Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Kelp
Kelp is definitely high in iodine. Back in the days before iodized salt, when iodine deficiency was a real problem, kelp was a real blessing. But today, iodine deficiency is virtually unheard-of in developed countries. To function normally, the body needs only a minute amount of iodine (150 micrograms a day)-an amount more than supplied by iodized salt. Additional iodine has no significant effect-until you consume enough to cause iodism, which is almost impossible just from eating kelp.
Kelp is a Healing herb today because it contains another chemical (sodium alginate, also known simply as alginate). which is beneficial for health problems unique to the 20th century: radiation exposure, heavy metal toxicity, and heart disease.
Radiation Protection - The sodium alginate in kelp helps prevent absorption of radioactive strontium 90, a by-product of nuclear explosions and nuclear power and weapons facilities. Strontium 90, one of many toxic heavy metals, accumulates in bone tissue and has been linked to several cancers: leukemia, bone cancer, and Hodgkin’s disease. Aboveground nuclear testing released a great deal of strontium 90. Nuclear accidents, including those at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, have also released large quantities. In fact, so much strontium 90 has been released into the atmosphere, the bone tissue of every person on earth probably contains detectable levels.
Many animal studies show alginate supplements reduce strontium-90 absorption by as much as 83 percent. The herb’s anti-strontium effect extends to human children and adults, according to a report in the International Journal of Radiation Biology.
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (now the Nuclear Regulatory Commission) guidelines advocate 3 ounces of kelp a week or 2 tablespoons of alginate supplement a day to prevent strontium-90 absorption.
However, sodium alginate mainly prevents the absorption of newly ingested heavy metals. It works only in the gastrointestinal tract. It has little effect on past exposures. It does not significantly eliminate strontium and other pollutants already deposited in bone and other tissues. But since emissions from nuclear facilities continue to expose us to strontium 90 and other heavy metals, kelp or alginate supplementation is a good idea, especially for anyone who works in a nuclear facility, lives near one, or is occupationally exposed to heavy metals.
Toxic Heavy Metals - Strontium 90 is just one of many toxic heavy metals Studies at McGill University in Montreal show that kelp also protects the body.from several others: barium, cadmium, plutonium, and cesium.
Heart Disease - Some animal studies show kelp may help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. On the other hand, kelp is also high in sodium, which may raise some people’s blood pressure. Salt-sensitive individuals with high blood pressure should not consume large amounts of kelp. Others may include the herb in a comprehensive heart-disease prevention program.
Infection Prevention - Kelp is not an herbal antibiotic, but it does interfere with the growth of some bacteria and fungi. Cuts exposed to seawater are often slow to heal and prone to infection. Kelp might be useful as an emergency bandage for boating, fishing, surfing, and diving injuries.
Myth - Kelp has never been shown to treat arthritis, help the liver or spleen, or treat any sexual infections or reproductive problems.
If thyroid function is normal, kelp does not promote weight loss.
Rx for Kelp
To most people, kelp tastes unpleasant. To take advantage of the protection from environmental pollution that kelp offers, tablets are the way to go. They’re available where supplements are sold. Follow package directions.
If you decide to try an infusion, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried powdered frond per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Low-strength kelp preparations may be given cautiously to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.