Thicker hair and better energy levels are just two of the notable side effects I experienced when I took a seaweed supplement for under three months! Read on to find out why I won’t go back to a life before seaweed…
If I could tell you that there is a nutrient that has a dramatic impact upon energy levels, metabolism, brain function, quality of hair and nails and even mood but that 5 billion people globally are deficient in it, you’d wonder where on earth we’re all going wrong. Yet this is exactly what is happening when it comes to the nutrient iodine. For centuries, it has been known that iodine plays a crucial role in supporting the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, energy levels, and many other vital functions to maintain a healthy body, yet 70% of Europeans are severely deficient in this essential nutrient – and what’s more, most of those people are women. When iodine levels are low, it can lead to thyroid dysfunction, which may result in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood fluctuations. The rise in iodine deficiency has been attributed to a variety of factors, including changes in dietary habits and reduced iodine levels in soil. One of the best, most natural and nutritionally available sources of iodine is also one of the most abundant, inexpensive food sources on the planet – seaweed! However, not all of us live by the sea and even if we did, harvesting seaweed to serve up at dinner time isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do. Enter Doctor Seaweed – the award-winning brand making seaweed supplementation accessible and sustainable. Committed to delivering high-quality, eco-friendly products that harness the powerful nutrients found in organic Scottish seaweed, particularly its iodine content, to support optimal thyroid function. But, being the wellness junkie that I am, I needed to see the science and then I also needed to try it out for myself.
So, for the science bit first…
Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones (T3, and T4), which regulate metabolism, energy levels, and a host of other important bodily functions. When iodine levels are insufficient, the thyroid gland cannot produce these hormones in adequate amounts, leading to thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism range from irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations and muscle weakness to thinning of the skin, hand tremors, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain and hair loss. The World Health Organization (WHO) has long recognised the essential role of iodine in thyroid health. According to their reports, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable intellectual and developmental disabilities worldwide. A study published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine by Kobayashi et al. in 2017 found that seaweed is one of the richest natural sources of iodine, with certain types (e.g., kelp) containing more than 100 times the daily recommended intake per gram. The study concluded that regular consumption of seaweed can help maintain adequate iodine levels, promoting thyroid health and overall well-being. In a comprehensive review published in The Lancet in 2009, Dr. Zimmermann highlighted the critical role of iodine in thyroid health and metabolism. The review detailed how iodine deficiency leads to thyroid enlargement and dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism. It also discussed the importance of iodine from food sources (including seaweed) in preventing iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).
My personal seaweed supplement journey
The science convinces me enough that I start to worry why I haven’t taken seaweed for such a long time and I nearly bite Doctor Seaweed’s Founder, Craig’s, hand off when he suggests I trial his product for three months. Although I don’t suffer from hyperthyroidism, I don’t want to come anywhere close to doing so and looking at my daily diet I realise that I am in no way getting the recommended source of iodine I need. Doctor Seaweed’s supplements provide a sustainable, plant-based source of iodine that helps replenish this essential nutrient, boosting thyroid function and overall wellness with just one capsule a day – it’s a no-brainer.
After just one month I realise I have not come down with any of the kids usual end of term colds myself and I can report better energy levels. After two months I start to sprout new baby hair at the front of my hairline – something that becomes quite a pain to tame, however, after years of thinning hair – I am certainly not complaining! When speaking to Doctor Seaweed, I then found out that I am not alone in experiencing these benefits, as 70% of their customers also reported better energy levels after just 30 days of taking their seaweed supplements and 63% of their customers reported improved quality and appearance of hair. After nearly 90 days of taking Doctor Seaweed all my experienced side effects were then also confirmed in my annual blood tests, which revealed really great thyroid function amongst other things.
Now that I have started my seaweed supplement journey with Doctor Seaweed I’m not going to ever go back. It’s quickly becoming the supplement I recommend most to my friends and family, not only because I have had such success with it but also because you cannot argue with the science and chances are that if 5 billion people are deficient in iodine – it’s likely that anyone I know will be too.
Plus, Doctor Seaweed’s commitment to sustainability ensures that you’re not only taking a step toward better health but also supporting environmentally conscious practices. Whether you’re looking to enhance your energy levels, manage your weight, or improve your mood, seaweed supplementation is a natural and effective solution for improving thyroid health and overall vitality.
Readers can benefit from 20% OFF the entire Doctor Seaweed range using code H&H20 at checkout.
