Serenity and Fire with Krista

Chlorophyll Water: Nature’s Green Magic or Marketing Buzz?

• Krista Guagenti

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I’ll be honest with you—when I first came across chlorophyll water, I was drawn in by the gorgeous emerald green bottles. But as I started digging deeper, I realized there was a lot more to this trend than just aesthetics.

In this episode of Serenity and Fire, I’m breaking down:

💚 What chlorophyll really is and why its structure looks almost identical to our blood.
 💚 The science on detox, energy, skin health—and where the hype outweighs the research.
 💚 The difference between natural chlorophyll and the stable form used in chlorophyll water.
 💚 How I use it daily as part of my own wellness ritual (and what to watch out for).
 💚 Why sometimes the ritual itself is the most powerful part of the practice.

If you’ve been curious about this plant-powered movement, I’ll help you cut through the noise and decide if chlorophyll water deserves a spot in your routine.

SPEAKER_00:

Welcome to Serenity and Fire, the podcast where wellness meets grit. I'm your host, Krista Guadenti, founder of Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique. Join me as we dive into the intriguing world of biohacking, clean living, cutting-edge spa trends, and the hustle, grind, and grit of entrepreneurship. From my personal battles with weight management, infertility, and the 30-year journey to create and launch my dream business, to building a sanctuary for those who have been touched by cancer. I'm here to share real talk, inspire big dreams, and spark a passion for holistic living inside each and every one of you. So let's dive in. Welcome back to Serenity and Fire. Today we're diving into chlorophyll water. You know the beautiful emerald green drinks that are showing up everywhere and that seem to be taking social media by storm. I remember the first time I discovered chlorophyll water. It was probably about six months or so ago. And I was actually looking for products for the Panacea boutique, and I was on the hunt for a BPA-free water bottle that we could carry in the spa. And then chlorophyll water popped up in my searches. The bottles are so beautiful and they're green. So of course, I was instantly curious about them. But the product seemed especially intriguing to me because it was advertised as nature's green magic. And the bottle promoted tons of amazing benefits like oxygenation, energy and immune boosting, detoxification, and the fact that it's loaded with vital antioxidants, electrolytes, and vitamins. So I, of course, thought, now what is this? So today I want to dive into this plant-powered movement and help you determine if chlorophyll water is the ultimate hack for energy, clear skin, and detox, or is it just a pretty bottle of emerald green hype? I'll talk about what it is, why people drink it, what the science actually says, and of course whether it deserves a spot in your wellness routine. Let's start at the root of this story with chlorophyll itself. Chlorophyll is the vibrant green pigment plants used to convert sunlight into energy. And something really fascinating is if you compare the chlorophyll molecule to hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying molecule in our red blood cells, they look nearly identical. Both have the exact same ring-shaped structure, but with a different metal atom in the center. In hemoglobin, the metal atom is iron. In chlorophyll, it's magnesium. One helps a leaf breathe sunlight, while the other helps you and me breathe oxygen. That similarity is one reason people have long believed chlorophyll could be a supernutrient for humans. But here's the thing: our digestive system is like a blender full of acid. Drop a delicate chlorophyll molecule into that blender, and it's way too harsh on the molecule. Stomach acid and digestive enzymes break it down before much of it can be absorbed intact. That's why we don't absorb much natural chlorophyll from foods like spinach or kale. So researchers created a more stable water-soluble form called chlorophyllin. In chlorophyllin, magnesium is swapped out for copper, and that tweak makes it easier for our bodies to dissolve, more stable in a bottle, and easier for your body to use. And even though it's a metal, it's not like other metals that absorb in your body in an unhealthy way. This one's perfectly safe for humans. And on labels, it usually shows up as sodium copper chlorophyllum. So when we're talking about chlorophyll water, we're really actually talking about chlorophyllin. So why did researchers even start studying chlorophyllin to begin with? One big reason is because of a toxin called aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is made by certain molds that can contaminate peanuts, corn, and grains when they're stored in hot, humid places. Long-term exposure is linked to liver cancer, and in some parts of the world, it's a major public and deadly health issue. Here's where chlorophyllin gets really exciting. In a human clinical trial in China, people who took 100 milligrams of chlorophyll in three times a day with meals had about 55% less aflatoxin DNA damage compared to those who were on placebo. In plain English, chlorophyllin acted like a sponge in the gut, grabbing onto aflatoxin so it couldn't be absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, it just passed right through the digestive tract. And that's real peer-reviewed science, not just TikTok buzz, which makes it super exciting. Now, if you spent any time