Fact or Fiction: Does Sea Moss Make You Poop?

Nature has treasures to hunt. In this digital world where we are slouching instead of rising, health issues have risen with an alarming rate. Many of us tend to neglect one such ailment called constipation. Do you know that 16 out of 100 adults have these symptoms? Scientists and researchers have been trying to find out one effective yet organic superfood that can make things right or, say, make you poop. One natural ingredient that has gained limelight and is being endorsed worldwide is sea moss called Irish moss. The COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed sea moss as one of the most trending health products. Hence the question comes, does sea moss make you poop? If yes, then let us find out in this article.

Story of Origin:

Sea moss is a variety of seaweed that occurs naturally and grows along the coasts of the rocky Atlantic Ocean, primarily between North America and Europe. Before gaining this huge stardom, the countries of the Caribbeans, and Northern America used it as a traditional medicine for ages.

The scientific name of sea moss is Chondrus Crispus. Depending upon the place and geography it thrives, we can find many seaweed colors varying from golden yellow to brown or even in shades of pink and purple.

In the United States, it has been used as a thickening agent called carrageenan for ice creams, yogurts, milkshakes, etc.

Also Read: How Does Prodigiosa Herb Prevent Constipation?

Sea Moss Nutrients:

It is considered as a nutrient-rich dietary product. The reason behind it being beneficial for us is the nutritional composition it has. It is not only a good source of fiber, but it is rich in various other life-favoring nutrients like several Vitamins and Minerals.

1. Sea Moss is High in Dietary Fiber

The enthralling question that has gained major attention, “Does Sea Moss Make You Poop?” will be answered with its dietary fiber-rich content.

• Sea moss is an excellent source of dietary fiber. It mainly helps those people who are suffering from digestive and constipation issues.
• Constipation is a condition when the patient cannot pass the stool. Sea moss provides bulk to it, which gives rise to natural bowel movement and reduces constipation.
• When our system is empty, it can repair itself and is proactive.

2. Sea Moss is a Good Source of Vitamins

Sea moss is indeed a good source of many Vitamins which are very critical for our well-being. Its Vitamin-rich content is another reason to involve it in our daily diet.

Rich Source of Vitamin C

• It is a water-soluble Vitamin, which means our body cannot store it.
• It is one of the most critical Vitamins as it will determine our immune response.
• It is also a good antioxidant. It saves our bodies from oxidative stress.

Abundant Source of Vitamin A

• It is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found abundantly in sea moss.
• It mainly takes care of our vision and immune system.
• It is good for organs like the heart and lungs.

Good Source of Vitamin E

• It is a fat-soluble vitamin that protects our skin from many problems.
• It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Sea Moss is Rich in Vitamin B1, B2 and B3

• Vitamins B1, B2, and B3 are known as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. All are water-soluble and are very important for our well-being.
• Vitamin B1 and B2 are vital for energy production.
• Vitamin B3 safeguards our nervous system, digestive system, and skin.

3. It is a Good Source of Minerals

It is a fact that it is indeed a good source of many minerals, which are very critical to maintaining our overall health.

Rich in Iodine

• It is a critical source of iodine and is very important for the thyroid gland.
• The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland, which is the master gland of our endocrine system.
• The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland manage the metabolic functions, growth, and development of our bodies.

Good Source of Potassium

• Potassium is a mineral that is critical for heart and muscle health.
• It also moves the nutrients and waste across the body’s cells.

Sea Moss is Rich in Magnesium

• Magnesium plays a vital role in managing blood sugar levels.
• It is good for our bones, nerves, and muscles.

4. Sea Moss is High on Antioxidants

• The presence of Vitamin C, Flavonoid, and Phenolic Compounds makes it an excellent antioxidant.
• Antioxidants are very necessary to keep good health as they can combat the oxidative stress produced by free radicals.
• Over time, our body can accumulate certain toxins known as free radicals. They can give rise to many chronic diseases that may include high Blood pressure.

