Kelp supplements supply iodine, an ingredient known for treating under-active thyroids. But kelp tablets may not possess the broad range of nutrients found in whole kelp, a species of brown algae. Dried or fresh kelp contains the minerals calcium and magnesium, as well as iodine. For that reason, whole kelp may make a better choice than kelp tablets when it comes to fighting problems such as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Always check with your doctor before treating any conditions with nutritional supplements.
Thyroid Issues
Hypothyroidism results from a low output of the hormones produced by your thyroid. Some forms of hypothyroidism stem from an immune system malfunction. But when the condition also involves goiter, it likely involves an iodine deficiency, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Goiter, the condition in which people with hypothyroidism develop extremely swollen necks, is rare in Western countries because iodine is added to table salt. But for people who don't get enough salt or other forms of iodine, goiter and milder forms of thyroid malfunction may result. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, dry hair, scaly skin and mental confusion.
Kelp and Hypothyroidism
Kelp supplements supply iodine. Look for tablets labeled as kelp or bladderwrack, a form of kelp. Always check labels to ensure the kelp supplement you use supplies the amount of iodine recommended by your doctor. University of Maryland Medical Center recommends up to three daily doses of 600 mg bladderwrack to counteract low thyroid hormone production.
Premenstrual Syndrome
About three-quarters of women in their child-bearing years experience some form of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Mild symptoms include bloating and acne, while more severe cases bring serious depression, as well as debilitating cramps that interfere with daily activity. Symptoms usually begin two weeks to two days before the onset of your period. Hormonal fluctuations cause the phenomenon, but certain dietary changes and supplemental vitamins may help decrease the severity of PMS symptoms.
Kelp and PMS
In some cases, hypothyroidism can lead to menstrual problems. In such cases, the iodine content of kelp tablets may help ease PMS-like symptoms. But for actual PMS, kelp tablets may not be sufficient. Whole kelp is rich in magnesium and calcium. These two minerals are identified with easing PMS symptoms. Magnesium can help reduce bloating, breast tenderness and cycle-related migraines, while calcium eases a broad range of PMS symptoms, notes UMMC. Whole kelp also contains iron, a nutrient that may be lost when bleeding during periods is excessive. Yet kelp tablets are mainly sold for their iodine content, and are promoted for treating thyroid issues. Check the label of kelp or bladderwrack supplements to determine if the tablets supply a substantial amount of minerals other than iodine. If not, consider using whole kelp as a food source, as well as taking a multivitamin, to get a broader range of PMS-busting nutrients.
Considerations
Always check with your doctor before taking kelp for a medical condition. Self-diagnosing a thyroid condition is especially dangerous because unless you have a demonstrable deficiency in the iodine, taking kelp supplements can actually result in hypothyroidism, notes UMMC.
