Is kelp the same as taking an iodine supplement?
Kelp is a type of seaweed known for its rich iodine content. It is available as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, powder and teas. It is commonly marketed for thyroid support. You should use caution when taking kelp supplements. Excess iodine from kelp can cause adverse health effects. Consult your doctor before taking kelp supplements.
What are the benefits of eating kelp?
Kelp is a delicious vegetable. This vegetable is often used in cold dishes or in the form of soup. It can be used as a supplement since it is rich in calcium and iron. Other benefits of using this include its ability to eliminate fat, lower blood pressure, prevent high cholesterol, and help discharge toxins from the body, plus remove edema, and help to prevent the occurrence of certain cancers.
Can you eat too much kelp?
Taking too much kelp may cause your thyroid gland to produce too much or not enough of this hormone. High thyroid hormone levels may cause sudden weight loss, while low levels of thyroid hormone may result in unusual weight gain. These weight changes usually arise despite maintaining your normal diet and appetite.
What is the recommended dosage of kelp?
The dosage of kelp supplements depends on whether it is being used for specific health problems or just as a food supplement. For an under-active thyroid, it is recommended that a person take a maximum of 600mg kelp supplements daily. Kelp can be taken raw, included in teas, tinctures or taken as a tablet.
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Is it safe to take kelp supplements?
Consuming concentrated amounts of kelp can introduce too much iodine into the body. This can lead to health risks. For example, excessive iodine can overstimulate the thyroid. It's important to eat kelp in moderation.
What are the side effects of taking kelp?
Side effects, toxicity, and interactions Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been linked to too much kelp intake. This is due to its high amount of iodine. Abnormal thyroid function has also been linked directly to too much use of kelp supplements. Kelp may contain harmful metals.
Who should not take sea kelp?
So, is it a yes or no for sea kelp? As with any supplements, it's definitely best to consult a doctor before taking any; especially if pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from any ailments. "If you have a thyroid condition, you should not consume more than 158 - 175 micrograms of kelp per day," says Hamilton.
How much kelp is safe to take a day?
Kelp Extract Dosage As a dietary supplement, take 600 mg (just over a 1/4 tsp) daily with food or as directed by a doctor. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement.
Will kelp raise blood pressure?
Introduction. Kelp refers to many types of brown algae that grow in the ocean. It has been used to help promote weight loss and to lower blood pressure. Kelp has also been used help the body fight off illness.
Does kelp interact with any medications?
As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does kelp help hair growth?
Sea Kelp is commonly thought to prevent hair loss and boost hair growth, but does it actually work, or is it just an old wives tale? Unfortunately, an old wives tale, Sea Kelp does not directly promote hair growth.
Will kelp help me lose weight?
There's even more good news for weight loss: kelp also contains a special carotenoid compound that can encourage weight loss in those with obesity. A research study found that some brown kelp (specifically, a variety called fucoxanthin) could make it easier for obese individuals to lose weight.
Is kelp and iodine the same thing?
Your body does not manufacture iodine, so it's important to get it through your diet. If you don't have enough iodine, your thyroid won't produce enough of some necessary hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Kelp contains iodine, and can prevent hypothyroidism.
What happens if you take too much kelp?
High doses of iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction and have other negative effects. To be safe, the FDA states that a kelp supplement should not provide more than 225 mcg of iodine per daily serving.
Is kelp good for your thyroid?
Kelp can aggravate existing thyroid disorders. Kelp products should be avoided in patients suffering from thyroid disorders regardless of whether they are taking thyroid supplementation or not.
Can kelp make you tired?
Seaweed is high in an amino acid called tryptophan. It's used by the brain to create melatonin and studies have shown that higher levels of tryptophan in the body lead to higher levels of melatonin. In other words, better sleep!
What are the symptoms of too much iodine?
High iodine intakes can also cause thyroid gland inflammation and thyroid cancer. Getting a very large dose of iodine (several grams, for example) can cause burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach; fever; stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; weak pulse; and coma.
How much kelp is too much?
Iodine Toxicity An excess of iodine can also lead to Grave's disease, thyroid cancer and toxic levels of thyroid hormones. The Food and Drug Administration recommends a maximum of 225 mcg of kelp per day.
Is kelp good for thyroid function?
