Thyroid Disease In Black Women and How Sea Moss Can Help

Living with thyroid disease can impact a Black woman's day-to-day life, affecting both her physical health and emotional well-being. The physical symptoms can make even simple tasks feel like a challenge; they can get in the way of work, physical activity, and just enjoying life. Emotionally, the mood swings that come with thyroid disease can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression, which can affect relationships and mental health. Plus, the often delayed diagnosis and treatment in Black women can lead to a long period of feeling unwell without knowing why, which can be stressful.

What is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease is a common health issue that arises when your thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, doesn't function as it should. This tiny gland plays a significant role in your metabolism, growth, and development. When it's not functioning correctly, it can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

What Is the Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism?

There are two main thyroid conditions: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 

Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones and is associated with iodine deficiency. This leads to your symptoms of fatigue, constipation, and weight gain due to a slowed metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is what happens when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to a racing heart, weight loss, and anxiety.

What Are Signs of Thyroid Issues?

Some of the usual suspects when it comes to thyroid disease symptoms include low energy levels or feeling tired all the time, changes in weight, and mood swings. If your thyroid is under-active, a condition known as hypothyroidism, you might feel cold all the time, have constipation, or dry skin. On the flip side, if your thyroid is overactive, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, you might have symptoms like a racing heart, anxiety, and sensitivity to heat.

Thyroid disease can take a toll on a Black woman's life, and it shows up in a bunch of different ways which might often be overlooked or mistaken for other health conditions. In the early stages, symptoms can be easily confused for other problems.

While fatigue is a sign of an underactive thyroid, it can also indicate iron-deficiency anemia, depression, and a stressful life. Weight gain can be easily attributed to changes in diet or stress. Mood changes and irregular periods could be pre-menopause.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid are often confused with anxiety — for example, difficulty focusing or restlessness and irritability are often assumed to be ADHD. 

Pay attention to whether your symptoms are new or getting worse. If they start impacting your ability to function significantly, schedule a doctor’s visit. A blood test will indicate if your thyroid is causing problems so you can get the treatment you need.

What To Know About Thyroid Disease and Women

Thyroid disease has been found to be more common in women than men. The American Thyroid Association estimates that one in eight women will face thyroid problems at some point in her life. Now, you might be wondering, "What does this mean for me?" Well, your thyroid plays a big role in regulating your menstrual cycle. If your thyroid is producing too much or too little hormone, it can throw your periods off balance. You might notice your periods becoming very light, heavy, or irregular. In some cases, thyroid disease can even cause your periods to stop for several months or longer, a condition known amenorrhea. If your body's immune system is causing the thyroid disease, it could also affect other glands, including your ovaries. This could lead to early menopause, even before the age of 40. Thyroid disease can also make it harder for you to get pregnant. When it messes with your menstrual cycle, it also affects ovulation, which can make conceiving a challenge. And if you're pregnant, thyroid problems can cause health issues for both you and your baby.

How Does Thyroid Disease Impact Black Women Differently?

This is particularly important for Black women. Research has shown that Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with thyroid conditions compared to other races, even when they're experiencing symptoms. This can delay treatment, potentially leading to severe health complications. Understanding these challenges is the first step to advocating for your health.

Risk Factors for Black Women

So, why are Black women more prone to thyroid disease? It's a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Genetically, certain gene variants more common in Black women have been associated with an increased risk of thyroid disorders. Environmentally, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, often found in many hair and beauty products marketed to Black women, can contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Lifestyle factors like diet and stress levels can also affect thyroid health.

How Can Sea Moss Contribute To A Better Thyroid Health?

Given the challenges with thyroid disease, we ought to explore natural remedies that can support thyroid health. Recently, sea moss has been garnering considerable attention in medical and wellness circles for its potential health benefits, particularly its role in supporting thyroid health for hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows a lot along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of Europe and North America. People have been harvesting and using sea moss for centuries because it's packed with nutrients, including essential minerals like iodine, which is very important for thyroid function. It's also high in other nutrients like potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, E, and K.

How Do Iodine Levels Impact Thyroid Function?

