| Home > Site Map > Recommendations > B > Bladderwrack |
History It has been used for conditions associated with the bladder, although its name is probably derived from the bladder-like vesicles along its fronds. Bladderwrack has been used historically as a diuretic as well as for cases of cystic irritations and chronic inflammations of the bladder. Bladderwrack was once thought to help reduce obesity and increase muscle mass. Fucoidan is a type of dietary fiber in bladderwrack that contains numerous sulfur groups. According to test tube and animal studies, this appears to give fucoidan several properties, such as lowering LDL cholesterol levels, lowering blood glucose levels, anti-inflammatory activity, possible anticoagulant effects, and antibacterial and anti-HIV activity. As at the time of writing, no human clinical trials have been done with fucoidan or bladderwrack to support their use for any of these conditions. As well as the conditions mentioned below, bladderwrack has traditionally been used for: Diarrhea; gastritis; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); improved wound healing (topical application). Calcium alginate (the calcium salt of alginic acid) has shown promise as an agent to speed wound healing in animal studies, but has not been demonstrated to be effective in humans. It has also been used to counter obesity, possibly due to its reputation for stimulating the thyroid gland. Clinical research in this area has failed to confirm that seaweeds like bladderwrack help with weight loss, though more specific research is warranted. Side-Effects Bladderwrack is generally safe, though there are three potential problems with its consumption: acne, thyroid dysfunction, and heavy-metal contamination. Only bladderwrack known to have been harvested from clean water or labeled to indicate the absence of heavy metals or other contaminants should be consumed. Counter-Indicators The safety of using bladderwrack during pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown. People who are allergic to iodine may need to avoid bladderwrack. |
| Hypothyroidism Adult Acne AIDS Constipation Diarrhea Iodine Requirement |