Hypothyroidism is a condition that can greatly affect your life, from causing fatigue to weight gain. Treatments involve taking a hormone replacement called levothyroxine that tops up your thyroid hormone levels, but many people don’t like the thought of taking artificial hormones.
However, there’s also a natural way to combat an underactive thyroid – sea moss. Known as a superfood because it contains so many minerals and vitamins that the body needs to function properly and healthily, sea moss can be used to help people who suffer from hypothyroidism.
There are two main sea moss benefits for hypothyroidism – and we’re going to explore them both to gain a better understanding of how this sea plant can support your thyroid health.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition whereby the thyroid gland – which is responsible for regulating hormone production in the body – underperforms. It usually happens when someone has an autoimmune issue where the body attacks the thyroid gland, mistaking it for a foreign invader. This hinders the gland’s ability to produce thyroid hormones – meaning those with this condition don’t get enough of these hormones in their body. This causes the body’s metabolism to slow down, which triggers a whole host of other issues.
When your metabolism is slowed down, your body’s ability to convert food into energy is compromised, which means that it burns calories at a slower rate than before.
That’s why it’s common for people with an underactive thyroid to gain weight and suffer from fatigue problems. When your body can’t convert food into energy as efficiently anymore and your food intake remains the same, your body will start storing the food it can’t convert into fat.
The role sea moss plays in thyroid health
Sea moss can help with hypothyroidism in two main ways because of the nutrients it contains – let’s look at them now.
1. Regulates hormone production
The main way that sea moss supports the thyroid gland is because it contains a thyroid precursor hormone. Known as Di-Iodothyronine, or DIT, it’s necessary for helping the body to produce thyroid hormones. In addition to this, it also contains two thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) – so provides a natural form of thyroid hormones.
Sea moss is also rich in selenium, a mineral that kick-starts thyroid production – perfect for those who do suffer from hypothyroidism.
With all of these minerals and hormones, sea moss can help the body to start, and regulate hormone production in the thyroid gland.
2. Boosts the metabolism
As a result of increasing your thyroid hormone levels, your metabolism improves. Once your body can convert food into energy more efficiently, you’ll start to lose weight and have more energy – helping to combat the main symptoms of this condition.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of hypothyroidism, it’s crucial that you speak to a medical professional before self-prescribing any treatment. Sea moss can be used alongside other treatments, but be sure to ask your doctor’s advice before doing so.
