C. I would like your input on Spirulina

[Guest guest]

Hello C. and Everyone,

I warn you, this is going to be a long post.

, I wanted to write to the entire list as I thought this would be a

good thread for us to follow together. As I had previously posted, I am

having a hard time keeping my Hgb in the near normal range - I know it is

too much to hope that I can enjoy normal Hgb while on IM. Procrit (Eprex)

hasn't been much of a help. I also don't mind mentioning that I cycle, and

much like stated, I too do not usually talk about this much as it is

something I would not accept responsibility for anyone else to try. In all

things we have to research ask the right questions then decide what is the

right thing for us to do. When I cycle off IM, of course my Hgb goes back

into the normal range. However, I had stopped cycling from last December to

June (2005) as my Doctor asked me to stop and to be part of a control group

for a study he is doing. This was the longest time since starting IM that I

stayed on the drug and by June, in spite of Eprex and oral iron pills, my

Hgb was down to 95. In June I took a break and enjoyed the re-bound of Hgb.

Within 10 days my Hgb went up to 105, which is quite interesting because I

do not think it should have recovered so quickly and my doctor was as

surprised as I was. I am PCRU and have been so for over 2 years and 3

actually if you count the PCRU from IFN.

The point of the post is that I have been researching supplements that might

help me keep a steady Hgb level either on or off of IM. I've read a lot

about Spirulina and actually just started taking it (with IM) over the

weekend. It is still too early to tell if there are any benefits, but I

will be keeping track of this and let you all know what happens. , I

appreciate and value your knowledge about alternative therapies that we can

try while on IM treatment. Can you please share with us any information you

have on Spirulina and I would be interested in knowing if you have discussed

this supplement with Dr. Druker. If I am not mistaken, Spirulina is also in

the " greens " supplement that you (and ) take each day.

Below is some of the information that I have been reading through about

Spirulina and I post it here in case anyone is interested.

Looking forward for input on this subject,

Cheers,

Cheryl-Anne

Anti-Cancer Effects

Several studies show Spirulina or its extracts can prevent or inhibit

cancers in humans and animals. Some common forms of cancer are thought to be

a result of damaged cell DNA running amok, causing uncontrolled cell growth.

Cellular biologists have defined a system of special enzymes called

Endonuclease which repair damaged DNA to keep cells alive and healthy. When

these enzymes are deactivated by radiation or toxins, errors in DNA go

unrepaired and, cancer may develop. In vitro studies suggest the unique

polysaccharides of Spirulina enhance cell nucleus enzyme activity and DNA

repair synthesis. This may be why several scientific studies, observing

human tobacco users and experimental cancers in animals, report high levels

of suppression of several important types of cancer. The subjects were fed

either whole Spirulina or treated with its water extracts 3,12,13.

Strengthens Immune System

Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system. In scientific studies

of mice, hamsters, chickens, turkeys, cats and fish, Spirulina consistently

improves immune system function. Medical scientists find Spirulina not only

stimulates the immune system, it actually enhances the body's ability to

generate new blood cells.

Important parts of the immune system, the Bone Marrow Stem Cells,

Macrophages, T-cells and Natural Killer cells, exhibit enhanced activity.

The Spleen and Thymus glands show enhanced function. Scientists also observe

Spirulina causing macrophages to increase in number, become " activated " and

more effective at killing germs.

Feeding studies show that even small amounts of Spirulina build up both the

humoral and cellular arms of the immune system 16. Spirulina accelerates

production of the humoral system, (antibodies and cytokines), allowing it to

better protect against invading germs. The cellular immune system includes

T-cells, Macrophages, B-cells and the anti-cancer Natural Killer cells.

These cells circulate in the blood and are especially rich in body organs

like the liver, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, adenoids, tonsils and bone

marrow. Spirulina up-regulates these key cells and organs, improving their

ability to function in spite of stresses from environmental toxins and

infectious agents 2,10,12,14,15,16.

Spirulina Phycocyanin Builds Blood

Spirulina has a dark blue-green color, because it is rich in a brilliant

blue polypeptide called Phycocyanin. Studies show that Phycocyanin affects

the stem cells found in bone marrow. Stem cells are " Grandmother " to both

the white blood cells that make up the cellular immune system and red blood

cells that oxygenate the body.

Chinese scientists document Phycocyanin stimulating hematopoiesis, (the

creation of blood), emulating the affect of the hormone erythropoetin,

(EPO). EPO is produced by healthy kidneys and regulates bone marrow stem

cell production of red blood cells. Chinese scientists claim Phycocyanin

also regulates production of white blood cells, even when bone marrow stem

cells are damaged by toxic chemicals or radiation 17.

Based on this effect, Spirulina is approved in Russia as a " medicine food "

for treating radiation sickness. The Children of Chernobyl suffer radiation

poisoning from eating food grown on radioactive soil. Their bone marrow is

damaged, rendering them immunodeficient. Radiation damaged bone marrow

cannot produce normal red or white blood cells. The children are anemic and

suffer from terrible allergic reactions. Children fed just five grams of

Spirulina in tablets each day make dramatic recoveries within six weeks.

Children not given Spirulina remain ill 6.

Other Potential Health Benefits

Spirulina is one of the most concentrated natural sources of nutrition

known. It contains all the essential amino acids, rich in chlorophyll,

beta-carotene and its co-factors, and other natural phytochemicals.

Spirulina is the only green food rich in GLA essential fatty acid. GLA

stimulates growth in some animals and makes skin and hair shiny and soft yet

more durable. GLA also acts as an anti-inflammatory, sometimes alleviating

symptoms of arthritic conditions.

Spirulina acts as a functional food, feeding beneficial intestinal flora,

especially Lactobacillus and Bifidus. Maintaining a healthy population of

these bacteria in the intestine reduces potential problems from

opportunistic pathogens like E. coli and Candida albicans. Studies show when

Spirulina is added to the diet, beneficial intestinal flora increase.

Conclusion

Based on this preliminary research, scientists hope the use of Spirulina and

its extracts may reduce or prevent cancers and viral diseases. Bacterial or

parasitic infections may be prevented or respond better to treatment and

wound healing may improve. Symptoms of anemia, poisoning and

immunodeficiency may be alleviated. Scientists in the USA, Japan, China,

Russia, India and other countries are studying this remarkable food to

unlock its potential. More research is needed to determine its usefulness

against AIDS and other killer diseases. However, it is already clear this

safe and natural food provides concentrated nutritional support for optimum

health and wellness.