If you are struggling with fertility, you are not alone. It is estimated that more than twelve percent (this number keeps rising) of women ages 15-44 have issues with infertility.
Many women are looking into natural remedies to boost their fertility and sea moss is one of them. But what does the science say about sea moss’ ability to affect fertility in women?
This article will address how sea moss might affect fertility, any role it plays in hormones and menstrual cycles, as well as how to safely take it.
Does Sea moss Affect Female Fertility?
Sea moss does not directly affect female fertility. The reason it is used for fertility in women is primarily because of its nutrient-rich nature. That said, because sea moss is such a powerhouse of nutrients like folate and zinc, it is often touted for helping infertility.
In theory, if a woman is having fertility due to not having sufficient levels of certain nutrients needed for healthy hormones and pregnancy, sea moss could very easily provide these nutrients and help the process along.
How does Sea moss Affect Female Fertility?
Sea moss has high levels of folate and zinc. Studies have linked both of these nutrients to improved pregnancy rates. A 2012 study showed that folate is important when trying to conceive and improved the chances of getting pregnant.
A 100 gram serving of sea moss has half the daily recommended dosage (400 micrograms) of folate. This is more than most other superfoods.
Zinc is another important mineral linked to conception and sea moss contains 1.95 milligrams per 100-gram serving. Zinc has been studied in animals for its effect on egg quality.
Although studies on humans with zinc and egg quality have yet to be conducted, it is recommended that zinc be taken when trying to conceive.
Sea moss is a great source of iodine. If you have low iodine levels, this can affect the thyroid. The thyroid controls many different hormones that help the body function. Iodine deficiency can even affect fertility.
Taking sea moss can improve iodine levels for those who are iodine deficient and possibly help with fertility if a woman has infertility as a result of low iodine.
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- What Vitamins Are in Sea Moss? Untold Facts and Benefits
- What is the Best Way to Consume Sea Moss? [Gel, Powder and Pills]
- What is Sea Moss Water? [Benefits + How to Make]
- What is Sea Moss Good For?
Does Sea moss Affect Female Hormones?
Sea moss does not directly affect female hormones. There are no compounds in this plant that either increase or decrease any female hormone.
There are currently no studies to back up any claim that sea moss affects hormones. The main reason sea moss is credited for affecting fertility is because of its nutrient content.
Does Sea moss Increase Female Libido?
In the Caribbean, sea moss is touted for enhancing male libido. There are even claims that sea moss enhances female libido. However, there is no scientific evidence either supporting or refuting this statement.
One theory is that the nutrients in sea moss can provide what may be lacking for certain women and as a result, enhance libido. However, these claims are unsubstantiated for now.
Does Sea moss Affect Menstrual Cycles?
There is no scientific evidence that sea moss affects menstrual cycles directly. Sea moss may indirectly affect menstrual cycles by providing nutrients that may be lacking, such as zinc and folate.
This in turn may help balance cycles, but this is only a theory. Sea moss has anti-inflammatory properties, so as it lowers inflammation in the body it could increase circulation to reproductive organs. However, these theories have not been studied in depth.
How does Sea moss affect menstrual cycles?
Although there is no evidence that sea moss directly affects menstrual cycles, it may indirectly affect menstrual cycles because of its nutrient content. Nutrients like zinc and folate have been shown to affect menstrual cycles.
Zinc supplementation has been shown to prevent menstrual issues like painful cramping. Folate supplementation in women has been shown to affect ovulation and the ovarian cycle by decreasing the risk of anovulation.
Iodine has also been studied for its role in female hormones. A 2017 study found that iodine actually stimulates estrogen receptor signaling, indicating a link between iodine supplementation and the female hormone estrogen.
Since sea moss is a source of iodine, this may be another reason why some women claim it affects menstrual cycles.
Is it okay to take Sea moss during menstruation?
It is fine to take sea moss during menstruation, just make sure to take no more than the recommended dosage. For sea moss gel, a good dosage to start with is one tablespoon daily.
You can slowly work your way up to two tablespoons daily if you want. For sea moss capsules, start by taking one 00 capsule daily and slowly work your way up to two 00 capsules daily over the course of a few weeks.
There is no reason to increase or decrease your daily dosage during menstruation. However, everyone is different so pay attention to how you feel when taking sea moss and adjust your dosage accordingly.
Check Out:
- Real Vs Fake Sea Moss: 14 Ways To Tell Your Sea Moss Is fake
- Can Sea moss make you sick? 14 Side Effects of Sea Moss to Watch Out for
- What is Sea Moss Good For?
- How to Make Sea moss Gel – Two Ways!
- How is Sea Moss Grown, Harvested and Processed? What You Need to Know
Is it Good to take Sea moss While Pregnant?
There is no evidence taking sea moss while pregnant could be harmful. As long as you take the daily recommended amount of sea moss, you should be fine. However, it may be a good idea to check your iodine levels so you can avoid taking too much iodine.
While many women are iodine deficient and need the extra iodine sea moss can provide, there are some women who do not need the extra iodine. Too much iodine can affect the thyroid in a negative way and this is something you do not want to risk, especially during pregnancy.
Another step you can take to avoid too much iodine during pregnancy is to pay attention to the other supplements and foods you are consuming. If any of these contain iodine, it may be a good idea to skip the sea moss.
Always consult with your obstetrician if you are considering starting iodine supplementation or have any questions about the foods and supplements you take during pregnancy.
Can you take Sea moss and Fertility Supplements?
Before taking sea moss with fertility supplements, take a look at the label to see what vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are in the supplements you are taking. If any of the supplements contain iodine, just make sure you are not going over your daily recommended amount when you take sea moss.
Amounts of iodine vary from plant to plant, but generally speaking, you can get around twenty percent of your daily intake of iodine with a small one tablespoon serving of sea moss. This means you need to be careful not to overdo it when you eat other foods and supplements that may contain iodine.
It is a good idea to consult with your health care provider if you have any concerns about taking sea moss with the other supplements you take.
Can too much Sea moss be Bad for You?
Too much of anything can be bad for you and sea moss is just another example. While sea moss is generally healthy and nutritious if taken in the proper dosage, it can have negative effects on the thyroid and other areas of the body if too much is consumed.
The iodine content in sea moss has already been discussed, but it is important to remember that since it contains iodine, overconsumption can affect the thyroid in a negative way by causing goiters or throwing off the hormones the thyroid is responsible for controlling.
In addition, since sea moss and other sea plants are harvested from the ocean, they absorb heavy metals that pose a threat, especially if too much sea moss is consumed.
Levels vary from plant to plant, so it is very difficult to know how much you are getting in your daily dosage. However, a 2017 study showed that the heavy metal levels were not as dangerous as once thought, as long as the plant is consumed in the recommended dosage.
If you take sea moss in capsule form, make sure it is in the smallest amount and from a reputable company, as capsules tend to be more concentrated.
Conclusion
In summary, the nutrients in sea moss have been shown to possibly affect fertility, but sea moss itself has not been studied enough to prove any fertility claims one way or the other. Sea moss is generally safe to consume in the daily recommended dosages and can be taken during menstrual cycles and pregnancy (although you should discuss this with your doctor).
Lastly, as with anything, sea moss can be harmful if taken in excess amounts. Pay attention to other supplements you take along with sea moss to make sure you aren’t getting too much iodine in your diet.
Moderation is key for many aspects of health, and sea moss consumption is definitely one.
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