Kelp Side Effects

Kelp stands out as the magic seaweed that ensures the normal functioning of the thyroid gland due to its high iodine content. It’s brown in color and it grows along coastal areas of the northern Pacific and northern Atlantic oceans and it has innumerable health benefits. Breeding in the Baltic Sea as well, these nutrition packed seaweeds extend to astonishing sizes and accumulate in the depths of water bodies, often marking their territory as ‘kelp forests’. Today, people rely heavily on the vitamin and mineral content of kelp to vanquish ailments and maintain a healthy living. Kelp has also increasingly been incorporated as the key element in several nutritional supplements. However, one must be aware that consumption of kelp in excess can often lead to adverse side effects. Unwanted kelp side effects invade the body of a person who tends to consume kelp in large quantities. Although many individuals fail to experience these side effects, we must be cautious and wary of these dangers before it’s too late. Glance through the kelp side effects as you scroll down this page.

Adverse Effects Of Kelp

• The high content of iodine in kelp is commonly regarded as a blessing to humanity. However, excess of iodine in the bloodstream is infamous for thyroid imbalances. Of course, we all need iodine for the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland, but too much of the mineral can cause hyperthyroidism. Additionally, the presence of iodine triggers stomach irritation, excessive saliva production or an unusual brass-like taste in the mouth. Maintain equilibrium in your life to circumvent tragedies. 
• If we prolong the consumption of these brown algae, our body’s intrinsic ability to absorb vital nutrients like iron, sodium and potassium may start plummeting drastically. You wouldn’t want to imagine the side effects and deficiencies that will quickly follow in such cases.
• Moreover, overconsumption of kelp invariably results in gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea and nausea. To make matters worse, scientific observations have implicated that unwarranted intake of kelp extracts or supplements can lower the level of blood sugar. Thus, doctors recommend that patients using blood sugar lowering medications try to avoid kelp.
• Are you prone to injuries? Are you cursed with bleeding disorders? If yes, watch your intake of kelp! Kelp contains odious anticoagulant and blood thinning properties. This can aggravate serious instances of bleeding. If at all you have the habit of popping aspirin pills when inflicted with mild headaches or if you are medically advised to take warfarin and anti-platelet drugs, do not use kelp as the combination may have nasty side effects.
• Some people may even develop allergic reactions to kelp out of the blue, or may even be born with it. Under these circumstances, it is best to keep a distance from this seaweed. Allergic reactions to kelp are often exhibited in continuous itching sensations, skin rash, hives, watery or itchy eyes, runny nose and shortness of breath.
• With frequent oil spills in the ocean and release of various toxic substances, contamination of kelp with toxic and heavy metals is inevitable. These hazardous materials tend to seep through the seaweed, thereby nullifying the wonderful properties of kelp and rendering it toxic. People who consume kelp contaminated by arsenic can experience nerve problems or kidney damage. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning may include memory loss, hair loss, headache, drowsiness and confusion.
• Long-term usage of kelp may impose a laxative effect in some people set off by the existence of alginic acid, a kelp component.