Iodine is an essential element for thyroid health. Iodine deficiency leads to inflammation of the thyroid, known as goiter, and reduced metabolism. Iodine is a prominent component within thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are the hormones produced in the thyroid responsible for regulating metabolism and energy production. Seaweeds, such as kelp, are rich sources of iodine and can prevent goiter and reduced thyroid hormone production, which is known as hypothyroidism.
Recommended Levels of Iodine
Some dietary iodine is essential, which is why table salt has been iodized for many decades, but ingesting too much can cause mild sickness, such as stomach upset, and possibly lead to an imbalance in the thyroid gland. However, accurate testing for iodine levels in the body is very difficult, so thyroid specialists often suggest ingesting about 150mcg per day as an adult, which is well below levels that could lead to negative reactions, according to "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism." Natural sources of iodine, such as kelp, are preferred by some people who are concerned with the toxic effects of common table salt, which is sodium chloride.
Lack of Iodine
Lack of iodine initially results in goiter, with is a swelling of the thyroid, but not necessarily dysfunction. Chronic iodine deficiency results in hypothyroidism and reduced hormonal output, which leads to profound fatigue not relieved by sleep, lethargy, weight gain, dry skin, sensitivity to cold and depression. According to "Human Biochemistry and Disease," hypothyroidism is much more common in women and occurs in at least 15 percent of the U.S. population.
Nutrients in Kelp
Kelp is an edible seaweed that is classified as a type of multi-cellular algae. It is eaten raw or cooked, but also consumed as a supplement in capsular form. Kelp is probably the best known seaweed in North America and a rich source of many nutrients, especially iodine, which is why some refer to it as a "super-food." In addition to iodine, kelp is rich in folic acid and other B-vitamins, but is also a good source of chlorophyll, amino acids, vitamins C and E, magnesium, calcium, iron and phosphorus. Excessive amounts of daily kelp for many months may upset the balance of the thyroid due to iodine content, but generally, kelp is a safe, nutritious plant.
Benefits of Kelp
In addition to the various health benefits afforded by the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in kelp, its iodine content is also effective at protecting the body from radiation and removing it. For example, if there is a lack of natural iodine in the diet during exposure to radiation, then radioactive iodine-131 will be absorbed instead and accumulate in the thyroid gland, leading to injury, mutation and cancer. According to "The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine," consuming natural iodine from kelp helps offset the side effects of radiation exposure, which was crucial for saving lives in Japan after the dropping of the atomic bombs, but is also relevant in modern times as diagnostic X-rays and wireless communications are widespread.
References
- "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism: 5th Edition"; Sareen S. Gropper and Jack L. Smith; 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; A. Fauci et al.; 2008
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide"; American Dietetic Association; 2006
- "The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine"; Simon Mills; 1994
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