The effect of sea kelp on thyroid function in hypothyroidism
In fact, nearly 2 billion people synthroid depletion worldwide are at risk of iodine deficiency, which is a leading cause of hypothyroidism. Therefore, adding iodine-rich foods like seaweed to your diet could make a big difference. However, seaweed is naturally rich in iodine, as well as other key vitamins, minerals and nutrients such as calcium, iron and potassium. Including seaweed in your daily diet is a fantastic way to support the normal function of your thyroid, but it’s understandable that not everyone knows how best to incorporate high quality seaweed into their meal plans – which iswhere Dr Seaweed’s Weed & Wonderful™ Seaweed Capsules can come in. One 500mg seaweed supplement contains as much iodine as three whole mackerel and we strive to provide the best quality Scottish seaweed so you can enjoy maximum health and nutritional benefits.
- Urine samples were stored refrigerated (0–4 °C) until delivery at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), where the samples were stored at minus 20 °C pending analysis of urinary iodine concentration (UIC), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- So stick to the prescribed amount, try out different varieties, and watch how this super-sea-food boosts your overall health and well-being.
- Kelp, wakame, or kombu can be simmered in the broth to infuse it with flavor and nutrients.
- Fill them with your choice of vegetables, fish, or seafood, along with some rice.
Can sea moss cause thyroid cancer?
As iodine is not produced in the body, daily intake is required from external sources. This is especially true in the first weeks of life, as the developing foetus does not develop a functioning thyroid until about 18- to 20-week gestation during which time it is totally dependent on the mother to produce thyroid hormones necessary for growth and neuropsychological development 2. Thus, maternal iodine intake is necessary for both mother and baby to thrive, and even mild iodine deficiency can lead to lower cognitive development 3. The increased iodine requirement in pregnancy has led the WHO to recommend increasing iodine intake from 150 µg to 250 µg in pregnant mothers 4, 5. Under iodine replete conditions, this requirement can usually be met from normal foodstuffs, particularly if salt is iodized.
- Nearly 42 million Indians are getting affected with thyroid disorders in India according to National Institute Health studies.
- Seaweed DosaSeaweed dosa adds a savory, umami flavor to the traditional South Indian dish.
- Similarly, the mean serum TSH (2.0 ± 0.9 mIU/L) was higher than mean TSH (1.5 (±0.02) mIU/L) of a disease-free population in the U.S.
- Common varieties are often described as salty, umami (earthy), fishy, or briny.
- Further, the Norwegian Committee for Food and Environment has highlighted consumers of macroalgae as a potential risk group for excessive iodine intakes in the Norwegian population 25.
Genetics and Deoiodination in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism
Special thanks to Dina Solli Doblaug for assisting with the data collection. Furthermore, we would like to thank Patrick-André Korneliussen for taking care of all the collected biological samples and technical assistance with the laboratory work. Thanks to Even Fjære and Arne Duinker for sharing your knowledge regarding macroalgae species and consumers in Norway. The Coles’ notes are that it produces the hormones T3 and T4, which help to regulate the temperature, function and growth of every single cell in the human body. When it comes to thyroid health one of the best foods you can eat rarely makes it on to a North American plate.
Furthermore, iodine-containing herbal supplements available over the counter in herbal shops will impact thyroid function. Examples of these nutraceuticals include sea kelp, carnitine, inositol, melatonin and resveratrol5. Patients with thyroid dysfunction, whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, need to be made aware of the significant impact iodine-containing products can have on their thyroid profile. In addition to iodine released from seaweeds, it appears that iodine deposition as rain has increased in recent times. An increase in atmospheric iodine over the North Atlantic has been recently reported 69 as have a threefold increase in iodine deposition in Europe since 1950 70. Increasing emissions of pollutants O3 and NO2 react with seaweed-derived I− to produce I2 and iodine oxides including IONO2 which is very water soluble and thus deposited in rain 69.
Potential Side Effects
- There are many different species of seaweed, each with its own unique nutritional profile.
- Symptoms can range from fatigue and weight gain to depression and hair loss.
- Due to variations in iodine concentration with season, harvesting location, age, and size of the macroalgae, storage and processing conditions, the iodine concentration is difficult to determine without specific analysis of products.
- Multivitamin supplements are commonly used in the general population to achieve recommended daily intakes, but seaweeds may represent an abundant source of both fat- and water-soluble vitamins, as outlined in Tables S12, S13, and S14 in the Supporting Information online.
- In October 2021, with the same dose of levothyroxine, her TSH was normal (1.4mIU/L).
The vital thing to consider is your own health before starting a restrictive diet. Therefore, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Sakshi Pushkarna, an IT professional from Gurgaon was having difficulty losing weight, especially after giving birth to her daughter. She reached out to our weight loss dietitian and from that point, we strived to get her health and weight back on track in every way possible.
The most recent National Diet and Nutrition Survey in the UK 9 found that one in six women tested between years of age showed evidence of iodine deficiency, as defined by the World Health Organisation 10. Eating seaweed every day can be beneficial for its nutrients, but it should be done in moderation. Too much seaweed can lead to excessive iodine intake, potentially affecting thyroid health. While iodine is essential for thyroid function, it is crucial to maintain a balance. Excessive iodine intake can lead to complications, especially in individuals with Hashimoto’s disease or hypothyroidism. These individuals are typically more sensitive to changes in iodine levels.
Thirty percent reported habitual daily use of macroalgae, while 23% used macroalgae 4–6 times/week and about 50% included macroalgae in the diet 1–3 times/week or less frequently. Sea moss may be able to help with thyroid nodules, which are growths on the thyroid gland that can be benign or malignant. Consuming iodine-rich foods, like sea moss, helps support thyroid function and prevent iodine deficiency, which is a common cause of thyroid nodules7.
Marine foods, such as fish and shellfish are naturally high in iodine due to the high iodine concentration in seawater 2. Macroalgae is commonly used in Asian cultures 7,8,9, especially Japan, China and Korea, where edible macroalgae are commonly consumed in soups, sushi, as seaweed salads, snacks and in other dishes 7,9,10,11. During recent years, macroalgae has entered the global food market, and has become increasingly popular in the western part of the world 12,13. In Europe, macroalgae represents a potential new dietary iodine source, and has also been considered as an especially healthy food or even “super food” 14,15,16,17.
With approximately one month of THRT, his thyroid function normalized, and the skin lesions, including rashes on the hands and finger joints, improved (Figure 4). There is also considerable interest in the effect of alginate on glycemic control, particularly its impact on postprandial glucose absorption. Research suggests that eating seaweed once or twice a week is likely safe. If you are concerned, speak with a healthcare provider before consuming it. Nori, the most common type, has 58 mcg per tablespoon, or 928 mcg per cup.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Research suggests seaweed may help lower blood pressure, possibly because of how the body processes sodium. Whist seaweed can be eaten in a vast array of culinary dishes, some people opt for seaweed supplements for convenience. These supplements come in many forms, from cellulose capsules and compressed tablets to powders and blends for smoothies and juices. In short, thyroid health is a growing concern in India, with 42 million people affected. Certain medications, such as thyroid medications or those containing iodine, may interact with seaweed.
