Spirulina & Crohn's Disease

An estimated 400,000 people in the U.S. suffer from Crohn’s disease, an often painful and debilitating condition for which there is no known medical cure. Although many doctors treat it with corticosteroid drugs, it also responds favorably to nutritional therapies, including the use of spirulina.

Blue-Green Algae

• Blue-green algae are sometimes referred to as superfoods because their extensive nutritional profile may help the body heal faster. Spirulina belongs to this class, and it has several features that benefit individuals with Crohn’s disease.

Dense Nutrition

• Traditional naturopath Linda Page asserts that dietary deficiencies are often at the heart of this health issue. Foods that offer a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other disease-preventing phytonutrients should be a mainstay of the diet. Spirulina is unparalleled in this regard, plus it also offers generous amounts of chlorophyll for detoxification.

Healthy Flora

• Mucopolysaccharides in spirulina encourage the growth of healthy flora, or “friendly” bacteria in the gut, which are vitally important for the integrity of the intestinal tract and immune system, according to well-known health expert Mike Adams of the Consumer Wellness Center.

Anti-Inflammatory

• Spirulina exerts strong anti-inflammatory effects on tissues in the body. This alone makes it an ideal support food for any person suffering with Crohn’s disease, which is characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract lining, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Preferable to Chlorella

• Individuals with Crohn’s disease should avoid consuming foods that cause cramping or diarrhea. Chlorella, a popular blue-green algae like spirulina, is packed with nutrition, but it can also cause moister stools and diarrhea, particularly when a person initially starts taking it. Consequently, give preference to spirulina when choosing between the two.