Are There Health Risks in Consuming Blue Green Algae?
Commonly reported side effects from consuming blue green algae include: diarrhea, nausea, weakness, numbness and tingling. These side effects are partly because the algae is a known irritant to the gastrointestinal tract. Sales people often tell customers that the side effects are due to “cleansing” by the body, an idea based on a naturopathic myth that diseases are the result of autointoxication. The body is supposedly expelling poisons that would have produced disease if they had not detoxified themselves. The concept of detoxification has no medical basis or validity and can contribute to a person ignoring symptoms which may indicate a need for medical attention. Another point to consider is that the lake which is the source of blue green algae is heavily populated by migrating birds. This means the supplement form of blue green algae is heavily contaminated with insect parts, bird feathers and bird droppings. If you or someone you know experiences adverse reactions from blue-green
