iodine rich seaweeds

Iodine Iodine is vital for good thyroid function, which in turn is essential for health. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and early infancy can result in cretinism (irreversible mental retardation and severe motor impairments). In adults low iodine intake (or very high intakes) can cause hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can manifest as low energy levels, dry or scaly or yellowish skin, tingling and numbness in extremities, weight gain, forgetfulness, personality changes, depression, anaemia, and prolonged and heavy periods in women. Goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland visible between the Adam's apple and the collar bone, is often present. Hypothyroidism can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome and Raynaud's phenomenon. Hypothyroidism can lead to significant increases in cholesterol levels and homocysteine levels is implicated in about 10% of cases of high cholesterol levels. Correcting hypothyroidism can lead to a 30% drop in cholesterol and homocysteine levels.

An iodine intake of less than 20 micro grams (��g) per day is considered severe deficiency, 20 -50 ��g/day is considered moderate deficiency and 50-100 ��g/day is considered mild deficiency.

Iodine is typically undesirably low (about 50 micrograms/day compared to a recommended level of about 150 micrograms per day) in UK vegan diets unless supplements, iodine rich seaweeds or foods containing such seaweeds (e.g. Vecon) are consumed. The low iodine levels in many plant foods reflects the low iodine levels in the UK soil, due in part to the recent ice-age. About half the iodine consumption in the UK comes from dairy products. In the US iodised salt is widely used and some other foods are fortified with iodine. In Canada all table salt is iodized. The UK has no iodine fortification strategy for plant foods or salt.

Low zinc intakes exacerbate the effect of low iodine intake. Some otherwise healthful foods contain goitrogens - substances which can interfere with iodine uptake or hormone release from the thyroid gland. These foods are generally only a concern if iodine intake is low. Consumption of brassicas, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower, increase the requirements for iodine, especially if consumed raw. Soy beans, raw flaxseed, cassava (used in tapioca), sweet potatoes, lima beans, maize and millet also increase the requirements for iodine.

It is important not to over-consume iodine as it has a relatively narrow range of intakes that reliably support good thyroid function (about 100 to 300 micrograms per day). Someone consuming large amounts of iodised salt or seaweeds could readily overdo it. Excessive iodine has a complex disruptive effect on the thyroid and may cause either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, in susceptible individuals, as well as increasing the risk of thyroid cancer. Hyperthyroidism may also occur, particularly in elderly people, due to long term slight iodine deficiency as this may result in additional nodules on the thyroid.

Hyperthyroidism may manifest as an enlarged thyroid (goiter), heart rate irregularities, tremor, sweating, palpitations, nervousness and increased activity and eye abnormalities. Some individuals deliberately take kelp to try to lose weight by over stimulating the thyroid. This is a dangerous practice.

Subclinical hypothyroidism, with raised thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels but mild or absent overt symptoms, has been found to be more common among vegans than the general population. Most vegans have low iodine intakes but a significant minority consume excessive amounts of iodine from seaweed, particularly kelp. Both low and excessively high iodine intakes in vegans have been linked to elevated TSH levels.

The key to good thyroid function is adequate, but not excessive iodine intake. Intakes in the range 100-300 micrograms per day are desirable, though intakes up to 500 micrograms per day are probably not harmful. If taking supplements go for about 100-150 micrograms per day, to give a total intake of 150-200 micrograms per day. The supplements supplied by The Vegan Society contain an average of about 150 micrograms, so one a day provides about the right amount. Many kelp supplements contain higher levels and should be restricted to two a week.

If using seaweeds as an iodine source it is best to use seaweeds that have been found to have a fairly consistent iodine content, such as kelp (kombu). Consumption of more than 100g/year (by dried weight) of most seaweeds carries a significant risk of thyroid disorder due to iodine intakes in excess of 1000 micrograms per day.

Nori is low in iodine and several sheets a day can be eaten without any concern about excess iodine. Frequent addition of small amounts of powdered or crumbled seaweed to stews or curries while cooking, or to other foods as a condiment, is an excellent way to provide adequate iodine (in the absence of other supplementation) and is a healthful practice for vegans. 15g of dried kombu or kelp in a convenient container in the kitchen provides one year's supply for one person.