online or even on chlorophyllwater.com, you'll see a lot of exciting claims about what chlorophyll can do. Let's walk through some of those because I think it's important to honor the possibilities, but also be real about where the science stands. So you'll hear experts like Dr. Kelly Bay and Lisa Richards describe chlorophyll as a powerful antioxidant. And that's true. Lab studies do confirm chlorophyll and its relatives can neutralize free radicals, those unstable molecules that contribute to aging and chronic disease that we've talked about so much in some of the other episodes. In theory, this means less oxidative stress on the body, which could support your skin, your heart, and even long-term disease prevention. But here's the nuance. While antioxidant activity in a test tube is undeniable, proving that drinking chlorophyll water gives you those same deep benefits in humans is a different story. It's promising, but not yet fully proven outside of a test tube. On chlorifulwater.com, you'll see Dr. Kelly Bay's voice woven throughout many of the product claims. She's a chiropractor, and like Lisa Richards, she is also a certified nutritionist. Dr. Bay also practices functional medicine in New York and works with chronic illnesses, so she is definitely a credible practitioner. But because she's affiliated with and endorses a specific brand of chlorophyll water, her insights carry enthusiasm and also interpretation, but not necessarily the same weight as large controlled clinical trials. And when it comes to sharing health and wellness hacks with you, I like to balance the voice of practitioners like Dr. Bay and Lisa Richards, who are providing testimonials based on anecdotal evidence with peer-reviewed science. That way you get both the possibility and the prudence behind what we're talking about. So moving on to some of the other benefits we hear about chlorophyll. Some practitioners say chlorophyll can lower inflammatory signals in the body, which could support conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammation. Again, this is also very exciting, but most of the evidence is early, small scale, or based on mechanisms, not large human trials. So it's fair to say there may be an anti-inflammatory benefit, but we need more data before calling it an established fact. When we look at skin and acne, one of the most popular claims is that chlorophyll helps with skin, reducing acne, calming redness, even smoothing wrinkles. And here's where things get interesting. We actually do have small studies showing chlorophyll and gels applied topically, improved acne, and reduced large pores. There's also a study in women over 45 that suggested dietary chlorophyll, improved wrinkles, and skin elasticity. So while these are not huge trials, these early results do give some scientific support to the skin health buzz that you see online. You may also hear that chlorophyll helps fight candida albicans. If you don't know what that is, and you are one of the few lucky women in the world who have never had a yeast infection, more power to you. But this is this candida is the culprit of those irritatingly uncomfortable infections that so many of us women have had through our lifetimes. Candida is a type of fungus, specifically a yeast, that is very common and naturally lives in our bodies in small amounts in places like the mouth, our gut, skin, and our vaginal tract. Most of the time it's completely harmless and is kept in balance by our immune system and the good bacteria in our bodies. But sometimes it can get out of balance and cause problems like yeast infections, which are caused by candida overgrowth in the vagina. Or you might have heard of oral thrush, which is candida overgrowth in the mouth, where you get white patches and sores in the mouth. Candida can also show up as skin rashes in warm, moist areas. And although it is rare, overgrowth can cause something called systemic candidiasis, which is a serious infection in the bloodstream and immunocompromised individuals. Candida gets mentioned in wellness circles because some practitioners believe it can contribute to broader issues like fatigue, digestive problems, or even brain fog. Mainstream medicine recognizes localized infections very clearly, but is more cautious about the concept of widespread candida overgrowth syndrome. So when you hear people talk about candida in the wellness circles, they're usually talking about keeping that yeast in check, making sure it doesn't overgrow. And in the lab, chlorophyll and chlorophyllin have shown some antifungal activity, which is where the idea comes from. Now, that doesn't mean that drinking chlorophyll water will cure a yeast infection. We just don't have that kind of clinical solid proof yet, but there is scientific curiosity and it does explain why some nutritionists and practitioners are excited about its potential antimicrobial effects. Okay, when we look at building blood and energy in our bodies, because chlorophyll's structure is so similar to hemoglobin, it's sometimes called the blood of plants. Some practitioners actually believe it can support red blood cell production or improve oxygen delivery, which might also boost our energy levels. A few small studies and anecdotal reports do back this up, especially in people with low blood counts. But again, we don't have those large conclusive human trials. So here I'd say the science is hopeful, but the jury's still out. If you feel more energized when you're drinking chlorophyll water, it may be part biology and partly the ritual of staying hydrated with something that feels fresh and intentional. You'll also hear claims about liver detox and even appetite control when it comes to chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has shown some effects on liver enzymes in animal studies, and a few human studies suggest it might help reduce food cravings. But again, the evidence is limited and it definitely isn't something you can rely on as a weight loss strategy. Think of this as a potential supporting player for your wellness, not the star player or a magic bullet. So here's the science in a nutshell. If you've read up on chlorophyll water, you've probably seen some of these glowing testimonials that I just mentioned, from dietitians and wellness coaches to doctors all saying it can fight inflammation, build blood, detox the liver, even slow aging, and all of the other things I mentioned earlier. The thing is, they've seen benefits in their clients and also in their own lives. So they're excited to share it with all of us, even if the science isn't quite there yet. And what is exciting about chlorophyll water is that the early studies do give us enough reason to stay curious and hopeful. But as someone who's passionate about evidence, I always want to be real with you. So when it comes to chlorophyll water, the strongest human science so far is about aflatoxin exposure and some antioxidant activity. The rest is early and quite promising, but not yet fully proven out. That doesn't mean it's not valuable. It just means we're still learning. And that's okay because part of wellness is about being open-minded and willing to explore holistic healing rituals, products, and biohacks that might not yet be scientifically proven out, especially when we know others are experiencing great benefits from these things. So it's about giving ourselves permission to explore the things that feel good and finding what uniquely works for you. And sometimes we have to do that whether the science is there or not. So let's talk a little bit about safety and use when it comes to chlorophyll. Chlorophyllin is generally safe, but here are a few things to keep in mind. When we look at side effects, some people can get stomach cramps, loose stools, or even green tinted urine or stools. I can tell you, I drink chlorophyll water every day. I've never had any of those things, but it could be very different for you. When we look at sun sensitivity, it can make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun, especially if you're on certain antibiotics or acne medications. So wearing sunscreen while drinking or taking chlorophyll supplements is always going to be really important. And then when we look at pregnancy and kids, there just isn't enough research in those areas. So, like anything else, just always check with your healthcare provider before trying anything new. In research studies, doses were usually around 100 to 300 milligrams a day, split across meals. Most bottled waters or drops contain much less. So it's a more of a gentle supplement than a therapeutic dose. So how and when should you take it? If you're curious about chlorophyll water, start low and see how your stomach does with it. If it starts to feel upset, you might be taking too much. Take it with meals, and that can help reduce that GI upset. And that's honestly how it's been studied in most of the studies that have looked at chlorophyll, and it does tend to sit better for most clients that way. Definitely always pair it with sunscreen and smart sun protection if you're prone to burning. I know I personally am, and I literally wear sunscreen every day of my life. So that's nothing new for me. But if you're not used to wearing sunscreen, just really pay attention to that and make sure that you're protecting your skin. And remember, whole foods still matter. Things like spinach, kale, parsley, seaweed are all loaded with chlorophyll, plus other great things like fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Chlorophyll water should complement those things and not replace them. So definitely make sure that you're maintaining a healthy diet. For me, I'm kind of lucky because very few things upset my stomach. So I'm someone who drinks chlorophyll water all day long. And I actually use the drops. So I'll put about two full droppers full into my 64-ounce yeti and then I'll just sip on that all day long. The chlorophyll water that I use has a minty lemon flavor to it, and I just love the way it tastes. So if you're someone who doesn't like to drink water, this is something that might help you drink a little more of it. Now let's talk about the chlorophyll water that we carry at Panacea. The brand is actually called chlorophyll water, and here's what makes it so special and why we love it so much at Panacea. First off, it's purified mountain spring water as the base. So the chlorophyll is put into the mountain spring water if you're buying it by the bottle. The copper chlorophyllin is the active ingredient, as we talked about earlier, and then the company adds a splash of lemon and spearmint to it. So it doesn't just taste like plain green water. It's crisp, refreshing, almost like a spa-infused drink, which is probably why I love it so much. But many say it's the only way that they will actually drink water. So again, if you're that person who hates to drink water, this might be something that can help get you on the track to hydration. This one is also fortified with multiple vitamins. The first one is vitamin A, which, as we know, is essential for vision, immunity, and skin