Kelp is one of the green seaweeds that has become a popular supplemental food over the past few years. This is due to its high nutritional content, particularly for a vegetarian food. Kelp is also linked to improving an underactive thyroid because it contains a high level of iodine. Unfortunately, this same nutrient can have negative impacts on an overactive thyroid. Be sure to see your doctor if you are experiencing issues with your thyroid.
About Overactive Thyroid
An overactive thyroid is clinically called hyperthyroidism. Instead of the thyroid slowing down, as it does in hypothyroidism, it speeds up and may cause you to feel nervous or edgy. Too much of the thyroid hormone is circulating through your blood, which may be caused by a variety of issues, including diet, stress, a goiter or an autoimmune condition called Graves disease. An overactive thyroid impacts about 1 percent of the population.
About Kelp
Kelp is often called a sea vegetable. What makes kelp special is that it provides the broadest range of minerals of any food, including calcium, iodine, magnesium and trace minerals. Kelp also contains folate, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin A and vitamin K. It is known for its high iodine content, which can impact the thyroid. Kelp comes in liquid or capsule form as a supplement, and fresh or dried form as food. Add it whole to soups or salads, or sprinkle it on meat or beans as an added spice.
Effect on the Thyroid
Kelp should not generally be taken if you have an overactive thyroid. Because of its high iodine content, kelp can be used to treat an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. Iodine stimulates the thyroid and is one of the main components of this gland. Kelp may aggravate an overactive thyroid, especially if you are currently on medication for this condition.
Considerations
It is important to see your doctor if you think you may have an overactive thyroid. Medication may be necessary to treat the condition, or other dietary considerations may be indicated. Though kelp is generally considered a safe and healthy food, other possible side effects of eating kelp include high blood pressure, thinning of the blood and the buildup of toxic metals. If you are currently on prescription blood thinners, do not eat kelp.
References
- "The Everything Health Guide to Thyroid Disease"; Theodore Friedman, M.D.; 2006
- "The 200 SuperFoods That Will Save Your Life"; Deborah A. Klein, M.S., R.D.; 2009
- "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs"; Reader's Digest Association; 1999
