supplements unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
