Seaweeds that Boost Thyroid Function

Did you know that hypothyroidism is the most common under-diagnosed condition? It's estimated that about eleven million people in United States alone are hypothyroid. Many of these people are iodine deficient and don't know it. Iodine, an essential mineral that promotes good health and functioning of the thyroid gland can easily be added to your diet ... No, we are not talking about salt. Most people think iodine comes from salt, and while there is iodine in common table salt, most of the salt in our diets comes from processed junk foods that often don't contain iodine.

So where can you find this essential element? In all sea plants; because they grow in the salty ocean water, these plants contain iodine. There are many seaweeds that can help boost thyroid function and maintain a healthy thyroid gland. But that's not everything. An added bonus of using seaweeds to help boost thyroid function is that many sea plants are noted for their ability to detoxify the body, which is vital in the treatment of people with thyroid problems. That's because, on one hand, one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is a condition known as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is a problem of the immune system; and cleaning out toxins can help the immune system to perform properly. On the other hand, toxins such as heavy metals displace iodine and interfere with thyroid function.

Six Seaweeds that Boost Thyroid Function

Iodine rich sea vegetables include:

• nori
• wakame
• dulse
• hijike
• kombu
• kelp

The most popularly used seaweed for thyroid conditions is kelp, also known as rockweed. Kelp is a nutritional powerhouse, containing more than 60 minerals, elements and amino acids. All that good stuff makes it perfect for treating hypothyroidism, but the iodine is especially important for boosting thyroid function. Kelp has long been used as a treatment for hypothyroidism, even before it was understood that the iodine played a role. It may also be helpful for encouraging weight loss and treating low blood pressure, goiters and fatigue, all of which may be caused by hypothyroidism.

How To Take It?

Most natural health practitioners recommend three to five grams of ground, dried kelp daily to boost thyroid function. Kelp can be purchased at natural food stores, health food stores or Asian markets. You can also find comprehensive formulas that include this sea vegetable along other wonderful plants or herbs.

Kelp and other seaweeds that boost thyroid function can also be eaten in soups or salads. Kelp can be tenderized by soaking it in water for an hour before chopping and added to a salad. Dulse flakes can be sprinkled on salads to add a salty touch or added to soups and risottos.

Seaweeds make great soup stocks; just simmer a five-inch strip in a quart of water for about 10 minutes. Remove the kelp and cut it into small pieces to use in the soup. Or throw a piece of kelp or other seaweed into a pot of beans, which is thought to make the protein easier to digest.

Bite-sized pieces of kelp can also be roasted for a few minutes in the oven and made into a crunchy, salty snack. 

As always, make sure you check with your health care practitioner before self-medicating. Find out if it's okay to include these thyroid-boosting seaweeds in your diet and the amount that is beneficial to you. While it's unlikely that eating small amounts of seaweed would hurt you (Asians have been doing it for centuries), it is important to know exactly what you are dealing with and how it will affect your thyroid gland - especially if you are taking thyroid medication, other natural remedies for hypothyroidism or iodine supplements.

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