Guest guest Posted March 26, 2001 Report Share Posted March 26, 2001 Hi Barbara - we ***live*** on spirulina ... all the day long.... (in powder form...-that we capsulize ourselves or take in plain yogurt) your movements may be a little dark in color ... My 6 week old puppy has also been living on spirulina and plain yogurt and also my cat eats it - both of them have dark stools.... we eat a fair amount - so this is normal. The below is info on WHY we eat so much of it - both my hubby and I have been chronically ill - he with Hep C and me with CFS/FM/MPS.... spirulina has been literally a Godsend for us... and our family... I truly believe that this is the type of 'food' and help we need in the day and age we are living.... " ....How does it work? When attacking a cell, a virus first attaches itself to the cell membrane. HOwever, because of Spirulina extract, the virus cannot penetrate the cell membrane to infect the cell. The virus is stuck, unable to replicate. It is eventually eliminated by the body's natural defenses. Spirulina extracts could become useful therapeutics that could help AIDS patients lead longer and more normal lives " .... " Several studies show spirulina or its extracts can prevent or inhibit cancers in humans and animals. Some common forms of cancer are thought to be a result of damaged cell DNA running amok, causing uncontrolled cell growth. Cellular biologists have defined a system of special enzymes called " Endonuclease " which repair damaged DNA to keep cells alive and healthy. When these enzymes are deactivated by radiation or toxins, errors in DNA go unrepaired, and, cancer may develop. In Vitro studies suggest the unique polysaccharides of Spirulina enhance cell nucleus enzyme activity and DNA repair synthesis. This may be why several scientific studies, observing human tobacco users and experimental cancers in animals, report high levels of suppression of several important types of cancer. The subjects were fed either whole spirulina or treated with its water extracts... " " ...Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system. In scientific studies... spirulina consistently improves immune system function. Medical scientists find Spirulina not only stimulates the immune system, it actually enhances the body's ability to generate new blood cells. Important parts of the immune system, the Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Macrophages, T-Cells, and Natural Killer cells, exhibit enhanced activity. The Spleen and Thymus glands show enhanced function. Scientists also observe spirulina causing macrophages to increase in number, become " activated " and, more efffective at killing germs " .... ....Spirulina acts as a functional food, feeding beneficial intestinal flora, expecially Lactobacillus and Bifidus. Maintaining a healthy population of these bacteria in the intestine reduces potential problems from opportunistic pathogens like E.Coli and Candida Albicans. Studies show when spirulina is added to the diet, beneficial intestinal flora increase. " .... spirulina >I've been taking spirulina for about a week now. Is it normal for my >bowel movements to be green? The tablets I take are green. Just >wanted to make sure this was normal! > >Thanks, >Barbara > > > >Subscription email: >mailto:bowel cleanse-subscribeegroups > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2001 Report Share Posted March 27, 2001 you can get powder off line - that is where we buy ours... the more you buy the more the price goes down. We have found www.earthrise.com to be the best spirulina - in how they make it - where it is... etc. check out the site - if you ever decide you want to buy it from there.. they'll ship anywhere... wendy spirulina >> >> >> >I've been taking spirulina for about a week now. Is it normal for >my >> >bowel movements to be green? The tablets I take are green. Just >> >wanted to make sure this was normal! >> > >> >Thanks, >> >Barbara >> > >> > >> > >> >Subscription email: >> >mailto:bowel cleanse-subscribeegroups >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2001 Report Share Posted March 27, 2001 Thanks for the info. I had heard alot of good things about spirulina that's why I bought it. They only offer it in tablet or capsule form here. Do you think it works as well? The reason I was worried about the stool was because when I first started on my road to recovery my stools were green. Just wanted to make sure it was the spirulina and not a relapse! Barbara > Hi Barbara - we ***live*** on spirulina ... all the day long.... (in powder > form...-that we capsulize ourselves or take in plain yogurt) your movements > may be a little dark in color ... > > My 6 week old puppy has also been living on spirulina and plain yogurt and > also my cat eats it - both of them have dark stools.... > > we eat a fair amount - so this is normal. The below is info on WHY we eat > so much of it - both my hubby and I have been chronically ill - he with Hep > C and me with CFS/FM/MPS.... spirulina has been literally a Godsend for > us... and our family... I truly believe that this is the type of 'food' and > help we need in the day and age we are living.... > > " ....How does it work? When attacking a cell, a virus first attaches > itself to the cell membrane. HOwever, because of Spirulina extract, the > virus cannot penetrate the cell membrane to infect the cell. The