The Truth About Seaweed - Can Seaweed Really Regulate Your Thyroid Function?

The Truth About Seaweed - Can Seaweed Really Regulate Your Thyroid Function?

With the recent fad of herbal medicines, seaweed is just one of many herbal alternatives being thrust into the spotlight. Many claim that it has the amazing ability to keep your weight within desirable and healthy limits. For those who are underweight, seaweed tablets are designed to help you gain a few extra pounds; For those who are overweight, seaweed can get rid of excess.

What is seaweed?

Seaweed is a type of seaweed that falls under the orderLaminariales. They are a very large species of kelp and can even form underwater kelp forests. For a long time, the term "seaweed" was used to describe almost any seaweed that could produce soda when burned. In addition to soda, seaweed is also used to thicken ice cream, salad dressings, and cosmetics such as lotions and toothpastes. Seaweed can also be eaten and the Japanese use various types of seaweed as an important ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

How does seaweed affect thyroid function?

Seaweed consists of more than 20% minerals by weight, but the most important trace mineral in seaweed in relation to thyroid function is iodine. In order for the thyroid to produce sufficient amounts of thyroxine, around 50 milligrams of iodine is required. This iodine is absorbed by the body in the form of iodides, which are then either excreted by the kidneys or used by the thyroid to produce the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones can significantly increase the body's metabolism with just a small increase in the amount. For this reason, various mechanisms act to maintain the balance of these hormones in the body.

Is Using Seaweed Really Safe?

Seaweed has been proven to effectively increase levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, the hormone produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid glands. Because of its high iodine content, seaweed can provide the thyroid with the necessary minerals to produce thyroxine, which can later be processed into triiodothyronine, its more powerful form.

Seaweed tablets have been used as a thyroid tonic, an anti-inflammatory agent, and a metabolic tonic. Due to its functions, it helps to increase the body's metabolism. Therefore, seaweed may allow overweight patients with thyroid disease to lose a few pounds. Goiter sufferers also benefit from the thyroid hormone boost that seaweed can provide.

But like all medications, seaweed must be used in the correct dosage. A single seaweed tablet alone could contain 0.7 milligrams of iodine. Taking that amount of iodine daily can lead to hyperthyroidism, in which thyroid hormone levels are elevated above their normal levels.

Seaweed and hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by high excitability, hand tremors, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, diarrhea, and significant weight loss. Most people with hyperthyroidism also develop itExophthalmosor protrusion of the eyeballs.

While seaweed supplements can help obese patients with hypothyroidism lose weight by increasing the body's levels of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, they can worsen hyperthyroidism in patients with such a disorder. In some cases, seaweed tablets can even trigger hyperthyroidism.

Seaweed is therefore not a reliable regulator of thyroid function. There is no better mechanism for balance than the body's homeostasis system. If you suffer from iodine deficiency, ask your doctor about taking seaweed tablets to boost your iodine stores. In the right doses, seaweed can be very good for you.

Inspired by Ryan English