Kelp can aggravate existing thyroid disorders. Kelp products should be avoided in patients suffering from thyroid disorders regardless of whether they are taking thyroid supplementation or not.
Does kelp tablets help you lose weight?
Kelp isn't only a nutrient-dense food that's low in fat and calories. Some studies have suggested that kelp may also have a powerful effect on weight loss and obesity, although consistent findings are lacking. The natural fiber alginate found in kelp acts as a fat blocker, stopping the absorption of fat in the gut.
What Is Kelp?
So, what is this superfood, exactly? Kelp belongs to the brown algae class ( Phaeophyceae) and is specifically in the order Laminariales. There are probably around 30 varieties or “genera” included under the general classification of kelp.
What is the power nutrient in kelp?
There’s a power nutrient found in many varieties of kelp that, among other things, has shown effectiveness against blood-related problems. It’s called fucoidan.
How long does it take for kelp to grow?
Visibly, it’s a large seaweed that grows in shallow, underwater forests. It’s often surrounded by plentiful marine and plant life and is estimated to have appeared between 5 million and 23 million years ago. In order to grow, kelp requires nutrient-rich water between 43 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s known for its rapid growth rate, as some varieties can grow over a foot and a half in 24 hours, eventually reaching heights of up to 260 feet.
What is kelp made of?
In most varieties, the body is made of flat, leaf-like structures known as blades. Blades come out of long “stem” structures, stipes. Finally, the “holdfast” serves as the roots of kelp, anchoring it to the ocean floor. The largest producer of commercial kelp is currently the country of China.
How many varieties of kelp are there?
There are about 30 different varieties of kelp, which grows in chilly waters throughout the oceans of the world. Certain types are the highest nutritional source of iodine available. Kelp can assist you in weight loss, improve diabetes risk factors, and prevent or treat certain blood disorders.
How long ago was kelp discovered?
It’s often surrounded by plentiful marine and plant life and is estimated to have appeared between 5 million and 23 million years ago . In order to grow, kelp requires nutrient-rich water between 43 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why is vitamin K important?
One of the many benefits of vitamin K is its role in creating denser bones that don’t as easily succumb to arthritis and osteoporosis. It’s also worthwhile to note that if you’ve been on antibiotics lately, you might need to increase your vitamin K intake to avoid vitamin K deficiency.
Why is kelp so popular?
But a huge part of what makes kelp so popular is its natural abundance of iodine. Kelp Extract Benefits. Helps to Lose Weight and Prevent Heart Disease. Kelp absorbs its iodine from the sea. Iodine is an important trace mineral that promotes healthy metabolism, which makes kelp a premier aid to weight loss.
Can you cook with kelp?
But if you don’t want to cook with it , you can take kelp supplements, which are available in powders and extracts. The Bottom Line.
Is kelp a superfood?
The Bottom Line. Kelp is not only becoming a popular ingredient in dietary cooking, but also a popular supplement. Some view it as a superfood due to its high concentration of vitamins and minerals — especially iodine, which we know is a super heavyweight champ in our fight against weight loss.
Is kelp bad for you?
Because kelp has a high mineral content, high doses may pose a health risk for those with certain pre-existing health problems. Iodine, for example, already exists in abundance in our food, and although it’s important to our diet, too much of it may cause hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease and even thyroid cancers.
Can you throw kelp in the pot?
Now, you can fight obesity and high cholesterol simply by throwing some kelp in your cooking pot ( x ). Millions of people every year are diagnosed with diabetes.
Does kelp contain iodine?
We know that kelp contains a heap of iodine, and iodine removes free radicals, which are aging accelerants, from blood cells ( x ). Excess free radicals are also believed to cause several diseases, including heart disease and diabetes ( x ).
Does kelp help with diabetes?
Research has suggested that kelp can — you guessed it — decrease the risk of diabetes. Kelp contains alginate, a substance known to help prevent blood-sugar spikes in animals. It’s believed that alginate may reduce the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream ( x ).
When was the first article on Kelp published?
The original article on kelp was published August 9, 2009 but we felt that it was important to update you on the latest scientific findings with regard to kelp, iodine and contrast material. Please vote on this article and share your own story or comment below. Rate this article. star-empty. star-empty.
Do doctors warn about supplements?