virus is > stuck, unable to replicate. It is eventually eliminated by the body's > natural defenses. Spirulina extracts could become useful therapeutics that > could help AIDS patients lead longer and more normal lives " .... > > " Several studies show spirulina or its extracts can prevent or inhibit > cancers in humans and animals. Some common forms of cancer are thought to > be a result of damaged cell DNA running amok, causing uncontrolled cell > growth. Cellular biologists have defined a system of special enzymes called > " Endonuclease " which repair damaged DNA to keep cells alive and healthy. > When these enzymes are deactivated by radiation or toxins, errors in DNA go > unrepaired, and, cancer may develop. In Vitro studies suggest the unique > polysaccharides of Spirulina enhance cell nucleus enzyme activity and DNA > repair synthesis. This may be why several scientific studies, observing > human tobacco users and experimental cancers in animals, report high levels > of suppression of several important types of cancer. The subjects were fed > either whole spirulina or treated with its water extracts... " > > " ...Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system. In scientific > studies... spirulina consistently improves immune system function. Medical > scientists find Spirulina not only stimulates the immune system, it actually > enhances the body's ability to generate new blood cells. Important parts of > the immune system, the Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Macrophages, T-Cells, and > Natural Killer cells, exhibit enhanced activity. The Spleen and Thymus > glands show enhanced function. Scientists also observe spirulina causing > macrophages to increase in number, become " activated " and, more efffective > at killing germs " .... > > ...Spirulina acts as a functional food, feeding beneficial intestinal flora, > expecially Lactobacillus and Bifidus. Maintaining a healthy population of > these bacteria in the intestine reduces potential problems from > opportunistic pathogens like E.Coli and Candida Albicans. Studies show when > spirulina is added to the diet, beneficial intestinal flora increase. " .... > > > > > spirulina > > > >I've been taking spirulina for about a week now. Is it normal for my > >bowel movements to be green? The tablets I take are green. Just > >wanted to make sure this was normal! > > > >Thanks, > >Barbara > > > > > > > >Subscription email: > >mailto:bowel cleanse-subscribeegroups > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2001 Report Share Posted April 16, 2001 I take earthrise spirulina (www.earthrise.com) and we take the powder.... i take probably about 6 tbsp. worth a day... along with freshly ground flax seed - 4-5 Tbsp. a day and flax seed oil -3-4 tbsp. a day.... with probiotics and enzymes - these things have really really helped me immensely. wendy Spirulina I also take Spirulina every day. I take 1T. every morning with some hot oatbran. I am wondering how much Spirulina you all take? I take the Hawian flakes. Pearl (NY) Country Living at it's finest Countrylife Send blank message to candidiasis-unsubscribeonelist if you want to UNSUBSCRIBE ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2001 Report Share Posted May 18, 2001 spirulina is a traditional food of some Mexican and African people. It is a planktonic blue-green algae found in warm water alkaline volcanic lakes. Wild spirulina sustains huge flocks of flamingos in the alkaline East African Rift Valley Lakes. It possesses an amazing ability to thrive in conditions much too harsh for other algae. As might be expected, it has a highly unusual nutritional profile. Spirulina has a 62%amino acid content - is the world's richest natural source of Vit B-12 and contains a whole spectrum of natural mixed carotene and xanthophyll phytopigments. Spirulina has a soft cell wall made of complex sugars and protein, and is different from most other algae in that it is easily digested. Millions of people worldwide eat spirulina cultivated in scientifically designed algae farms. Current world production of spirulina for human consumption is more than 1,000 metric tons annually. The U.S. leads world production followed by Thailand, India and China. More countries are planning production as they realize it is a valuable strategic resource. Spirulina is not chlorella, or the blue-green algae harvested from Klamath Lake, Oregon. Chlorella, a green micro-algae is a nutritious food but does not have the same anti-viral, anti-cancer and immune stimulating properties of spirulina. The chlorella cell wall is made of indigestible cellulose, just like green grass, while the cell wall of spirulina is made of complexed proteins and sugars. The Klamath Lake blue-green algae has the scientific name " Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. There are serious concerns about the safety of eating it because it can sometimes contain potent nerve toxins. While the scientific literature is full of information concerning the toxicity of A.flos-aquae and its dangers to humans and animals, there are few, if any, peer reviewed scientific papers regarding therapeutic benefit. In contrast, the scientific literature is full of information concerning the benefits and safety of humans and animals eating chlorella and spirulina. this portion: Kozlenko, D.P.M., Ph.D., M.P.H. and H. Henson spirulina what