About spirulina, only good!Also known as a super food, it is a blue-green seaweed, a nutrient considered to be one of the oldest life forms on earth, used for centuries.Interestingly, despite its many benefits, from reduced immunity to the fight against allergies, spirulina can be deadly and even has a consistent set of negative health effects.For starters, here are some of the benefits that have made it popular: it is rich in protein, vitamin B1, iron and calcium, and let's not forget that it is an ideal source of antioxidants.If it is generally considered to be a food that can be eaten safely, its quality, in turn, can have a very large impact on health.If it is grown in unsafe conditions, it may contain high levels of toxins, which are harmful to the liver.It worsens phenylketonuria.Phenylketonuria is a serious genetic disease that is caused by a disorder that does not allow the metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine present in food.People who suffer from this condition and use spirulina will experience symptoms such as seizures, hyperactivity and analytical inability and may worsen the symptoms of phenylketonuria.Exacerbates the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body, causing inflammation and damage to the organs.Arthritis, asthma, periodontitis, vitiligo, type II diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and fatal anemia are just some of the autoimmune diseases.After all, spirulina is a foreign body and, once consumed, the body exaggerates and amplifies the activity of the immune system.Thus, the symptoms are exacerbated by an existing disease or give rise to severe inflammation.Risk of heavy metal toxicity.Various varieties of spirulina that are produced in unfavorable environments are often infested with heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead.Prolonged consumption of spirulina from such environments results in the destruction of vital organs such as the kidneys or liver.Unlike adults, children are at risk for developing fatal complications from heavy metal poisoning from contaminated spirulina.It causes kidney disease.Our body produces a significant amount of ammonia when it metabolizes the protein in spirulina, which is then converted into urea.Thus, pressure is put on the kidneys to remove a large amount of urea from the blood, resulting in kidney failure.Some people even tend to develop kidney stones due to a high concentration of urea in the kidney system.Triggers edema and weight fluctuations.Spirulina is a whole package of vitamins, proteins and minerals.People whose kidney function is impaired will not be able to remove unnecessary components from the blood.One of the most abundant minerals found in spirulina is iodine.Although on the one hand it is good to take the necessary iodine from spirulina, on the other hand, it can affect the thyroid and parathyroid glands.Excess nutrients in the blood, along with iodine, can lead to fluid retention, calcium, phosphate imbalance and iodine absorption, and thus weight fluctuations and cardiovascular disease.Digestive discomfort and nausea.Spirulina consumption can lead to flatulence, causing abdominal cramps, nausea and anaphylaxis, especially in people who are taking it for the first time.Certain types of spirulina can be contaminated with toxins produced by this alga that cause serious stomach problems, such as acute dehydration and indigestion.Consumption is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.The safety of spirulina in pregnant and lactating women is less well explored.That is why it is recommended to avoid this food or if it is consumed, the person should be under medical supervision.Newborns and children should stay away from such supplements as they can quickly develop allergies and fatal reactions.ALEXANDRA NECŞOIU, Web-Editor, [email protected]Enter the search word and press ENTER