Chlorella: A secret weapon for fatty liver disease

11 years ago | Nutrition

Photo credit: Diarmuid, Creative Commons.

By pH health care professionals

Doctors diagnose fatty livers all the time. One in four Americans have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to the American Liver Foundation. A fatty liver can lead to scarring and, in severe cases, liver failure. Fatty liver disease is a serious condition, even though its symptoms may be vague in the early stages.

For example, most people with fatty liver will “just not feel well” or find themselves feeling tired or gaining weight for no apparent reason. Depression, poor sleep, irritability and moodiness can all be associated with a fatty liver.

Typically, it first shows up as an abnormal result in a liver test or ultrasound. When patients ask “What do I do about it?” the doctor will usually just say “Lose weight” or “Take metformin (a diabetes pill).”

But now it seems you have an additional weapon at your disposal — chlorella.

What is chlorella?

Chlorella is a simple algae plant, which has been touted as having many potential health benefits. It is a potent source of B12, a vitamin commonly found in proteins. It also contains B1, B2, folic acid, as well as vitamins C and K.

What is the link between chlorella and fatty liver?

A recent randomized clinical trial (the best kind of research study) found that this green algae rich in chlorophyll has remarkable detoxifying benefits in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Study patients took either metformin and vitamin E, or both metformin and vitamin E combined with 1200 mg of chlorella.

Study participants who took chlorella experienced improvements in their diabetes and pre-diabetes. Triglycerides and abnormal liver enzymes improved as well.

Words of caution

Chlorella can interact negatively with certain medications. For example, because it contains vitamin K, chlorella supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of blood thinner medications. If you have an allergy to iodine, you may also be allergic to chlorella. Because of its immune-stimulating properties, do not take chlorella with immune-suppressing medications. Only use these dietary supplements under the supervision of your doctor, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

So if your doctor recently raised an eyebrow at your liver tests, ask if chlorella could be right for you.

How can you be more proactive?

Don’t be reactive; be proactive by visiting our doctors at Proactive Health Labs, who can help you get back on track by testing your liver, analyzing the results and making personalized recommendations,.

Enjoy Your Healthy Life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.