is spirulina Donna Jean Send blank message to candidiasis-unsubscribeonelist if you want to UNSUBSCRIBE ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2001 Report Share Posted May 22, 2001 yes , spirulina can cause die off - i also had pain in my eyes/behind them because of the amount of beta carotene and the powerful work of the spirulina. wendy spirulina I just started taking spirulina about 3 days ago. I was wondering if anyone else had had a die-off when they first started taking it? I am having extreme fatigue and I kind of feel like I have the flu? Does spirulina cause this or could it be something I ate? Send blank message to candidiasis-unsubscribeonelist if you want to UNSUBSCRIBE ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2001 Report Share Posted May 22, 2001 Great that you're taking it .... I realized after you wrote this that I forgot to mention it on my list of what I take today. ....<sigh> wendy Re: spirulina Thank you so much for telling me about spirulina. I started taking it because you had said that it was full of nutrients and that it cleanses your body. I hope that it helps me become healthier as it is helping you also. spirulinaI just started taking spirulina about 3 days ago. I was wondering if anyoneelse had had a die-off when they first started taking it? I am havingextreme fatigue and I kind of feel like I have the flu? Does spirulinacause this or could it be something I ate?Send blank message to candidiasis-unsubscribeonelist if you want toUNSUBSCRIBE ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2001 Report Share Posted May 22, 2001 Thank you so much for telling me about spirulina. I started taking it because you had said that it was full of nutrients and that it cleanses your body. I hope that it helps me become healthier as it is helping you also. spirulinaI just started taking spirulina about 3 days ago. I was wondering if anyoneelse had had a die-off when they first started taking it? I am havingextreme fatigue and I kind of feel like I have the flu? Does spirulinacause this or could it be something I ate?Send blank message to candidiasis-unsubscribeonelist if you want toUNSUBSCRIBE ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2002 Report Share Posted July 31, 2002 UC Study Shows Spirulina Boosts Immune System SACRAMENTO, Dec. 1 (UC School of Medicine) — Adding spirulina to cultured immune system cells significantly increases the production of infection fighting cytokines, say immunologists at UC School of Medicine and Medical Center. Their finding is published in the Fall issue of the Journal of Medicinal Foods. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Used as a food supplement for more than 20 years, spirulina grows naturally in lakes with extremely high pH levels, but it is also harvested from large-scale commercial ponds, where purity is monitored before being dried and distributed in tablet and powdered form. A number of animal studies have shown spirulina to be an effective immunomodulator (an agent that can effect the behavior of immune cells.) In rats spirulina inhibited allergic reactions by suppressing the release of histamine in a dose-dependent fashion. In cats, spirulina enhanced the ability of macrophages to engulf bacteria, and in chickens spirulina increased antibody responses and the activity of natural killer cells, which destroy infected and cancerous cells in the body. While extensive human studies have not been done, several reports also suggest spirulina has therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia and obesity. In one study, spirulina decreased total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein. A 1986 study of obese patients showed a significant reduction of body weight after including spirulina in the diet for four weeks. In the UC study, researchers evaluated the secretion of the cytokines interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, and interleukin-1beta in the lab to get a better understanding of spirulina's potential regulatory effect on the immune system. "We found that nutrient-rich spirulina is a potent inducer of interferon-gamma (13.6-fold increase) and a moderate stimulator of both interleukin-4 and interleukin-1beta (3.3-fold increase)," says Gershwin, professor and chief of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology at UC . "Together, increases in these cytokines suggest that spirulina is a strong proponent for protecting against intracellular pathogens and parasites and can potentially increase the expression of agents that stimulate inflammation, which also helps to protect the body against infectious and potentially harmful micro-organisms. Additional studies with individuals consuming spirulina are needed to determine whether these dramatic effects extend beyond the laboratory." In the body, the preferential increase in the production of interferon- gamma over interferon-4 would shift the immune system towards mounting a cell-mediated immune response instead of a humoral response. A cell-mediated response includes the activation of T-cells and antibodies that work with macrophages, another type of immune system cell, to engulf invading micro- organisms. Hence, spirulina's strength in protecting against intracellular pathogens and parasites. The moderate increase in the secretion of interleukin-1beta, a cytokine that acts on nearly every