Shaped like a butterfly, the thyroid gland is one of the largest glands in the body and a primary worker in the endocrine system. The thyroid gland is dependent on certain elemental nutrients for optimal functioning. Kelp is arguably the most thyroid-friendly and edible plant on the planet. Think "kelp" when aiming to support and enhance the health of your thyroid gland.
Identification
Reliant on regular sunlight, kelp is often described as a sea vegetable, but in fact it is a form of algae that grows in shallow waters of the ocean. Giant kelp and bull kelp are the dominant types of brown algae growing along the pacific coastal areas and harvested for food and other uses. Located in the neck area, the thyroid gland is the first gland of the endocrine system to develop during the embryo phase. According to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the thyroid hormones impact virtually every organ system in the body.
Functions
Manufacturing thyroid hormones, releasing them into the bloodstream and assisting with the vital job of regulating the metabolism, are handled by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland also plays an integral role in the developing brain of unborn babies. Similarly, kelp plays important roles in the ocean, providing a complete ecosystem for certain sea life. Kelp also absorbs important minerals from the sea, processing them into bio-available forms, thereby providing a rich supply of necessary minerals for people and animals.
Significance
Body metabolism involves chemical activity resulting in energy being obtained from nutrients. As a regulator of metabolism, the thyroid gland clearly plays a vital role in optimal body functioning and health. Iodine is one substance the thyroid gland is absolutely reliant upon. A dietary shortage of this critical element can result in babies born with brain damage, according to The World Health Organization. Kelp is a primary food source of iodine and worthy of consideration as a dietary supplement for the thyroid gland.
Benefits
Ensure a healthier thyroid by adding kelp to your diet. In addition to providing iodine for the thyroid, kelp offers other health benefits. A 2005 study published in "The Journal of Nutrition" suggests that the anti-estrogenic effects of dietary kelp may contribute to reduced cancer rates. Kelp is also a good source of calcium and magnesium, according to The World's Healthiest Foods.
Warning
The substances, fluoride, chlorine and bromide should be avoided whenever possible as they block the body's ability to absorb iodine and may contribute to malfunctions of the thyroid gland, according to board certified naturopath Kimberly Balas and herbalist Steven H. Horne.
References
- World's Healthiest Foods: Sea Vegetables
- Monterey Bay Sanctuary Site: Kelp Forest Distribution and Ecology
- "Endocrinology-An Integrated Approach": Surgical Anatomy and Embryology of the Thyroid Gland
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: Thyroid Gland Disorders
- California State University of Los Angeles: Kelp Forest
