What You Need to Know About Bladderwrack

September 08, 2017

What is bladderwrack? This cold water seaweed may offer a number of potential health benefits. Read more here!

The most mysterious and uncharted territories on the planet are located beneath the surface of our world's oceans. Some scientists hypothesize that our seas may be hiding beneficial nutrients and supplements, just waiting to be discovered. One such sea-sourced supplement being used by natural health advocates is bladderwrack. Bladderwrack is derived from brown algae and can be used for a number of potential physiological benefits in the body including hormonal health, thyroid health, vision health, and more. So what is bladderwrack? Read on to learn more about bladderwrack and why you might consider integrating it into your natural health routine.

What is Bladderwrack?

Bladderwrack or Fucus vesiculosus is a brown algae in the kelp family that grows along northern, saltwater coastal regions. The thick, stem of this seaweed is known as the thallus and contains air filled pods that assist the plant in floating to the surface. This mucilaginous thallus is the beneficial part of the bladderwrack, which is harvested and sourced for supplements and skin treatments. Bladderwrack is a rich source of iodine and was once the primary source of iodine used in the medical field.

How is Bladderwrack Sourced?

Bladderwrack is a canopy-forming algae, harvested on the northern shores of the United States in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as well as in the Baltic and North Seas. It grows well in turbulent waters and is extremely common and easy to source. However, climate change may be limiting this algae's ability to thrive. The environments in which bladderwrack grows are currently being used to study and evaluate ocean temperature changes and their results on specific ecosystems.

Potential Benefits of Bladderwrack Supplements

Bladderwrack is naturally rich in iodine and has long been harvested for this purpose. Iodine is a key ingredient in supporting thyroid health and studies show that Iodine plays a central role in thyroid physiology, being both a major constituent of thyroid hormones and a regulator of thyroid gland function. In addition to supporting thyroid health, bladderwrack may also support metabolic function. The iodine contained in bladderwrack as well as other supplement sources is a necessary ingredient in hormone regulation. In turn, this can help regulate metabolism and have a profound effect on many physiological functions. Scientists are still studying the potential benefits of bladderwrack but report: Short-term dietary supplementation with kelp significantly increases both basal and post-stimulation TSH which may lead to metabolic and weight loss stimulation and improved digestive health.

How to Take Bladderwrack

Sources show that organic, plant-based iodine may be more readily absorbed by the body and could be more effective at supporting thyroid function. This makes bladderwrack an outstanding choice for those who want to pay more attention to their iodine consumption. As with any supplement, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider about your plans to take bladderwrack in any form. Bladderwrack can also taken in tea form or mixed into skin treatments for exfoliation and hydration.

Check Out These Bladderwrack Products

If you're sold on the potential benefits of bladderwrack, take a look at these products to implement it into your supplement routine. Bladderwrack By Oregon's Wild Harvest This organic supplement is sustainably harvested off the coast of Oregon and is a natural source of trace minerals, including iodine, which is essential for proper thyroid function. Oregon's Wild Harvest Bladderwrack may allow for the production of hormones that regulate metabolism in every cell and affect nearly all physiological functions. Fucus Plus by Right 4 Your Type Genoma Nutritionals Fucus Plus from Right 4 Your Type Genoma Nutritionals comes in easy to swallow capsules and contains whole bladderwrack, vegetable cellulose, magnesium citrate, L-leucine and silica. These capsules may support a healthy immune response, thyroid health and metabolic balance. Healing Waters Body Exfoliating Treatment Featuring sea salt, organic sugar, bladderwrack, and soothing essential oils, this scrub removes dead skin, exfoliates, and hydrates. The fragrant essential oils and gentle abrasive qualities will leave you with smooth, clean-smelling skin and a quality spa-like experience. Have you tried bladderwrack? Tell us about how you've used this ocean supplement to support your natural healthy lifestyle.

Back to Blog

About the Author

Theresa Groskopp

Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin,Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking.