706-722-9011

Locations

Piedmont Augusta

1350 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Breast Health Center

818 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 205
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Summerville Campus

2260 Wrightsboro Road
Augusta, GA 30904
Piedmont Augusta
ER
Wait
Time
45
min *

Serving Our Community for Over 200 Years

Piedmont Augusta (formerly University Hospital) serves the Augusta-Richmond County area and 25 counties across two states. The hospital is an 812-bed, acute-care facility and part of a multi-campus system that includes three hospitals, a heart and vascular center, prompt and primary care, home health and private physician offices. Founded in 1818 as City Hospital, Piedmont Augusta has since moved through four facilities to its present location, which opened in 1970, and includes its Summerville Campus on Wrightsboro Road.

Piedmont Augusta offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive medical and surgical care that includes emergency services, cardiovascular, orthopaedics, neuroscience, oncology, bariatrics and weight management, robotic surgery and women’s services. Our cardiovascular services include state-of-the-art treatments for advanced cardiac conditions – including the Left Ventricular Assist Device, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and MitraClip for severe mitral valve regurgitation – and vascular conditions – such as the Fenestrated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Graft and the Penumbra Indigo® System for minimally invasive clot removal in arteries and veins.

Piedmont Augusta at Summerville Campus, formerly University Hospital, was founded in 1952 and joined the Piedmont family on March 1, 2022. The hospital is known for its comprehensive diagnostic services, including cardiac catheterization, magnetic resonance imaging, and osteoporosis treatment.

It offers a 24-hour, 15-bed Emergency Department, a 12-bed inpatient unit and new and enhanced imaging services. Outpatient services include Wound & Hyperbaric Services, Diabetes Services, Full-service Lab, Sleep Lab, Coumadin Clinic, Primary Care and Piedmont Heart. It offers these services in the Summerville Medical Building and in the newly renovated Occupational Medicine suite.


Other awards and recognition include:

  • The American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With the Guidelines ®- Stroke Quality Award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke(sm) Honor Roll Therapy award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award
  • ACE™ Accreditation by Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence
  • IAC® Accreditation by Intersocietal Accreditation Commission
  • Credentialed DNV GL - Healthcare VAD Facility/CMS Certified Ventricular Assist Device Program
  • Piedmont Augusta receives Cycle Five Accreditation from Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • BCBS Association designates Piedmont Augusta a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care
  • Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health
  • Accreditation by the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons
  • Credentialed as a Ventricular Assist Device facility by DNV GL
  • Full Cycle Five Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for knee and hip replacement from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for spine surgery from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for Piedmont Augusta’s Breast Health Center, the first established breast center in our area
  • Named No. 1 in the region by “US News & World Report” and ninth in Georgia
  • Ranked “High Performing” in nine reportable conditions or procedures by “US News & World Report,” including:
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • Colon cancer surgery
    • Heart failure
    • Heart attack
    • Stroke
    • Kidney failure
    • Knee replacement
    • Hip replacement
    • Diabetes

Piedmont Augusta (formerly known as University Hospital) became part of Piedmont Healthcare on March 1, 2022 – expanding quality health services to our community.

*Piedmont Augusta complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Piedmont App

Download the Piedmont Now app

  • Directions
  • Indoor Hospital Navigation
  • Find & Save Physicians
  • Online Scheduling

Download the app today!

Get the Piedmont Now on Google Play Get the Piedmont Now on iTunes App Store
Piedmont Augusta Hospital | Piedmont Healthcare
706-722-9011

Locations

Piedmont Augusta

1350 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Breast Health Center

818 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 205
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Summerville Campus

2260 Wrightsboro Road
Augusta, GA 30904
Piedmont Augusta
ER
Wait
Time
45
min *

Serving Our Community for Over 200 Years

Piedmont Augusta (formerly University Hospital) serves the Augusta-Richmond County area and 25 counties across two states. The hospital is an 812-bed, acute-care facility and part of a multi-campus system that includes three hospitals, a heart and vascular center, prompt and primary care, home health and private physician offices. Founded in 1818 as City Hospital, Piedmont Augusta has since moved through four facilities to its present location, which opened in 1970, and includes its Summerville Campus on Wrightsboro Road.

