Leaf through liquid chlorophyll side effects described in this article, before buying the supplement. This article will help you to take proper precautionary measures, if you are thinking of taking chlorophyll supplements to improve your digestion.
The pigment chlorophyll stimulates absorption of sunlight in plants. Thus, it enables plants to produce energy. Chlorophyll is referred to as “blood of plants”. Human beings are benefited in many ways by chlorophyll rich foods like leafy green vegetables, barley grass, wheat-grass or herbs. Consuming algae or plant-based food does not cause any adverse effects; but possibility of side effects increases when you opt for chlorophyll supplements.
Adverse Effects of Chlorophyll Supplements
Consumption of liquid chlorophyll may lead to diarrhea which eventually can result in dehydration. Surprisingly, some users have complained about constipation due to the supplements. Some have noticed discoloration of tongue, urine and feces. Abdominal pain or stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting are some of the common side effects of chlorophyll supplements. Sometimes, an allergic reaction is experienced, leading to skin rash or skin hives and itching sensation. A severe allergic reaction may cause swelling on face, hands or neck, tingling sensation in the mouth, chest pain and breathing difficulty. The condition requires prompt medical attention. If you notice any such adverse effects, you should stop taking the supplement and consult your doctor immediately.
Plants that are used as ingredients to make chlorophyll supplements, may contain pesticides and other environmental toxins from water or soil and may increase the risk of cancer. Pesticides and other toxins can disrupt the function of the nervous system and they can also lead to hormone imbalance. Certain impure supplements can affect your health seriously if the ingredients (plants) contain heavy metals like mercury. According to some other experts, prolonged or excessive consumption of chlorophyll can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. To avoid possible damage, you need to apply a good sunscreen lotion. Use of liquid chlorophyll for weight loss has not been proved yet. Excessive consumption of the supplements often results in side effects. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid chlorophyll supplements, as more studies are essential to prove the safety of the supplements for them. Those who want to take the supplements should consult a doctor for appropriate dosage and duration.
Health Benefits
Many studies have shown that chlorophyll works as a blood purifier. It helps improve the quality and function of blood; when consumed in proper proportion. Many pharmaceutical companies manufacture chlorophyll supplements. These supplements come in powder, tablet or liquid form. Liquid chlorophyll is easily absorbed in the blood, so many people opt for the supplements which come in liquid form. After knowing the benefits of chlorophyll intake, people cannot resist the temptation of taking the supplements.
Chlorophyll acts as hemoglobin and helps raise the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood. Owing to the increased number of RBCs, organs in the body receive more oxygen and they function well. This makes your body strong at cellular level which in turn helps improve your immune system. Chlorophyll helps get rid of various toxins and carcinogens from your body. Chlorophyll contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which prevent your body from serious diseases like cancers. It works as a detoxifying agent and offers you lots of energy. It helps fight infections, and it helps get rid of bad breath and bad odor. Regular intake of chlorophyll helps enhance the rate of metabolism and helps lose weight. Consumption of chlorophyll helps relieve constipation. It alleviates pain from stomach ulcers and reduces gas too. It promotes easy digestion as it absorbs heavy metal in the colon. It also breaks down calcium oxalate stones and prevents kidney diseases. Thus chlorophyll enhances the function of digestive, circulatory and immune system.
Since chlorophyll offers several health benefits, people often tend to overlook its side effects. Risks associated with these supplements are brought to the notice of the consumers from time to time, through various consumer reviews. People tend to overlook the suggestions as the side effects are usually not very serious. The adverse effects may vary from person to person and some may not suffer from such effects at all. Severity of these effects may also vary from person to person, depending upon the overall health of the person, skin sensitivity and dosage.
Although chlorophyll supplements are produced using alfalfa, algae, barley grass, blue-green algae (spirulina) and wheat grass; the purity of the constituents may vary from brand to brand. If you want to avoid the adverse effects, you need to choose the most reliable brand. You should read the labels carefully and follow the directions regarding the dosage of the supplements religiously.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.