Julie (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/28/2011:
Warning
I want to warn people that not all kelp powder is safe to take due to its heavy metal contamination. My husband and I have supplemented with powdered kelp at the suggestion of our naturopath, for 28 years. Although I had a hair analysis done about 10 years ago in the USA, nothing showed re the arsenic levels. Fortunately this product was safe. However, after returning to Australia, we started consuming King Island kelp from 'pristine waters' south of Australia. Less than twelve months later, our hair started to fall out, we had mental confusion, lack of energy and failing memory, to name a few symptoms. Our son suggested another hair analysis and the results were horrific - both of us were off the chart with arsenic overload. Blood and urine tests confirmed this. Lab testing of a kelp sample found considerable arsenic - organic and inorganic. We bought what was advertised as organic kelp, which means nothing, we now realize, as it was not certified organic. When I see kelp mentioned as an alternative to iodine, I shudder!!!
Kelp grows on rocks at the bottom of the sea, some of which contain arsenic. If heavy metals drain into the waters, the kelp naturally absorbs them readily. You may even be consuming one of the nasty brothers, such as cadmium, mercury, etc. without realizing it.
We are now taking Lugol's Iodine (2%) among other supplements for detoxing and have found Dr. Brownstein's experience and knowledge of great assistance.
I hope this saves someone the misery we have gone through over the last five years.
Jarret (Calgary, Ab, Canada) on 03/09/2011:
Warning
Seaweed, Kelp, are high in arsenic and mercury. I was doing research into taking these as a 'natural' form of iodine. I changed my mind after reading up on it. Liquid Iodine and Acv has been working well for me.
Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA) on 08/15/2009:
How bad is glutamic acid in nori? When the glutamic acid isn't added, but is simply a part of the food, is it equally as harmful? Nori is mysteriously delicious....
EC: Excerpt from a NYTimes Dining & Wine article: "Professor Kirshenbaum responded that nori contains a high concentration of glutamic acid and inosinate, two molecules that create umami flavor. And since two ingredients rich in umami flavor used together can produce a synergistic effect, cheese and truffles, which are often good sources themselves, may not be such odd partners for nori after all." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/dining/09nori.html
More about Glutamic Acid, a flavor enhancer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamic_acid
Abstract entitled: "Health benefits and nutritional properties of nori" http://www.springerlink.com/content/h15t30048j0r0447/
Ann (Worcester, MA) on 05/25/2008:
Kelp: It works wonders for thyroid disorders. It can be given to cats dogs and humans. What ever the problem it will get the job done. Can be purchased at local heath food store. Used in cooking or can be added to pets food.
Fran (Rocky Face, GA) on 02/12/2007:
Please tell those who are asking that I had read where, if ACV was taken up to 36 hours straight right after a stroke, that all symptoms would be reversed. Also, you might like to know that when a person is getting a transplant they should be on kelp as this helps the body to receive and accept the body part. If not on kelp most likely the body will reject as a foreign part. God Bless You , Fran. I use potassium base iodine not sodium. you can read about this on iodinesources.com-- should remove skin tags etc..
Charles (Hillsdale, NY) on 01/18/2007:
Hello Please note that kelp is a well known chelation agent for toxins such as metals. Kelp broth is made by slowly heating a six inch long piece of kelp in 1 quart (pure) water for 1/2 hour minimum. Do not boil, as kelp gets slimey. Leave some small pieces of kelp in broth; discard the rest. Use broth in recipes, especially sukiaki. Remedy from Japan--I read that kelp eliminates over 1200 toxins from body--but somehow recognizes difference between, say, good iron and radioactive iron. High in Iodine, too. A remedy for eliminating toxins.
Fran (Rocky Face, GA) on 01/12/2007:
Kelp is a herb with iodine in it. What I read was if you are going to get an organ transplant be sure and take kelp as it helps your body not to reject the organ.
