or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Spirulina

Heartburn is a symptom. It is your body's way of crying out that something is wrong. Drugs should never suppress symptoms, which are your body's natural warning signals. Products like Prilosec and Nexium are proton pump inhibitors that greatly reduce the production of acid in your stomach and intestines, effectively shorting out the blaring warning signal, which in this case would be your heartburn.

You need your stomach acid to digest food. What you do not realize is that it is not excess acid that is causing the burning, but stomach irritation that causes the acid that you have to be refluxed up by the esophagus, causing the uncomfortable heartburn symptoms. Acid in your esophagus is painful because it is not supposed to be there, not necessarily because there is too much of it.

Proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec are dangerous because when acid in your stomach and intestines is inhibited, so are vital digestive enzymes that are essential for breaking down food. When food is not properly broken down, viruses, fungi, and bacteria that are not killed by stomach acid are let into your intestines and flourish there, causing further digestive problems. Partially undigested food can also ferment in your small intestines, causing extreme gas. Lastly, without complete and proper digestion, nutrients are not properly assimilated throughout your body, and nutrient deficiencies can occur.

Your stomach can be irritated for a variety of reasons, but the main causes are actually not having enough stomach acid and digestive enzymes, as well as eating foods that your body is intolerant to or allergic to.

According to Cathy Wong, a licensed naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition specialist with the American College of Nutrition, "An estimated 30% of North Americans have low acidity." (Wong, 2007).

As for food allergies and intolerances, just because you have been able to drink milk or eat wheat products your entire life thus far means nothing. You can become allergic or even intolerant, which is more likely, to a food or several foods at any point during your lifetime. Luckily, there is a simple and completely free way to find out if you have food allergies or intolerances. Simply stop eating all of the foods that are the most common allergenic triggers for a period of two full weeks. This includes dairy (milk) products, wheat, soy, eggs, citrus, shellfish, fish, and tree nuts. You must read all labels and cannot cheat, or this will not work. While it may sound difficult to eliminate all of these foods, when you re-introduce them back into your diet one by one, you will very likely be able to tell which ones, if any, bother you almost immediately. Trust me in that it's worth it in winning the fight against heartburn.

Another prime heartburn cause deals with the sphincter muscle at the bottom of your esophagus. If this muscle is weak, it can allow your stomach acid to reflux into your esophagus, causing the burning pain. However, most causes of sphincter dysfunction are due to the muscle being irritated by spicy foods, foods or beverages that relax the muscle such as alcohol, or again, food intolerances.

Lastly, if you are dealing with chronic heartburn, you should consider being tested for a bacteria called H. Pylori, which is largely responsible for causing ulcers. H. Pylori symptoms include a dull, gnawing ache in the stomach, acid reflux/heartburn, relief from eating or from taking antacids, belching, nausea, and fatigue. One is more likely to be infected by H. Pylori if they have low levels of stomach acid, so proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec can increase your risk for this infection.

And my magic bullet against frequent heartburn has been Spirulina. This magic algea is an incredible source of amino acids and enzymes. Taking one every morning after breakfast and every night before going to bed absolutely changed my life.

1. It healed my heartburn
2. It prevents muscle loss and provides nutrition - this is especially important for me as I do weight training
3. It is a complete source of amino acids. You can practically live off of Spirulina alone.

***

The following is taken from an interview with Robert Henrikson, author of the book "Earth Food Spirulina: How this remarkable blue-green algae can transform your life and our planet", in May 1998, featured on http://www.spirulina.com/

More than 25,000 species of algae live everywhere - in water, in soils, on rocks, on plants. They range in size from a single cell to giant kelp over 150 feet long. Macroalgae are large like seaweeds. Microalgae are microscopic. Ocean microalgae, called phytoplankton, are the base of the ocean food web.

Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food, with a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids. About half are orange carotenes: alpha, beta and gamma and half are yellow xanthophylls. They work synergistically at different sites in our body to enhance antioxidant protection. Twenty years of research proves eating beta carotene rich fruits and vegetables gives us real anti-cancer protection. Synthetic beta carotene has not always shown these benefits. Research in Israel showed natural beta carotene from algae was far more effective. Natural is better assimilated and contains the key 9-cis isomer, lacking in synthetic. As suspected, natural carotenoids in algae and vegetables have the most antioxidant and anti-cancer power.

This tiny aquatic plant offers 60% all-vegetable protein, essential vitamins and phytonutrients such as the antioxidant beta carotene, the rare essential fatty acid GLA, sulfolipids, glycolipids and polysaccharides.