Piedmont Augusta offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive medical and surgical care that includes emergency services, cardiovascular, orthopaedics, neuroscience, oncology, bariatrics and weight management, robotic surgery and women’s services. Our cardiovascular services include state-of-the-art treatments for advanced cardiac conditions – including the Left Ventricular Assist Device, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and MitraClip for severe mitral valve regurgitation – and vascular conditions – such as the Fenestrated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Graft and the Penumbra Indigo® System for minimally invasive clot removal in arteries and veins.

Piedmont Augusta at Summerville Campus, formerly University Hospital, was founded in 1952 and joined the Piedmont family on March 1, 2022. The hospital is known for its comprehensive diagnostic services, including cardiac catheterization, magnetic resonance imaging, and osteoporosis treatment.

It offers a 24-hour, 15-bed Emergency Department, a 12-bed inpatient unit and new and enhanced imaging services. Outpatient services include Wound & Hyperbaric Services, Diabetes Services, Full-service Lab, Sleep Lab, Coumadin Clinic, Primary Care and Piedmont Heart. It offers these services in the Summerville Medical Building and in the newly renovated Occupational Medicine suite.


Other awards and recognition include:

  • The American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With the Guidelines ®- Stroke Quality Award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke(sm) Honor Roll Therapy award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award
  • ACE™ Accreditation by Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence
  • IAC® Accreditation by Intersocietal Accreditation Commission
  • Credentialed DNV GL - Healthcare VAD Facility/CMS Certified Ventricular Assist Device Program
  • Piedmont Augusta receives Cycle Five Accreditation from Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • BCBS Association designates Piedmont Augusta a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care
  • Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health
  • Accreditation by the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons
  • Credentialed as a Ventricular Assist Device facility by DNV GL
  • Full Cycle Five Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for knee and hip replacement from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for spine surgery from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for Piedmont Augusta’s Breast Health Center, the first established breast center in our area
  • Named No. 1 in the region by “US News & World Report” and ninth in Georgia
  • Ranked “High Performing” in nine reportable conditions or procedures by “US News & World Report,” including:
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • Colon cancer surgery
    • Heart failure
    • Heart attack
    • Stroke
    • Kidney failure
    • Knee replacement
    • Hip replacement
    • Diabetes

Piedmont Augusta (formerly known as University Hospital) became part of Piedmont Healthcare on March 1, 2022 – expanding quality health services to our community.

*Piedmont Augusta complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Piedmont App

Download the Piedmont Now app

  • Directions
  • Indoor Hospital Navigation
  • Find & Save Physicians
  • Online Scheduling

Download the app today!

Get the Piedmont Now on Google Play Get the Piedmont Now on iTunes App Store

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Spirulina

Show Alternative Names
Arthrospira plantensis
Blue-green algae
Spirulina fusiformis
Spirulina maxima
Spirulina platensis

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid).

Spirulina -- like any blue-green algae -- can be contaminated with toxic substances called microcystins. It can also absorb heavy metals from the water where it is grown. For these reasons, it is important to buy spirulina from a trusted brand.

Test tube and animal studies suggest spirulina may boost the immune system, help protect against allergic reactions, and have antiviral and anticancer properties. However, there is no proof that spirulina has these, or any, benefits in people. More research is needed.

Immune Support

A number of animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses, such as cancer. However, it has not been tested in people. In one clinical trial that involved humans, another type of blue-green algae called chlorella did not boost the immune response to flu vaccine.

Protein Supplement

Amino acids make up 62% of spirulina. Because it is a rich source of protein and other nutrients, spirulina has been used as a nutritional supplement. However, although spirulina contains a certain level of protein, you would need to take very large quantities to see any effect. Other sources of protein, such as nuts, legumes, whole grains, and meat, provide protein in smaller servings.

Allergic Reactions

Animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina may protect against allergic reactions by stopping the release of histamines, substances that contribute to allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and soft-tissue swelling. But whether these preliminary studies will help people with allergies is not known.

Antibiotic-related Illnesses

Although antibiotics destroy unwanted organisms in the body, they may also kill "good" bacteria called probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. This can cause diarrhea. In test tubes, spirulina has boosted the growth of L. acidophilus and other probiotics. More research is needed to determine whether spirulina will have the same effect in people.