If your thyroid isn't as active as it should be, your body might not produce enough thyroid hormones. The iodine content in sea moss can assist with this, supporting the production of these hormones and helping to regulate your body's metabolic processes. Conversely, if your thyroid is overactive, your body produces an excess of thyroid hormones. Increasing your iodine intake with sea moss may not be an appropriate choice for your health needs, so you will want to talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

While sea moss alone can't treat this condition, its nutrient-rich composition can support your overall health and well-being, which is incredibly important when managing this condition.

What Are the General Health Benefits of Sea Moss?

Sea moss offers more benefits than just supporting thyroid hormone production. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help your overall health by reducing the inflammation in your body. Antioxidants in sea moss can also assist in protecting cells from damage, making it a potent superfood. By supporting your body’s metabolism, sea moss may also support your weight loss goals while providing essential nutrients for your overall health. 

How can you incorporate sea moss into your diet? It's quite simple and versatile. You can consume sea moss in its gel form, which you can easily incorporate into smoothies, soups, or sauces. You can even use it as a thickening agent in dishes like puddings or desserts. If you prefer a more direct approach, sea moss supplement capsules, like the BGV organic sea moss capsules and gummies, can be a convenient option.

The organic sea moss supplements are an excellent choice for Black women for key reasons. First off, it's made from organic sea moss, so you know you're getting a natural product – free from harmful pesticides or chemicals. Plus, Black Girl Vitamins products are designed to provide maximum benefit. Plus, supplements are an easier and more consistent option to add sea moss to your diet, especially if you're always on the go.

How To Choose the Right Sea Moss Supplement for Your Lifestyle

Opting for organic options when you use sea moss helps you avoid exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Organic sea moss supplements, like those offered by Black Girl Vitamins, are sourced and processed with care to retain nutrient integrity. 

If you’re a woman with a busy lifestyle, your best strategy is to choose a form of sea moss you can use consistently. Supplements are an easy and convenient way to make sure you get the necessary benefits without requiring preparation. Capsules and sea moss gummies offer the convenience of being things you can take on the go. 

If it is too challenging to change your meal plans and incorporate sea moss gel into your daily meals regularly, you may find that gummies or supplements are a better solution.

Are There Any Potential Side Effects From Using Sea Moss?

You already know sea moss has an impressive nutrient profile, but what about side effects? Iodine is necessary for healthy thyroid function, but too much can disrupt its delicate balance. Symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, or irregular heart rate may suggest you have developed an iodine imbalance. 

Excess iodine could lead to cancer or a goiter. Talk to your healthcare professional before adding sea moss to your routine so they can give you guidance on the best levels of iodine for you to take or, if appropriate, recommend alternatives.

Harnessing the Power of Natural Remedies for Your Thyroid Health

In conclusion, as Black women, prioritizing our health is crucial for our overall well-being. Thyroid health, often overlooked, can significantly impact our daily lives. With the prevalence of thyroid disease and the potential challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment, we must take proactive measures to support our thyroid health. Sea moss, with its rich nutrient composition and potential benefits for thyroid function, presents itself as a natural and accessible option for inclusion in our daily regimens.

By considering the use of sea moss, whether in its natural form or as a supplement, we can take proactive steps toward supporting our thyroid health. Its abundance of essential minerals like iodine, along with other vital nutrients, makes it a valuable addition to our diet. Black Girl Vitamins' organic sea moss supplement stands as an excellent choice, reflecting a commitment to providing natural and beneficial products that cater to the specific health needs of Black women.

As we navigate our health journeys, let's not overlook the importance of thyroid health. Taking proactive steps to incorporate sea moss into our daily routines can potentially have a positive impact on our overall well-being. Embracing the benefits that sea moss offers can be a proactive and empowering choice for those of us facing thyroid conditions. Let's make a conscious decision today to prioritize our thyroid health and explore the potential advantages that sea moss can provide.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this essay. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical regimen.

Sources:

Think You Have a Thyroid Disorder? Here’s What You Need to Know | UCLA Health

Iodine and Cancer: A Summary of the Evidence to Date | Natural Medicine Journal

Iodine Deficiency Disorders | NCBI

Goiter | Mayo Clinic