Chlorella and Spirulina

[Kazzyloulou]

Hello all, I just wondered if it's ok to take Chlorella and Spirulina if you are underactive and are on Levothyroxine? Many thanks, as always. xx

[helvella Administrator]

You need first to check whether the specific products you are considering contain iodine - or not. And how much, if they do.

[Kazzyloulou in reply to helvella]

Neither of them say it on the ingredients list?

Ingredients

[helvella Administrator in reply to Kazzyloulou]

I wish they'd included how much iodine - even if it was zero!

Iodine content all depends on how they are grown. Maybe double-check with the supplier?

The claimed Vitamin A content will almost certainly be betacarotene. Which needs to be converted into active vitamin A. That process can be impaired while hypothyroid.

I can't see anything which would say not to take. But I'd be wondering why I should take it!

[Kazzyloulou in reply to helvella]

I heard they were good for energy, which I have none, Iron which I struggle to increase and getting rid of toxins. I was going to add them to my smoothie. But no worries if its going to interfere with things. Should I not take Vit A either?

[helvella Administrator in reply to Kazzyloulou]

You can pretty much take as much vitamin A as you like if it is in the form of betacarotene. But so-called preformed vitamin A needs to be carefully dosed.

Afraid I have no idea how absorbable the iron content is. I usually point out that iron in the form of haem (heme) and ferritin is absorbed by different pathways and rarely causes digestive issues. You can take other iron supplements at the same time as haem and./or ferritin - they potentially add up.

[Kazzyloulou in reply to helvella]

Thd Vit A I have sausage 10,000 iu, 3,000 mcg, from retinol palmitate and fish liver oil. Is that one ok do you think?

[helvella Administrator in reply to Kazzyloulou]

Have a read of this link re vitamin A:

ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/V...

[Kazzyloulou in reply to helvella]

Will do, thank you. I'm concerned that I'm taking things that I shouldn't. Is there a list anywhere of what 'not ' to take? Thank you. I'm just feeling so lousy that I take anything that might help.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Kazzyloulou]

Most things you just need to be sensible about.

The big question issue is iodine. With some claiming they are doing well by taking gigantic doses. While others have very clear and properly recorded evidence they have suffered, sometimes severely, from taking even modest levels of iodine.

I tend to the cautious approach.

[Kazzyloulou in reply to helvella]

Yes, absolutely. There is enough suffering already ;-). I intend to scale back on them when I'm feeling better. I've just increased my dose a couple of weeks ago by 12.5 mcg but seem to have zero energy, excessive fatigue and very low and anxious again. Hopefully you're going to tell me that's normal and will staighten out. These increases have really taken their toll. I'm going to be a bit scared to increase again.

[Kazzyloulou in reply to helvella]

Neither say iodine on the ingredients?

Ingredients

[helvella Administrator]

I'd be sceptical about the B12 content. Most of the published information is either directly or indirectly linked to one company.

I would NOT rely on it as a source of B12. If I wanted or needed to take B12, I'd get a specific B12 supplement.

[Kazzyloulou]

That's good, I do take a separate B12 and a few others, as well as Ferrous Fumarate x 3 daily.

[manizani]

Maybe think about trying one at a time , keeping a journal on how you feel and if you notice any improvement.

[Kazzyloulou in reply to manizani]

That's a good idea, thank you.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Spirulina is quite high in iodine if grown in sea water... not so much if grown in freshwater, though a higher bacteria loading! I still have a pot somewhere which I stopped taking after researching...

This taken from a manufacturer that grows it in ponds...

A daily serving of 3 grams of Spirulina provides approximately 15mcg (micrograms) of iodine which is ten percent of the US recommended daily intake for iodine (150mcg) we always suggest that you consult with your health care practitioner before using any dietary supplement including Spirulina.

bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide...

Is chlorella safe for everyone?

Chlorella is generally recognised as safe if used in the short-term, but it can cause some side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps. There have also been some reported cases of allergic reaction and an increase in sun sensitivity.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have iodine sensitivity, an allergy to moulds, a weakened immune system or an autoimmune condition, you may be advised not to take chlorella in case of a reaction. It is also advised that you do not take chlorella if you are taking any medication that decreases the immune system, as well as blood thinners such as warfarin.

