Spirulina: A Natural Detoxifier Agent

Toxicity is all around us, and many diseases are associated with it, including autism, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. Many toxins, like Mercury, are around us like silver fillings, emissions from coal power plants, and other sources that are difficult for the body to get rid of.

Pesticides are also another source of toxicity with gardening, pest control services, and intake of non-organic fruits like apples and strawberries.

Spirulina is blue-green algae with a tremendous all-around high nutritional value:

*High in proteins with essential amino acids

*Vitamin B12, and E

*Vitamin A

*Iron

*Excellent source of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Spirulina has shown protective effects against toxins like Mercury and lead. In a clinical trial of patients with chronic arsenic poisoning, spirulina was able to increase the excretion of the toxic metal by 47%. Children with autism have a higher level of toxins like toxic metals when compared with non-autistic children. Spirulina can be a useful tool for this sector of the population. Also, spirulina is loaded with different vitamins, minerals, and proteins, which will benefit the multiple deficiencies present in autism. Spirulina is classified as GRAS by the FDA or generally recognized as safe due to the lack of side effects and is an excellent addition to a morning smoothie!

"To cease to think creatively is but

little different from ceasing to live".

Ben Franklin

There is hope for autism!!

David Rivas, RPh, MSc, CCN

Pharmacist and Clinical Nutritionist/Consultant

References:

Blaurock-Busch, E., Amin, O. R., Dessoki, H. H., & Rabah, T. (2012). Toxic metals and essential elements in hair and severity of symptoms among children with autism. Maedica, 7(1), 38.

Geier, D. A., Kern, J. K., & Geier, M. R. (2009). A prospective blinded evaluation of urinary porphyrins verses the clinical severity of autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 72(24), 1585-1591.

Karkos, P. D., Leong, S. C., Karkos, C. D., Sivaji, N., & Assimakopoulos, D. A. (2011). Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011.

Martínez-Galero, E., Pérez-Pastén, R., Perez-Juarez, A., Fabila-Castillo, L., Gutiérrez-Salmeán, G., & Chamorro, G. (2016). Preclinical antitoxic properties of Spirulina (Arthrospira). Pharmaceutical Biology, 54(8), 1345-1353.

Misbahuddin, M., Maidul Islam, A. Z. M., Khandker, S., Ifthaker-Al-Mahmud, Islam, N., & Anjumanara. (2006). Efficacy of spirulina extract plus zinc in patients of chronic arsenic poisoning: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Clinical Toxicology, 44(2), 135-141.