Is Chlorella Good For Detoxification?

Containing many beneficial nutrients, including several vitamins and antioxidants, is chlorella good for detoxifying as well? Learn more about this remarkable ingredient.

- Heather Eastman, NSCA CPT, CF L1

As you know from other posts on our patented formulas, we take pride in answering any questions you might have about the safety and effectiveness of our ingredients – and relish the opportunity brag a little about the quality of our products.

Questions like ‘is Chlorella good for detoxification,’ allow us to not only show you some of the research that went into creating these formulas, but also answer other questions you might have about antioxidants, anti-aging, and just biohacking in general. 

So, without further ado, let’s get some answers to the most common questions about Chlorella and its many potential health benefits. 

What is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a type of green freshwater algae. There are over 30 species of this single-celled organism, though only two – Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa– are well-researched. Chlorella is touted for its purported anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties and due to its cell structure must be ingested in supplemental form to be absorbed properly by humans. 

Chlorella contains many important nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, Iron, vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, Omega-3s, and fiber. Several studies show Chlorella supplementation may have many beneficial health outcomes. Here’s a quick list of the purported health benefits of Chlorella:

• Assists with detoxification
• May have anti-inflammatory effects
• May improve liver health and digestion
• May improve energy levels
• May lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity
• May improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol
• May support immune function 

Is Chlorella Good for Heavy Metal Detox?

Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead pose a serious health concern in our modern lifestyle. Concentrations of these toxic compounds have been accumulating in our environment, soil, water, and consumer products for decades, making them almost possible to avoid.

Once toxic heavy metals enter the body, there is virtually no way for the body to excrete them. Even chelation, the most common treatment for heavy metal poisoning, poses a toxic risk and can even purge beneficial essential metals, such as zinc, iron, and manganese. Some studies even show deficiencies in these essential metals can exacerbate heavy metal poisoning, making proper diet and supplementation all the more crucial for mitigating the risk of heavy metal toxicity. Adequate intake of foods rich in essential metals and antioxidants is essential. 

It's possible supplementation with Chlorella may have a protective effect on heavy metal accumulation in the body, particularly in the liver. Some studies even show continuous supplementation with Chlorella reduced mercury levels in the kidneys and brains of test subjects. While true heavy metal poisoning is relatively rare, it seems supplementing with Chlorella may help remove heavy metals in your body in addition to supporting your body’s natural processes for eliminating toxins. 

Does Chlorella Support Better Immunity? 

In an 8-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, the results showed supplementation with Chlorella tablets increased markers of immune response in healthy humans compared to the placebo group. Other studies have shown there may be age limits to the efficacy of this immune-boosting effect, but generally the results are promising. 

Is Chlorella an Antioxidant?

Although it’s detoxifying effects get a lot of notice, the antioxidants in Chlorella might be real hero. One study showed smokers who supplemented with 3600mg of Chlorella vulgaris for six weeks experienced a reduction of oxidative effects, with researchers concluding it might have the ability to, “prevent the disease burden and mortality rate associated with smoking.”

What does this mean for the average non-smoker? It means supplementing with Chlorella has the potential to mitigate oxidative stress in the body associated with physical exertion, poor diet, exposure to pollution and toxins, and lack of adequate sleep. 

What Are the Side Effects of Chlorella? 

Although it has been generally been deemed safe, Chlorella’s effect on the immune system means it may not be appropriate for individuals with immunodeficiencies or who are taking medication for their immune system. There are also some reports of nausea and abdominal discomfort, which is a common side effect of many antioxidant supplements, including Vitamin C.

Higher quality antioxidant supplements often do not have this issue because both the delivery method and exact dosage of each ingredient has been carefully calibrated for maximum efficacy with minimal negative effects.

As with all ingredients, quality and regulation of Chlorella as a dietary supplement varies depending on the brand and manufacturer, which is why it’s important to purchase supplements from reputable brands committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients and research-backed formulations. 

Read the Official BioStack Labs Biohacking Protocol to learn more about biohacking and supplementation for optimal health