Your thyroid is an important gland that helps regulate your metabolism and keeps your calcium levels balanced. The thyroid is a 2-inch-wide gland located just below your voice box. The amount of hormone secreted by your thyroid is governed by your pituitary gland. Kelp is a natural substance that may be helpful in treating thyroid gland problems. Talk with your physician before using kelp for this purpose.
Plant Information
Kelp is a type of seaweed that can be eaten raw or consumed as a powder or liquid. If you do not enjoy the taste of kelp, you can always purchase this substance in tablet form. Kelp is a rich source of B-vitamins and other minerals and trace elements, notes Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Kelp thrives in shallow, nutrient-dense ocean waters, is often found growing in forests and is well-known for its phenomenal growth rate.
Thyroid Problems
Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, thyroiditis and enlargement of your thyroid gland, or goiter, are all possible thyroid-related problems. Hypothyroidism -- the insufficient production of thyroid hormone from a low-functioning thyroid gland -- is one of the most common thyroid problems. There are several potential causes of hypothyroidism, including iodine deficiency. Chronic fatigue, decreased tolerance to cold and decreased appetite are hallmarks of this condition.
Plant Actions and Uses
Kelp contains iodine, which is the basic substance of thyroid hormone. Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," writes that kelp, as well as nori, kombu and dulse, is an important source of dietary iodine. If your thyroid problem is associated with iodine deficiency, kelp may help restore thyroid health and function. Kelp may possess diuretic action and may also be helpful in treating goiter, or an oversize thyroid gland.
Considerations
Thyroid problems should always be evaluated by a qualified health care professional before you use kelp or other substances as a treatment. Kelp is not appropriate for all thyroid problems, and may cause undesirable side effects if it is used incorrectly or taken for the wrong condition. You should be extremely careful about taking kelp and other substances if you are pregnant. Consult your physician or another knowledgeable health care provider before using natural products to treat your ailments.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Thyroid Gland
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- The Hormone Foundation: Thyroid Disorders Overview
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
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