cell of the body to promote inflammation, works to support the overall immune response. To evaluate the effects of spirulina on the immune system, the UC immunologists collected blood samples from 12 healthy volunteers, separating out the peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These cells, which include macrophages, monocytes, and lymphocytes, including B and T cells, work as a team to mount an immune response. The researchers incubated these cell cultures with dilutions of spirulina made from 429 mg capsules of dried, powdered spirulina from Earthrise Nutritionals, Inc. ( http://www.earthrise.com ). They added phytohemoglutanin, a known stimulator of lymphoid cells, to half of cell cultures to assess spirulina's effect on the immune system at rest and when stimulated to mount an allergic response. After 72 hours, they measured changes in cytokine levels in all samples using ELISA analysis. (ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is a sensitive technique for accurately determining the amount of protein in a given sample.) "People have used foods like yogurt and spirulina throughout history," says Judy van de Water, associate professor of rheumatology, allergy and clinical immunology at UC . "Through research, we are learning exactly how these foods improve immune system function and how they are a beneficial addition to our diet." This research was funded in part by a grant from Earthrise Nutritionals, Inc., and the National Institutes of Health. UC Health System is an organization of the UC School of Medicine, its affiliated teaching hospital, UC Medical Center, and its physician group, UC Medical Group. SOURCE UC Health System Peace, Jeanine http://hepchelp.homestead.com Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: Click Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2003 Report Share Posted January 4, 2003 It's an all-natural, whole food vitamin and mineral supplement based on an algae called spirulina. There are special organic spirulina farms. It has an impressive nutrient profile! The brand I take is guaranteed organic, and the tablets aren't full of fillers (unlike other brands I used to take). If you take enough of it, you can get a really good energy boost! The other thing you can get is spirulina powder, which you can add to fresh juices, etc. Ali At 05:16 p.m. 4/01/2003 -0500, you wrote: >What is spirulina? > > > > There are good amounts of calcium in some vegetables, such as broccoli. > >Other than that, I think that supplementing is the way to go - especially > >for preventing osteoporosis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2003 Report Share Posted January 4, 2003 Wow! I could really use an energy boost for sure! Thanks! >you take enough of it, you can get a really good energy boost! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2005 Report Share Posted January 17, 2005 > What is this, is it easy on the gut, and which variety do people use? Spirulina is the green gold of the food kingdom....it's a food.............most basic kind...meaning the first step in the food chain..single cell plant....has everything but vitamin C.....but it is so strong it can and is used as a medicine.....even for cancer....it is almost like eating light......incredibly absorbable...because of its soft cell wall compared to chorella. Thus it's the best way to give the body its vitamins minerals and amino acids...as well as trace elements as far as I am concerned. It has life and energy that pharmaceutical vitamins and minerals do not have. My experience with spirulina goes back over twenty years to the beginning when it first appeared and I watched adults fast on it for months at a time and detox that way. That was before mercury toxicity was an issue and before autism had roared through the population......My 17 month old gets angry when we only give him one tablet to chew on.....even when he eats lousy...like lately...if he gets his spirulina I do not worry too much. So yes its easy on the gut but...............its very strong......so on kids with highly sensitive guts and high toxicities I suggest, like I do with even normal people who have never used it...to start out really slow...really slow..and build from that. There is only one principle variety of spirulina though it comes from all over now. Originally from Mexico City and a lake there but I would never use that...one of the most polluted places on earth. I get mine from Hawaii...from Pure Planet...for they test very rigorously for heavy metals. Hope this answer helps....there is so much information about it................ Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2005 Report Share Posted January 17, 2005 Has anyone else used this and had a positive result? Karin > > > What is this, is it easy on the gut, and which variety do people use? > > > Spirulina is the green gold of the food kingdom....it's a > food.............most basic kind...meaning the first step in the food > chain..single cell plant....has everything but vitamin C.....but it is so > strong it can and is used as a medicine.....even for cancer....it is almost > like eating light......incredibly absorbable...because of its soft cell wall > compared to chorella. Thus it's the best way to give the body its vitamins > minerals and amino acids...as well as trace elements as far as I am > concerned. It has life and energy that pharmaceutical vitamins and minerals > do not have. My experience with spirulina goes back over twenty years to the > beginning when it first appeared and I watched adults fast on it for months > at a time and detox that way. That was before mercury toxicity was an issue > and before autism had roared through the population......My 17 month old > gets angry when we only give him one tablet to chew on.....even when he eats > lousy...like lately...if he gets his spirulina I do not worry too much. > > So yes its easy on the gut but...............its very strong......so on kids > with highly sensitive guts and high toxicities I suggest, like I do with > even normal people who have never used it...to start out really > slow...really slow..and build from that. > > There is only one principle variety of spirulina though it comes from all > over now. Originally from Mexico City and a lake there but I would never use > that...one of the most polluted places on earth. I get mine from > Hawaii...from Pure Planet...for they test very rigorously for heavy metals. > > Hope this answer helps....there is so much information about > it................ > > Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2005 Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 Hi All, I have been using organic spirulina in my mercury toxic kiddo for years now. Just wanted to share the wake up call I had: My son's naturpath recommended using Hawaiian organic spirulina, a good idea no? Come to find out, many forms of spirulina have mercury in it. Especially those found at the base of volcanos. Yikes. Hope this helps, maybe there is a lab out there, like Kirkman (who currently does not sell spirulina) that could 'treat' it sort of like cod liver oil?? Does anyone know??? Be careful! It's everywhere! Terese In a message dated 1/17/2005 7:22:32 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, director@... writes: > What is this, is it easy on the gut, and which variety do people use? Spirulina is the green gold of the food kingdom....it's a food.............most basic kind...meaning the first step in the food chain..single cell plant....has everything but vitamin C.....but it is so strong it can and is used as a medicine.....even for cancer....it is almost like eating light......incredibly absorbable...because of its soft cell wall compared to chorella. Thus it's the best way to give the body its vitamins minerals and amino acids...as well as trace elements as far as I am concerned. It has life and energy that pharmaceutical vitamins and minerals do not have. My experience with spirulina goes back over twenty years to the beginning when it first appeared and I watched adults fast on it for months at a time and detox that way. That was before mercury toxicity was an issue and before autism had roared through the population......My 17 month old gets angry when we only give him one tablet to chew on.....even when he eats lousy...like lately...if he gets his spirulina I do not worry too much. So yes its easy on the gut but...............its very strong......so on kids with highly sensitive guts and high toxicities I suggest, like I do with even normal people who have never used it...to start out really slow...really slow..and build from that. There is only one principle variety of spirulina though it comes from all over now. Originally from Mexico City and a lake there but I would never use that...one of the most polluted places on earth. I get mine from Hawaii...from Pure Planet...for they test very rigorously for heavy metals. Hope this answer helps....there is so much information about it................ Mark ------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2005 Report Share Posted February 28, 2005 Hi, I have experience with Sprirulina, my autistic son has been on it for about seven years now. At first we were recommended organic hawaiian spirulina but someone pointed out the mercury content could be high because its source was near a volcano. Anyhow, there are other sources for it and it is good for my son in many ways but mostly because he still cannot tolerate vegetables due to sensory issues. Hope this helps, not sure what you are looking for. Good luck, Terese Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2005 Report Share Posted March 1, 2005 In a message dated 3/1/2005 7:45:25 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, youngjaem@... writes: Are you chelating your child? What protocol are you using? Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2005 09:52:02 EST From: taghha@... Subject: Re: SPIRULINA Hi, Not able to chelate yet as he has three amalgams to be removed once we find someone who knows the safe protocol and can anesthetize. You don't have to chelate to use spirulina, it is very good for you anyway. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 We believe in blueberries! We buy them frozen and she eats them frozen, about 1/2 - 1 cup per day. Good brain antioxidant. Wish we could get spinach down her, but no way....not even Popeye cartoons (which she loves) could convince her to try it. [ ] Spirulina I have yet to come across strong testimonials for these products based on actual experience of improved functioning in an autistic person. Steve you might as well have said I have yet to hear strong testimonials for the benefit of deep nutrition in autism cases. Meaning you have not heard of amino acids being of any benefit or high levels of B and A and omega fatty acids or minerals like magnesium and calcium etc. But I agree...the autistic community seems to be completly blind, deaf and dumb to spirulina though obviously that is not the case with chlorella. Below is a paragraph on the subject............ USF/VA neuroscientist a Bickford, PhD, and colleagues at the University of South Florida College of Medicine found that rats fed diets preventatively enriched with blueberries, spinach or an algae known as spirulina experienced less brain cell loss and improved recovery of movement following a stroke. The study builds upon previous USF/VA research showing that diets enriched with blueberries, spinach or spirulina reversed normal age-related declines in memory and learning in old rats. " I was amazed at the extent of neuro protection these antioxidant-rich diets provided, " said Dr. Bickford of the USF Center for Aging and Brain Repair and the A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. " The size of the stroke was 50 to 75 percent less in rats treated with diets supplemented with blueberries, spinach or spirulina before the stroke. " The size of the stroke in the rats fed blueberry or spinach supplements was half that seen in the brains of untreated rats. Rats fed spirulina-enriched diets had stroke lesions 75 percent smaller than their untreated counterparts. ======================================================= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2005 Report Share Posted August 24, 2005 The spirulina was more effective than blueberries or spinach! <in rats treated with diets supplemented with blueberries, spinach or spirulina before the stroke. " The size of the stroke in the rats fed blueberry or spinach supplements was half that seen in the brains of untreated rats. Rats fed spirulina-enriched diets had stroke lesions 75 percent smaller than their untreated counterparts> [ ] Spirulina I have yet to come across strong testimonials for these products based on actual experience of improved functioning in an autistic person. Steve you might as well have said I have yet to hear strong testimonials for the benefit of deep nutrition in autism cases. Meaning you have not heard of amino acids being of any benefit or high levels of B and A and omega fatty acids or minerals like magnesium and calcium etc. But I agree...the autistic community seems to be completly blind, deaf and dumb to spirulina though obviously that is not the case with chlorella. Below is a paragraph on the subject............ USF/VA neuroscientist a Bickford, PhD, and colleagues at the University of South Florida College of Medicine found that rats fed diets preventatively enriched with blueberries, spinach or an algae known as spirulina experienced less brain cell loss and improved recovery of movement following a stroke. The study builds upon previous USF/VA research showing that diets enriched with blueberries, spinach or spirulina reversed normal age-related declines in memory and learning in old rats. " I was amazed at the extent of neuro protection these antioxidant-rich diets provided, " said Dr. Bickford of the USF Center for Aging and Brain Repair and the A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. " The size of the stroke was 50 to 75 percent less in rats treated with diets supplemented with blueberries, spinach or spirulina before the stroke. " The size of the stroke in the rats fed blueberry or spinach supplements was half that seen in the brains of untreated rats. Rats fed spirulina-enriched diets had stroke lesions 75 percent smaller than their untreated counterparts. ======================================================= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2005 Report Share Posted August 24, 2005 > you might as well have said I have yet to hear strong testimonials for > the benefit of deep nutrition in autism cases. Meaning you have not heard of amino acids being of any benefit or high levels of B and A and omega fatty > acids or minerals like magnesium and calcium etc. -- We were not discussing nutrition. We were discussing chelation and detox. This is yet another example of you muddying the waters on these issues. Spirulina, grown under the right circumstances nay well be a good nutrient. That does not mean it removes heavy metals. To bring aminos and minerals into this argument is at best irrelevant. Your cited study is also irrevelant in this context. also, people on this list have mentioned trying it, but do not seem to have had noteworthy results. Osip, an ASD adult, was very keen on spirulina for a month or so, then changed his mind. Other people on this list and others have metnioned indifferent results Spirulina has been around a long time and is widely available. Many people have tried it. I tried it myself on my son with no significant results. We now use a berry mix (Protective Fruits) and greens mix (Vital Vegies) from www.vrp.com in addition to a well- rounded diet Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 Hello Emma, Spirulina would be very limiting. As Bee suggests, your focus should be on good fats (butter, coconut oil, lard, etc.) in the correct portions, good protein, and good vegetables. Good fats are great at healing AND they're great at chelating... meaning they have the ability to cleanse toxins from the body. As far