Spirulina is an ideal anti-aging food; concentrated nutrient value, easily digested and loaded with antioxidants. Beta carotene is good for healthy eyes and vision. This all vegetable, low fat protein means we can lighten up on a meat centered diet that can aggravate arthritis and raise cholesterol. When we choose to eat less meat, vegetables like spirulina are good sources of more iron and essential minerals.

World's highest beta carotene food reduces long term health risks

Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots. So even if you don't eat the recommended 4 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (most people eat only 1-2, including french fries), get your natural beta carotene insurance from spirulina to help support your body's defenses.

60% easy-to-digest vegetable protein without the fat and cholesterol of meat

People are eating less meat and dairy protein because they want to lower fat, cholesterol, and chemicals in their diet. Spirulina is the highest protein food with all the essential amino acids and has only a few calories to keep your waistline where you want it.

A rare essential fatty acid is a key to health

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in mother's milk helps develop healthy babies. Studies show nutritional deficiencies can block GLA production in your body, so a good dietary source of GLA can be important. Spirulina is the only other whole food with GLA.

Iron for women and children's health

Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.

High in Vitamin B-12 and B Complex.

Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.

Clean green energy is good for everyone

Spirulina is the most extensively researched food microalgae, well documented in numerous books, journal articles, and periodicals. Many people use Spirulina in their own self-care strategy for more energy, nutritional insurance, weight control and cleansing. Perfect in between or before meals for good nutrition without the heaviness of bulky food. Athletes discover more endurance and strength. Seniors find better nutrient absorption. Ideal and safe for children, pregnant and nursing mothers.

Strengthens the immune system

Over the years I've heard from so many people that they have fewer colds and flu, or if they get a cold, they escape more chronic symptoms. They say wounds heal faster and they recover more quickly from illness. They have more energy. Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system.

Published studies from all over the world feeding mice, hamsters, chickens, turkeys, cats, fish and even humans, confirm spirulina improves immune system function. Medical scientists discovered it not only stimulates the immune system, it actually enhances the body's ability to generate new blood cells. Important parts of the immune system, bone marrow

Because spirulina increases disease resistance in animals, even in very small doses, the animal feed industry is studying its use as an new probiotic to help replace overused antibiotic drugs in animal feeds. Scientists in Japan have published new studies showing a purified extract unique to spirulina inhibits replication of HIV-1, Herpes, Influenza, Mumps and Measles virus in-vitro yet is very safe for human cells.

The National Cancer Institute found sulfolipids in blue-green algae were 'remarkably active' against the AIDS virus in vitro. Spirulina contains 5-8% lipids, and 40% of these are glycolipids and sulfolipids. These compounds seem to prevent viruses from either attaching to or penetrating cells, preventing viral infection. Meanwhile, the virus can be eliminated by the body's defenses. Exciting new research in Japan and the USA has confirmed spirulina extracts in vitro can inhibit replication of the HIV virus.

Supports cardiovascular function and healthy cholesterol

Many people are taking dietary supplements to support a healthy heart and lower cholesterol. One of these people, my father, was prescribed drugs to lower his cholesterol ten years ago. Instead he began taking spirulina and niacin. Now he's a vibrant 82, and his cholesterol level is still safe and under control.

Scientists have been confirming this too. Animal nutrition studies in Mexico, Argentina, Japan and India found the same cholesterol lowering benefits and an improvement in heart artery function for lower blood pressure. Published scientific studies with men in Japan and India showed several grams of spirulina daily can lower cholesterol. These studies suggest spirulina will reduce serum LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins - the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (High Density Lipoproteins - the good guys).

Human studies in Germany and India found a weight reduction effect along with cholesterol reduction. All these studies indicate spirulina is a useful supplement for cardiovascular health and for lowering cholesterol.

Improves gastrointestinal and digestive health

When people take spirulina they often notice immediate change in regularity and elimination. Research confirms it does promote digestion and bowel function. It suppresses bad bacteria like e-coli and Candida yeast and stimulates beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Healthy flora is the foundation of good health and it increases absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat, and helps protect against infection.

As people age, many who don't eat enough, have restricted diets or poor digestion may experience low energy from being undernourished. Spirulina builds healthy lactobacillus, aiding assimilation and elimination and relieving constipation.

In a village clinic in Togo, West Africa, we provided a tablespoon a day to undernourished children. Their mothers praised this 'green medicine' for bringing rapid recovery and weight gain. Other studies with malnourished children in Mexico, India, Romania, Rwanda and Zaire, have shown easily digested spirulina is beneficial when intestines no longer absorb food effectively.

It's a great food for malnourished people precisely because it helps rebuild healthy intestinal flora, which are essential for the utilization of more complex foods. Because in AIDS patients, nutrient malabsorption associated with opportunistic infections can initiate full blown AIDS, we've been donating spirulina to health clinics for HIV positive people.