Most vegans know that B12 deficiency can cause neurological complications and tingling sensations or numbness. B 12 deficiency is also a common cause of elevated homocysteine levels in vegans. It should be noted that hypothyroidism (myxedema) can also cause nerve damage, tingling sensations and elevated homocysteine and should be considered as an alternative diagnosis for these symptoms

Seasonal Affective Disorder

/ that time of year again in Britain , 6.00 a.m. in the morning and it is still very dark. The autumn equinox has passed
and the hours of daylight are decreasing rapidly, this will continue until December 21st the shortest day of our year ,
after that the light will increase gradually peaking on June 21 next year.
Enter SAD seasonally affected disorder, or lack of daylight,
SAD () is a type of winter depression that affects an estimated
7% of the UK population every winter between September and April, in particular during
December, January and February.
It is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter.
For many people SAD is a seriously disabling illness, preventing them from functioning normally without continuous medical treatment.
For others, it is a mild but debilitating condition causing discomfort but not severe suffering. We call this subsyndromal SAD or 'winter blues.'
It is estimated that a further 17% of the UK population have this milder form of condition.

seaweed saturday

Did you know that seaweed and your body have something in common? Ocean vegetables are a reflection of the body fluids of a person—in good health!

"In the internal environment of our human system, and only there, do we find the same mineral make-up and the same physiognomy as that of seawater." - René Quinton

Our body fluids have the same mineral composition as seawater. In his celebrated work Sea Water, Organic Substance (1897), noted scientist, René Quinton wrote, "In the internal environment of our human system, and only there, do we find the same mineral make-up and the same physiognomy as that of seawater."

Our blood, lymphatic fluid and intracellular fluid or plasma (the colorless fluid part of the blood), contains all one hundred or so minerals and trace elements that exist in the ocean. Just imagine, the necessary life-giving elements that circulate in the ocean currents, are the very same elements, and in very similar concentrations, that flow through our veins!

While we were babies growing in the comfort of our mother's body, we were swimming in fluids which has almost the same composition as that of seawater. Keep that in mind next time you see a pregnant woman walk by. She carries in her her own little ocean!

And get this, amniotic fluid is similar to the unprocessed sodium in seaweed! Seaweeds — the ocean’s main plant life — are just as abundant with the natural goodness of the sea. They act like sponges, and soak up all the minerals and trace elements found in seawater. When we consume these ocean vegetables, all the energy-rich nutrients are absorbed by our bodies and are easily integrated into our cells and tissues. This makes ocean vegetables our important link to the ocean—man’s vital source of life!

In conclusion, because seaweed and your body's mineral make up is similar, a daily diet of these ocean delights is the most natural way for us to re-mineralize, replenish any depleted nutrients, and rebalance internally — to keep us in good, vibrant health!

Proceed from seaweed and your body to the homepage

prostate is what

Vitamin D is an effective treatment for prostate cancer in some patients, a UK study suggests.

A once daily dose reduced PSA level - an indicator of severity of disease - by as much as half in 20% of patients.

There has been much interest in vitamin D in prostate cancer after studies linking risk of the disease to sunlight exposure, the researchers said.

One expert agreed the findings were encouraging but said it needed to be tested in a bigger population.

The trial - results of which are due to be published in the journal BJU International - was set up after one patient got better when his wife bought him some vitamin D tablets.

The role of supplements in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer is an area which deserves a greater level of research attention John Neate, The Prostate Cancer Charity

Professor Jonathan Waxman, said the example had prompted him to assess the effects in a wider group of patients.

Out of 26 men with recurrent prostate cancer, who took a daily dose of vitamin D2 bought from the chemist, five responded to the treatment.

In two the PSA level, fell by more than half, in two by 25-50% and in one man it fell by less than 25%.

The effects in one man were sustained for 36 months.

Welcome addition

Study leader Professor Jonathan Waxman, from Imperial College London, said vitamin D therapy was effective and well-tolerated.

"It's very interesting - there has been no significant trial of vitamin D.

"This is a treatment which is unlikely to have significant toxicity and is a welcome addition to the therapeutic options for patients with prostate cancer."

He agreed that a further trial in a larger number of patients, comparing vitamin D with a dummy pill was warranted.

One theory is that vitamin D interferes with the effect of the androgen receptor, which is stimulated by hormones such as testosterone and implicated in prostate cancer.

John Neate, chief executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, said it was not the first study looking at vitamin D in the disease but a consensus on the benefits had not been reached.