Nutritional benefits

One teaspoon (3g) of chlorella in powder form provides:

11Kcal / 44KJ

1.8g Protein

0.1g Fat

0.5g Carbohydrate

3.4mcg Iodine

6.6mcg Vitamin B12

[Kazzyloulou in reply to TiggerMe]

Thank you for the info, very interesting.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Hi, have you looked into your sex hormone levels yet?

I would highly recommend as they are intrinsically linked with thyroid function and you are looking to balance all of your hormones, likely your progesterone levels are dropping off... take a look at balance-menopause.com/

Surprised you haven't been offered any when you 'lost your shit' with them, low estrogen can make you feisty and less tolerant 🤣

Here's a bit from thyroidadvisor.com/progeste...

Evidence shows that estrogen increases the production of thyroid-binding globulin[vii], a protein which binds thyroid hormone and makes it inactive. This leads to decreased metabolism and increased fat deposits.

On the other hand, progesterone decreases thyroid binding globulin and increases the activity of thyroid hormones, when sufficient amount of this hormone is present in the body. The proper activity of thyroid hormones accelerates metabolism and uses the fat that was stored under estrogen influence for an energy boost[viii].

🤗

[Kazzyloulou in reply to TiggerMe]

The doctor did test some last year that were apparently normal. They weren't tested at a particular time or part of the cycle. Should I ask for another test? I have downloaded the app, so many thanks for that.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Kazzyloulou]

Perhaps look back and see if you can work out which end of 'normal' you are?

If you are still ovulating you need to test at a certain time of the month, maybe take a look at medichecks information, as obviously you are still up and down like the proverbial fiddlers elbow.... the truth is if you speak to a menopause clinic they generally don't do blood tests just work on symptoms!

I know MENTAL eh! They actually listen to you and maybe do a quick questionnaire and ask what would suit your lifestyle, get you sorted then TELL your GP what to continue prescribing 🤸‍♀️

I found this site recently which I thought was pretty good at explaining about all the hormones...

hormonerestoration.com/Meno...

[Kazzyloulou in reply to TiggerMe]

That's really great info, thank you. My doctor said she wouldn't try me on HRT until my Thyroid levels are where I need them to be. Of course for them they have been perfect since they started me on the 50mcg and left me there for 30 years. For all that time I've been undermedicated. I've had 3 increases and now I'm on 87.5. But these increases have really shook me about . I didn't start to feel a bit better before the last increase but a week in on the new dose and I started to feel dreadful again. Is it normal for a small increase to do that? Is it just because I've been under medicated for so long. Will thd next increase do the same thing? Im not sure I've got the mental strength. Sorry so many questions but I am in a bit of a two and eight. Should I leave myself on the 87.5 for a while and try HRT? Thank you, any advice greatly appreciated. xx

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Kazzyloulou]

It seems incredible that Dr's deal with one thing at a time 😖 like that's how our bodies work right!!!

Yes some people really struggle with even the smallest increase especially the ones who have been undermedicated for a long time as your body has adapted to a slower tick over and then you put your foot on the gas... it helps so much to follow the advice given here about getting all you levels optimised.

It is so hard to know as it is different for all of us, but essentially you are looking to balance all of your hormones so that they work together without having any one too dominant.

I started off on T4 and bimbled along feeling less than great gradually declining, then looked into sorting out my HRT needs, thinking this must be the issue, once you are hypo everything else starts to shutdown too, so I was lacking estrogen, progesterone and testosterone by the time I went to the menopause clinic to get proper advice, they sorted me out and I lost some of the symptoms aching joints, twitchy bladder, anxiety...etc.

Still fatigued though and food intolerances getting worse, dairy, nightshades and histamine.... Then started to get a build up of fluid (mucin).....found this forum and sorted out my Vit/Mins and Iron etc, and got a full thyroid panel done showing my T3 was right at the bottom even with T4 at the top..... OK bad converter! Bought some T3 and hey presto massive upturn, mucin gone in 5 weeks.... now with a functioning brain I could really start to understand what was going on.... did a DIO2 gene test and yep wonky, got to see the NHS endo who has agreed I need T3 & T4! PHEW

So my advice would be yes treat your body holistically as hormones work in synergy, you get a feel for it as you get used to the new you and it is really easy to tweak your HRT

Hope that helps 🤗

[Kazzyloulou in reply to TiggerMe]

Thank you so much in taking the time to reply. I've got a call with the GP in a couple of weeks so will see what they suggest. It's hard to trust them though. I'm in this situation because of their consistent incompetence. Fingers crossed anyway. To our health and may it improve in 2023 😁

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Kazzyloulou]

I would suggest to them what it is you would like, make a list... pro active, girl power!

