SPRU Fresh Spirulina for Metabolic Syndrome

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One in three South Africans now suffer from metabolic syndrome.

Daily fresh spirulina is one of the best ways to prevent and counter this modern scourge that attacks health and shortens healthy lifespans. It not only boosts nutrition, but acts against almost every cause of MetS.

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What is Metabolic Syndrome

People with metabolic syndrome have three or more of the following:
  • HIGH BLOOD SUGAR - This can damage your blood vessels and raise your risk of getting blood clots. Blood clots can cause heart and blood vessel diseases.

  • HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES - Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. High levels of triglycerides can raise your levels of LDL cholesterol, sometimes called bad cholesterol. This raises your risk of heart disease.

  • LOW HDL CHOLESTEROL - “Good” HDL cholesterol can help remove “bad” LDL cholesterol from your blood vessels. “Bad” LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in your blood vessels.

  • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE - If your blood pressure rises and stays high for a long time, it can damage your heart and blood vessels and can also cause plaque, a waxy substance, to build up in your arteries. Plaque can cause heart and blood vessel diseases such as heart attack or stroke.

  • LARGE WAISTLINE - This is also called abdominal obesity or "having an apple shape." Extra fat in your stomach area is a bigger risk factor for heart disease than extra fat in other parts of your body.

  • CHRONIC INFLAMMATION – inflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of metabolic syndrome. There are many causes on chronic inflammation.

METS PREVALENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Overall prevalence of MetS in South Africa is 33.6%:

  • 13.3% in children under 18

  • 36.9% in adult women

  • 26.7%in adult males.

Higher prevalence was found in:

  • 66.9% among Type 2 diabetes patients

  • 55.2% in coronary artery disease patients

  • 48.3% in cardiovascular diseases patients.

METABOLIC SYNDROME SYMPTOMS

In addition to the above, some people suffering from metabolic syndrome can experience:

  • DARKENED SKIN (in armpits or the back and sides of your neck)

  • BLURRED VISION

  • INCREASED THIRST

  •  INCREASED URINATION (especially at night)

  • FATIGUE

WHAT DOES METABOLIC SYNDROME CAUSE

Metabolic syndrome must be taken seriously - it can lead to life threatening diseases that can ruin your health and shorten your life, including:
  • CANCER
  • CORONARY HEART DISEASE 
  • DIABETES (Type 2)
  • ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
  • HEART FAILURE
  • INFECTIONS (especially skin and vaginal)
  • INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
  • LONG-TERM INFLAMMATION 
  • MENTAL PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS (thinking and memory)
  • ORGAN DAMAGE (especially to your pancreas, liver, gall bladder, and kidneys)
  • POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)
  • PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS (preeclampsia, eclampsia, and gestational diabetes)
  • REDUCED IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTION (increased risk of serious complications from infections like COVID-19)
  • SLEEP APNEA
  • SLOW WOUND HEALING
  • STROKES

LEARN MORE: References

What Causes Metabolic Syndrome

Research has identified seven main underlying factors that promote metabolic syndrome:

  • LIFESTYLE CHOICES (including lack of physical activity, chronic stress, obesity especially visceral fat, dysbiosis - imbalanced gut microbes, process foods – especially high in trans fat or salt, disrupted sleep and circadian rhythm, using tobacco products, regular alcohol consumption)

  • MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS (including depression and anxiety)

  • INJURY (by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat, or any other cause)

  • OXIDATIVE STRESS (can be caused by low antioxidant levels, strenuous exercise, exposure to cigarette smoke, UV radiation, radiation, heavy metals, ozone, allergens, drugs or toxins, pollutants, pesticides, or insecticides)

  • TOXIN ACCUMULATION (Especially heavy metals – including arsenic, cadmium mercury, PFA’s, Bisphenols, pesticides, phthalates, and PAH)

  • AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS (including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus).

