Chlorophyll For Health

Dr. Rev. Isabel Sharkar

Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD, is co-founder of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic in Washington, D.C., a thriving clinic that has been serving the local community in health restoration and body optimization for over a decade. Being in constant pursuit for truth and healing Dr. Isabel graduated in 2011 from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

Author profile

By Caroline Hoeffgen, COO, BCHC, JD | Reviewed by Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD | May 2026

Chlorophyll Supports the Body's Detox Pathways

The wonderful deep green hues of plants and vegetables comes from a pigment known as chlorophyll. Plants use this deep green pigment along with sunlight to obtain nutrients. In many cultures, it has been used as a supplement for healthy aging, acne treatment, wound healing, and supporting detoxification. In holistic medicine, chlorophyll is recognized for its many protective properties, particularly against the accumulation of pollutants in the body, such as dioxins and PCBs.

Some of the many foods that are abundant in chlorophyll, include but are not limited to:

  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale
  • Herbs such as parsley, nettle, alfalfa
  • Green tea leaves
  • Wheatgrass

Algae (e.g., chlorella and spirulina) is dense in chlorophyll. Blue-green algae in particular has been used in traditional and holistic medicine to provide foundational nutritional support for organs involved in elimination and detoxification. Chlorophyll seems to promote the excretion of toxins from the body's essential detox organs and pathways such as the liver and intestines.Supplements are available in different forms: drops, pills, capsules, powder, juice, or concentrated liquid. Depending upon the form used, research has identified the following health effects of this green pigment: antioxidant, antiseptic, and antiviral.Much of the clinical research on chlorophyll is "early stage" and has been done on animals, as well as people who are receiving chemotherapy treatment. It is not known if it's safe for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. It also may not be suitable for people with an autoimmune disorder. If you have concerns about toxicity stemming from unsafe drinking water, occupational exposure, soil, mold or other environmental pollutants, speak to a holistic practitioner about supplementation.

REFERENCES

Medical Disclaimer

This content is provided by Indigo Integrative Health Clinic for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Individual health conditions vary — information presented here may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare provider before making decisions about your health, medications, supplements, or treatment plan.

Featured in
Related articles

Continue reading

View all articles

Hashimoto's is diagnosed by combining findings, not one test: thyroid antibodies (TPO, sometimes thyroglobulin), thyroid function (TSH and free T4), symptoms, and often an ultrasound. A normal TSH does not rule it out, and a low-positive antibody is not always disease. Found early, before the gland is damaged, there is the best chance to protect it and feel better.

There is no single Hashimoto's diet, but a few moves have real evidence. Correct the nutrient gaps you can measure, like iron, selenium, and vitamin D. Get your iodine to the right level, which takes an assessment, not one test. And cut a food only for a real reason, like a positive celiac test or too much iodine. Assess first, then personalize.

Lyme disease shares key symptoms with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome, so it can be mistaken for any of them. It is also over-diagnosed in people who do have one of those conditions. The honest answer is that Lyme is worth confirming or ruling out with a knowledgeable clinician, not assumed in either direction.