Chlorophyll: Benefits for a Healthy Gut
Dr. Eric Berg
08/26/2024
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Chlorophyll is a pigment that gives plants their green color. It’s also referred to as the blood of plants and plays a crucial role in the health and survival of green vegetation.
Increasingly more scientific evidence highlights impressive chlorophyll benefits for human health, including therapeutic properties that may help restore gut health.
Let’s look at natural chlorophyll sources and why those with gut issues may benefit from taking chlorophyll supplements for optimal support.
5 chlorophyll benefits for your gut
Chlorophyll helps generate energy for plant growth and acts as an antioxidant that protects plant cells and membranes against damage from ultraviolet light and other environmental stressors.
These potent antioxidant properties may also benefit human digestive health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut.
Here are five benefits of chlorophyll for gut health and digestive function.
1. Promotes gut lining integrity
The intestinal lining comprises specialized cellular structures, known as tight junctions, that allow nutrients to enter while acting as a barrier to keep out harmful substances and pathogens.
However, food sensitivities, gut irritants, and infections can impair tight junctions and contribute to a leaky gut. This can cause an influx of potentially harmful substances into the body, which can lead to immune system activation, systemic inflammation, and malabsorption issues.
Research published in Frontiers in Physiology found that chlorophyll directly stimulates the release of proteins needed to maintain the integrity of tight junctions.
The authors of this study concluded, “Oral administration of chlorophyllin could attenuate local inflammation and restore tight junctions and the integrity of the small intestine.”
2. May help reduce intestinal inflammation
The intestinal lining is particularly prone to inflammation as it comes into contact with various dietary components, allergens, environmental irritants, and infectious microbes.
Persistent intestinal inflammation can lead to chronic diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and increases the risk of colon cancer.
A study published in Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology found that chlorophyll’s potent anti-inflammatory properties suppressed intestinal inflammation and improved colitis symptoms in mice.
While the benefits of chlorophyll for managing intestinal inflammation have only been confirmed in animal studies, these findings may suggest a therapeutic potential in supporting gut health.
3. Supports a diverse gut microbiome
Chlorophyll is a prebiotic, meaning it provides nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. This helps promote the growth and activity of probiotics, which are essential for a diverse gut microbiome and digestive health.
In addition, chlorophyll has detoxifying properties as it can bind to and eliminate toxins. Reducing the body’s toxic load helps maintain a favorable environment for beneficial gut bacteria, which can be significantly impacted and even destroyed by various toxic compounds.
4. Strengthens intestinal immune defenses
The majority of your immune system resides in the gut, which is an important aspect as a healthy gut microbiome supports immune function and helps protect against harmful invaders.
Beneficial gut bacteria play a crucial role in regulating immune cell activity, supporting balanced inflammatory responses, and stimulating the production of protective antibodies.
“By promoting a diverse intestinal microflora, chlorophyll promotes optimal immune function and strengthens the body’s defenses against infections and diseases,” explains Dr. Berg.
5. Potential anti-ulcer effects
Evidence published in Molecules found that chlorophyll belongs to a group of alkaloids with potential anti-ulcer effects.
Alkaloids are believed to have antimicrobial properties that protect against harmful microbes, such as Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria linked to the development of gastric ulcers.
In addition, alkaloids like chlorophyll can stimulate mucus production in the gut lining, which supports the healing of ulcers and strengthens the integrity and resilience of the gastrointestinal tract.
Watch the video below to discover more potential benefits of chlorophyll for intestinal health.
The Power of Chlorophyll for the Gut
What is chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is a bright green pigment responsible for the color of various plants, including trees, green vegetables, and certain types of green algae.
This compound plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, which is a biochemical process that converts light energy into chemical energy to enable plants' growth and survival.
Chlorophyll has a ring-like structure with a magnesium ion at the center. This structure enables plants to absorb light for photosynthesis and serves as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
In addition to the digestive health benefits of chlorophyll, this natural plant pigment has been linked to various other advantages, such as enhancing detoxification, promoting skin health, and supporting wound healing.
In addition, research published in Molecules suggests that chlorophyll has shown therapeutic potential in the management of iron deficiency anemia, cancer prevention, and weight loss.
The best sources of chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is found in a wide range of green-colored plant foods, and regularly incorporating chlorophyll-rich foods into a balanced diet can support various aspects of health and well-being.
However, many people don’t consume enough green vegetables and plant foods, which may explain why chlorophyll-containing dietary supplements in powder, liquid, or tablet form are becoming increasingly popular.
Foods high in chlorophyll
The best dietary sources of chlorophyll are green plant foods, including green leafy vegetables, sprouts, and certain herbs.