  • DISEASES (viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune disease – including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic allergic reactions, gastrointestinal diseases – including Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease, lung diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metabolic diseases – including Type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases – including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease)

  • GENETIC INHERITANCE – Family and twin studies have provided evidence for the heritability and co-occurrence of the metabolic traits. Heritability estimates for each of the MetS traits exceed 50%.
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HOW TO TREAT METABOLIC SYNDROME

In cases where individual causes are not critical metabolic syndrome can often be self-treated and reveresed in a matter of months. 

Fresh Spirulina

Daily fresh spirulina superfood helps radically improve complete natural dietary nutrient intake.

It also provides healing compounds that act against each of the six conditions that underly metabolic syndrome:
  • CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND EVENTS – Learn more

  • DIABETES AND HIGH BLOOD SUGAR – Learn more

  • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE – Learn more

  • HIGH TRIGLYCERIDE LEVEL – Learn more

  • OMEGA OIL LEVELS AND IMBALANCE – Learn more

  • OBESITY AND VISCERAL FAT – Learn more

  • CHRONIC INFLAMMATION – Learn more

Healthy Balanced Nutrition

Improve your diet with a focus on fresh and whole foods to provide complete natural food-based nutrition.

The Mediterranean diet and plant based eating have been shown to prevent and help counter metabolic syndrome.

Reduce your intake of unhealthy foods - especially including:
  • BAKED GOODS (cakes, cookies and pastries)

  • CURED MEATS (hot dogs, bacon, deli meats)

  • PROCESSED FOODS (deep-fried foods, packaged cookies)

  • RED MEAT

  • REFINED CARBS (white flour, bread, white rice

  • SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES

  • SUGARY SNACKS

  • WHOLE-MILK DAIRY PRODUCTS

Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you're overweight or obese you need to lose weight.

It's important to find diet and lifestyle changes that you enjoy enjoy.  

Get help - work with personal trainers and nutritionists to find exercise and diet options that add pleasure to your life.

It takes discipline and support to these changes into habits for life, but a longer life lived with vibrant health is the best reward.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting or time-restricted feeding means eating only in specific time periods. 

Research confirms beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome (especially glucose and insulin metabolism, weight and visceral fat, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota.

Fasting is not for everyone. It takes discipline and needs to fit comfortably into your lifestyle, but many people experience wonderful benefits and even longer lives.

Many people report great benefits after fresh spirulina fasting -  learn more here. 

Exercise

Lack of exercise is one of the main causes of metabolic syndrome.

Research indicates that 150-300 minutes per week of aerobic exercise at a moderate intensity is best for prevention and cure. 

Brisk walking, uphill walking, walking with hand weights, and walking with a weighted backpack are easy ways to boost your exercise. Walking in nature has significantly greater health and mental health benefits.

Be creative and experiment to find exercise you enjoy and can look forward to - try swimming, biking, skating, jumping rope, boxing, surfing, paddle boarding, yoga, hiking, skiing, rock climbing,  kayaking and ice skating - are fun activities that get your heart rate up. Build a backyard obstacle course or organize a neighborhood soccer game - even gardening, pushing a stroller or walking the dog counts.

Moderate intensity aerobic training is particularly recommended – together with some moderate to high intensity resistance training. 

HIIT may also be implemented under supervision after a thorough cardiovascular risk assessment.

Drink Plenty of Good Water

Dehydration is a driving factor in many underlying causes of metabolic syndrome.

Make sure you get enough clean pure water.

Filtered tap water stored in metal or glass containers is first prize - remember to change the filters regularly!

Bottled water in plastic bottles contains millions of microplastic particles that enter your bloodstream and collect in your organs where they release chemicals that harm your health.  

Build & Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Be creative and keep finding find ways to elevate your healthy lifestyle - here are some ideas to get you started:
  • AVOID TOBACCO and tobacco smoke.

  • AVOID EXCESS ALCOHOL 

  • AVOID POLLUTION & TOXINS 

  • GROW YOUR OWN FOOD – Gardening is great exercise, time outdoors is great therapy, and fresh pesticide-free food is the healthiest way to eat. 