The joy of being menopausal is you get to say it like it is! No more Mrs Nice

[Kazzyloulou in reply to TiggerMe]

Good idea....I will start compiling my war and peace.....or just war, ha ha. 😜

[Kazzyloulou in reply to TiggerMe]

Thank you for the edit 😄. I'm pleased to hear that. I'm such a sensitive soul. 😂

[groovylady2017 in reply to TiggerMe]

omg you are describing what I am going through right now; figuring out the entire balancing of all hormones. Been tough and because I have had a blood clot in 2010, doctors will not offer me any kind of hormones replacements as I am in full menopause. Suffering but not losing the battle. Great advice and so appreciate knowing someone else is going thru this part as well. Or rather went thru it, there is light at the end of the tunnel! 🙏🏽😍

[Kazzyloulou in reply to groovylady2017]

Oh wow, thank you for responding with your experience too. It helps to hear that's it normal. Let's keep battling on together 🙏🏻💪🫶

[Sofie007]

Hey Kazzyloulou, I have been drinking the Medical Medium heavy metal detox smoothie and i put a teaspoon of chlorella in it. But after 2 days i became very hyper, i couldnt tolerate my meds. I am now drinking it without the chlorella but that is ofcourse less powerful. I have hashis and i take levo. If I were you, I would just try a little and see how you feel. Seaweed is very healthy, but you don’t want a racing heart.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Sofie007]

Not sure how to read that?

Chlorella is not a seaweed.

And seaweeds can be good and healthy foods, but we have to be concerned about the iodine content. In foods such as laverbread, the iodine content is quite modest - partly due to the long boiling processes. But kelp, in particular, has a high but variable iodine content - such that even fairly small quantities can cause problems.

[Sofie007 in reply to helvella]

I think chlorella is a type of seaweed? Freshwater..

I am just expressing my experience with taking chlorella while also taking thyroid meds. I used to add it to my smoothies before i was diagnosed and then there were no issues. Now that i am taking thyroid meds i don’t tolerate it anymore. So my message was to be cautious.

But everyone is different. You won’t know until you try.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Sofie007]

Chlorella is an alga rather than a seaweed. (A unicellular microalga.)

It is mainly freshwater but some forms cope with saltwater - but it does affect them, reducing rate of growth but increasing oil content.

[Kazzyloulou in reply to Sofie007]

I have been using both for a while but I will stop now and see what happens. Then maybe reintroduce and see what happens. Thank you

[The-Wasp]

Dr. Alan Christianson (writer of the Thyroid Reset Diet) says it is okay to chlorella and spirulina on a low iodine diet. It's a great book (seems to make a ton of sense at least). I am on a low iodine diet and I take chlorella and spirulina, but I suffer from debilitating constipation without it. I avoid all other iodine sources and feel better as a result. The book is on audible so you can easily listen to it while you go on daily walks or do housework. I'm pretty paranoid about iodine, but need the spirulina and chlorella to function so I take it. If you don't need to, maybe you shouldn't. This is just my 2 cents 😀 Good luck!

[SarahBa in reply to The-Wasp]

Regarding your constipation have you ever tried taking flaxseed/ground linseed? I take it daily in my porridge but I suppose you could add it to a drink or a smoothie instead.

[The-Wasp in reply to SarahBa]

Yes, I use that too.

[Kazzyloulou in reply to The-Wasp]

I will check it out, thank you.

[Partner20]

Chlorella and spirulina are both forms of algae, and if sourced from seawater will contain iodine, contra-indicated for thyroid conditions unless you have been shown to be iodine-deficient. However, if these algae are harvested from freshwater, there should be no iodine content. I have seen references to the Medical Medium and Alan Christianson posted in replies. Due diligence should be applied to their advice before following it.