Bladderwrack, not to be confused with bladderwort, is a type of alga found on sheltered coasts of the Atlantic, from Europe to North America. Thallus, the main stem of bladderwrack, possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, diuretic, emollient, endocrine tonic, expectorant and nutritive properties and is used in traditional herbal medicine. It is available as a tea, tincture, powder and in capsule form.
Diabetes and Thyroid Disorders
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by the pancreas' inability to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, leading to unacceptably high levels of glucose in the blood. Like diabetes, thyroid disorders involve a dysfunction of the endocrine system, a group of glands that regulate metabolism. Almost one-third of people with type 1 diabetes also suffer from a thyroid disease.
Bladderwrack for Hypothyroidism
There are several causes of an underactive thyroid, also called hypothyroidism. Antibodies in the blood may mistakenly attack the thyroid gland. Treatment for hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, may leave the thyroid unable to produce enough thyroid hormone. Goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland, may occur if you lack iodine in your diet. Because bladderwrack contains significant amounts of iodine, it is used by some herbalists to treat goiter and iodine deficiency. It may therefore be beneficial to diabetes sufferers who also suffer hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency.
Bladderwrack and Diabetes
Bladderwrack may be useful in treating type 1 diabetes because it boosts the immune system, increases energy levels and is used to treat atherosclerosis. Excess glucose in the blood caused by diabetes damages the large blood vessels that supply the heart muscle and can contribute to heart disease. According to health writer Rita Elkins in her book "Limu Moui," fucoidan, a type of dietary fiber found in brown seaweed such as bladderwrack helps lower blood sugar levels.
Bladderwrack and Toxicity
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that too much iodine can cause hypothyroidism and that bladderwrack may also contain toxic heavy metals. The center does not recommend taking bladderwrack except under medical supervision. They also stress that most cases of hypothyroidism in the developed world are not caused by iodine deficiency.
Bladderwrack and Associated Risks
There is little or no scientific evidence to suggest bladderwrack is effective in the treatment of any condition. Amounts of iodine in bladderwrack vary, making it an inconsistent treatment for the thyroid. The National Institutes of Health warns against using bladderwrack in the treatment of thyroid disease since it may worsen the condition. The NIH also reports a possible association with bladderwrack and increased risk of thyroid cancer and strongly recommends that any treatment of thyroid problems should be attempted only under medical supervision.
References
- "Limu Moui"; Rita Elkins; 2001
- John Hopkins Medical Institutions; Autoimmune Disease Research Center; Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus; Daniela Cihakova, M.D., Ph.D.; 2001
- ThyroidToday.com: Thyroid Disease and Diabetes
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Hypothyroidism; 2010
- BBC: Health: Diabetes and Related Illnesses; Dr. Rob Hicks; 2011
- Medline Plus; Bladderwrack; 2010