"This small scale study investigating the use of vitamin D as a 'stand alone' treatment for men with progressive prostate cancer provides a valuable additional perspective.

"Many men with prostate cancer may wonder whether they should take vitamin D supplements to control their disease.

"This study does not answer that question, but maintaining a good level of vitamin D is recommended as part of a generally healthy lifestyle.

"The role of supplements in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer is an area which deserves a greater level of research attention."

Professor Malcolm Mason, Cancer Research UK prostate cancer expert based at Cardiff University agreed the results were encouraging but more evidence was needed.

"We advise men with prostate cancer to consult their doctor before taking vitamin D supplements."

astma diet

Med diet 'cuts baby asthma risk'

The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruit and vegetables

Pregnant women who eat a Mediterranean diet may help protect their children from asthma and other allergies, researchers say.

The Crete team studied 468 mothers and their children from pregnancy to six and a half years after the birth.

They found asthma and allergies were significantly less common in children whose mothers ate lots of vegetables, fruit, nuts and fish during pregnancy.

The Thorax study also found eating high levels of red meat increased the risk.

It made that conclusion in cases where red meat was being eaten more than three to four times a week.

This is of particular significance to mothers in the UK as we have one of the highest rates of childhood asthma worldwide Leanne Male Asthma UK

More than five million people in the UK have asthma, and one in 10 children is affected.

Previous work by the same team, from the University of Crete, found that children who ate a Mediterranean diet appeared to be protected from asthma and allergies.

The latest study suggests that the protective effect of the diet may kick in an even earlier stage.

The researchers found that by the time the children were six-and-a-half years old their diet appeared to have little impact on their risk of asthma and allergy.

However, their mother's diet during pregnancy appeared to be much more important.

Beneficial nutrients

Consumption of vegetables more than eight times a week, of fish more than three times a week, and of legumes more than once a week, seemed to be particularly protective.

The researchers said the Mediterranean diet tended to be well balanced and full of foods which contained beneficial vitamins and minerals.

In particular, the diet was high in antioxidants, which help to keep tissues - including those in the lungs - healthy.

Fatty acids from fish were known to help cut potentially damaging inflammation.

The Thorax study continues: "Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of this protective effect and the most relevant window of exposure."

Leanne Male, assistant director of Research at the charity Asthma UK, said: "This supports our advice to pregnant mothers to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

"It is of particular significance to mothers in the UK as we have one of the highest rates of childhood asthma worldwide, with one in 10 children suffering from the condition."

asthma

Vitamin deficiency asthma 'link'

Asthma affects 5m people in the UK

A low intake of vitamins A and C could raise the risk of asthma, a team which reviewed 40 studies carried out over the past 30 years has said.

A Nottingham University-led team found people with a low intake of vitamin C had a 12% increased risk of asthma, the Thorax journal reported.

For vitamin A the raised risk was less clear cut, the team said, but there was still a significant association.

Asthma UK and the Medical Research Council said more research was needed.

There has been a lot of confusion over the link between vitamins and the condition, which affects five million people in the UK.

The jury is still out as to how exactly vitamin intake and asthma are related Leanne Male Asthma UK

Previous studies have come up with a variety of conclusions.

In this study, the researchers analysed the relevant reports on both children and adults published since 1980.

They found no link for vitamin E, but said the associations for A and C were significant.

They concluded low levels of vitamin C - found in fruit and vegetables - increased the risk of asthma by 12%.

They were unable to put an exact figure on vitamin A - found in cheese, eggs and oily fish - but noted that those with severe asthma consumed on average half of the recommended intake of the vitamin.

Lead researcher Dr Jo Leonardi-Bee said: "Our findings indicate that low levels of vitamin C intake and to a lesser extent vitamin A are consistently associated with asthma risk to a degree that, if causal, would be sufficient to be clinically relevant."

He said it was now important to carry out larger-scale studies to clarify the link and to see if there was a direct cause between vitamin intake and asthma.

Other factors

Experts agreed more research was needed, but warned other factors would also play a significant role.

Glenys Jones, a nutritionist with the Medical Research Council, said: "The data provided is interesting, but inconclusive.

"There are many factors such as smoking, physical activity and socio-economic status that have not been taken into account.

"Therefore more research is required to investigate a causal relationship."

Leanne Male, assistant director of research at Asthma UK, added: "The jury is still out as to how exactly vitamin intake and asthma are related."