Hypothyroidism, or under-active thyroid, results in insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone to keep your metabolism within normal ranges. There are many thyroid medications on the market, including those that come from natural sources. However, they are still all chemically based, having been manufactured in laboratories. A type of seaweed called bladderwrack, or Fucus vesiculosus, provides iodine from natural, sea sources and may be effective for controlling the thyroid for some people. Fucus can produce side effects and should not be taken unless under the supervision of a health practitioner familiar with its use.
Hypothyroidism
The most common form of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease where the thyroid gland is eventually destroyed over time due to antibodies from the individual's immune system mistaking it for a foreign body and attacking it. The result is a deficiency in thyroid hormones, which are necessary for numerous bodily functions, including regulation of the metabolism and body temperature as well as controlling the appetite. Hypothyroidism, left untreated, can lead to serious health problems -- including death.
Symptoms
And under-active thyroid can produce a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, slow pulse and heart rate, dry skin, chilliness, weight gain, coarse hair that falls out easily, numbness of the extremeties, confusion, depression, headaches, joint pain and menstrual problems. Many of these symptoms may resemble those of other diseases. If you exhibit a constellation of symptoms similar to this list and you are not sure what is wrong, contact your doctor or health practitioner for a check up.
Iodine
The primary mineral needed for healthy thyroid function is iodine. In Western cultures, most people use iodized salt and do not need supplementation for their thyroid unless they have symptoms and are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Although an iodine deficiency is not always the cause of hypothyroidism, in cases where an individual is low in iodine, treatment with kelp may resolve the condition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC.
Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is high in iodine and is available in standardized extracts and liquid tinctures. It is a component in many kelp tablets and is often referred to as kelp; however, technically, the term does not refer specifically to bladderwrack, rather to another form of seaweed, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. The suggested dose is 600 mg one to three times daily to increase thyroid activity, according to the UMMC. However, if you have hyperthyroidism, do not treat yourself with bladderwrack. This dosage may not be appropriate for your condition. Speak to a qualified herbal practitioner for recommendations and doses appropriate for your situation.
Characteristics
Bladderwrack not only may help regulate the thyroid gland, but it can offer protection from acid reflux and constipation, according to NYU. Additionally, it may help control obesity by increasing the metabolism, according to Mercer University. It's medicinal compounds may bring relief to those experiencing rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, when applied topically to sore joints, adds Mercer.
Precautions
Bladderwrack may not help all types of hypothyroidism, because not all under-active thyroid conditions are caused by iron deficiency. Taking too much bladderwrack can contribute to developing an overactive thyroid. It is important to have your blood tested regularly if you take bladderwrack to determine whether you are taking the correct amount. If you develop symptoms of hyperthyroidism, stop taking it and consult your health practitioner.
References
- Mercer University: Bladderwrack
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypthyroidism
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Bladderwrack
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