repair. It also has vitamin B12, which is gonna help support energy, nervous system function, and mood balance, especially important for those who don't eat animal products. It also has vitamin C in it, which, as you know, is a classic antioxidant. So it's gonna help support collagen production and immune defense. And lastly, it also has vitamin D, which is critical for bone strength, mood, and immune resilience. And it just happens to be a vitamin that most of us are deficient in. So, oh, and the bottles, oh my gosh, I love the bottles so much because, first of all, they're BPA free. Um, but also they're the first ever bottled water in the US to pass the clean label project certification. This means that their bottles are rigorously tested for over 90 industrial environmental contaminants. They're heavily tested for heavy metals, also arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, as well as pesticide residues, plasticizers like BPAs, BPSs, and phthalates, and just a bunch of other chemicals of concern. So these bottles are really awesome. And once you empty one, you can continue to use it over and over if you want to do that. And then there's something else. The Chlorophyll Water brand offers both bottled waters and concentrated drops, like I mentioned earlier. The bottles are perfect for grab and go, consistent hydration, and they're pre-measured, so there's no mess and there's no guessing. The drops, on the other hand, let you customize your dose and mix it into whatever you're drinking at home. Neither is better, and both provide an easy way to green up your hydration. So the one you choose really is just going to depend on your lifestyle. The drops, I will say, can be a little bit messier just because they are a very dark green color, which if you don't wipe them up quickly, can stain countertops and other things. But I like them because I like to drink out of my yeti. And so I'll just put a couple dropper folds into my yeti. And like I said earlier, I'll just sip on that all day long. So if you're someone who struggles with consistency, the bottles will make it effortless. But if you love that flexibility or want a stronger option, the drops probably will fit you better. For many of our clients, having both means that they can stay on track whether they're at home, at the spa, or on the go. So when we look at the bottom line, is chlorophyll water hype or is it helpful? The truth is, I think it's a little bit of both. The strongest science shows that chlorophyllin can block absorption of aflatoxin, which is that toxin that can cause liver cancer. And that's a huge win for people in high-risk areas. But when it comes to skin, weight, or energy, the evidence isn't quite as strong. But the anecdotal stories are powerful. And honestly, if you enjoy drinking it and it helps keep you hydrated and your body tolerates it well, then yes, it absolutely can have a place in your wellness routine. Just remember, it's not a substitute for sunscreen, vegetables, or medical care. So think of it as another tool in your holistic healing tool belt. For me personally, drinking chlorophyll water isn't about a miracle cure. It's about creating a ritual and putting something fresh, green, and alive in my body. And also knowing there may be benefits I can't fully measure, but that my body can certainly use. And truthfully, those potential benefits are definitely worth taking a chance on, in my opinion. And should I ever face something as serious as an aflatoxin exposure, I'll feel very reassured that my body has that added layer of protection. And at the end of the day, sometimes it's the ritual itself that matters most. The act of slowing down, nourishing ourselves, and choosing something intentional is the medicine that we all really need. So as we wrap up today, if chlorophyll water sounds like something you might want to try, swing by Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique and grab a bottle and let me know what you think of it. And please remember that everything shared on Serenity and Fire is meant for general information and inspiration purposes only. The topics we discuss are not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace your personalized medical care. So please always consult your healthcare provider before trying anything we talk about on the show. Your health is unique and your care should be too. Okay, that's it for today's episode. Thank you so much for listening to Serenity and Fire. If you enjoyed today's episode, support the show by following Serenity and Fire on social and wherever you get your podcasts. Please also leave a review and share the show with someone who might benefit from these great conversations. Until next time, keep balancing Serenity with Fire. I'm Krista Gwogenny and I'll talk with you in our next episode. At Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique, we don't just offer traditional spa treatments. We create rituals that relax your mind, restore your health, and rejuvenate your spirit. From biohacking technologies to advanced oncology trained care, everything we do is designed to help you heal on the deepest level with clean, holistic therapies, products, and amenities that are second to none. And right now you can experience two of my favorites our whole body LED light bud or hyperbaric oxygen therapies. And as a thank you for listening, you'll get 10% off your first session when you use the code Serenity10 at booking. What is your panacea? Let us help you find it because true wellness isn't a quick fix, it's a ritual.