Bladderwrack is an edible brown seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) that is extremely rich in health-promoting nutrients. It contains vitamin A, and vitamin C, plus macro minerals and trace minerals. 

Bladderwrack contains a large dose of iodine and was the plant from which iodine was originally discovered. Iodine is a major component of thyroid hormone, the hormone responsible for setting the body's metabolic rate. 

Natural health practitioners recommend kelp for a variety of conditions including hypothyroidism, hair loss, ulcers, constipation, poor mineral status, and some female hormone imbalances.

Iodine Content In Bladderwrack

Due to the depletion of iodine in the soil, it has become extremely difficult to get sufficient amounts from diet alone. To counter this problem, staple foods like table salt are enriched with iodine to help cover the gap. In the case of iodized salt, the inorganic form of iodine is added. Natural, organic sources, such as those derived from bladderwrack are much more absorbable and easier for the thyroid gland to use than the inorganic (mined) sources found in enriched foods.

Top Health Benefits of Bladderwrack

In addition to the vitamins and iodine, bladderwrack also contains mucilage (soothing soluble fibre), and many essential minerals. Bladderwrack's mineral content supports the brain, nerves, blood vessels, hair, skin and nails. It also contains zeaxanthin, which can help to protect the eye from oxidative and light-induced damage.

Iodine Content and Radioactive Iodine

Because of the rich iodine content, bladderwrack has the potential to protect the thyroid from taking up radioactive iodine in the case of a nuclear disaster, as seen in Japan in March 2011. Radioactive iodine is strongly associated with the development of thyroid cancer, especially in infant and child populations. The iodine found in bladderwrack binds with receptors on the thyroid gland, essentially filling the receptors, making it impossible for radioactive iodine to bind and be utilized by the gland in the making of thyroid hormone. This can provide short-term protection against a sudden threat. Excess iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction; therefore, it is not advised long-term, especially in children. Individuals with a hyperthyroid condition are not advised to take bladderwrack or iodine.

Hypothyroidism

Some cases of hypothyroidism can be attributed to a lack of iodine and this causes a swollen thyroid (goitre). When there is insufficient iodine available to the thyroid gland, it is not able to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. Thus, it cannot properly regulate the body's metabolism, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid individuals experience many symptoms due to a lack of thyroid hormone including fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, and frequent colds and flu.

Menstrual Cycle Regulation

Many women have difficulty with irregular cycles and menstrual-associated diseases. One 2004 study found that taking 700-1400mg/day of bladderwrack helped to increase the menstrual cycle length and decrease the days of menstruation per cycle. Thus bladderwrack can help to regulate the female menstrual cycle.

Heartburn

The soluble fibre found in bladderwrack can help to coat the digestive tract and protect it against damage by refluxed stomach acid. Because of this, bladderwrack is often found in supplements for the treatment of heartburn (acid reflux).

Where Can I Find Bladderwrack?

Bladderwrack can be eaten raw but it is usually found dried, or powdered for use as a salt substitute. Supplemental bladderwrack can be found in tablet form, and also as a tea. 

In supplement form, iodine is usually derived from natural seaweed sources and is available in both liquid and capsule or tablet, forms. The standardized types of these supplements contain a higher level of iodine and a consistent amount in each tablet – usually about 150mcg (0.15mg). This is the preferred form for clinical use in low thyroid conditions, while the unstandardized bladderwrack is suitable for people in need of a daily supplement for health maintenance. 

Women seeking to balance their menstrual cycle can supplement bladderwrack at between 700 and 1400mg daily.