The hermetical Sea Moss and Bladderwrack Side Effects

Sea Moss, a sea vegetable, has recently been gaining popularity as one of the most efficient and healthy diets. Some are even calling it a superfood because of the endless benefits it offers.

Now bladderwrack is a sea algae that is also known to pose a serious competition to sea moss in terms of utility and benefits.

However, both sea moss and bladderwrack are not entirely safe and might cause some side effects. This can depend on various factors. Read ahead to find out the side effects and how to avoid them. 

What is sea moss 

Sea moss, popularly known as the ‘Irish Moss,’ is a red seaweed alga. This edible seaweed moss has its origin linked to the British Isles. It has been used for traditional forms of cooking for over centuries.

This red seaweed is typically harvested for carrageenan, a thickening and gelling agent in the food industry for milk products like ice cream and curd. It is also a natural supplement in pills, vitamin gummies, powders, protein shakes, etc. 

What is sea bladderwrack?  

Bladderwrack is an algae that is commonly known as ‘sea grapes.’ These are dietary fibers found around the Western Baltic Sea and the Northern Sea. 

This brown edible seaweed has been utilized as a biological medication for centuries and is available as dried, powdered, and in the form of a supplement or even medicinal tea. 

Sea Moss And Bladderwrack Side Effects: 

Sea Moss Side Effects

Almost every other product comes with its own sets of perks and pitfalls.
As long as anything is consumed in moderation and keeping the user’s individuality in mind, the chance of damage becomes minimal.

Listed below are some of the side effects of sea moss to caution you about their usage: 

• As they offer health and weight loss benefits, people often consume enormous proportions of sea moss.
  This is not advised, as they have a high iodine content.
  For example, the overdose of iodine might lead to a toxic effect. It can steer to severe conditions like goiter, thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, etc.
   
• For some people, consumption of sea moss may also result in fever, revulsion, retching, trots, etc. It can also lead to burning sensations inside the mouth cavity, throat, inner abdomen, etc. 
  
• Sea moss may amass lethal metals¹ like arsenic, mercury, and lead, which may be a conceivable health hazard to populations like pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or even children and the elderly. 
  
• Several testimonies infer that sea moss may have dominant anticoagulant, that is, blood-thinning characteristics. It becomes a heightened threat to people who already consume blood-thinning medicines officially. 
   
• Due to less research on specific demographics, pregnant and breastfeeding people should abstain from consuming it. 
  
• Lastly, the lack of an officially proposed dosage for sea moss makes it a dicey choice. For example, a person might never know the right amount required for their body and deteriorate their health. 

Bladderwrack Side Effects

Besides being linked with numerous medicinal and health-oriented benefits, bladderwrack is also associated with having several side effects. Listed below are a few side effects of bladderwrack:

• Can lead to skin rashes and irritation if it is applied to open slits and injuries on the skin.
  
• The presence of excess iodine and other metals poses a heavy risk to the consumer when consumed daily in large quantities.
  
• The prolonged consumption of bladderwrack without consultation of a doctor or nutritional expert can lead to hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is linked with thyroid-related problems.
  
• Bladderwrack might be potentially harmful to women who are bearing a child or will soon give birth to one. Even breastfeeding mothers should refrain from consuming it without any assistance from their physicians.
  
• The consumption of bladderwrack slows down the procedure of blood clotting which can cause a hassle that might prove to be fatal if the consumer undergoes surgery.
  The consumption of bladderwrack must be completely paused two weeks prior to the surgery. If it is not done, then it can lead to additional bleeding during the surgery or upon its completion.

Dosage Details

 Remember that taking the correct dosage is fundamental. Low or high consumption could cause health-related issues. 

Sea Moss Dosage Details: 

A study² stated that consuming 0.14 ounces (roughly 3.96 grams) is safe for people.

Regular consumers recommend curbing its intake to just two tablespoons (approximately 10 grams) every day. However, conferring with a doctor or a proper nutritionist about this inclusion is highly recommended. 

An overdose of sea moss can lead to the following problems: 

• It may lead to constant nausea, dizziness, vomiting, etc. 
• It may lead to loss of appetite, which then manifests into an unhealthy eating lifestyle. 
• It Leads to excessive and harmful weight loss and might lead to throat cancer in some due to prolonged and enormous consumption. 

Bladderwrack Dosage Details: 

There is no standard suggested for the ingestion of bladderwrack. However, the supplements of this seaweed are primarily available in 500mg doses which is 2 cups per day. This is advocated to prevent any prospective health hazards. A doctor’s advice on safe dosage for consumption is exceptionally vital.  

An overdose of bladderwrack can lead to the following problems: 

• The rich iodine content can lead to thyroid-related disorders. 
• It may lead to adverse skin rashes in some scenarios. 
• May mess with the thyroid levels and lead to hyperthyroidism. 
• It can lead to acne in people due to allergic reactions getting triggered. 

Precautions: 

Doing necessary research and taking precautions before including sea moss, bladderwrack, or any nutritional supplement is vital for well-being.  

Precautions to take for the consumption of sea moss: 

• Always seek doctor’s advice regarding incorporating sea moss into the diet. 
• Stick to daily adequate intake 
• Discontinue use after witnessing health issues or any other forms of irritation
• Do a proper amount of research to see if you can ingest it if you already consume other medicinal drugs. 

Precautions to take before consuming bladderwrack: 

• Seek help from your nutritionist or doctor when buying the product and know the ideal dosage for your body. 
• Avoid using this product if you are bearing a child, a breastfeeding mother, or recently born. Also, avoid giving this to younger children or the elderly. 
• Avoid excessive consumption and discontinue in case of malaise caused by its consumption. 
• If you suffer from diabetes or thyroid and kidney-related issues, you might need to remain cautious about using this. 

Conclusion: 

It is as plain as a pikestaff that sea moss and bladderwrack are beneficial types of seaweed cum algae. They offer numerous benefits to our bodies and have been catering lots of services to the food and medical industries all across the globe.

These seaweeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants that provide health benefits and boost a person’s physical and mental vigor.

These are ideal choices for people striving to achieve good skin, better hair, shed some pounds, and maintain good health.

The easy availability of sea moss and bladderwracks in the forms of supplements, medicines, vitamin gummies, powders, tea, etc. makes them ideal for a more extensive population of health-conscious consumers.