  • WALK OR GYM DURING LUNCHTIME 

  • USE STEPS NOT ELEVATORS 

  • GET OFF THE BUS A FEW STOPS EARLY & WALK 

  • HAVE WALKING MEETINGS OR WALK TO MEETINGS

  • USE A TREADMILL OR STATIONARY BIKE WHILE WATCHING TV 

  • FIND EXERCISE BUDDIES TO SHARE YOUR GOALS AND WORKOUTS

LEARN MORE: References

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Independent Research: Spirulina for Boosting the Immune System

In this research dried spirulina shows spectacular results in boosting the immune system. 

Remember that fresh spirulina provides up to 20 times more immune-boosting substances than found in the dried spirulina powder or tablets used in these research studies. 

Click on any research heading to see a summary + a link to the original research.

Research: How Spirulina Boosts the Human Immune System

This study identified the molecular mechanism whereby Spirulina boosts the human immune system by analysing blood cells of volunteers with pre and post oral administration of hot water extract of Spirulina. 
NK functions represented by IFN gamma production and cytolysis were enhanced after administration of Spirulina in more than 50% subjects. 
IFN gamma was produced in an IL-12/IL-18-dependent fashion. 
In vitro stimulation of blood cells with BCG cell wall skeleton (CWS) allowed more potent IL-12 p40 production in cells from volunteers given Spirulina than in cells without pre-exposure to Spirulina. 
As BCG-CWS serves as a ligand for Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4 to raise the maturation stage of monocytes/macrophages, Spirulina may be involved in the signaling responses through Toll in blood cells even when orally administered. 
These observations indicated that in humans Spirulina acts directly on myeloid lineages and either directly or indirectly on NK cells.

Research: Spirulina Treatment Boosts Human Immune Cytokines by up to 13 Times

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of Spirulina.
The effects of Spirulina on the secretion of three cytokines from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were examined. 
(Cytokines stimulate the immune system to fight a foreign pathogen or attack tumors).
Spirulina doubled secretion of interleukin (IL)-1beta - a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that is crucial for defence responses to infection and injury. 
Spirulina tripled the secretion of IL-4 (which plays an important role in regulating antibody production, blood cell formation, inflammation, and the development of effector T-cell responses. IL-4 also boosts cognition, brain homeostasis, and is thought to slow inflammatory ageing effects and perhaps counter Alzheimer’s).
Spirulina multiplied secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma by 13.6 times. (This cytokine plays a critical role in orchestrating both innate and adaptive immune responses against viruses, bacteria, and tumors).

See the research:  Journal of Medicinal Food

Research: Spirulina Proven Powerful Against HsV-1, Herpes, Mumps, Measles, Influenza A, and HiV-1 - 2021

Spirulana has proved particularly effective against enveloped viruses, including HsV-1, mumps virus, measles virus, human cytomegalovirus, influenza A virus and HiV-1. 
It selectively inhibits the penetration of the viruses into the host cells and is more powerful than dextran sulphate. 
Another study showed strong inhibition of human cytomegalovirus, HsV-1, HsV-6 and HiV-1. 
Spirulina blocks the attachment and penetration of HsV-1 into mammalian epithelial cells with a potency at least comparable to that of acyclovir. 
It also inhibited entry of Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus/HsV-8.

See the research:  Journal of Marine Drugs 2021

Research: Spirulina Inhibits Influenza Virus Replication and Reduces Flu Mortality

Influenza is one of the most common human respiratory diseases and represents a serious public health concern. 
However, the high mutability of influenza viruses has hampered vaccine development, and resistant strains to existing anti-viral drugs have also emerged. 
Novel anti-influenza therapies are urgently needed - in this study, we describe the anti-viral properties of a Spirulina. 
Anti-flu studies reveal that Spirulina inhibits viral plaque formation in a broad range of influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant strains. 
Spirulina was found to act at an early stage of infection to reduce virus yields in cells.
These results suggest that Spirulina might serve as a safe and effective therapeutic agent to manage influenza outbreaks.

