pirulina is a panacea (helpful for many different conditions)

The herb of the week for this week is important enough to list some
websites so you can immediately begin to do some research of your own.
Spirulina is a panacea (helpful for many different conditions) with so
many healthful qualities that a small article like this cannot give
enough information for such an awesome nutritional supplement.


Spirulina studies cover the most important health issues of today. So
far spirulina may/might:

Strengthens the immune system and as such is studied for it's usage
in the fight against chronic viral infections such as possible AIDS,
HCV and even Cancer (since cancer is considered an immunes system
disorder) It contains phytonutrients such as phycocyanin to enhance
the immune system, polysaccharides enhance the immune system and
sulfolipid extracts from blue-green algae stop HIV.

Supports cardiovascular function and cholesterol reduction

Improves gastrointestinal and digestive health by improving balance of
probiotics.

Enhances natural cleansing and detoxification

Reduces cancer risks with antioxidant protection (including beta
carotene) and anti-tumor effects.

Reduces kidney toxicity from mercury and drugs.

Effects against diabetes and hypertension.

Wound healing and antibiotic effects.

Reduces inflammation through prostaglandin stimulation.

Excellent source of iron and other minerals for malnourished children.

Reduces effects of Chernobyl radiation.

RADIATION TREATMENT:
A very recent clinical study in the Philippines has confirmed that the
food supplement spirulina can reduce the side effects of radiation
therapy in patients with advanced cancer.
The study, presented at the Philippine Society of Oncologists' 5th
Cancer Congress, revealed the results of a year-long cancer project
conducted by the Oncology Department of the Jose Reyes Memorial
Medical Center (JRMMC).

The protective effects were attributed to cysteine, an antioxidant
known as a radioprotector. Dr. Anthony Albert Abad, Dr. Sarmiento's
co-author, recommended that further studies should compare treatment
duration, taste modification, and preparations, because the patients
were asked to take 20 tablets per day. "The results of this study
supports the potential of spirulina emerging as a radioprotector," he
said. "Although, we as radiation oncologists rely on the technical
intricacies of radiation therapy in the eradication of tumor, we also
aim on preserving the quality of life of the patient. We want them to
have a livable life after radiotherapy." Would that more American
radiologists had the same attitude!


SPIRULINA CONTAINS VALUABLE NUTRIENTS
Spirulina is a catchall name for several species of blue-green algae,
namely spirulina maxima and spirulina platensis. Spirulina has long
been used as a nutritious addition to diets of natives of Africa and
Mexico. It has more recently been touted as an agent to lower
cholesterol and as an antiviral and antimutagenic supplement (mutagens
are things--like radiation--that cause genes to mutate).

Spirulina contains some valuable nutrients: essential amino acids,
vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Furthermore, it
provides a good source of protein with relatively low fat. As for the
science behind the claims of spirulina's benefits, we've found mixed
results. There is good evidence that it may help fight and prevent
oral cancer (a 12-month study of tobacco users found complete
regression in 45 percent of patients taking one gram per day of the
supplement). In addition, there is fairly good evidence (laboratory
studies--not human) that an extract of spirulina did inhibit
replication of HIV-1.

Although some people have allergic reactions to spirulina, it is
generally considered safe. It does have anticlotting properties, so
you shouldn't take it if you're taking other blood-thinning agents.
Furthermore, because spirulina is grown in water, there's a risk of
contamination (lead, mercury, and other toxic metals). But at the same
time spirualin reduces kidney toxicity from mercury and drugs. At any
rate, spirulina is often mixed with chlorella in nutritional drinks
such as Green Machine or Green Food because chlorella binds more
readily to heavy metals like chlorella.

Some Research:
There's been some research out of Japan showing that a sulfonated
polysaccharide which they've named calcium spirolan inhibits many
viruses from invading cells, and this includes herpes and actually the
HIV virus.


There's also been some work out of the University of Mississippi where
they have extracted a compound, again a polysaccharide from spirulina,
which greatly stimulates the immune system.


There's also been a study in India with a group of people that chewed
tobacco quite a bit and eventually developed mouth cancer, and they
gave the group spirulina, and I think the remission rate was something
like 80% of those folks with pre-cancerous lesions in their mouth if
they took spirulina.


Spirulina contains a phytonutrient called phycocyanin. This is a blue
pigment. That's why spirulina is actually called blue-green algae,
because of the phycocyanin blue pigment. And it's a phycobiliprotein
and research has shown that it really provides a great deal of
protection to both the liver and the kidneys. It's actually an
antioxidant pigment or protein pigment.



NOTE:
"...Obviously, the pharmaceutical companies don't have much interest
in looking at the health benefits of spirulina, since that would
typically compete with many of their drugs...and they wouldn't have a
great deal of patent protection to move forward..."


Part of this post is information from Dr. Gerry Cysewski, CEO and
founder of Cyanotech Corporation http://www.cyanotech.com, located in
Kona, Hawaii. Cyanotech's spirulina and astaxanthin products are
available in retail stores (look for products made with "Hawaiian
spirulina") or through Nutrex-Hawaii at http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com.



(Spirulina is readily available through most health food stores and
outlets.)


You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com ...etc. Enter one or more keywords and do your
own research.

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.


Until next time,
Quinnten, Editor