In modern society, most people do not get all the nutrients necessary for health from food. It is because of this that many diseases appear. In such cases, it is recommended to take various dietary supplements. Especially useful are preparations based on natural ingredients, such as algae. They contain many essential trace elements and nutrients that are not found in ordinary food. The most popular dietary supplement is Spirulina. The instruction describes the drug as a source of essential amino acids and vitamins. “Spirulina” effectively removes harmful substances from the body and strengthens the immune system, therefore this supplement is useful to everyone not only in the treatment of various diseases, but also for their prevention.
general characteristics
Spirulina is a Chinese brown algae supplement. It is a small, unicellular plant rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Under natural conditions, spirulina lives in fresh waters of Africa and South America. But because of its medicinal properties, this blue-green algae is grown artificially in many countries. It has a spiral shape, for which it got its name. Spirulina is most often regarded as a source of iodine. But in its composition a unique substance was found that slows down the growth of cancerous tumors, as well as a large number of other useful trace elements. Therefore, spirulina has long been used in various pathologies as part of complex treatment and is used as a dietary supplement.
Now on sale you can find many preparations containing this algae: tinctures, chips, powder, capsules. But most often spirulina is used in tablets. The instruction recommends taking this drug for the treatment and prevention of various diseases, but only as directed by a doctor. Tablets and capsules are chosen in such cases most often because of the specific taste and smell of the algae. But some people enjoy crispy chips or add seasoning powder to various dishes.
What is included in the algae
The instruction to Spirulina explains its unique healing properties with a unique composition. After all, this algae is the richest source of complete digestible vegetable protein. It consists of 70% of it. Moreover, unlike animal products, this protein has no cholesterol, few calories, but a lot of essential amino acids. Spirulina contains lysine, methionine, glycine, glutamic acid, tryptophan, cysteine, arginine and others.
In addition, the following beneficial trace elements are included in this algae:
- many vitamins of group B, as well as A and E;
- minerals necessary for health - iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium;
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids;
- chlorophyll;
- phycocyanin - a substance with antitumor properties;
- polysaccharides are alginates that remove heavy metals and radioactive elements from the body.
general information
Instructions for use and reviews of Spirulina tablets note that they are well tolerated, and the therapeutic effect is felt almost immediately. After all, all trace elements and algae proteins are absorbed within an hour, making up for the lack of nutrients. It is recommended that Spirulina tablets be used by vegetarians and people living in ecologically unfavorable regions. They are easy to swallow, they have no taste or smell.
Tablets are produced by various pharmaceutical companies. The most popular drug is Spirulina VEL. It is inexpensive - about 200 rubles for 60 tablets, does not contain any additional chemicals, only spirulina powder. A little more expensive is a similar drug containing additional selenium.
Useful action
Even in ancient Chinese medicine, the healing properties of spirulina were known. It was used not only for food, but also as a medicine. The healing effect of this alga has been confirmed by modern medicine. It was found that it has the following properties:
- raises hemoglobin level;
- removes toxins and heavy metals from the body;
- stops the growth of cancer cells;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- protects against colds and SARS;
- accelerates wound healing and even bone fusion during fractures;
- slows down the aging process;
- normalizes blood sugar;
- activates the immune system and promotes weight loss;
- restores liver function;
- normalizes intestinal microflora;
- strengthens the immune system;
- helps to cope with addiction to alcohol and tobacco.
Indications for use
The instruction to Spirulina notes that it can be used by healthy people for the prevention of various pathologies, as well as in complex treatment. Recovery with the drug is accelerated. “Spirulina” is especially effective for such diseases:
- dysbiosis;
- gastritis;
- atherosclerosis;
- osteochondrosis;
- diabetes mellitus;
- obesity;
- kidney pathology;
- insomnia;
- immunodeficiency.
Spirulina for children
This seaweed is an absolutely non-toxic product. It is considered a source of essential nutrients. Children can also use Spirulina. The instruction for use notes that it strengthens the child’s immunity, saturates his body with essential amino acids and promotes proper growth and development. Spirulina is useful for children in that it contains a lot of iron, which improves blood oxygen saturation. It also contains zinc, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the construction of the skeleton. And polyunsaturated fatty acids in the composition of this algae help the proper formation of the brain of the child. "Spirulina" due to its properties is an excellent preventive measure. It protects the child from infections, gives him vitality and health.
Contraindications
The instruction for Spirulina notes that the drug is well tolerated by almost all people. After all, it is a dietary supplement based on algae. But still not everyone can take it. There are certain contraindications that prevent some people from using the beneficial properties of spirulina. It can not be used in such cases:
- with individual intolerance;
- hyperthyroidism;
- during pregnancy and lactation;
- with heart failure;
- tendency to thrombosis;
- peptic ulcer of the stomach;
- various nervous diseases.
Caution is also recommended when using this alga as part of the complex treatment of elderly people, after a myocardial infarction or stroke, with serious renal and liver failure.
Side effects
The possible occurrence of negative effects during administration is also warned by the instruction for Spirulina tablets. Reviews note that these are mainly allergic reactions or disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea and diarrhea can occur due to the fact that spirulina has a powerful cleansing effect. If you take the drug for longer than recommended in the instructions, allergic reactions are possible, not only a rash and itching on the skin, but dermatitis, eczema and even Quincke's edema.
In addition, such side effects are possible when taking drugs with spirulina:
- headache;
- fainting condition;
- violation of the thyroid gland;
- insomnia;
- drop in blood sugar;
- decreased attention span;
- cramps.
Mode of application
The dosage of dietary supplements, like conventional medicines, is determined individually by the doctor. Instructions for use and reviews of "Spirulina" note that to achieve a positive effect, it is enough to use 1 to 4 grams of the drug per day. This dose is sufficient to fill the lack of nutrients, cleanse the body and strengthen the immune system.
For therapeutic purposes, it is necessary to use "Spirulina" in the amount of 10 grams per day. But the dosage must be increased gradually, starting with 1 gram. Drinking the drug is recommended during the day, since spirulina has a tonic effect. As an additive for weight loss, it is better to take it before performing physical exercises. And at the same time you need to drink a drug containing vitamin B 3 .
Instructions for use "Spirulina" in tablets recommends taking it 1-3 times a day during or after meals. For preventive purposes, 1-2 tablets per day are sufficient. In the treatment of various diseases, it is recommended to drink 1-4 tablets 3 times a day.
Spirulina: reviews
The instruction notes that the drug is well tolerated, side effects rarely occur. Patient reviews confirm this. Often "Spirulina" is also recommended to be taken by doctors. Nutritionists consider it a good dietary product that helps to lose weight. Assign it as part of a comprehensive treatment of gastritis, with constipation and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Sports doctors also recommend taking Spirulina, believing that it helps withstand physical exertion and contains protein necessary for muscle growth.
Many positive reviews about this alga also from patients. They note that with its help they were able to establish digestion, got rid of headaches and insomnia. Women especially like to use spirulina as part of face masks or hair. And negative reviews are most often associated with individual intolerance or too high hopes for the healing effect of the drug. After all, Spirulina is still a natural product, it is a source of trace elements and helps to recover only as part of a comprehensive treatment.