as soups, Bone Soup is probably the most healing soup available... and it's easy to make. Put a whole chicken (or beef bone & stew meat) in a slow cooker (i.e. Crock Pot) add 3-4 cups water, 3-4 tsp gray sea salt, and cook for 5-7 hours. When you're done, the broth is the gelatin and the fat on top (very noticeable when it's refrigerated) is the schmaltz. The natural gelatin and fats taste delicious and they're great for our bodies. I highly recommend Sally Fallon's cookbook " Nourishing Traditions " for more info. I'm an avid cook and own many, many cookbooks. After I bought Nourishing Traditions, my other cookbooks are only good for gathering dust. It's the last cookbook I'll ever buy (unless she comes out with another one!). Enjoy, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2006 Report Share Posted June 9, 2006 I am just wondering whether anyone has tried spirulina before? I am thinking of taking vitamins with spirulina. According to the article, it offers a lot of health benefits. http://www.spirulina.com/SPLNews95.html Emma __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2006 Report Share Posted June 9, 2006 The article is from a site that sells spirulina and is designed to promote its sale. Of course it sounds good. http://www.ncahf.org/articles/s-z/starlight.html Spirulina Spirulina is a form of blue-green algae (the substance that floats on ponds) which is food for fish, and some people in areas where other foods are scarce. Spirulina contains vitamins and minerals, but they are not "concentrated," as the pamphlet claims, and there is nothing in spirulina that is not also present in the foods humans eat. Dr. Victor Herbert, an internationally renowned vitamin B12 researcher says of spirulina, says although it is represented by promoters that spirulina contains large amounts of vitamin B12, in fact, up to 80% of the B12 in spirulina is in "analogue" form and is unusable by humans [5]. The 1988 Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health included spirulina as a diet aid on its list of "fraudulent products and services can be very costly yet are promoted as having nutritional or health benefits that have not been substantiated in the scientific literature." [6]Starlight's spirulina product is a combination of herbs, which are not essential nutrients, an adrenal concentrate of dubious value, a mineral, potassium, which is abundantly present in many foods, an enzyme which is already found in every cell in the body and is not recognized as an essential nutrient, and a super fish food. Many extravagant claims are made about these substances and their "synergistic blend." The National Council Against Health Fraud is concerned about reports of toxicity associated with the use of spirulina supplements (see NCAHF Consumer Information Statement on Blue-Green Algae). Also http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/algae.html __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2006 Report Share Posted June 9, 2006 I didn't find any place on the original site posted where they sell the stuff, but they are trying to sell a book: To order EARTH FOOD SPIRULINA direct by mail: send $13.95 plus $2.00 s & h = $15.95 to: Ronore Enterprises, PO Box 1017, Petaluma, CA 94952 USA Plus one should always be suspicious when a food or substance is promoted to be some sort of " miracle " food. Don't fall for it. You can bet if it was that great, we would have posted it here. Thanks for the " quackwatch " article Jeff. on 6/9/2006 5:50 PM, Jeff Novick at chefjeff40@... wrote: The article is from a site that sells spirulina and is designed to promote its sale. Of course it sounds good. http://www.ncahf.org/articles/s-z/starlight.html Spirulina Spirulina is a form of blue-green algae (the substance that floats on ponds) which is food for fish, and some people in areas where other foods are scarce. Spirulina contains vitamins and minerals, but they are not " concentrated, " as the pamphlet claims, and there is nothing in spirulina that is not also present in the foods humans eat. Dr. Victor Herbert, an internationally renowned vitamin B12 researcher says of spirulina, says although it is represented by promoters that spirulina contains large amounts of vitamin B12, in fact, up to 80% of the B12 in spirulina is in " analogue " form and is unusable by humans [5]. The 1988 Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health included spirulina as a diet aid on its list of " fraudulent products and services can be very costly yet are promoted as having nutritional or health benefits that have not been substantiated in the scientific literature. " [6]Starlight's spirulina product is a combination of herbs, which are not essential nutrients, an adrenal concentrate of dubious value, a mineral, potassium, which is abundantly present in many foods, an enzyme which is already found in every cell in the body and is not recognized as an essential nutrient, and a super fish food. Many extravagant claims are made about these substances and their " synergistic blend. " The National Council Against Health Fraud is concerned about reports of toxicity associated with the use of spirulina supplements (see NCAHF Consumer Information Statement on Blue-Green Algae). Also http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/algae.html __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2006 Report