Kelp is not generally recommended to treat overactive thyroid gland. People with an overactive thyroid gland have a health condition called hyperthyroidism. Taking kelp supplements affects the iodine levels in your body and can cause a normal thyroid gland to become over- or underactive. If you have a thyroid condition, consult your health professional before self-medicating with kelp supplements.
Kelp
Kelp -- also called kombu -- is a type of edible seaweed that grows in the depths of the oceans. Kelp is rich in vitamins and minerals, including folic acid -- vitamin B2 -- and iodine. Manufacturers typically use kelp as an ingredient in vitamins and dietary supplements to increase the iodine content. Some people take kelp for an overactive thyroid. If your hypothyroidism is not caused by an iodine deficiency, taking kelp supplements could exacerbate your thyroid problems.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland secretes more hormones than your body needs. This glandular condition speeds up your metabolism. Hyperthyroidism causes symptoms including an irregular heartbeat, irritability, sudden weight loss and sweating. Treatment options include anti-thyroid medications, surgery and radioactive iodine. Several health conditions cause hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, Plummer's disease and thyroiditis. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause heart problems, eye problems, brittle bones and more.
Iodine-Induced Thyrotoxicosis
Taking kelp supplements can cause a serious health condition called thyrotoxicosis. A 39-year-old woman with typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism treated her condition with an herbal tea containing kelp for four weeks as recommended by a Chinese alternative medicine practitioner. The prescribed remedy caused thyrotoxicosis, according to a case study by the University Hospital of Tübingen in Germany and reported in the June 2006 issue of the "Journal of General Internal Medicine." Thyrotoxicosis requires immediate hospitalization. It presents as an increase in severity of hypothyroidism symptoms. Other symptoms include fever and decreased metal alertness.
Thyroid Scan
Your health care professional may recommend a thyroid scan to diagnose the cause of your overactive thyroid and to evaluate the overall function of the gland. Using a radioactive tracer to highlight problem areas, a special camera takes pictures of your thyroid gland from several angles. To prepare for a thyroid scan, tell your health care professional if you take any supplements containing kelp. The iodine content from kelp, and other medications or dietary supplements, can interfere with a thyroid scan.
References
- MayoClinic.com;Hyperthyroidism; December 2010
- "Journal of General Internal Medicine"; Iodine-Induced Thyrotoxicosis After Ingestion of Kelp-Containing Tea; Karsten Müssig, et al.; Iodine-Induced Thyrotoxicosis After Ingestion of Kelp-Containing Tea; June 2006
- Medline Plus; Hyperthyroidism; April 2010
- UofMHealth.org; Thyroid Scan; August 2009
- Langone Medical Center; Kelp; February 2011
