Seaweed is an ocean plant that is a staple in the diets of many cultures around the world. Over 9,000 species of seaweed exist, according to Drugs.com. Each variety of seaweed is slightly different, but many offer health benefits. Before starting any new medication or diet be sure to consult with your physician or pharmacist. Seaweed has some side effects and interactions that are fairly uncommon, so depending on the medications that you currently take you may not be able to safely utilize seaweed.
Dermatitis
A fairly common side effect of seaweed is contact dermatitis, according to Drugs.com. If you have a seaweed allergy, you may be particularly prone to this side effect. If you experience contact dermatitis you may notice red, inflamed and/or itchy skin where contact was made with seaweed. Contact your physician if this symptom occurs, as he may need to prescribe a cream or medication to prevent further deterioration of the condition.
Stomach Upset
Many cultures, particularly of Asian decent, use seaweed as a staple food in their diets, according to the American Cancer Society. Some people may experience nausea with or without vomiting, heartburn and diarrhea. The exact reason for this reaction is unknown, but stomach upset with seaweed is rare, according to Drugs.com. Your physician will be able to make recommendations to alleviate mild symptoms, or she may suggest not consuming any additional seaweed.
Thyroid Complications
Seaweed is high in iodine content. The thyroid utilizes iodine from our food intake, as our bodies cannot produce iodine on its own. Seaweed is high in iodine content it is possible to absorb too much; this can cause malfunctions of the thyroid and goiters, which are growths on the thyroid, according to the American Cancer Society. Your physician can perform simple blood tests to check your iodine levels, and may recommend repeat testing at periodic intervals while you use seaweed in your diet or healthcare regime.
Cardiovascular Complications
Seaweed is especially high in vitamin K, which is a vitamin that thickens the blood and assists with blood clotting. If you have an artificial heart valve or any other cardiovascular condition, notify your physician before starting any sort of seaweed, as it may be contraindicated in your condition. Additionally, if you take Coumadin, (warfarin,) you may notice changes in your INR values, indicating that your blood may be thicker than suggested by your physician. Seaweed is usually not recommended for patients taking Coumadin or other blood thinners, according to Drugs.com.
References
- Drugs.com: Seaweed
- Guangdong Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases; Therapeutic Effect of Seaweed Polysaccharide from Sargassum Confusum on Sarcoma s180 in Mice and its Mechanism; Ai Zheng; December 2005
- American Cancer Society: Sea Vegetables
- The Korean Nutrition Society and The Korean Society of Community Nutrition; Effects of Seaweed Supplementation on Blood Glucose Concentration, Lipid Profile, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Min Sun Kim, et al.; June 2008
