Fucus

What is it

The Fucus (Fucus vesiculosus) or Sea oak is an algae with flattened and elongated leaves, rich in iodine, which grows along the coasts of the temperate and cold seas of the Northern Hemisphere and is found in abundance in the English Channel.

In phytotherapy, thallus is used, which corresponds to the entire vegetative body of the alga, after drying.

For constipation problems, prebiotics, natural substances, can also be used. Find out what they are by reading this article.

Activities

Fucus is exploited for its high iodine content, an essential element for the proper functioning of the thyroid and to ensure efficient energy metabolism.

An insufficient dietary intake of this element prevents, in fact, the production of adequate quantities of thyroid hormones with the appearance of more or less severe forms of hypothyroidism and structural alterations of the gland (goiter, nodules, etc.).

Since thyroid hormones affect energy metabolism, iodine plays a role in determining the efficiency of the body’s use of nutrients and promoting the loss or gain of body weight.

According to the indications of the Italian Society of human nutrition (SINU), the daily intake levels adequate for iodine are:

Why is it used

Fucus can be used to promote weight loss in the context of a balanced low-calorie diet combined with regular physical activity in overweight or obese subjects.

Its particularly accentuated stimulating action on lipid metabolism also makes it useful for reducing total cholesterol levels while hypoglycemic activity can help normalize blood sugar levels.

The alginates of Fucus also act in the intestine with an osmotic mechanical mechanism: they recall water in the lumen favoring the hydration of the stool. This facilitates peristalsis, that is, the movement of the intestinal walls, and consequently evacuation.

How to use it

Fucus uses the nebulized dry extract titrated in total iodine (minimum 0.05%) and iodine bound to proteins (minimum 0.02%).

The average daily dose to be taken is between 600 and 1000 mg of titrated dry extract, to be divided into two administrations: one upon waking, the second in the early afternoon.

Effects

Typically, at recommended dosages, Fucus is well tolerated. However, due to its stimulating action on the thyroid, if taken in excessive quantities it can cause transient hyperthyroidism recognizable by the appearance of tremors, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia and arterial hypertension.

In addition, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Precautions

Fucus is contraindicated in those who suffer or have suffered from thyroid disorders of any nature and, in particular, diseases associated with an overactivity of the gland (for example, Graves’ disease).

Its use should also be avoided by those with a family history of thyroid disease, especially among first-degree relatives.

In addition, people with heart disease should not take Fucus, especially if they have arrhythmias that accelerate the heart rhythm (tachycardias), atrial fibrillation or high blood pressure.

Its use is not indicated during pregnancy or lactation and should not be used in children, particularly before the age of ten.

Interactions

Fucus extracts, like any food (for example iodized salt) or iodine-rich supplement, should be avoided during therapies involving the intake of thyroid hormones.