If your latest diet and increased exercise regime has not helped you reach your ideal body weight, you could be suffering from hypothyroidism, or an under active thyroid gland. Fortunately help is at hand to help normalize an under active thyroid gland in the form of an increased intake of the mineral iodine.
The healthy functioning of the thyroid is essential to maintain metabolism and prevent the accumulation of body fat. An under active thyroid gland in effect slows your metabolism and you thus burn fewer calories. An under active thyroid gland promotes excess weight and cellulite by causing water retention.
You can add iodine to your diet by taking iodine supplements, but excess iodine is just as detrimental to the human body as hypothyroidism. You should have normal, moderate amounts of iodine in your body. Because of this danger Fucus Vesiculosus is recommended.
Fucus Vesiculosus is the Latin name of common brownish-green seaweed or algae and more commonly known as bladder wrack or kelp. It can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific and the Baltic oceans. This brown alga can absorb heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, lead and copper. It has been used as fuel in some communities around the world as well as being used as cattle fodder. Fucus Vesiculosus is a traditional food in many Asian countries, where it is often added to soups.
It has more recently developed a reputation in alternative health community as a super-food, and weight loss supplement but more importantly is a popular homeopathic remedy. Fucus has a high level of iodine which is known to promote healthy thyroid functioning. It may be used to prevent goiter or thyroid disease, treat rheumatism, and used as an antiviral treatment.
The relationship between iodine and thyroid function is complex. Iodine is required by the body to form thyroid hormone, and iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism which manifests the numerous symptoms including weight gain, depression, lethargy, constipation, intolerance to cold, dry skin, hair loss, excessive menstruation, etc.
It has been noted that Fucus is particularly beneficial for individuals with type O blood. Fucus Vesiculosus seems to help normalize the sluggish metabolic rate and produce weight loss. Here is a full list of the know uses of Fucus Vesiculosus
Weight loss- it is shown to improve lipid balance associated with obesity specifically where obesity is associated with thyroid dysfunction.
Hypothyroidism - as it is rich in Iodine it stimulates the thyroid gland thus stimulating an individual's natural metabolism.
Arthritis - Fucus provides relief for rheumatoid arthritis, the plant is taken internally and applied externally to inflamed joints.
Anti-bacterial - helps to prevent the adhesion of harmful bacteria to the lining of the digestive tract.
Antioxidant properties - Fucus Vesiculosus has been shown to reduce the number of free radicals.
Diuretic properties - acts as a natural diuretic allow you to exclude excess fluids.
Topical creams- Fucus is used in lotions and topical ointments to reduce cellulite, moisturizing cream, localized anti-inflammatory.
Anti-cancer properties- added to the in the diet is shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer.
Constipation- regular use improves regularity.
High cholesterol - helps to lower cholesterol levels.
Nutrients- Fucus Vesiculosus is an excellent source of iodine the plant provides a plethora of essential nutrients.
Since the thyroid gland controls metabolism, and iodine influences the thyroid, an under supply of this mineral can result in slow mental reaction, weight gain, and lack of energy. Natural seaweed can help correct this imbalance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_R_Harker
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