Chondrus crispus, commonly known as Irish sea moss or purple moss, is a type of edible seaweed that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties in Ireland and other countries. Recently, it has gained popularity for its potential benefits for the thyroid gland and its potential to help with hypothyroidism. In this post, we will explore three main aspects of sea moss believed to aid the thyroid and help it to function optimally.

Is Sea Moss Good For Thyroid Health?

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism, energy production, and other important bodily functions. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, reduced immunity and cold intolerance.

Luckily, while limited, there is research to support purple sea moss’s positive impact on the thyroid and its function.

Three Main Ways Sea Moss Can Support Thyroid Health

1. High Iodine Content
 

Sea moss has been shown to have a positive effect on the thyroid gland due to its high iodine content. Iodine is an essential element that the body needs to produce thyroid hormones. Sea moss is a rich source of iodine, with some studies showing that it contains up to 10 times the daily recommended amount in just one serving (1). You can read more about Iodine's impact on the thyroid here: 

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2. Dense in Nutrients, Including Selenium
 

In addition to its high iodine content, sea moss contains a vast array of other nutrients that may benefit the thyroid gland. Specifically, it is a good source of selenium, a trace element that is important for the proper function of the thyroid. Selenium is essential to the production of thyroid hormones and may help to improve symptoms of hypothyroidism (2). You can read more about the impressive nutrient profile of sea moss here:

Irish Sea Moss (Chondrus Crispus): The Beginner’s Guide

 3. Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties
 

Finally, sea moss has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for those living with thyroid conditions. Inflammation has been linked to a number of thyroid disorders, including autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (3). By reducing inflammation, sea moss may help to improve thyroid function and in turn, alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism. You can read more about the benefits of purple sea moss here:

Why Use Sea Moss? 7 Potential Benefits

Conclusion

Overall, the evidence suggests that sea moss has potential benefits for the thyroid gland and may be helpful in improving symptoms of hypothyroidism. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment. While more research is needed to fully understand these effects, sea moss may be worth considering as a complementary treatment for those with thyroid conditions.

It is important to note that sea moss should not be used as a replacement for prescribed thyroid medications. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment, including irish sea moss.

Please speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement including Irish Sea Moss. None of the content on this site is or should be considered medical advice. The purpose of this article is simply to highlight relevant research for those curious about the potential benefits of consuming Irish Sea Moss.