Spirulina and Thyroid: Against the effects of thyroid disorders

“The man is the head, the woman is the neck; the head looks where the neck turns.” – Russian proverb

Hello everyone ! I’m back with an article on a theme that is very little talked about on the internet, and this theme is the thyroid! There are very few sites that talk about the effects of spirulina on the thyroid and it is normal that people, who have diseases related to this gland, ask themselves many questions. Is spirulina and thyroid compatible? Can I take it? Don’t worry. I’m here to explain everything to you!

Firstly, what is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a gland located in the anterior part of the neck, in front of the trachea, against the larynx. It is a single gland, composed of two lateral lobes and an isthmus that connects them; it weighs about 30 g. This gland is essential for the proper functioning of many vital organs.

It secretes hormones thanks to the iodine it obtains in the blood: tri-iodotyrosine (T3), thyroxine (T4) (thyroglobulin (Tg) is a form of iodine storage) and thyrocalcitonin (or calcitonin).

The level of iodinated thyroid hormones in the blood is under the control of a pituitary hormone: TSH (Thyro-Stimulating Hormone), itself slowed down by the level of T4 , and stimulated by a hypothalamic hormone: TRH (Thyro-Releasing-Hormone). Complicated names…

The hormones T3 and T4 stimulate lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, as well as growth.

Symptoms of thyroid diseases

But sometimes the thyroid can malfunction, making the body work too fast or too slow. It can also grow in size or develop nodules, some of which may hide cancers. When the thyroid glands don’t work properly, it can have a devastating effect on the way the body functions. Hyperthyroidism is when T4 and T3 are produced in large quantities, and Hypothyroidism is when there is insufficient production of thyroid hormones. All this leads to the slowing down of the body and many problems such as:

• fatigue
• coldness
• weight gain due to poor fat burning
• Problems related to digestion: constipation, intestinal laziness, flatulence
• Reproductive system problems: menstrual disorders, heavy periods, loss of libido, repeated miscarriages or sterility.

Hair and nails can also be affected.

In addition, iodine deficiency can also be a factor in thyroid diseases.

The role of spirulina in combating the effects of thyroid disorders

Contrary to what everyone thinks, spirulina is not a seaweed but a seaweed that comes originally from alkaline lakes (the Andes, Asia or Africa). It is low in iodine (we can even say that it does not have any!) and also has many medicinal virtues that can mitigate the effects of thyroid disorders.

Indeed, spirulina helps to fight against physical weakness and thyroid dysfunction. It strengthens and stimulates our immune system. Detoxifying and revitalizing, it regulates the metabolism and is also known for its antioxidant content which protects the thyroid from oxidative stress. It also helps to protect your intestinal flora (one of the victims of the thyroid), improve your digestion and reduce your possible stomach aches if you happen to feel some, reduce the various mood disorders felt on a daily basis and many other things!

A 2013 study published in the journal Food Chemistry explains the protective role of spirulina in the event of a toxic dose of fluoride. The antioxidants in spirulina act as a detox supplement by protecting the thyroid from oxidative stress and hormonal changes induced by excess fluoride.

In conclusion, you have nothing to fear with spirulina! It is precisely there to protect your thyroid.

At Vegalia, we have never experienced any problems with our thyroids. Are you concerned by the diseases mentioned in this article? Have you ever tried our little blue algae? If so, please share your experience with us! We will be happy to read them!