Did You Know… that a nutrient-dense algae can help treat chronic and life-threatening Hepatitis C?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3.2 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C (HCV), and because the symptoms can be silent, many don’t even know they have it!
Hepatitis C is a disease spread primarily through contact with an infected person’s blood. It attacks the liver, and if left untreated can evolve into cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer. Fortunately, chlorella, a green, plant-like algae, is a demonstrated weapon against the disease… and a safeguard if you haven’t been diagnosed!
Combat HCV with Chlorella
Researchers from Northgate Hospital in Springfield Massachusetts treated 18 chronic HCV patients with chlorella for three months. They used a control group made up of 26 HCV patients treated conventionally with interferon, a drug used to boost the immune system and fight infectious diseases. Subjects were given 1000 milligrams of chlorella the first week, followed by 1500 milligrams in subsequent weeks and added to 30 milliliters of chlorella liquid.
To track the effects of chlorella on HCV, researchers measured the levels of 2 enzymes in the liver—aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)—at the beginning and end of the 12-week trial. These liver enzymes spike when the liver is besieged by infection or chemical toxicity. After a three-month treatment of chlorella, however, 70% of patients saw a reduction in AST levels, and the majority of patients exhibited lower ALT levels as well.
FACT: Nearly three-fourths of participants who took chlorella reported feeling better and having more energy. All this with no negative side effects! |
Results also showed an improvement in the patients’ immune systems. Researchers measured genetic changes in viral RNA levels, which tell of the degree and strength of the infection and viral load. Dramatic improvement was noted.
Meanwhile, how did the control group treated with interferon do? Those patients experienced no decrease in liver enzymes and no boost of the immune system.
Algae All the Way
Chlorella isn’t the only algae proven effective against HCV. A six-month study conducted by Egyptian researchers in 2012 showed that spirulina, a blue-green algae, was able to lower liver enzymes, particularly AST, and improve HCV symptoms more effectively than silymarin, the active HCV-fighting compound in milk thistle.
Both chlorella and spirulina boast remarkable health-enhancing properties. Spirulina has about 25% more protein by weight than chlorella, but they each contain 20 amino acids and a plenitude of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Consider adding chlorella or spirulina in the form of a capsule or powder to your daily vitamin regimen to ensure optimal health and wellness.