Seaweed is the superfood you never knew you needed

Energy

Iodine regulates our metabolism: the process of converting the food we eat into energy to help cells function and grow.

If we’re not getting enough iodine in our diets, as studies suggest, our normal metabolic functions – like the regulation of our heart rate, body temperature and weight – can be disrupted, leaving us feeling tired and run down.

Doctor Seaweed recommends: Pure Organic Seaweed  

One tablet (500g) gives you the same amount of iodine as you’d get from 1 litre of cow’s milk, three portions of mackerel, almost two whole blocks of cheese or 9kg of fruit and vegetables – all for just 37p a day.

Immunity

Besides being inherently antiseptic, iodine – and, therefore, the thyroid hormones it helps to produce – provides constant surveillance against abnormal cell development.

By supporting B-cell (or antibody) development, iodine protects against unusual bacterial growth in the stomach and can coat and neutralise both biological and chemical toxins. Iodine also seems to increase immune cell function – meaning our bodies’ natural defences are fortified.

Doctor Seaweed recommends: Immunity+

As well as pure Scottish seaweed, these supplements contain plant-based sources of vitamins D3 and B12, both of which specifically support immune health naturally. Every capsule contains your daily requirements for all three core ingredients.

Menopause

Hormonal imbalance, hot flushes, memory loss, digestive issues, fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, disrupted sleep, loss of libido… the symptoms of menopause are varied and plentiful.

But they also overlap with symptoms of thyroid conditions.

Data suggest the decrease of oestrogen during menopause affects how our thyroid receptors allow hormones to enter cells, affecting both our cellular and thyroid function.

So, by bolstering our thyroid hormones with iodine, we can also limit the severity of our menopausal symptoms.

Doctor Seaweed recommends: Menopause+    

Alongside essential iodine, Doctor Seaweed’s Menopause+ supplements contain plant-based vitamins C, D3, B-complex and Red Clover, all of which naturally support various symptoms associated with all stages of the menopause.

Nails, Hair & Skincare

A lack of iodine in our diets can really do a number on our beauty regime.

Thyroid hormones help control the growth of hair follicles, so when their levels are low our hair may stop regenerating; brittle or splitting nails are other common symptoms of iodine deficiency; and thyroid hormones also help skin cells regenerate, leading to 77% of people with low thyroid hormones – as a result of iodine deficiency – experiencing dry, flaky skin.

Doctor Seaweed recommends: Beauty+  

A natural glow starts with the right nutrition. As well as essential iodine, these Beauty+ supplements contain plant-based sources of vitamins A, B2, B3, C, E biotin, selenium, and zinc – all of which naturally support hair, skin and nail growth.

Focus, eyesight & cognitive function

Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of intellectual disability around the world and is the greatest single cause of preventable brain damage.

It’s a crucial nutrient throughout life, but especially during pregnancy and infancy, where thyroid hormones regulate growth in a child’s developing brain.

Not that the cognitive benefits of iodine can only be seen in children; a study of more than 1,000 adults found that those with higher thyroid hormone levels performed better on learning and memory tests.

Iodine has also been known to improve eyesight, especially in cases of age-related deterioration and colour perception.

Doctor Seaweed recommends: Focus+    

Each of the key nutrients in Doctor Seaweed’s Focus+ supplement – among which are, alongside iodine, vitamins B1, B5, B6 and B12, omega 3, zinc and biotin – are essential in supporting brain health, focus, energy and vision.