Kelp & Weight Loss
Kelp is a type of seaweed (which you can buy in supplement form) that is rich in antioxidants and most importantly iodine. Kelp is believed to stimulate a thyroid hormone which is responsible for boosting metabolism. By returning the iodine levels to normal, it can alleviate the symptoms of low-grade hypothyroidism--a slightly under-active thyroid and help to aid in weight loss.
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Iodine Deficient Diets
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According to Donald R. Yance, Jr. from his article in "Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer", "I believe that an insufficient intake of organic iodine in today's modern diet has led to a serious and chronic form of low-grade hypothyroidism." Thus, it is not a guarantee, but if your metabolism is sluggish, it may indeed help. Most people are simply uninformed and do not know that kelp can be beneficial to people who unknowingly suffer from low iodine levels causing a low-grade hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of a Sluggish Thyroid
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According to Marcelle Pick, RNC MSN OB/GYN NP, a fact which often goes ignored, is that hypothyroidism does not always originate in the thryroid gland. There is a balancing act that occurs between the hormones and the thyroid. So the whole edocrine system must be working together and it can often change in a moment. This is why many women complain of low thyroid-like symptoms but go undiagnosed. In other words your hormone levels may be slightly off but you have not developed a full blown thyroid disorder yet. Intervention at this point, may prevent more symptoms and help you attain a healthy weight for you.
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Is Kelp Right for You?
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Low grade hypothyroidism symptoms include forgetfulness, brittle hair, a poor complexion and you guessed it, weight gain and water weight gain. If these symptoms sound familiar, you may benefit from a natural form of iodine which is found in Kelp. Taking 300 to 1,500 mg daily (as directed and under medical supervision and recommendation) may help restore your metabolic function. A word of caution: Check with your doctor before taking kelp. Taking high levels of iodine can lead to heart problems.
Alkali
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Kelp also contains alkali. Alkali is important to the body for it to maintain a proper pH balance which is essential for ideal function. When your body is balanced, your metabolism and digestion are more likely to work at optimal levels. When you become sick for instance, your pH balance gets disrupted. Your body becomes more acidic. The result can be acid reflux and other infirmities. Alkali is like the balancing agent for your body. Your delicate system, understandably, must be in balance chemically to function properly. Kelp taken regularly balances the pH levels.
Kelp and Diet
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It is important to note that there are no significant clinical research journals or studies on the effects of kelp on weight loss. The idea that iodine affects your thyroid hormone is indeed accurate; thus if you do not get enough iodine in your diet, kelp supplements may be effective in restoring your metabolism if indeed that is the culprit. However, if you eat more calories than you burn off and you don't exercise, kelp may not be enough to assist in your weight loss. Never start a supplement program without consulting a physician.
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