See the research:  Scientific Reports 2016

Research: Spirulina Reduces Hay Fever / Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms with High Patient Satisfaction

Spirulina treatment for 6 months in adults with allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) significantly improved subjective symptoms.
Participants reported reduced frequency of nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and nasal itching and sneezing.
On a rating scale of 1 to 10 spirulina was rated on satisfaction at 7.21 and effectiveness at 7.44 while the placebo treatment was rated at 3.40 and 3.54 respectively.
Spirulina is clinically effective on allergic rhinitis when compared with placebo.

See the research: European Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Journal

Research: Spirulina Effective Treatment Against Hay Fever / Allergic Rhinitis

In this randomized double-blinded crossover study allergic individuals were treated daily with either a placebo or Spirulina for 12 weeks. 
Researchers discovered that Spirulina significantly reduced interleukin 4 levels by 32%. 
These results indicate that Spirulina can modulate the Th profile in patients with allergic rhinitis by suppressing the differentiation of Th2 cells mediated, in part, by inhibiting the production of IL-4. 
This study demonstrates the protective effects of Spirulina towards allergic rhinitis.

See the research: Journal of Medicinal Food

Research: Increase of IgA Antibody Levels in Humans Customarily Ingesting Spirulina

Salivary glands play an essential role in innate and adaptive immunity and protection. 
Various immune cells including immunoglobins like IgA can easily be measured.
This research investigated salivary IgA antibody levels in 134 patients from 20 to 62 years old.
Secretory-IgA antibody level in saliva from the group ingesting Spirulina continuously in men was significantly higher than that of the group ingesting SP discontinuously. 
Total S-IgA level of the group ingesting SP for more than 1 year was significantly increased in comparison to the group ingesting SP for less than half a year. 
Significant increases in S-IgA levels in the saliva of men and women who ingested Spirulina continuously and discontinuously correlated to total amount of Spirulina taken.

See the research: Spirulina in Human Nutrition and Health (Textbook)

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Research: Spirulina Boosts Immune Health in Elderly to Protect Health

78 individuals aged 60-87 years received either spirulina or a placebo for 4 months.

Spirulina supplementation resulted in a significant rise in plasma interleukin-2 concentration. (Interleukin-2 cytokine is an important signaling molecule in the immune system that regulates the activities of white blood cells (leukocytes, often lymphocytes) that are responsible for immunity. 

The function of IL-2 is to stimulate the growth of helper, cytotoxic and regulatory T cells.

A significant increase in total antioxidant status was observed in the spirulina group.

This is significant because the healthy functioning of our immune system depends on healthy antioxidant levels.

See the research: Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism

Research: 33. Spirulina Maintains Strong Immune Function in Athletes during Intense Training - 2022

Elite athletes normally experience a significant drop in immune function during intense training when preparing for tournaments.
Eight weeks of intense training significantly decreased leukocytes and the ratios of monocytes in athletes taking placebo. 
Athletes taking spirulina did not experience this phenomenon, confirming that spirulina can inhibit the change in immune cells and strengthen the eosinophils and basophils. 
Spirulina supplementation was beneficial to the stabilization of the ratio of leukocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils in elite university athletes. 
Furthermore, spirulina has a positive effect on rapid-onset allergies and responses to parasites or pathogenic bacterium, aiding in the improvement of immune regulation.

See the research: Nutrients Journal 2022

Research: Spirulina Reduces Viral Load and Boosts CD-4 Counts in HIV-1 Patients without ARV Treatment

The purpose of this study was to discover the impact of spirulina treatment on ARV-naive HIV-positive patients.
The single-blind, randomized, multicenter study was conducted on 320 HIV-1 ARV-naïve participants over a period of 12 months.
A significant increase of CD4 count cells and significant decrease of viral load levels was found after 6 months of treatment in patients who received daily spirulina. 
Hemoglobin level was also significantly higher in the spirulina group while the fasting blood glucose concentration decreased after 12 months compared to control.
Researchers concluded that daily spirulina supplementation significantly boosted the immune system to increase the CD4 cells and reduce the viral load after 6 months.

