More common in women than men, hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produced an adequate supply of hormones. Hypothyroidism can be caused by a number of factors, such as hormone imbalances, lack of hormone conversions by the liver and insufficient amounts of iodine to support the thyroid gland. Adding the iodine-rich seaweed plant to your diet may reduce some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Consult a medical professional about supplementing your diet with seaweed.
Iodine Source
In addition to the many vitamins and minerals found in seaweed, the element iodine is a significant benefit of this plant from the sea. Fresh water sources of seaweed do exist, but those cultivated in clean ocean water tend to be more nutrient dense. Certified menopause clinician and nurse practitioner Marcy E. Holmes frequently recommends seaweed products to her patients with sluggish thyroids or hypothyroidism. She advises caution and moderation when adding these foods to the diet as too much iodine can harm the thyroid.
Tyrosine Source
Holistic doctor Carol Roberts, M.D., recommends kelp to her patients with hypothyroidism, not only for its iodine content but also because it is a source of tyrosine. Tyrosine is a type of amino acid used by the thyroid gland to make two of its primary hormones, triodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4. Two potential benefits of tyrosine are its ability to elevate mood and as a component of appetite control when used in combination with other nutrients and herbs, according to Dr. Ray Sahelian, author of "Mind Boosters." While tyrosine may indeed be beneficial for thyroid function, The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine recommends telling your health care provider about any complementary and alternative practices you use, including dietary supplements.
Availability
The use of seaweed as a food source in the Western diet is growing. Plentiful gardens of seaweed are tended and harvested in coastal regions throughout the world, providing ample amounts of these nutritious sea vegetables at affordable prices. Health food stores, Asian markets and some grocery stores carry a variety of seaweed products, making it readily available to consumers interested in incorporating seaweed into their diets.
Goiter and Nodule Treatment
Thyroid nodules are bumps that grow on the thyroid gland, whereas a goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. These aberrations may be indicative of hypothyroidism. Sometimes a nodule can be felt by placing the thumb and fingers of one hand on either side of the windpipe, just below the Adam's apple. Pretend to swallow something and if a bump is felt on either side of the windpipe, this could indicate a nodule or goiter. According to Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon., the "Haizao" seaweed plant, also known as "Hiziki" in Japan, is used to encourage dissipation of nodules and to treat goiters in traditional Chinese medicine. If you suspect a nodule or goiter, seek the advice of your doctor.
References
- Women to Women: A Natural Approach to Hypothyroidism Can Work Wonders
- Women to Women: Thyroid and Hypothyroid FAQs
- "Mind Boosters--A Guide to Natural Supplements that Enhance Your Mind, Memory and Mood"; Ray Sahelian, M.D.; 2000
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Sea Vegetables
- Thyroid-Info: Thyroid Nodules, Lumps, Enlarged Thyroid and Goiter