Share Posted June 10, 2006 In the study on the HIV kids, they gained 15-25 GRAMS a day. Thats not even an OUNCE a day. Also.... This is excerpts from an article I wrote a few years ago on Spirulina & algae supplements.... Spirulina claims to be one of the most nutrient dense foods. I have chosen to compare it with several of my favorite healthy foods including; bananas, mangoes, and carrots. Again, this may not be fair, as these are foods that traditionally speaking, are not considered to be nutrient dense. This is especially true in the area of protein, where fruits are considered to be protein poor. So, the analysis should favor the algae. NOTE: In making comparison between real “foods” it is generally done between typical serving sizes of each and not by dry weight analysis of each. Food analysis tables are set up by typical serving/portion sizes and not by similar dry weights. Dry weight analysis is useful to highlight concentrations within a food, but doesn’t take into consideration how much of a food a person may normally consume at a time or in a day. This is important with spirulina, as the recommended daily servings are very small, ranging between .5 - 2 gms/day. So, we will compare typical serving sizes of each: 1 gm spirulina, 1 med banana, 1 med mango, and one medium carrot. Spirulina is said to be one of the highest sources of vegetable protein in the world (55-60%), and one of the only plant foods to contain all the essential amino acids. This is partly true. Algae does contain all the essential amino acids, but as we know today, so do most all plant foods. Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, seeds and nuts are also considered “complete” in that they contain all the essential amino acids. As claimed, spirulina is very high in protein in its “freeze-dried” form when analyzed by dry weight (~60%). However, when we look at the recommended serving (~1 gm/day), spirulina provides only ~.6 gms. And, as most spirulina eaters are recommended to consume .5-2 gm/day, the protein one could get from spirulina would at best ~1.2 gms/day. Our daily protein needs have been estimated to be somewhere between 37 (WHO) and 50 (RDA) gms a day. This means algae provides ~3% of our daily protein needs. One serving of banana would provide 1.2 grams, which also includes all the amino acids in a similar profile. One serving of mango provides 1.1 gms, and one serving of carrot provides .74 gms. Per serving, the “protein poor” fruits and vegetables (in their true raw natural state) contain more protein then spirulina (in its concentrated state). Our bodies primary need is for carbohydrates, (60-75% total kcal), and not protein (10-15% of total kcal). Spirulina is only 17% CHO, providing a .17 gms/serving. Not very significant. A one gram serving of algae provides <4 kcals total. A 65 kg man engaged in moderate activity would burn that up in ~1½ minutes. So, spirulina provides very little as a true energy source. Per serving, bananas provide 27 gms CHO, mango 35 gms and carrot 7 gms. For the fruit, that’s over 150x the amount in spirulina. Could spirulina meet our daily protein or kcal needs? To do this, one would have to ingest over 60 grams at a cost of $46. To meet your minimum energy needs (~1800 kcals) you would have to ingest over 450 grams at a cost of $345! (based on retail pricing). Spirulina is promoted to be one of the richest sources of pro Vit A (Beta Carotene). One gram of algae has 240 RE of Pro Vit A, which for one gram (one serving) is significant. One gram of a carrot has only 28 RE’s. But again, as foods, lets compare serving to serving. One serving of spirulina provides only 240 RE. One serving of mango provides 806 RE’s (>3x), and one serving of carrot provides 2025 RE’s (>8x). The same analysis holds true for virtually all the other nutrient claims. One gram of algae provides only 12.70 mg of calcium. Calcium needs are estimated at 400-600 mg (WHO) to 800-1200 (RDA) per day. So again, the algae is only providing, at best, around 3% of calcium needs. Per serving, mangoes have 21 mg and carrot has 19 mg. Both the mango and carrot have more, and neither one is considered a rich source of calcium. For a true nutritional comparison of spirulina, per serving, see the enclosed Table. The only claim that may hold some merit is in relation to Vit B12. Spirulina used to be promoted as an excellent source of Vit B12. Recent studies, using more sophisticated analysis, has shown that the B12 in spirulina is almost exclusively B12 analogs (as much as 80%- 94%) and not true B12. People who take these products may develop a B12 deficiency much faster because these analogs can actually block true B12 metabolism. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2006 Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 >>For someone on CRON, couldn't this could be seen as a negative?CRONies are generally aiming for greater nutrient density andso would prefer foods with high nutrient to calorie ratios We would have to compare nutrients per calorie to make that comparison. However, the point i was making is that while spirulina may be nutrient dense in relation to its dried weight (the way it is promoted) , it is impossible to consume an amount of spirulina that would end up contributing any reasonable amount of most any nutrient. RegardsJeff __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.