Sold primarily in Asian markets and health food stores, seaweed still is an enigma to the palates of many Americans. However, adding kelp and other varieties of seaweed to your diet may provide a natural solution to optimize thyroid gland functioning and boost performance in people diagnosed with mild hypothyroidism. Nutrient-packed seaweed contains a rich source of iodine and selenium, two minerals essential to thyroid hormone production.
Iodine and Thyroid Health
Resting on the lower front of your neck, the thyroid is one of the body's most important endocrine glands. Using iodine and the amino acid tyrosine, the thyroid produces thyroxine and thyronine, two hormones that regulate temperature, function and growth of every cell in the body. These hormones also affect cognitive functioning, including concentration and memory. Without an adequate supply, a person may experience fatigue, anxiety and weight gain, according to "Thyroid Power," by holistic practitioners Richard and Karilee Shames.
Iodine-Rich Seaweed
Seaweed is a diverse group of marine plants made from algae that draw nutrients from the ocean. While seaweed produced from brown algae has more iodine than varieties made from red or green algae, all seaweed varieties have significant amounts of the mineral. Icelandic kelp has the highest iodine content. Kombu, arame and hijiki are other good sources of iodine, the Shames wrote in "Thyroid Power."
Selenium-Rich Seaweed
Seaweed also is rich in selenium, a mineral that supports conversion of thyroxine into thyronine, the Shames wrote. Without selenium there would be no thyroid hormone production and conversion, botanist and biologist Ryan Drum wrote in an article on his website, "Island Herbs." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recommended 150 micrograms of iodine per day and 55 mcg of selenium daily.
Adding Seaweed to Diet
Japanese cuisine-inspired soups and grain dishes have incorporated kelp flakes as a salt substitute and seasoning. The addition of kombu to bean dishes softens the beans, speeds up cooking time and makes them easier to digest, George Mateljan says in "The World's Healthiest Foods." Some people incorporate hijiki and arame into salad, vegetable and grain dishes.
Don't Overdo Iodine
Depending upon the variety, a few ounces of dried kelp can provide almost three times the recommended amount of iodine, according to nutrient value tables on George Mateljan's website. As problematic as an iodine deficiency, too much dietary iodine can make your thyroid work less effectively, nutritionist and physician Phyllis and James Balch wrote in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." As little as five times the recommended daily amount may inhibit the secretion of the thyroid hormone in some individuals, the Balchs advise.
References
- "Thyroid Power"; Richard and Karilee Shames; 2002
- World's Healthiest Foods: Sea Vegetables
- Island Herbs: Medicinal Uses of Seaweed
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis and James Balch; 2006
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Consumer Health Information
