5 Ways Bladderwrack Supplements Support Your Thyroid Health, Digestion, and More

Bladder wrack (Vesicular ink) is an edible brown algae. It is available in dried form, powder and capsules for internal and external use. Bladderwrack contains important nutrients like fiber, iodine, and antioxidants that can support overall health.

Here is five Potential benefits of using bladderwrack:

1. Helps Fight Inflammation

Bladderwrack contains antioxidants, which are substances that protect cells and can help fight inflammation. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. This can cause swelling and discomfort that significantly impacts your range of motion.

Some research suggests that taking bladderwrack supplements may improve arthritis and other inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, osteoarthritis, and cirrhosis (a chronic liver disease).

2. Improves skin

Bladderwrack can help with skin health as it is packed with vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy glow.

Bladder wrack can have the following effects on the skin:

• Protect your skin from pollution and sun damage
• Promotes the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin firm and hydrated
• Helps protect against natural aging
• Reduce wrinkles
• Lighten the skin
• Reduce skin thickness

Some people use bladderwrack in lotions and creams to nourish the skin and improve cellulite, which causes dimples and wrinkles. More research is needed to understand the impact of algae on skin health.

3. Improves thyroid function

Bladderwrack is a good source of iodine and therefore may help support thyroid health.

Iodine is a mineral found in some foods and helps the thyroid produce hormones. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that plays a key role in producing hormones and regulating metabolism. Without enough iodine, the thyroid cannot do its job and you may experience fatigue and weight gain. Bladderwrack can help you get enough iodine for your thyroid. Although the amount of iodine in bladderwrack is not always constant, appropriate dosage based on need can be difficult.

Too much iodine can also cause thyroid problems, so discuss including bladderwrack in your diet with your doctor before using it.

4. Supports Gut Health

Bladder wrack may also be good for gut health. Seaweed is rich in dietary fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and healthy bowel movement schedule.

Bladderwrack may also contain prebiotics, which feed good bacteria in your gut. By nourishing the good bacteria in the gut, bladderwrack supplements can improve digestion and promote regular bowel movements.

5. Helps with wound healing

Bladderwrack can also help wounds heal faster because it is rich in iodine, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants. Taking bladderwrack supplements can help skin repair itself after injury.

Bladderwrack is available in many forms, including powder, pills, capsules, and liquids. Some people drink it in their tea. Others apply bladderwrack directly to the skin.

There isn’t much evidence-based research on bladderwrack, so there aren’t any standardized recommendations regarding dosage or the ideal time of day to take them. If you are considering taking bladderwrack, be sure to read the directions on the product labels and discuss its use with your doctor.

Dosage

Research on bladderwrack is very limited. There is currently no standardized dose for bladderwrack in any form, and recommendations vary between products. Some studies show that doses of 100 milligrams are effective, while others have used doses of 300 milligrams or even 500 milligrams.

It can be dangerous to take too much bladderwrack, so it’s important to read dosage instructions carefully and discuss new supplements with your doctor before starting.

When taken orally: Bladderwrack may be dangerous to some people when taken by mouth. It contains high levels of iodine, which can cause toxicity when consumed in large quantities. People with thyroid disorders should be careful with bladderwrack supplements.

When applied to the skin: Bladderwrack is considered safe to apply topically to the skin. However, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking bladderwrack due to the high iodine levels. Additionally, you may need to stop taking bladderwrack supplements at least two weeks before surgery, as it can slow blood clotting and even cause additional bleeding.

How to buy a safe supplement: Make sure the product is independently tested. The United States Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements. This means that the quality and safety of supplements may vary. Independent testing confirms that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free of harmful contaminants. Check the seals of reputable organizations such as NSF International, USP (United States Pharmacopeia), or ConsumerLab.

Potential drug interactions

Bladderwrack may interact or interfere with certain medications. You should avoid taking bladderwrack if you are currently taking any of the following medications or supplements:

• Amiodarone: Sold under brands like Cordarone and Pacerone, amiodarone is used to treat certain serious types of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Amiodarone and bladderwrack both contain iodine, and taking them together may increase iodine levels in your blood, affecting thyroid health.
• Lithium: This is used to treat mental health problems like bipolar disorder. Lithium and bladderwrack impact thyroid function. Taking the two together can cause significant fluctuations in thyroid health.
• Antithyroid medications: These are typically used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition that causes the thyroid to produce more hormones than normal. The iodine in bladderwrack may alter thyroid function and affect the effectiveness of antithyroid medications.
• Anticoagulants: Bladderwrack may increase your risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinning medications.
• Thyroid hormone medications: The iodine in bladderwrack may increase the effectiveness of thyroid medications or cause unwanted side effects.
• Drugs modified by the liver: These are medications that the liver can modify and break down. Bladder fucus can affect how quickly the liver breaks down certain medications.
• Supplements that slow blood clotting: Bladder wrack can slow blood clotting and increase the risk of serious bleeding.
• Supplements containing iodine: Taking iodine-containing supplements with bladderwrack can cause high levels of iodine in your blood.
• Strontium: This supplement promotes bone health and may help fight diseases like osteoporosis. Bladder wrack may reduce the body’s absorption of strontium.

Can you take too much bladderwrack?

It is possible to take too much bladderwrack. Bladderwrack contains iodine and consuming too much iodine can cause thyroid problems. High levels of iodine can disrupt thyroid hormone production and cause unwanted side effects.