Sea moss is a natural source of iodine, the mineral your thyroid uses to make its hormones, which is why so many people are curious about sea moss for thyroid health. Your thyroid gland plays an important role in the overall healthy functioning of your body. Located on the front of your neck, the thyroid organ is shaped like a butterfly, smaller in the middle with two wider wing-like parts that wrap around your throat. The thyroid gland is necessary for regulating hormones that can impact every function in your body. Thyroid disease refers to any condition that disrupts your body’s ability to make and properly regulate these important hormones. When this happens, other bodily functions will be negatively impacted.
Quick answer: Sea moss for thyroid health works through iodine: it’s a natural source of the mineral your thyroid needs to make the hormones T3 and T4, so it may help support normal thyroid function if your diet is low in iodine. It isn’t a treatment for thyroid disease, and too much iodine can also disrupt the thyroid, so check with your doctor first if you have a thyroid condition.
But what causes thyroid disease, and where does sea moss fit in?
Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism
Your thyroid’s most important job is to regulate hormones within your body that control metabolism. Metabolism is the process of converting food into energy. Your body uses this energy to perform necessary bodily functions that keep you alive. The two hormones necessary for thyroid function include T4 (thyroxine, contains 4 iodide atoms) and T3 (triiodothyronine, contains 3 iodide atoms).
Both hormones are created by the thyroid and tell your body’s cells how much energy to use. When there is a disruption in how well your thyroid can maintain these hormone levels, it leads to thyroid disease, also known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your body makes too much thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is when your body makes too little. When either of these conditions occur, it’s known as thyroid disease. The negative health side effects of thyroid disease depend on which condition you have.
What Causes Thyroid Disease?
There are many risk factors and health conditions that can cause thyroid disease. Some of the most common causes and risk factors of an improperly functioning thyroid include: health conditions such as Graves’ disease, thyroiditis, nodules, and diabetes, having a family history of thyroid disease, and iodine deficiency.
Iodine is used by your thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. A deficiency in iodine can disrupt production of these hormones and cause metabolic issues. Iodine deficiency affects millions of people around the world. The micronutrient is not produced by the human body, meaning we must obtain it from our diet.
Sea Moss for Thyroid Support
Sea moss, also known as chondrus crispus, is a type of sea algae that’s used as a dietary supplement for its many health benefits. Sea moss is a natural source of iodine that can help you get enough of this essential mineral. Getting adequate iodine in your diet supports normal thyroid function and healthy thyroid hormone production. Sea moss is one of the richest natural sources of iodine next to fish and other seafood.
In supplement form, sea moss is a convenient way to add iodine to your routine, along with numerous other health benefits. This surprising power food is used worldwide as a tasty ingredient in many dishes as well as a nutritional supplement for thyroid support. Sea moss is not a substitute for prescription medication, surgery, or medical care for a thyroid condition, so always consult your doctor before taking any medication or supplement. For more information on sea moss as a dietary supplement, check out our Sea Moss supplement made from 100% Irish sea moss and bladderwrack.
You can check out Ancient Bliss Sea Moss on our website here or on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does iodine support thyroid function?
Your thyroid uses iodine to make its two main hormones: T4 contains four iodine atoms and T3 contains three. The body can’t make iodine, so it has to come from foods such as seafood, dairy, iodized salt, or seaweed like sea moss.
Can you get too much iodine from sea moss?
Yes. Seaweeds can be very high in iodine, and the amount varies between species and batches. Too much iodine can affect thyroid function in some people, so stick to the serving on the label and avoid combining several iodine-rich supplements.
Is sea moss safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Iodine needs go up during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but both too little and too much iodine can affect a baby’s developing thyroid. Because the iodine in seaweed varies, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking sea moss if you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing, especially since many prenatal vitamins already contain iodine.
Can I take sea moss with thyroid medication?
Talk to your doctor before combining sea moss with any thyroid medication, since extra iodine can affect thyroid hormone levels and how your treatment works. Your doctor may want to check your levels if you add an iodine-containing supplement.
What should I look for in a sea moss supplement?
Look for a clearly stated amount of sea moss per serving, transparent sourcing, third-party testing for heavy metals, and no unnecessary fillers. For general wellness, Ancient Bliss Sea Moss combines organic Irish sea moss with bladderwrack in capsules, taken as 2 capsules daily. Ancient Bliss products are third-party tested. Because it contains iodine, check with your doctor first if you have a thyroid condition.
As with any supplement, check with your healthcare provider before starting sea moss, especially if you have a thyroid condition (too much iodine can also affect the thyroid), are pregnant or nursing, or take medication.