Here are some of the top green plants rich in chlorophyll:
Wheatgrass sprouts
Parsley
Broccoli
Green beans
Spinach
Chard
Arugula
Alfalfa
Leeks
Although wheatgrass is an exceptional source of chlorophyll, its fibrous texture and distinct grassy flavor make it less appealing for direct consumption. As a result, wheatgrass is often consumed in powdered or liquid form, offering a more palatable way to enjoy its health benefits.
In addition, chlorella and spirulina are also rich sources of chlorophyll. Although these types of microalgae are edible and considered a food source, they typically are consumed in supplemental form.
Supplements
Chlorophyll supplements offer a concentrated form of chlorophyll and are often taken to help support detoxification, improve digestion, and provide antioxidant support.
Most chlorophyll supplements contain sodium copper chlorophyllin, a water-soluble chlorophyll derivative that’s better absorbed by the body than other forms of chlorophyll.
Although there are no established intake recommendations for chlorophyll, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), adults can safely take 100 to 300 milligrams daily.
However, chlorophyll can interact with certain drugs, including blood thinners, iron supplements, and certain medications used to treat liver diseases.
It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating a chlorophyll supplement into your routine if you have an underlying health condition or are taking prescription medication.
Downsides of chlorophyll
While it’s considered safe and generally well-tolerated, consuming too much chlorophyll can cause stool discoloration and trigger digestive issues.
Individuals with intestinal issues such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or an imbalanced gut microflora can experience diarrhea, cramping, and nausea when consuming chlorophyll-rich foods or supplements.
Many dietary sources of chlorophyll also contain gut irritants, including oxalates, lectins, and insoluble fiber, which can cause intestinal inflammation and associated digestive problems.
These potentially adverse effects of chlorophyll-rich foods can be mitigated by opting for green vegetables low in oxalates and lectins, such as zucchini, spinach, cucumber, lettuce, and green beans.
In addition, juicing vegetables removes fiber and reduces lectin and oxalate concentrations, which can help decrease the likelihood of digestive discomfort.
If you’re considering using powdered wheatgrass to increase your chlorophyll intake, it’s best to select a wheatgrass juice powder made from dehydrated wheatgrass juice.
Wheatgrass juice powder retains more chlorophyll while reducing the fiber content and potential irritants found in whole wheatgrass powder, typically made from dried and ground wheatgrass shoots.
Although rare, taking large amounts of chlorophyll-containing supplements or drinking liquid chlorophyll in excess may increase sunlight sensitivity, potentially leading to a higher risk of sunburn or skin irritation.
Key takeaways
Chlorophyll is crucial for facilitating photosynthesis in green plants, and research suggests that this bright green pigment has been linked to health advantages in humans.
Various impressive chlorophyll benefits include its potential to support detoxification processes, reduce inflammation within the digestive tract, and support a balanced gut microflora.
In addition, chlorophyll has been found to strengthen the immune system and may lower the risk of gastric ulcers by protecting against harmful pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori.
FAQ
1. What are the top chlorophyll benefits?
Chlorophyll has antioxidant properties that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation within the digestive tract and has been found to support a diverse gut microflora.
In addition, chlorophyll promotes robust immune defenses, may lower the risk of Helicobacter pylori infections, and can help manage and prevent stomach ulcers.
2. What does chlorophyll do for the stomach?
Chlorophyll helps soothe and support the digestive system by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy gut lining. Additionally, chlorophyll aids in detoxification by binding to and facilitating the elimination of harmful substances from the digestive tract.
3. Is it okay to take chlorophyll every day?
Yes, chlorophyll is considered safe for everyday use. However, it’s essential to discuss the long-term use of chlorophyll with a healthcare provider, especially if you are taking prescription medication or have underlying health issues.
4. Does chlorophyll detox your body?
Chlorophyll can help detoxify the body by binding to and eliminating toxins and heavy metals. This supports detoxification processes and helps reduce the body’s overall toxic burden.
5. What are the best sources of chlorophyll?
Some of the best sources of chlorophyll are green plant foods such as wheatgrass sprouts, kale, parsley, broccoli, alfalfa, and spinach. Chlorophyll is also available in supplement form and is found in abundance in wheatgrass juice powder.
6. Is chlorophyll a probiotic or prebiotic?
Chlorophyll is considered a prebiotic because it provides a fuel source for beneficial gut bacteria, thereby promoting the growth of probiotic microbes and supporting a healthy gut environment.
7. Does chlorophyll help with bowel movements?
Yes, chlorophyll can help promote regular bowel movements by supporting a diverse intestinal microflora, which plays a crucial role in digestive health and maintaining optimal gut function.
8. Can chlorophyll boost red blood cells?
It has been suggested that chlorophyll can support the production of red blood cells due to its structural similarity to hemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transport. However, further research is needed to fully establish its effectiveness in boosting red blood cell levels.
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