if you are on healthtalkYou may have noticed the buzz around sea moss, sea kelp, or brown seaweed, which has become the latest “superfood” to capture the attention of health enthusiasts. Historically, seaweed has been used in indigenous medicine for a variety of ailments; You can buy it today capsule, powderAnd Tea,
There Is Some science to support Bladdervac's more exaggerated health claims. However, given some of the risks associated with consuming unregulated algae-derived products, you are probably better off improving your diet in general. We're breaking it down for you here. Are you interested in more health research? Don't forget to check out our advice for stay in silicon valley forever And should you apply? snail mucus In your face (you probably should do this).
Power up with unlimited access wired, Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. This includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe today,
What Is Bladdercrack?
.jpg)
Photograph: Brook Science Photo Library/Getty Images
“Bladderwacke is a brown seaweed of the species fucus Which grows in the intertidal zones of temperate regions,'' says Loretta RobersonAn associate scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory of the University of Chicago. “You can find it here in the United States and in Europe – from Ireland to England – and in most places at the same latitude.” comes from the name Air-filled sac, or “bladder”, On the thallus of seaweed. These tiny bladders help the plant stay close to sunlight for swimming and photosynthesis.
Bladderwrack has been used medicinally for centuries. “There was a really big seaweed industry there [in North America] Where people would collect huge cartloads of seaweed, and they would use it for different purposes,” Roberson says. Indigenous people used it for poultices and teas, and in the early 1800s, it gained fame as a treatment for goiter – a swelling caused by thyroid problems. By the 1860s, it was promoted as a metabolism booster and obesity treatment. Today, bladderwrack is available in a variety of forms, ranging from dried and powdered to capsule supplements and teas.
Why would you take Bladdervac?
BladderVac supplements make bold claims: weight loss, glowing skin, thyroid support, and much more. Some of the most common reasons people get bladderwrack include:
- It can help reduce reflux of food into the esophagus (GERD) symptoms. Bladdervac contains alginic acid, which when combined with magnesium carbonate may relieve GERD symptoms. This combination forms a barrier that protects the stomach lining from irritation, potentially reducing bloating and heartburn.
- It can provide relief from constipation and diarrhea. Alginic acid also promotes smooth digestion.
- It may help soothe digestive irritation. The mucilage present in bladderwrack – a gel-like substance – may benefit individuals with gastritis or indigestion by lining irritated mucous membranes along the digestive tract.
What does science say?
Bethany Marie DoerflerA gastrointestinal expert at Northwestern Medicine says the promoted health benefits are linked to bladderwrack's antioxidant properties, but there have been very few studies evaluating its efficacy or safety in humans.
Like many seaweeds, bladderwrack is full of antioxidants, including phenolics, phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, alginic acid, fucoidans, and small amounts of vitamins A and C. Doerfler points to alginic acid — which is found in over-the-counter products. Gaviscon Advance-As a compound with proven effectiveness.
“These derivatives have been studied and are considered safe, unlike bladderwrack supplements, which remain largely unregulated and untested,” explains Doerfler. “People often make the leap from identifying healthy components to assuming health outcomes, but [bladderwrack supplements] are not supported by research.”
Are Bladdervac supplements safe?
Despite the “natural” label often attached to these types of supplements, they bring risksAlgae-derived products can accumulate heavy metals like arsenic and mercury from polluted water, and even low concentrations over time can lead to serious health problems like nerve damage or kidney dysfunction.
Another concern is the high iodine content in bladderwrack, which may interfere with thyroid function. According to Roberson, in some countries, there are regulations due to high iodine levels, which can affect thyroid health. In the US there are no clear guidelines on how much iodine is safe to consume, and the risks associated with excess iodine are poorly understood. “Due to the lack of research we do not know the range, dosage or possible interactions with other medications,” says Doerfler.