Sea kelp, which is also referred to as bladder wrack and kelp, is a brown seaweed that grows along the ocean shores and can be eaten cooked or raw. Kelp is nutritionally dense and has a variety of health-promoting properties. However, adverse reactions have been reported from the consumption of kelp, and you should talk to your health-care practitioner before attempting to self-medicate with it.
Nutritional Benefits
Kelp is a potent source of the mineral iodine and a source of fiber, minerals such as iron, vitamin B-12 and many trace elements. "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" states the kelp has antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-HIV, anti-aging, anti-coagulant, anti-tumor, anti-fertility and anti-estrogenic properties. Kelp also demonstrates antioxidant activity and helps prevent free radical induced damage and death to your cells and DNA.
Uses
Alternative medicine practitioners recommend kelp to help "cleanse the blood" and increase energy, according to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database." Kelp also has been used to help treat obesity, arthritis, rheumatism, arteriosclerosis, digestive disorders, heartburn, constipation, bronchitis, emphysema, urinary and genital disorders and anxiety. People also consume sea kelp to enhance disease resistance and help prevent herpes and other viral infections. However, these uses are based on anecdotal reports and not solid scientific evidence.
Goiter
Goiter is a common cause of hypothyroidism characterized by a swelling of the thyroid gland and surrounding tissue as well as symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold and lethargy. Iodine is required to support thyroid health and for the proper production of thyroid hormones, and goiter results from a deficiency of iodine. According to NaturalNews.com, kelp is one of the best sources of iodine and consuming it regularly may help prevent and heal goiter.
Possible Thyroid Side Effects
Your thyroid requires a delicate balance of iodine, and "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" warns that prolonged or excessive use of sea kelp can cause goiter and hypothyroidism. In addition, consuming too much sea kelp can induce or exacerbate hyperthyroidism, which is a condition characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Finally, an excessive intake of sea kelp may increase your risk for developing thyroid cancer.
Additional Precautions
Some sea kelp is contaminated with toxic heavy metals. Heavy-metal poisoning has been reported from the ingestion of contaminated sea kelp. Iodine has also been associated with an exacerbation of acne, and kelp may cause or worsen acne in acne-prone individuals. In addition, sea kelp may impair fertility. Do not take it if you are trying to conceive. Allergic reactions and increased bleeding after surgery have been reported from consuming sea kelp, according to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database."
References
- "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database"; Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2011
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2003
- NaturalNews.com; How Eating Kelp Can Prevent (and Heal) Goiter; Mike Adams; Nov. 2, 2009
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