Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed. It is also known as Atlantic kelp. In herbal medicine it is commonly used for thyroid health because of its rich iodine content. Your thyroid is an endocrine gland in your neck that controls your metabolism. A goiter is when your thyroid becomes enlarged. Your thyroid is a very sensitive gland. You should not use herbal medicine to replace traditional medical care. Consult your doctor before taking bladderwrack for thyroid problems.
Thyroid Function
Your thyroid is a small yet powerful gland. It is part of a complex system that produces hormones. Your thyroid uses iodine -- a trace mineral -- and tyrosine, an amino acid, to produce two main hormones called triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones control the rate your body uses energy. Your pituitary gland -- a small gland at the base of your brain -- controls thyroid hormone production.
Goiter
A goiter generally indicates that an endocrine condition is causing your thyroid to grow abnormally large. However, this does not necessarily mean your thyroid is malfunctioning. Your endocrine system aims to maintain a delicate hormonal balance. Too little or too much thyroid hormone can cause a goiter. However, you can have a goiter even when your thyroid hormone levels are within normal range.
Bladderwrack for Goiter
Historically, people used bladderwrack for thyroid support because it is high in iodine. Before the addition of iodine to table salt, goiter commonly occurred because of iodine deficiency. Today, iodine deficiency is uncommon. You generally get enough iodine from your diet. Though bladderwrack is still used today to treat goiter, it is controversial, and clinical data to support a recommended dosage is lacking, according to MedlinePlus. There is no clinical evidence that it will shrink your goiter.
Safety
Your endocrine system is complicated. In the presence of excess iodine, your thyroid can decrease its hormonal output, which can aggravate your condition. In addition, because your thyroid requires only a small amount of iodine, you risk toxicity when taking bladderwrack. A case of iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis from drinking kelp-containing tea for thyroid support was written about in the June 2006 "Journal of General and Internal Medicine." Do not self treat thyroid problems. Take bladderwrack only after discussing it with your doctor.
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