From aluminum in deodorant to mercury in dental fillings, metal toxicity comes at us from every angle these days. The presence of these heavy metals (and others such as arsenic, cadmium and lead) has increased as industrialization and its waste products spread.
We can work to avoid these substances as much as possible, but some exposure is still bound to occur.
Since even small amounts of heavy metals in the body can cause negative side effects like fatigue, headaches, digestive problems and skin conditions, it’s important to use natural methods to cleanse your body of these toxins.
Why Spirulina and Chlorella Are Effective for Heavy Metal Detox
The answer to natural heavy metal detoxification is as simple as a single-celled organism. Spirulina and chlorella are two separate micro-algae organisms which have existed on earth since the dawn of time.
Both were revered as powerful superfoods in many traditional societies, and today are more relevant than ever for achieving overall health and well-being.
Spirulina has been shown as an effective chelating agent for removing toxins such as mercury, and even radioactive substances from the body. It has also been used to remove cadmium and lead from waste water.
While some detoxifying supplements simply release toxins from cells and tissues, chlorella is particularly adept at binding to toxic metals and ushering them out of the entire system.
Chlorella contains proteins and peptides which are designed to bind to these substances and carry them out of the body. The chlorophyll in chlorella also aids heavy metal detoxification.
This is my favorite source for spirulina and chlorella.
Other Amazing Health Benefits…
Just as important as their ability to detox heavy metals, both spirulina and chlorella exhibit strong healing and regenerating capabilities.
They are filled with beneficial vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats which work together in a synergistic way to provide energy and vitality.
Appropriate Dosage
Spirulina and chlorella can be used in very high doses for heavy metal detox. This is because they are essentially foods, not manufactured supplements.
Because they are so effective at binding toxins and purging them from the body, they can actually reduce some of the common side effects associated with detoxification.
A typical dosage of spirulina or chlorella for heavy metal detox is about 20 – 30 grams per day.
They can be used together if desired. You may want to start with as little as 500mg daily and work up as needed to allow your body to adjust. After completing detox, you can taper down to a maintenance dosage of 3 – 6 grams per day.
It’s important to find a manufacturer of spirulina or chlorella who takes the proper steps to ensure a clean and digestible product free from fillers and additives. This is my most trusted brand.
Natural spirulina from Hawaii is one of the most highly recommended. Chlorella is a little more difficult to source but there are some reputable brands out there.
On a side note: I’ve heard that iodine can also aid metal detox in high doses. There is some controversy about mega-dosing on iodine, but experts like David Brownstein claim that adults need a daily dose of 12.5 mg (waaaaay higher than the RDA).
You can read more about this in his book Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It and decide for yourself.
This is my favorite source for spirulina and chlorella.
More Healthy Living Articles:
- Learn How to Detox with a Coconut Oil Cleanse
- 21 Home Remedies For Headaches and Migraines
- The Benefits of Magnesium
- How much protein do you really need every day?
Jeanetta Andrews says
I am 45 years old, and I have six fillings that I have had since I was a child. I was reading your article on the coconut cleanse, and was interested in trying it, because I think I have candida, and have for years, because I have battled fatigue and migranes for years, even since I was 6 or 7 years old. I read some of the comments about caution with the cleanse if you have silver fillings. I don’t know if mine are true silver fillings or not, but I suppose they are. I have already been taking about 1 1/2 Tbl coconut oil a day in my morning tea, and I have started taking 1 1/2 Tbl three times a day. I can say I have been feeling tired lately, and waking up feeling like I have not had a good night’s rest. I am wondering, what would you recommend as a daily dosage, and what brands of supplements do you recommend, and where to buy? I have been seeking ways to feel better and energetic for years, and this seems to be an answer. Thanks!
Elizabeth Walling says
Hi Jeanetta, I would just work up more slowly with the coconut oil. It seems to be easier on digestion that way with fewer side effects. Daily dosage depends on the person and can vary widely, somewhere around 1-3 tablespoons is usually recommended. My personal suggestion is to just add/replace what works for you. Use a little in cooking or recipes, and don’t worry to much about the exact amount.
For supplements, there are lots of quality brands, just stick with those that do third-party testing or are USP certified for the most part.
Jeanetta Andrews says
Are you saying that spirulina and chlorella must be taken together, or that you can use one or the other will equally successful results?
Elizabeth Walling says
Chlorella is the most important as far as I know, but they each have benefits and it’s not mandatory that you take both.
terry says
How in Gods name could anyone take 20 grams of this stuff. I just bought a bottle and one pill is like 50 mg. You could never get up to 20 grams.It would be cost prohibitive.
Elizabeth Walling says
For higher doses, adding the powder form to smoothies is recommended.
Jenna says
I might have to try some chlorella too. I actually used an pharmaceutical grade selenium yeast to detox from mercury safely. The selenium also helped a little with my hypothyroidism and fatigue. I think it is time we wake up and see how destructive these heave metals are and stop putting them in our bodies and especially not use them as fillings.
felicia margineanu says
And if you want to take them togheter, dosage is still 20-30gr per day? 50% -50% or…. 20 gr spirulina and 20 gr chlorella?
Elizabeth Walling says
20-30 total grams is more than ample, so 10-15 grams each. You can even do less and still reap a lot of benefits.
Riyyah Hawkins says
Hi, I am taking the 20 grams a day. I had a hair analysis and have very high mercury plus other metals too. My question is how long should I continue taking the 20 grams?
Elizabeth Walling says
I found this guide helpful for when/how to dose: https://hhwc.vpweb.com/upload/Chlorella-CilantroHMdetox.pdf