Spirulina in diet pills. How to take, before or after meals, for how long

What is spirulina

Spiral algae, also called cyanobacteria, contain nutrients, chlorophyll, and protein. Spirulina is a blue-green plant that lives in fresh and salty alkaline environments. It was found in natural lakes of Australia, South America, and Africa. The cleanliness of the reservoir where spirulina grows affects its value properties.

Australian spirulina is considered the purest in the world because it does not contain heavy metals, which are found in other natural lakes. Spirulina grows only in those areas where the air is constantly warmed above 25˚C. When the temperature drops, it stops reproducing and soon dies.

Description

Spirulina is a blue-green algae with a rich biochemical composition. It requires warmth to grow; at air temperatures below 25˚C it dies. This is why the algae grows in lakes in Africa, South America and Australia. The purest and healthiest is Australian spirulina.

There are two types of algae:

1. Arthrospira platensis. Grows in water with high pH and carbonate content. Found in South America, Asia and Africa.
2. Arthrospira maxima. Distributed in Central America.

Species differ only in their place of growth, but not in their properties.

You can learn more about spirulina by watching this video:

Useful properties of seaweed, composition

How to take Spirulina, in tablets or powder, is up to everyone to decide for themselves, since it has been used as a dietary supplement since 1970. The protein content in the plant is 3–4 times higher than in fish or beef. It is made up of 65% protein and amino acids, including the essential fatty acid gamma-linoleic acid, which cannot be found in other food sources.

It also contains:

• multivitamins, for example, vitamin B12 is 4 times more than in beef liver;
• minerals: iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus;
• beta-carotene, which is 5 times more than in carrots and spinach;
• gamma-linoleic acid, which lowers cholesterol;
• phycocyanin, responsible for the activity of enzymes necessary for the functioning of the liver and kidneys;
• folic acid;
• vitamins A and C.

In 1 tbsp. l. Spirulina powder contains:

Spirulina contains more than 200 vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

Why is spirulina used in medicine?

How to take Spirulina tablets so that it brings benefits can be found out from your doctor or read in the instructions for the dietary supplement.

Proven benefits of spirulina:

• Helps balance sugar in the body. Studies have shown that taking the supplement not only lowers sugar levels, but also lowers glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which is a long-term marker of blood sugar levels.
• The antioxidant found in the seaweed, phycocyanin, is a strong anti-inflammatory substance.
• Reduces the level of allergies, reduces inflammation, which leads to nasal congestion, itching, and sneezing.
• Binds and helps remove heavy metals from the body.
• Increases muscle activity, reduces oxidation caused by physical activity due to the content of antioxidants.
• Supports the growth of healthy bacterial flora and prevents the development of Candida bacteria.
• Spirulina contains tetrapyrrole compounds bound to the bilirubin molecule, which suppresses the growth of cancer cells.
• Lowers blood pressure. The pigment contained in its structure, phycocyanin, has antihypertensive properties.
• Lowers cholesterol, prevents the development of atherosclerosis and subsequent stroke.
• Increases stamina and human energy by releasing sugar from cells.
• Reduces joint pain.
• Helps fight anemia.
• Prevents cell aging by destroying free radicals.

Who should not use it

The biological additive has contraindications.

Spirulina should not be used for:

• gallstones and kidney stones in short people;
• personal intolerance;
• undergoing chemical therapy.

Short people have much thinner urinary tracts than tall people. Therefore, stones can get stuck in the ureter, because Spirulina removes stones from the gallbladder and kidneys. Therefore, short people are not recommended to take this dietary supplement.

Cancer patients should not take Spirulina during chemotherapy, because it actively removes all harmful substances from the body. And the therapy cannot be absorbed as it should.

Indications for taking Spirulina in cosmetology

Spirulina, containing many minerals and fatty acids beneficial for the skin, is used in cosmetology.

Benefits of Spirulina:

• The plant is rich in antioxidants. Tyrosine, selenium, and vitamin E contained in its structure delay the aging of skin cells.
• Spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties. Effective for the rapid healing of skin inflammations, removes toxins, and prevents acne.
• Regular consumption helps in the treatment of nail diseases.
• The vitamins A and B12 it contains help restore skin tone.
• Spirulina is used to eliminate dark circles under the eyes and dry eyes.

Contraindications for use

Potential dangers of spirulina for people with medical conditions:

• autoimmune, because it suppresses the action of inflammatory protein;
• hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
• heart failure;
• bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract;
• myocardial infarction;
• vascular thrombosis;
• acne.

The drug is contraindicated:

• for peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum;
• with autoimmune processes that are in an active state.

Elderly people with renal and liver failure should take it with caution. It is not advisable to give seaweed supplements to children under 5 years of age.

When is it prescribed?

Many acute and chronic diseases are treated with biological supplements, in complex therapy, of course.

Spirulina is used for:

• ulcers of the stomach and duodenum;
• oncological diseases:
• anemia:
• heart and vascular diseases;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• gynecological problems (cervical erosion, endometriosis, fibroids, vaginitis);
• AIDS;
• mastopathy;
• skin diseases;
• dysbacteriosis;
• hypovitaminosis;
• diabetes mellitus;
• obesity.

The biological additive is also used for:

• replenishment of vitamins and microelements;
• cleansing from harmful substances;
• lowering cholesterol;
• improving metabolism;
• increased growth in children;
• increasing resistance to infections;
• prevention of joint pain;
• normalization of the condition during menopause;
• pregnancy planning.

Spirulina is also actively used in cosmetology. It helps slow down the aging process, rejuvenate facial skin, remove oily shine, tighten pores, strengthen hair, and make it fuller. Seaweed is added to creams, shampoos, and hair balms.

How to drink spirulina correctly for adults and children

How to take Spirulina in tablets or powder depends on what results are expected from it. The initial dose is 500 mg or 1 g per day, divided into 3 times. You can gradually increase the dose, but then you need to monitor the body's reaction.

When taking tablets or capsules, you should drink them with plenty of water, at least 6 glasses a day. As a medicine, it is taken on an empty stomach half an hour before meals, because absorption in an empty stomach occurs quickly, within 20 minutes. It is used as a food additive in cocktails, juices, and salads.

The supplement should not be continued for more than 6-8 weeks.

How to properly prepare spirulina:

• Powder is poured into a glass of boiled water. The water should be slightly warm, because the algae infuses longer in cold water.
• Determine dosage. For an adult, 10 g or 2 tsp is enough. spirulina powder, for a child – 5 g or 1 tsp.
• Pour the powder into a glass of water and let it sit for no more than 6-8 minutes to prevent lumps from forming. Stir until smooth.
• Drink the infusion and wash it down with a second glass of water.

In tablets

Tablet forms are obtained by strongly compressing the plant, which is accompanied by heat treatment. In this case, the intercellular structure is sometimes disrupted, so the optimal form of taking the drug is spirulina in the form of powder or capsules.

It is enough for adults to take no more than 10 tablets (one weight is 0.5 g), divided into 2-3 times a day, for children 5 tablets a day, divided into 2 times. To reduce sugar content and normalize metabolism, take 2-4 tablets 2 times a day before meals.

In capsules

Due to the specific taste of algae, many people prefer to consume it in capsules. Adults: 4–6 capsules (depending on the amount of powder in the capsule, but not more than 1 g), 2 times a day with meals. Spirulina will help a thin person gain weight; for this purpose, it is taken immediately after a meal along with dessert.

For weight loss

Spirulina helps improve the absorption of nutrients entering the body, which reduces the need for them by about a third. It also normalizes lipid .

The use of dietary supplements in weight loss programs involves taking tablets, capsules or powder 30-60 minutes before each meal in a dose of 0.5-1 g. Take the product with 0.5-1 glass of liquid.

Nutritionists advise people who are losing weight to skip one of the meals, replacing it with 3-4 grams of Spirullina platensis with 2 or more glasses of water.

During the period of taking dietary supplements, it is useful to adhere to a vegetable and fruit diet, eat small meals, exclude alcohol, spicy seasonings, sweets, fats, and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Spirulina for weight loss: instructions for use

Spirulina, as a fat burner, cleanses the body and promotes weight loss. The presence of beta-carotene, GLA fatty acids, and chlorophyll makes it useful for people struggling with excess weight. It restores the digestive system and cleanses the intestines. Algae have a good satiating effect, which helps reduce appetite.

If the main goal is to lose weight, then the daily intake of spirulina (10 g) should be divided into 2 doses. The first time is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, and the second time before bed. If Spirulina is taken in capsules, then the daily dose should be no more than 6 pieces. The course of treatment is 20–25 days, during which you can lose from 8 to 10 kg.

Spiral algae capsules reduce fat deposits on the sides and abdomen and improve skin condition. A drug from Prozis helps control appetite. Tablets are taken in 2 pieces. 3 times a day with meals.

Healthy cocktail for weight loss:

• grapefruit juice, 0.5 cups;
• lime juice, 1.4 cups;
• water;
• 1 tbsp. l. spirulina.