Many physicians are quick to warn about dietary supplements. The authors of the first article from the Journal of General Internal Medicine concluded:
Can you take kelp supplements with iodine?
For one thing it is hard to control the iodine dose with dietary supplements. Some kelp supplement products may contain more iodine than is safe. Too much iodine can trigger hyperthyroidism and that can be a very dangerous situation.
Does kelp cause thyroid problems?
Kelp Supplement Could Make Thyroid Problem Worse: In a case report, a woman who used kelp as an iodine supplement aggravated her thyroid disease. German researchers noted that this woman developed an overactive thyroid after consuming tea containing kelp ( Journal of General Internal Medicine, June 2006 ).
Does kelp help with thyroid?
Kelp Supplement Corrected Thyroid Problem But Beware Serious Risks. Kelp supplements may seem like a natural way to get iodine, but beware! Too much can lead to hyperthyroidism, a hard-to-treat & devastating condition.
Is a Kelp Supplement the Answer?
I suspected I had an iodine deficiency from years on a low-salt diet. I proposed a trial of sea kelp and he agreed. Two 100 mg tablets a day brought the thyroid value up to normal and warmed my cold toes. I also noted my foot fungus receded 90 percent.
Why do you need kelp supplements?
One of the reasons why you should take kelp supplements is they are loaded with a number of vitamins and minerals such as B complex . They are a great source of calcium, which your bone definitely needs in order to avoid them from getting brittle. You also require kelp for additional energy.
What is seaweed good for?
A great use of this seaweed is in relation to thyroid function . Thyroid glands secrete hormones that are greatly responsible for controlling or regulating metabolism. However, many people currently lack the trace mineral called iodine, which ensures these glands function properly.
Is kelp a laxative?
Kelp is a fibrous material, which still helps in stimulating the colon to contract and get rid of any toxic build-up in there. It can also be a mild laxative. As mentioned, it also contains calcium.
Does kelp help with weight loss?
Kelp can also help reduce the excess weight. Besides accelerating your metabolic rate by regulating the functions of your thyroid, you can also take it in conjunction with a low-carb diet.
Is kelp a supplement?
There are kelp tablets and powders. It's best to find the supplement that makes use of a process called biological fermentation. The seaweeds have been specially fermented to make sure that most of their nutrients are preserved before they are being packed as supplements.
What is kelp used for?
The whole kelp plant is sun dried, granulated and used to make kelp supplements, liquid, powders etc. It can be added to many recipes and is often used as a salt substitute.
What are the nutrients in kelp?
Apart from iodine and minerals, kelp is also rich in folic acid, vitamins A, B, D, E, C and K, proteins and amino acids.
How much iodine is in kelp?
Since different kelp varieties contain different levels of iodine, the US law sets a limit of 225mcg of iodine to be provided by a single kelp supplement. The strength of the capsules can vary from 200 – 400mg but users must ensure they check for the maximum dosage of iodine on the labels before purchase.
What are the minerals in kelp?
Kelp supplements provide an excellent source of minerals like zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, chromium, magnesium and sodium. It also contains trace minerals like iridium, germanium and rubidium. Most of modern day foods are sadly insufficient in such minerals.
Is iodized salt better than kelp?
Iodized salt does provide most people with the required quantity of. iodine. However, some people cannot utilize it well enough. Kelp supplements are also said to provide better benefits than pure iodine supplements since it contains a whole range of nutrients which can give multiple benefits.
Does kelp give you iodine?
Hence, taking kelp supplements can provide all the required minerals easily. Kelp supplements are the best bioavailable source of iodine. This is required since there are plenty of iodine antagonists everywhere. While seafood does give us iodine, many of them are contaminated by toxins.
Does kelp contain arsenic?
Some kelp supplements contain high levels of arsenic. While sea water actually contains dilute arsenic, kelp like other sea vegetation and seafood contains concentrated levels of arsenic. This could cause poisoning in users and lead to various health problems.
How much iodine is in kelp?
The FDA recommends. Trusted Source. a dietary intake of 150 micrograms (mcg) of iodine per day. One pound of raw kelp can contain up to 2,500 mcg of iodine, so make sure you’re reading your packages and eating kelp in moderation.
What is kelp in sushi?