Enhances natural cleansing and detoxification

When spirulina was first introduced 20 years ago, people quickly discovered it accelerated detoxification during fasting and cleansing. Later, in Japan, researchers found spirulina significantly reduced kidney toxicity caused by the heavy metal mercury and three pharmaceutical drugs. This suggested it's beneficial for humans suffering from heavy metal poisoning. Other researchers found rats consuming spirulina or chlorella algae eliminated 7 times the dangerous chemical dioxin compared to a control diet.

In 1994, a Russian Patent was awarded for spirulina as a medical food to reduce allergic reactions from radiation sickness. 270 Children of Chernobyl consuming 5 grams a day for 45 days (donated by Earthrise Farms), lowered radionucleides by 50%, and normalized allergic sensitivities.

Today we are subject to an onslaught of toxic chemicals in our air, water, food and drugs. Our bodies need to continually eliminate these accumulated toxins. Spirulina has a completely unique combination of phytonutrients - including chlorophyll, phycocyanin and polysaccharides, that can help cleanse our bodies.

Reduces cancer risks with antioxidant protection

Free radical molecules damage our body's cells. They are caused by pollution, poor diet, stress and injury. Antioxidant nutrients fight these dangerous oxidizing free radicals. They also stimulate our immune system to guard against cancer and other diseases and even slow the aging process. Major antioxidant vitamins are beta carotene (provitamin A) C, and E. Antioxidant minerals selenium, maganese, zinc, copper, iron and chromium form our bodies antioxidant enzymes. Spirulina contains all these nutrients, and exceptionally high levels of beta carotene and iron, and zinc in super spirulina.

Research shows spirulina helps protect Vitamin C from potency loss. In the past 20 years, many studies have shown natural beta carotene from fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of many cancers. Spirulina's beta carotene has been widely studied in India with thousands of people. Just one gram a day for a year given to 5000 pre school children, significantly reduced the incidence of eye disease. One gram a day caused total regression of mouth cancer lesions in 44% of male tobacco chewers.

This reinforced an earlier Harvard study that showed a spirulina extract used topically, reversed oral cancer tumors in hamsters. Chinese scientists found the unique polysaccharides also have antioxidant properties. No doubt, spirulina is one of the most powerful antioxidant whole foods.

What will spirulina do for athletes?

Athletes need extra nutrition. Spirulina is a high intensity superfood for a high intensity workout. Taken before jogging or competition, it delivers energy and improves stamina. Bikers, backpackers and mountain climbers will appreciate this lightweight survival food. For bodybuilders, it offers 60% protein and amino acids, low in fat. It's helpful for reducing caloric intake, essential for maintaining competitive weight.

World Class athletes use spirulina to improve performance. The Cuban Ministry of Sports gave it to their athletes to intensify training before the 1996 Olympic games. Cuban track stars have consumed it for many years. They say it helps create and mend muscle mass and helps iron retention. It improves endurance and wards off cramping for marathoners. When training increases appetite, spirulina curbs hunger.

When I was invited to the largest Chinese training center for 2000 athletes, I thought I was going to introduce them to spirulina. But, I soon found out it was their secret ingredient they'd been using for five years. The trainers said they prescribed it for athletes for all sports. It boosts the immune system and improves recovery, so their athletes can intensify training, for which they are famous. Where does their spirulina come from? I found out this Chinese training center has its own, private and exclusive spirulina farm.

Can a person lose weight taking spirulina?

It's not an appetite suppressant. It contains no drugs that trick the body. Yet, many people find taking a few tablets or a spirulina drink an hour before mealtime can help satisfy appetite, so they eat less. We know when we're going to be hungry, so just plan ahead. Because it's rich in iron, often deficient in women on low calorie diets, spirulina is ideal support for any diet. Best of all, it helps us to lighten up and make the switch from a bulky diet to lighter, more powerful foods.

How about fasting? Can a person live on spirulina alone?

I don't suggest living on one food, not even spirulina. I believe a biodiverse diet is best for good health. There are times when I take only spirulina with water or juice - when I fast 3 to 7 days once or twice a year. Fasting one day a week is common practice in traditional societies and religions. Going without food for three days or longer allows the body to cleanse and renew itself. In the late 1970s, one of the first discoveries was spirulina's value in fasting. This easy-to-digest food provides energy and stamina for work and play, while making cleansing much easier and more effective.

Taken from an interview with Robert Henrikson, author of the book "Earth Food Spirulina: How this remarkable blue-green algae can transform your life and our planet", in May 1998, featured on http://www.spirulina.com/