Reviews

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Spiruina

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Buyers in reviews of algae often note the following advantages:

• spirulina invigorates;
• improves brain activity, hair and skin condition;
• reduces appetite, helps in weight loss;
• immunity increases.

There is only one downside to additives containing this algae – an unpleasant taste and smell.

How to take the drug for hair health

The plant, containing 70% protein, provides a complex of nutrients necessary to stimulate hair growth. The antioxidant complex Nrf2, B vitamins, sulfur, phosphorus contained in algae nourish hair follicles and prevent premature hair loss.

How to take Spirulina tablets to keep your hair and nails healthy:

• 3–9 g daily half an hour before meals or during meals.
• Drink with ½ or a whole glass of water.

Hair masks are made from spirulina powder:

1. Take 10 g of powder, 2 yolks, 30 ml of lemon juice, mix everything.
2. Apply to hair and scalp.
3. Create a steam effect by wrapping your head in plastic and a towel.
4. After 30 min. Rinse hair well with shampoo and conditioner.

Mask for dry hair:

1. Mix 50 ml of unfiltered beer, 10 g of spirulina powder, 1 egg yolk, add a few drops of coconut oil.
2. Apply the mixture to your head and create a greenhouse effect using film and towel.
3. In 20 minutes. wash everything off.

Drug interactions

A supplement made from spirulina should not be taken simultaneously with immunosuppressants or immunosuppressants, as well as drugs that thin the blood, as there is a risk of bleeding. And you can drink it together with such remedies and vitamins as:

1. A and E. They improve the condition of hair and skin.
2. Fish fat. Additionally saturates the body with PUFAs.
3. Mumiyo. Produces a general strengthening effect.

But it is recommended to coordinate the dosage and treatment regimen with your doctor.

Using Spirulina to maintain beauty and youthful skin

Spirulina masks moisturize, tighten the skin, and improve complexion.

Mask for sensitive skin:

• natural yogurt without sugar, 1 tbsp. l.;
• spirulina powder 1 tbsp. l.

Apply to the face for 10 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

Nourishing and rejuvenating mask:

• olive oil 1 tbsp. l.;
• lemon juice ½ tsp;
• spirulina powder 1 tbsp. l.

Mix all ingredients and apply to face for 15 minutes. After rinsing with water, you can apply a nourishing cream to the skin.

Spirulina mask that prevents skin aging:

• sour cream 1 tsp;
• oatmeal 1 tsp;
• 5 g spirulina powder.

Mix everything, apply to face, after 30 minutes. rinse with water.

Rejuvenating mask:

• gelatin, 2 tsp, pour 1 tbsp. boiled water, heat after swelling;
• 4 tab. dissolve spirulina in 2 tbsp. water, add ½ tsp. lemon juice and a few drops of vitamin A;
• mix all ingredients, apply to face for 15–20 minutes.

Regular use of this mask smoothes nasolabial folds and rejuvenates the skin.

Spirulina wrap

The valuable algae can not only be drunk, but also used during the treatment procedure. For this, finely ground powder is used.

A wrap mixture that will help moisturize and tighten the body:

• natural yogurt – 4 tbsp. l.;
• Hawaiian spirulina powder – 2 tbsp. l.;
• natural honey – 2 tbsp. l.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly, then apply to the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen. Use film to create a greenhouse effect. After 30 min. wash everything off, take a shower with soft gel.

Spirulina can be taken in either powder or tablet form.

To prepare a mixture containing spirulina with clay, you will need:

• spirulina powder ½ cup;
• medical clay ½ cup.

The composition is applied to problem areas, a greenhouse effect is created using film and warm cloth, then after 30 minutes it is washed off with water. The consumption of ingredients may be more, it depends on the area of ​​skin coverage.

Clay for wrapping is selected depending on the purpose of the procedure:

• green or red is used for aging skin;
• white – for skin tightening;
• gray clay is used for detoxification.

If you wish, you can take a body wrap course in beauty salons. The most popular procedure is body correction using four micronized algae, including spirulina.

Is it possible to drink Spirulina during breastfeeding and pregnancy?

Many doctors do not see any harm in pregnant women using algae products. Spirulina contains folic acid, which helps the stable development of the cardiovascular and nervous system in the fetus. Women during pregnancy complain of worsening skin condition.

The supplement will help restore skin balance and improve complexion. The iron contained in the algae will prevent the onset of anemia, and calcium will participate in the formation of the skeletal system of the unborn child. During this period, it is enough to take the drug 2–5 g per day so as not to cause harm to health.

