Kelp - Nature's Gift from the Sea

Gift of the Sea
Kelp, described in the book of Jonah 2:5, is commonly referred to as seaweed. The green algae grows along coastlines around the world. Before you begin reading this long page you may want to view this beautiful slide show about this Gift from the Sea that is so beneficial in stabilizing mood disorders. Be sure to come back here to read why and how it is so beneficial to you.

As Food
Seaweed is more than a great wrap for sushi and spa-goers. Nori, kelp, dulse, and other seaweeds (there are over 2,500 varieties) are a good source of protein and dietary fiber. What's more, they contain up to 20 times the vitamin and mineral content of vegetables that are grown on land.

Seaweed is a rich source of vitamins and trace minerals all perfectly balanced in nature to benefit you. When I was tested for thyroid activity, the test results indicated all was normal. But my body temperature has never been higher than 97.2 for all my life until I realized my symptoms were signs of hypothyroidism, and in fact, my thyroid was not functioning at 100%!

This fact caused me to tire easily. I suffered from cold hands and feet, brittle hair and nails, and a "crazy mind." Having read Maureen Salaman's book Foods that Heal I learned my thyroid was in desperate need of iodine.

Kelp is a gift to mankind, especially if you are suffering from hypothyroidism, which may be the cause of your bipolar disorder as it was with me. Seaweeds (Kelp) have been harvested for food, fertilizer, and medicine for thousands of years.

Historical Benefits
History books record that the Chinese used seaweed for medicinal purposes as early as 3000 B.C. (I told you this info may be a bit old fashioned). Kelp is very high in iodine and can be used as a natural treatment for bipolar disorder.

Iodine is an essential substance for the thyroid glands. Regular intake of iodine is essential if these glands are to work efficiently. The thyroid glands secrete a substance called thyroxine. If sufficient thyroxine is not secreted a goiter is likely to result.

The thyroid glands are closely involved in the control of physical and mental growth. It is obvious that a deficiency in iodine can have serious consequences: hypothyroidism, bipolar disorder, retardation to name a few.

High in Lithium
Kelp is also high in lithium the one essential element often missing from those suffering bipolar disorder. Taking kelp instead of the pharmaceutical lithium allows you to get this vital element in its natural state. Since it is compounded with all its other properties you will even benefit more than by taking the pharmaceutical lithium - so everything stays in balance.

Kelp in your diet - another one of the natural treatments for bipolar disorder is a must. Be sure you are not allergic to iodine before taking this herb. It's a good idea to check with your doctor before taking kelp if you are on any type of medication or psychiatric drug.

Promotes Overall Health
Plain and simple, seaweed is a promoter of good overall health. Seaweed is especially high in iodine, which must be present for proper glandular function and metabolism. It has been used in the treatment of thyroid problems because of its iodine content, and is useful for other conditions as varied as hair loss, obesity, and ulcers. It also protects against the effects of radiation and softens stools.¹

Seaweed also contains iron, natural sodium, phosphorus and calcium as well as magnesium and potassium. It also is a rich source of B12 as well as B1 and B2. This is significant because vegetarians, who reduce or eliminate meat and dairy from their diets are often more deficient in the vitamin B's. Deficiencies can cause fatigue, depression, and numbness and tingling in the finger tips and legs.

Kelp is also a known source of vitamin A, C, D, E and G (whoever heard of G? it is Gamma Linolenic Acid - GLA) and has the anti-hemorrhage vitamin K. Kelp also has many amino acids and contains 28 trace minerals. It is reported to be very beneficial to brain tissue, the membranes surrounding the brain, the sensory nerves, and the spinal cord, as well as the nails and blood vessels.

Seaweed is also a rich source of alginic acid, which helps rid the body of TOXIC heavy metals, such as lead and mercury (most Americans have mercury in their fillings). You might now understand why we need kelp in America.

Raw Kelp in the Diet

• Kelp can be eaten raw but I prefer to use it in soups and stews in place of salt. My vegetarian friends also use powdered seaweed when making "sea scallops" from gluten, for an ocean fresh flavoring.
• Alaria, a species of seaweed, is traditionally used to flavor miso soup, although its salty flavor works well in many dishes. Soak it in water for two minutes, the use scissors to cut it into thin strips. Add them to stews, stir-fires, pasta, or salads.
• Dulse can be dried. The red leaves have a pleasant crunch and can be eaten straight from the package.
• Nori, another favorite seaweed, is milder in flavor than most seaweeds. It's great for wrapping rice or sushi. Or you can cut it into strips and use it as flavorful, decorative condiment for soup.

CAUTION: As you'd expect all the seaweeds, coming from the ocean, are high in sodium. If you have issues with sodium it is best to soak the leaves before adding them to your favorite recipes.

As Supplement Capsule
Most people would find supplementing with a kelp capsule far easier than preparing foods with seaweed. Originally, this is what I did, and I had wonderful healthy results.

Later, as I began to change my diet and learned to cook foods with the needed herbs, I reduced my intake of capsules. But I also keep kelp capsules handy all the time and take at least one daily to keep my mind, body and spirit in optimum health.

I personally use Nature's Sunshine Products (NSP) kelp and Nikken's powdered barley green leaves complimented with powered brown rice and kelp.

Maintains Body Temperature
Between the two of these my temperature remains at 98.6. I have no further issues of hypothyroidism and my "crazy brain" is no longer crazy. No-more-bipolar-disorder for me, going on 17 years now.

Truly, kelp is God's gift of the sea for you and me. Make the green "gift of the sea" one of your "pit stops." You'll see beautiful sites there. Then prepare to continue traveling down the road toward wellness today. Before you go you may want to look at these beautiful pictures of the "Gift from the Sea," from the Nature's Conservancy.

Bon Voyage,

Dr. Cares™

Catherine Sinclair, PhD., uses the trade name Dr. Cares™. She is a licensed pastoral counselor. The information contained in this website is not to be taken as a substitute for professional advice from your qualified medical "practitioner."

The author of this website is not an M.D. and therefore must post this required FDA disclaimer. None of the statements, self testing, nor recommended alternatives for relief of bipolar symptoms have been evaluated by the FDA. Therefore, the tested and proven experiences, testimonies, supplements and alternative and natural alternatives are for informational purposes only and does not purport to prescribe, diagnose or cure any mental or physical condition.

The author of this website is not an M.D. and does not purport to prescribe or diagnose any mental or health condition. Though as a licensed counselor she does advise her clients to be informed and involved in the recovery of their physical, spiritual and mental health. The above information has transformed many lives and the same can happen for you, but you alone are responsible for the decisions you make concerning all aspects of your health.
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1. Balch, James F. M.D. and Balch, Phyllis A. C.N.C. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1996.p. 331.

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