Infection

Test tube studies suggest that spirulina has activity against herpes, influenza, and HIV. But researchers don’t know whether it would also work in people.

Oral Cancer

In one placebo-controlled study, taking spirulina seemed to reduce a precancerous lesion known as leukoplasia in people who chewed tobacco. Lesions were more likely to go away in the spirulina group than in the placebo group. More research in this area is needed.

Liver Disorders

Preliminary evidence suggests that spirulina may help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis (liver failure) in people with chronic hepatitis. Without more research, however, it is impossible to say whether spirulina offers any real benefit.

Eye Diseases

Spirulina contains a high concentration of zeaxantuin, an important nutrient linked to eye health. As such, spirulina may help reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. More research is needed.

 

Dietary Sources

Spirulina is a microscopic algae that flourishes in warm climates and warm alkaline water. It is available dried and freeze-dried.

Available Forms

Spirulina is available in pill or powder form, or as flakes. Most of the spirulina consumed in the United States is grown in a laboratory. There are many different spirulina species, only some of which are identified on labels of commercially-available products. Spirulina maxima (cultivated in Mexico) and Spirulina platensis (cultivated in California) are the most popular.

How to Take It

Pediatric

Although spirulina has been used in children, researchers don’t know the safe and effective dose for those under 18. Don't give spirulina to a child without talking to your doctor first.

Adult

Ask your health care provider to help you determine the right dose for you. A standard dose is 4 - 6 tablets (500 mg each) per day.

Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Spirulina appears safe, even at high doses. However, it can be contaminated with other substances that can be toxic. It is important to buy a reputable brand of spirulina.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking spirulina.

People with a metabolic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid taking spirulina. People with this rare condition cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Spirulina is rich in all amino acids, including phenylalanine.

If you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, you should avoid spirulina. Theoretically, it could stimulate your immune system and make your condition worse.

Possible Interactions

There are no reports in the scientific literature to suggest that spirulina interacts with any conventional medications. However, it is possible that spirulina might interfere with drugs given to suppress the immune system, including:

  • Adalimumab (Humira)
  • Azathioprine (Imuran)
  • Cyclosporine (Neoral)
  • Etanercept (Enbrel)
  • Infliximab (Remicade)
  • Leflunomide (Arava)
  • Methotrexate
  • Mycophenolate (CellCept)

Supporting Research

Blinkova LP, Gorobets OB, Baturo AP. [Biological activity of Spirulina.] Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol. 2001;(2): 114-118.

Chamorro-Cevallos G, Garduno-Siciliano L, Barron BL, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, Cruz-Vega DE, Pages N. Chemoprotective effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira) against cyclophosphamide-induced mutagenicity in mice. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008;46(2):567-74.

Deng R, Chow TJ. Hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory activities of microalgae Spirulina. Cardiovasc Ther. 2010 Aug;28(4):e33-45. Review.

Khan Z, Bhadouria P, Bisen PS. Nutritional and therapeutic potential of Spirulina. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2005 Oct;6(5):373-9. Review.

Khan M, Shobha JC, Mohan IK, Rao Naidu MU, Prayag A, Kutala VK. Spirulina attenuates cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. J Appl Toxicol. 2006;26(5):444-51.

Lu HK, Hsieh CC, Hsu JJ, Yang YK, Chou HN. Preventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stress. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006 Sep;98(2):220-6.

Mao TK, Van De Water J, Gershwin ME. Effect of spirulina on the secretion of cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. J Medicinal Food. 2000;3(3):135-139.

Mazo VK, Gmoshinski IV, Zilova IS. Microalgae Spirulina in human nutrition. Vopr Pitan. 2004;73(1):45-53.

Pabon MM, Jernberg JM, Morganti J, et al. A spirulina-enhanced diet provides neuroprotection in an a-synuclein model of Parkinson's disease. PLoS One. 2012; 7(9):e45256.

Puyfoulhoux G, Rouanet JM, Besancon P, Baroux B, Baccou JC, Caporiccio B. Iron availability from iron-fortified spirulina by an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell culture model. J Agric Food Chem. 2001;49(3):1625-1629.