See the research: Nutrition Journal 2015

Research: Spirulina Boosts Immune System in Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy - 2019

Chemotherapy dramatically weakens the immune function in patients with malignant tumors.
This study studied the effect on the immune system when combined with chemotherapy.
100 Cancer patients receiving four cycles of chemotherapy were randomized into control or treatment groups. 
The treated group consumed Spirulina for the first two cycles while the control group did not. 
The extent of myelosuppression and immune function were assessed after each cycle of chemotherapy, and patients were monitored for myelosuppression-related adverse events throughout the study period. 
The white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil (NEU) levels were similar in both groups at baseline but were higher in the spirulina treated group relative to controls after Cycle1 and Cycle2. 
Patients in the treatment group had a significantly lower rate of severe myelosuppression. 
After four cycles of chemotherapy, the IgM level and number of CD8+ T cells increased in the treatment group but decreased in the control group. 
Spirulina reduces myelosuppression and improves immune function after chemotherapy in patients with malignant tumors.

Research: Spirulina Confirmed as a Powerful Anti-Herpes and Anti-HIV Agent

A sulfated polysaccharide named calcium spirulan from Spirulina was studied as an antiviral agent. 
The anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) activity of spirulina was compared with those of dextran sulfate (DS) as a reference treatment. 
Anti-HIV-1 activities of these agents were measured by three different assays: viability of acutely infected CD4-positive cells, or a cytopathology assay; determination of HIV-1 p24 antigen released into culture supernatants; and inhibition of HIV-induced syncytium formation. 
Anti-HSV-1 activity was assessed by plaque yield reduction. 
In addition, their effects on the blood coagulation processes and stability in the blood were evaluated. 
Research results indicate that spirulina is a potent antiviral agent against both HIV-1 and HSV-1. 
Thus, spirulina can be a candidate agent for an anti-HIV therapeutic drug that might overcome the disadvantages observed in other sulfated polysaccharides.

This is a small selection of many independent research studies confirming spirulina benefits for boosting the human immune system to protect agains viral and infectuous disease and even cancer.

SPRU_DOSAGE

Dosage: Fresh Spirulina for Building & Maintaining Optimal Immune Function & Countering Allergies Including Allergic Rhinitis

Analysis of the above research shows that higher doses of spirulina provide better results. 

As spirulina is a naturally grown functional food, there is no known dosage limit - In the United States 30-day fresh spirulina fasting is popular for detox and health improvement.  

Fresh Spirulina vs. Dried Spirulina Powder or Tablets

Fresh spirulina provides up to 8 times more nutrients and 20 times more antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, active enzymes and bioactive substances than found in dried spirulina powder or tablets.
It is impractical to directly compare fresh to dried spirulina dosage. Almost any dose of fresh spirulina will provide more benefits than shown in most of the above research studies that have been conducted with dried spirulina.

Understanding Fresh Spirulina Dosage

We have created a fresh spirulina dosage measure based on how much live spirulina is in a portion.
This measure is called a Spirulina Portion, and it is noted at SP-1 (single portion), SP-2 (Double portion), SP-3 (Triple portion) and so on.
SPRU Shots contain SP-1.5 (One and a half Portions), while our frozen spirulina Stix are available in Sp-1, SP-2, and SP-3 strengths.

Fresh Spirulina Dosage for Optimal Immune Function

Most people who consume SPRU to boost immune function find that one to two portions (SP-1 to SP-2) daily provide excellent results for adults and children.
People living active and/or stressed lives, or going through illness or especially active/stressful times, may wish to increase their daily dosage to SP-3 to SP-5.
Every body is different, so listen to your body, paying careful attention to how often you experience illness and the severity of the symptoms. 
There's no need to worry about taking too much - people on fresh spirulina fasts consume SP-15 to SP-30 every day for thirty days or longer and experience remarkable health benefits.
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Build & Strengthen Your Immune System Resilience

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- Protect Yourself from Viral Infections Including Flu, Herpes, Measles, Mumps and HIV, Allergies Including Hayfever/Allergic Rhinitis, and even Cancer.