Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed that’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support thyroid function, hormonal balance, and overall health and well-being.
Like most seaweeds, bladderwrack is highly nutritious and an incredibly rich source of iodine; unsurprisingly, bladderwrack supplements are becoming increasingly popular.
Let’s look at the many health benefits of bladderwrack!
What is bladderwrack?
Bladderwrack, also known as rockweed, is a type of seaweed commonly found in the intertidal zones of rocky ocean shores.
Like other seaweeds, bladderwrack is edible and remains a popular food source for many Asian coastal communities. It’s typically consumed in dried or powdered form and often used as a seasoning that can be added to a wide range of dishes.
Bladderwrack seaweed has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly as an herbal remedy for supporting thyroid health and promoting hormonal balance.
Because bladderwrack benefits health, it’s readily available as an herbal supplement in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, tinctures, and dried powder.
Bladderwrack health benefits
Bladderwrack ranks amongst the most nutritious seaweeds. It’s a rich source of iodine and dietary fiber and contains several bioactive compounds, including fucoidan, phlorotannin, and fucoxanthin.
Research published in Marine Drugs suggests that these health-promoting phytochemicals have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, explaining why bladderwrack has such impressive benefits for your health.1
Here are seven health benefits of bladderwrack.
1. Supports thyroid health
Bladderwrack seaweed is an exceptional source of iodine, which promotes thyroid health and hormone balance.
Iodine is a vital component of thyroid hormones, which play a key role in regulating energy production, growth, and overall metabolic activity.
A study published in Hormone Research in Pediatrics investigated the historical use of bladderwrack and reports that this natural iodine source has traditionally been used to support healthy thyroid hormone levels and overall metabolic balance.2
2. Aids weight management
Adding bladderwrack extract to your health regimen may help with weight loss.
Iodine has potential fat-burning effects linked to its ability to promote metabolic health and support thyroid hormone balance.
“Thyroid hormones play a vital role in regulating cellular function and energy-making processes,” explains Dr.Berg. “Incorporating bladderwrack can be a natural way to enhance metabolic pathways linked to better weight management.”
3. Promotes skin health
Bladderwrack may help delay signs of premature aging and has been found to improve skin cell integrity and overall skin appearance.
Evidence published in Marine Drugs confirms that fucoidan in bladderwrack helps stimulate collagen production, thereby promoting skin elasticity and hydration.3
4. Offers gut-soothing benefits
Bladderwrack contains alginic acid, a natural polysaccharide that may help soothe the digestive tract and support healthy gut function.
It’s believed that alginic acid forms a gentle, protective layer around the lining of the digestive tract, which can help maintain comfort after meals and promote smooth digestion.
5. Enhances fluid balance
Bladderwrack has mild diuretic properties, thereby stimulating the production of urine.
Increased urine output flushes out excessive fluids, which promotes healthy blood pressure regulation and helps minimize water retention and bloating.
6. Supports digestive health
Dietary bladderwrack has been used to promote regular bowel movement for centuries.
It’s high in dietary fiber and contains alginic acid, which promotes gastrointestinal health and stimulates gut motility.
Consuming bladderwrack also supports the beneficial bacteria in your gut and promotes a diverse microflora. This may explain why bladderwrack is widely valued for helping maintain overall digestive balance and gut comfort.
7. Supports cellular health
Bladderwrack is a particularly rich source of health-promoting organic compounds, including fucoidan, phlorotannin, and fucoxanthin.
These phytochemicals have been linked to potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect cells from oxidative stress and support overall cellular balance.
Possible side effects of bladderwrack
Eating moderate amounts of bladderwrack is generally considered safe. However, overeating bladderwrack or taking large doses of bladderwrack supplements can have side effects.
Here are some of the potential health risks of taking bladderwrack.
Drug interactions
It’s best to discuss bladderwrack use with your doctor if you are taking thyroid medication or blood-thinning drugs.
The concentrated amounts of iodine in bladderwrack can interact with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which can worsen certain thyroid problems and lead to thyroid dysfunction.
In addition, certain compounds in bladderwrack can slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding, particularly in people who take blood-thinners such as warfarin.
Allergic reactions
People with an iodine allergy shouldn’t consume iodine-rich seaweed or take seaweed supplements, including bladderwrack products.
Heavy metal contamination
Like many other seaweeds, bladderwrack can accumulate contaminants and heavy metals from the water in which it grows.
Heavy metals, including cadmium and mercury, can harm your health, making it important to choose bladderwrack grown and harvested in a controlled environment that limits heavy metal exposure.
How much bladderwrack can you take each day?
As a food source, bladderwrack is generally safe in moderate amounts.
If you want to take a bladderwrack supplement, the recommended dosage may vary depending on the supplement’s intended use and exact formulation. A typical recommended dosage of bladderwrack ranges between 100 and 500 mg per day.
Bladderwrack tea has become a popular alternative to supplements and is made by steeping dried or fresh bladderwrack in hot water.
To avoid excessive intake of iodine, it’s best to consume no more than two cups of bladderwrack tea daily.
Key takeaways
Bladderwrack is an edible seaweed that supports thyroid function and promotes digestive health, and is widely used in skincare products due to its beneficial effects on skin cell integrity.
Because of bladderwrack’s exceptional nutritional value, bladderwrack supplements have become popular and are available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and dried powder.
There are many bladderwrack health benefits, and its use is generally considered safe. However, because of its high iodine content, bladderwrack supplements aren’t recommended for people with iodine allergies and those taking thyroid hormone medications.
FAQ
What is bladderwrack?
Bladderwrack is a type of edible brown seaweed that belongs to the kelp family. It grows on rocky ocean shores and has been used as a food source and a natural remedy for supporting thyroid function and hormonal balance for centuries.
What are the health benefits of bladderwrack?
Bladderwrack seaweed is highly nutritious. It’s a rich source of iodine and dietary fiber and contains several health-promoting phytochemicals, including fucoidan, phlorotannin, and fucoxanthin.
Bladderwrack’s impressive nutrient profile is believed to support healthy thyroid function, promote digestive health, and aid weight loss.
What are the side effects of bladderwrack?
Bladderwrack is generally safe. However, the high amounts of iodine in bladderwrack can interact with thyroid medications, increasing the risk of thyroid dysfunction.
Bladderwrack can also contain heavy metals, which can lead to nerve or kidney damage, and it’s vital to choose bladderwrack products harvested in controlled environments free of contaminants.
Is bladderwrack good for your heart?
Yes, bladderwrack can promote heart health. It’s a rich source of polyphenols with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support healthy blood vessels and cardiovascular function.
Does bladderwrack help with immune system function?
Bladderwrack has immune-boosting properties due to its high content of antioxidants and minerals such as iodine, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for immune cell function and support a robust immune defense.
How much iodine is in bladderwrack?
The amounts of iodine in bladderwrack can vary depending on the location and growing conditions of the seaweed. However, on average, bladderwrack contains around 600 mg per gram of dried seaweed.
Is bladderwrack a form of seaweed?
Yes, bladderwrack, also known as rockweed, is a type of edible seaweed that belongs to the kelp family.
Can I take bladderwrack while fasting?
Taking a bladderwrack supplement won’t break your fast. However, some people experience nausea when taking bladderwrack on an empty stomach, and combining bladderwrack supplements with a meal can help minimize digestive discomfort.