Reddy CM, Bhat VB, Kiranmai G, Reddy MN, Reddanna P, Madyastha KM. Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 by C-phocyanin, a biliprotein from Spirulina platensis. Biochem Ciophys Res Commun. 2000;277(3):599-603.

Wang Y, Chang CF, Chou J, Chen HL, Deng X, Harvey BK, Cadet JL, Bickford PC. Dietary supplementation with blueberries, spinach or spirulina reduces ischemic brain damage. Exp Neurol. 2005;193(1):75-84.

Yu B, Wang J, Suter PM, et al. Spirulina is an effective dietary source of zeaxanthin to humans. Br J Nutr. 2012; 108(4):611-9.

Review Date: 7/16/2013

Reviewed By

Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Piedmont Augusta Hospital | Piedmont Healthcare
706-722-9011

Locations

Piedmont Augusta

1350 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Breast Health Center

818 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 205
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Summerville Campus

2260 Wrightsboro Road
Augusta, GA 30904
Piedmont Augusta
ER
Wait
Time
45
min *

Serving Our Community for Over 200 Years

Piedmont Augusta (formerly University Hospital) serves the Augusta-Richmond County area and 25 counties across two states. The hospital is an 812-bed, acute-care facility and part of a multi-campus system that includes three hospitals, a heart and vascular center, prompt and primary care, home health and private physician offices. Founded in 1818 as City Hospital, Piedmont Augusta has since moved through four facilities to its present location, which opened in 1970, and includes its Summerville Campus on Wrightsboro Road.

Piedmont Augusta offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive medical and surgical care that includes emergency services, cardiovascular, orthopaedics, neuroscience, oncology, bariatrics and weight management, robotic surgery and women’s services. Our cardiovascular services include state-of-the-art treatments for advanced cardiac conditions – including the Left Ventricular Assist Device, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and MitraClip for severe mitral valve regurgitation – and vascular conditions – such as the Fenestrated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Graft and the Penumbra Indigo® System for minimally invasive clot removal in arteries and veins.

Piedmont Augusta at Summerville Campus, formerly University Hospital, was founded in 1952 and joined the Piedmont family on March 1, 2022. The hospital is known for its comprehensive diagnostic services, including cardiac catheterization, magnetic resonance imaging, and osteoporosis treatment.

It offers a 24-hour, 15-bed Emergency Department, a 12-bed inpatient unit and new and enhanced imaging services. Outpatient services include Wound & Hyperbaric Services, Diabetes Services, Full-service Lab, Sleep Lab, Coumadin Clinic, Primary Care and Piedmont Heart. It offers these services in the Summerville Medical Building and in the newly renovated Occupational Medicine suite.


Other awards and recognition include:

  • The American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With the Guidelines ®- Stroke Quality Award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke(sm) Honor Roll Therapy award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award
  • ACE™ Accreditation by Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence
  • IAC® Accreditation by Intersocietal Accreditation Commission
  • Credentialed DNV GL - Healthcare VAD Facility/CMS Certified Ventricular Assist Device Program
  • Piedmont Augusta receives Cycle Five Accreditation from Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • BCBS Association designates Piedmont Augusta a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care
  • Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health
  • Accreditation by the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons
  • Credentialed as a Ventricular Assist Device facility by DNV GL
  • Full Cycle Five Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for knee and hip replacement from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for spine surgery from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for Piedmont Augusta’s Breast Health Center, the first established breast center in our area
  • Named No. 1 in the region by “US News & World Report” and ninth in Georgia
  • Ranked “High Performing” in nine reportable conditions or procedures by “US News & World Report,” including:
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • Colon cancer surgery
    • Heart failure
    • Heart attack
    • Stroke
    • Kidney failure
    • Knee replacement
    • Hip replacement
    • Diabetes

Piedmont Augusta (formerly known as University Hospital) became part of Piedmont Healthcare on March 1, 2022 – expanding quality health services to our community.

*Piedmont Augusta complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Piedmont App

Download the Piedmont Now app

  • Directions
  • Indoor Hospital Navigation
  • Find & Save Physicians
  • Online Scheduling

Download the app today!

Get the Piedmont Now on Google Play Get the Piedmont Now on iTunes App Store