How Often Should You Take Sea Moss?

Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, is a type of algae or seaweed that is marketed as a superfood and is used in a variety of health supplements.

However, those who are new to the world of sea moss might be curious to know: how often should you take sea moss?

In this article, I cover some key information about sea moss, from whether sea moss is safe to take every day to the time it takes to work.

So, let’s get started.

Is it safe to take sea moss every day?

Sea moss is a sea plant that’s similar to other seaweeds and algae. The most common variety in commercial products is red and often called Irish moss, which is native to the Atlantic shorelines of the Caribbean Islands, North America, and Europe. 

As with seaweed, the nutritional value of sea moss can vary greatly, making it difficult to know exactly what it contains and in what amounts. That being said, it is safe to take sea moss every day, and there are a variety of potential health benefits associated with taking the supplement every day, too.

It is worth noting, however, that research into sea moss is still very limited, so it is important to know that although these are potential health benefits, they are not guaranteed.

Namely, sea moss is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, including:

  • Calcium.
  • Vitamins B12 & B2.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Iodine.
  • Magnesium.
  • Iron.
  • Zinc.

As well as being packed full of nutrients, sea moss can also serve as a prebiotic for your gut, which allows good bacteria to thrive. Sea moss is also packed full of fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system while helping to remove harmful bacteria from your body.

Alongside this, sea moss possesses anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit your overall health if you take it on a daily basis.

Taking sea moss may also support thyroid health as seaweeds are rich in iodine, a micronutrient necessary for healthy thyroid function. That being said, if you have low levels of iodine, taking sea moss could benefit you.

How much sea moss powder should I take every day?

Irish sea moss is loaded with nutrients and minerals - one of the most abundant being iodine, which plays a key role in thyroid function. Generally speaking, the recommended daily dose of sea moss is 1-2 tablespoons or 4 to 8 grams per day. This level of dosage should allow the average person to see the benefits of sea moss without experiencing any of the potential side effects.

There are a few potential negative effects if you take too much sea moss. However, the majority of the adverse side effects of sea moss are subject to change and will depend on the person using it. That being said, it’s advised that you consult your doctor before using any form of sea moss. 

One of the most notable negatives of sea moss is that not much research has been conducted on its benefits and nutritional makeup. As a result, then, you can’t be entirely sure of how beneficial it actually is to consume as the research into it is still relatively new and is ongoing.

While it’s a good source of iodine, the iodine content of sea moss and other seaweeds is highly variable, and can thus put consumers at risk of overconsumption of iodine. That being said, if you are someone with higher levels of iodine then it is not recommended that you take sea moss, and if you wish to you should always consult your doctor beforehand. This is because taking in too much iodine can lead to hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. 

Sea moss may also come with a risk of heavy metal consumption, as seaweed is known to absorb and store heavy metals in high amounts. For instance, if there is heavy metal in the water where the seaweed was collected from, any chemicals that are in that environment will also be in the seaweed. This goes for fish, too, as anything present in the water will naturally find its way into the food chain. 

How long does it take for sea moss to work?

As the research into the benefits of sea moss is still very new, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. Although there are many potential benefits that are associated with consuming seaweed and you may experience the benefits of sea moss that I discuss above, the research into sea moss is still in its infancy. As a result, then, there’s no definitive answer of how long it will take for sea moss to work if you start taking it as a supplement.

That being said, it is worth noting that adding sea moss into your diet isn’t a quick fix, and it takes commitment to lead a nutrient-rich lifestyle. Generally speaking, how long sea moss will take to work will vary from person to person and the type of lifestyle that you choose to lead. If you live a generally healthy life regardless of the supplements that you take, then it is likely that you’re going to see results better than someone who has just started taking the steps to eat better and exercise more frequently.

Life is all about balance, but you also need to supplement a healthy, balanced diet with an active lifestyle to maintain the hard work you’ve put into making changes for the better. No matter how many vitamins and supplements you take, you also need to be leading an active lifestyle to see a real, consistent change in the way you feel and look. Exercise is not only great for your physical health but also your mental wellbeing.

Although supplementing your smoothies with sea moss isn’t going to be a miracle worker, if you are sticking to a healthy lifestyle and a regular workout regime, then you will begin to see results that are motivating and you will ultimately feel better overall.