You mentioned “spirulina”
in a recent column as a supplement to help boost thyroid hormone.I’ve never heard of this, is it a
vitamin?What else is it good for? --T.E.
Chicago, Illinois
Answer:Spirulina is supercool, and it’s a
superfood.It’s actually algae that
grows in our oceans, springs and lakes. If you viewed it with a microscope you
would see beautiful bright blue-green spirals, for which it is named.Spirulina is a single-cell organism that is
capable of turning sunlight into energy, and it has been on earth for
eons.There are very good commercial
products sold nationwide, and you’ll find capsules, tablets and powders for
convenience. Mine comes from closely monitored, organic cultivation ponds in
Hawaii.When my children were little,
Iused to sneak Hawaiian spirulina into
their fruit smoothies and soup.Hey,
what they don’t know might help them.
Spirulina is a superfood
because it has tons of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. It’s food,
people of many cultures actually eat a version of it.Spirulina is a great source of vegetable
protein and what makes it even more amazing is the detoxifying chlorophyll (the
green pigment in plants). Chlorophyll
eliminates body odor and cleans out the digestive tract. Because spirulina
packs this kind of a punch, I think it is a good supplement for everyone,
especially those of you who do not eat a lot of fruits and veggies. Spirulina
could be of benefit to you if you have:
·Chronic fatigue or
anemia:It sparks energy because it
contains many B vitamins which form ATP, an energy molecule.The mineral content is great for energy, as
well as nail and hair growth.It makes
my nails grow like crazy.
·Hypothyroidism,
Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease:Spirulina contains thyroid-supporting minerals like iodine, and the
amino acid tyrosine, which together make up one form of thyroid hormone.
·Vision loss:Spirulina is chock-full of carotenoids, which
support eye health; good brands have dramatically higher amounts of beta
carotene compared to carrots, gram per gram.
·Frequent infections:Numerous well-designed clinical trials have
concluded that blue-green algae has anti-viral activity, possibly against
herpes and HIV.
·Pollen, hayfever, and/or
mold allergies: Spirulina appears to block the production of interleukin-4, -a
nasty chemical produced in our bodies that sparks some of the misery.
·Heart problems: Spirulina
is also widely researched and has shown cardioprotective properties.
·Neuropathicpain or heavy metal burdens (lead, mercury,
arsenic):Spirulina is a chelator and
might help rid the body of these toxins
·Type 2 diabetes:Spirulina protects the pancreas and
insulin-producing cellsso it might be
able to help prevent or reverse diabetes, how phenomenal is that!
Reader Alert:
Zicam Nasal Gel and Swabs
may be pulled off the shelves soon, because it could be linked to permanent
loss of smell.Lozenges and oral
supplements are still considered safe.
This information is not intended to treat, cure or
diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of \"The 24-Hour
Pharmacist.\" For more information visit www.DearPharmacist.com