During lactation, you can eat algae, as they are rich in polysaccharides, which accelerate the process of protein absorption. It also contains a large set of microelements necessary for a nursing woman. It is advisable to take the drug during these periods under the supervision of a doctor.

Release forms

Preparations with spirulina are available in different forms:

1. Pills. They are convenient to take. But, in addition to the active component, the tablets contain stabilizers.
2. Capsules. They contain only plant components.
3. Powder. It is highly effective, but has an unpleasant taste and odor. When choosing a powder, you need to make sure that the spirulina is organic.
4. Granules. Does not contain foreign additives. Since they have an unpleasant taste, it is worth knowing how to consume spirulina granules. It is best to add them to vegetable salads or cooled first courses. The disadvantage of this form of release is the high price and the high probability of overdose.
5. Syrup. Contains natural algae, as well as acids, sweeteners, and water. The advantage of syrup is that it has a pleasant taste.

Harm and side effects

Spirulina is a completely natural product and does not cause any problems in the body.

In rare cases, unpleasant symptoms may appear that are associated with individual intolerance to the plant:

• Slight chill. Excessive amounts of protein obtained from algae increase the burden on the body during its processing.
• Thirst, constipation. When using the supplement, it is recommended to drink an additional 6–8 tbsp. water per day.
• Pain in the stomach.
• Skin itching, mild rash.
• Nausea, vomiting.

How to choose the right spirulina

Tablets and capsules are sometimes difficult to use, so many people prefer to take Spirulina in powder, combining it with kefir, juice, or adding it to salads.

Drug selection criteria:

• If the product will be added to food, then the best preparations are from Earthrise or Earth Circle Organics.
• To strengthen the immune system, you should focus on products from Solgar.
• To influence the body, in order to prevent aging, hair growth, and strengthen nails, you should buy supplements produced by Earthrise.
• You can strengthen your cardiovascular system with Healthy Origins medications.
• A budget option for using spirulina in tablets is from Now Foods.

All of the listed drugs, except spirulina, contain additives that affect various body systems.

Spirulina Now Foods, indications and contraindications:

Spirulina from NOW Foods is recommended for use in the following cases: - for human immunodeficiency conditions and in particular for infectious diseases; - to prevent vascular atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease; - to prevent pernicious anemia; - to cleanse the body; - to prevent intestinal cancer; - for diabetes mellitus (transfers a severe stage to a lighter one); - for skin problems; - for inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane of the eyelids and eyes; - for obesity; - for vision problems. Contraindications for Spirulina: - allergy to the components of the drug

Cost of Spirulina tablets in pharmacies

1. Solgar , spirulina, 750 mg, 250 tablets. Daily portion – 4 tablets. Price in pharmacies – from 1500 rubles.
2. Now Foods , Certified Natural Spirulina, 500 mg, 180 Tablets. Daily portion 6 tablets. Price – from 800 rub.
3. Earthrise , natural spirulina, 500 mg, 360 tab. The cost in pharmacies is 1 thousand 300 rubles.
4. Healthy Origins , organic spirulina, 500 mg, 360 tablets, price – 1 thousand 500 rubles.
5. The drug in capsules from the Chinese manufacturer Cogem BioEngineering costs 1 thousand 900 rubles.
6. Tablets from Russian - 374 rubles. (120 pcs.).
7. The drug is from the German company Sanatur , 250 pcs., cost 2 thousand 600 rubles.
8. Spirulina VEL , tablets of 0.5 g, in quantities of 30, 60 or 1320 pcs. Produced in Russia by V-MIN LLC. Price – from 186 rub.

An ideal anti-aging food – Spirulina is a natural source of beauty and health. Microalgae protects and supports a healthy full life, and how to take it, in tablets or powder, everyone will decide for themselves.

Author: Belyaeva Anna

Analogs

Structural analogues of Spirulina VEL are: Spirulina plantensis , Spirulina Moscow State University , Spirulina Tienshi , Spirulina-Sochi , Spirulina Coral Club .

The following drugs are characterized by a similar mechanism of action: Bittner Kombukha , Kudesan forte , Terra-Plant (with chamomile, calendula, cranberry, lemon balm, papaya, radiola, black currant, blueberry, sage, rose hips, eleutherococcus, echinacea), Lipovitam Beta , Solyasol , Vita- provider , Ginkgolecit , Ginkgo-S , Zhiznestin , Immortel , Lapacho , , Regenerin , Hon Ship Pao , Sage plus , Milona , ​​Lutein-Forte , Jakol , Pycnogenol-Extra , Diet 30 plus , Carniton , Nagipol-10 .