When you think of seaweed, do you only imagine a sushi wrapper? Kelp, a large type of seaweed, is bursting with benefits that prove we should be eating it beyond that California roll. In fact, kelp is already in a ton of things we use on a daily basis — from toothpaste to ice cream.
What to make with seaweed?
Mix things up by making sea-inspired desserts! Try this recipe for kelp carrot cake, whip up seaweed pudding, or bake some seaweed salt-speckled cookies.
How tall is kelp?
Kelp grows in shallow oceans (in areas called kelp forests) and can reach great heights — up to 250 feet, to be exact. There are about 30 different varieties of this ancient seaweed, the most common being giant kelp, bongo kelp, and kombu — which accounts for 21 percent of Japanese meals. Trusted Source.
Where can I find seaweed chips?
Seaweed snacks are crunchy morsels of umami flavor. While these chips can be found at most grocery stores, you can also try your hand at making your own. Follow this easy recipe for Korean fried kelp chips from Food52.
Is kelp good for sushi?
Sure, kelp makes a great sea weed salad and goes well with sushi — and hey, you’re getting your omega-3s on. But there’s actually many more ways to incorporate a healthy dose of kelp into your diet.
Does kelp help with cancer?
Research has also shown that kelp can possess powerful cancer-fighting capabilities, particularly against breast and colon cancer. Its high levels of antioxidants not only fight free radicals, but can aid people with diabetes. Trusted Source. and act as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Trusted Source.
What Is Kelp?
Kelp, also known as ascophyllum nodosum, is among the largest varieties of cold-water species of seaweed. It grows underwater in shallow, nutrient-rich coastal saltwater beds around the world. Some species of kelp grow over a foot a day and can reach heights of 250 feet. Kelp has long, tough stalks, and its edible part includes broad, brown, leaf-like fronds divided into strips.
Why is kelp considered a mineral?
Because it absorbs the nutrients from its surrounding saltwater marine environment, kelp is rich in minerals. It contains 168 milligrams of calcium, which is more than many vegetables, including collard greens and kale, according to UCSF Medical Center. Your body needs calcium to maintain strong bones and muscle function.
How much fiber is in kelp?
Kelp contributes 5 percent DV of fiber to help your digestive system. Per 100 grams, it supplies 1.7 grams of protein, or 3 percent of DV, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. The total fat content of kelp is only .6 grams per 100-gram serving. Kelp doesn't contain cholesterol and has only .2 grams of saturated fat.
What are the minerals in kelp?
Kelp is rich in minerals, including calcium, magnesium and iron.
Is kelp good for pregnant women?
Folate is an important nutrient for pregnant women to help prevent birth defects, and by supplying 180 micrograms, or 45 percent DV, kelp is a good source. In addition, kelp contains the B vitamins riboflavin, pantothenic acid and thiamine required for proper metabolism and energy production. Kelp contains vitamin C (3 milligrams or 5 percent DV) ...
Does kelp help with cancer?
Kelp contains antioxidants, including carotenoids, flavonoids and alkaloids, which may help reduce disease-causing free radicals that cause cancer and other serious disease.
Is vitamin K bad for you?
Vitamin K is required for proper blood clotting and bone metabolism in your body. Be aware that if you're taking blood thinners such as warfarin, consuming too much vitamin K can have negative side effects, and you may want to first talk to your doctor before adding kelp to your diet. Advertisement.
How much iodine is in kelp?
A gram of kelp contains an average of 1,500 to 2,500 micrograms of iodine, according to a group of doctors who published a study in "Journal of General Internal Medicine" in 2006.
Why does kelp tea cause thyroid problems?
They found that her enlarged thyroid was due to iodine toxicity contracted from drinking an herbal tea containing kelp. The tea contained up to 6.6 times the recommended daily intake of iodine. After discontinuing the tea consumption and taking anti-thyroid drug therapy, the patient recovered fully.
Is kelp bad for you?
Can Taking Kelp Be Dangerous ? Kelp can benefit people deficient in iodine, a nutrient that promotes proper thyroid function and plays a role in growth, energy and metabolism.
Is sea kelp safe to eat?
Although sea kelp is safe to eat in plant form, taking sea kelp supplements can be dangerous. They contain concentrated doses of heavy metals that occur naturally in kelp, but can be toxic to humans in supplement form.