5. Sea Moss is Rich in Phytonutrients

These are bioactive compounds that are mainly found in plants and particularly in different seaweeds. They are also known as phytochemicals, which improve metabolic activities and can regulate physiological processes. Some phytonutrients found in sea moss are,

Flavonoid

• They are known for neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects. They can prevent damage at neural and cardiac levels.
• They are anticancer, antioxidant, and have antiviral properties.
• Being an antioxidant, it can protect the body from various chronic diseases by flushing out free radicals.

Tannins

• They can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Being anti-inflammatory, it reduces body inflammation and provides relief in many conditions.
• It can lower the cholesterol level and enhance the immune system.

Phenolic Compounds

• It has antioxidant properties.
• Aid in hypertension and neurodegenerative diseases.

Read more: Is Sea Moss Good for Diabetes?

Does Sea Moss Make You Poop?

Popping is the body’s alternative mechanism to flush toxins and undigested waste. Regularity and the right consistency make our body free from troubles. After looking at the composition of sea moss, it is filled with fiber, which can range from 23% to a whopping 64%. Due to this fiber-rich content, a bulk is added to stool, which makes it easier to pass through our excretory system.

1. Laxative Effect of Magnesium

One of the core components of sea moss is a mineral called magnesium, known for its laxative effect. It means it will help in emptying the bowel easily by aiding necessary movements in it. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stated that 100 grams of sea moss has 144 mg of magnesium. 

2. Probiotic Action of Sea Moss

It is interesting to know that sea moss has a prebiotic action. The high fiber content keeps the gut healthy by promoting beneficial bacterial growth in the intestine.

3. What Other Things Can We Do?

• Proper gut cleansing and an active lifestyle are the two pillars to make our gut healthy and protect our body from disorders like constipation.
• We should keep our bodies hydrated. Drinking fluids can keep the electrolyte level healthy, which can, again, promote a healthy gut.
• We should do some light abdomen stretching exercises.
• Always drink hot water before going to take a poop.

Also Read: How Does Burro Banana Improve the Digestive Health?

Webstory on “Does Sea Moss Makes You Poop: Exploring the Digestive Impact”

Resolving Doubts Around Sea Moss

There can be many doubts that can arise in our minds as we start to incorporate an unknown dietary supplement into our main diet. Sea moss is a revolutionary thing to answer many new-age problems, and constipation is one of them. Besides checking its nutritional content and connecting with the possible benefits, some questions need to be answered.

1. Can Sea Moss Make You Constipated?

• No, sea moss is known to aid relief in constipation. Its dietary fiber-rich content can generate natural bowel movement after adding bulk to the stool and softening it to pass through the excretory system. 
• The effect of sea moss can vary according to individual body. Some can experience a change in their bowel movements, while others can feel bloated if they do not keep their body hydrated.

2. Does Sea Moss Make You Poop Look Black?

No, sea moss cannot do such things. The color of your poop can hide many facts behind it, like the food that you ate before and the substances that your body processes during digestion. Majorly it has seen the color of your poop can be a result of food supplements, medication, or consuming specific food.

Supplements That Can Turn Poop Black

Majorly,if you are on some iron supplements.

Food Items That Can Turn Poop Black

Consuming dark-colored foods like blueberries, black licorice, and dark chocolates.

Medication That Can Turn Poop Black

Use of Pepto-Bismol can turn your poop black.

Black Poop Due to Gastrointestinal Bleeding

This can be a serious health concern as black poop can also be caused by intestinal bleeding. The color of poop is quite different from the temporary darkening of poop due to food items.

3. Does Sea Moss Make You Poop Mucus

• No, sea moss itself does not cause such a thing. It is known for its high fiber content, which can help to solve our constipation problem. Moderation is the key here. We recommend seeing a healthcare expert to determine a safe number of dosages.
• Some individuals can experience a change in bowel movements and mucus production when they overconsume it.

Some Notable Side Effects

Sea Moss has been used for many centuries as a part of a balanced diet. It can provide many health benefits, and people tend to take it without consulting a healthcare expert, which can be dangerous sometimes. Although it is considered safe for human consumption, there can be side effects to Sea Moss, which we should know once we start consuming it regularly. Some of them are,

1. The high Iodine Content of Sea Moss Can Mess with Our Bodies.

• Sea Moss is high in iodine, an essential mineral for our body. We require it to make thyroid hormones. It is the most critical hormone that controls metabolism and various other important functions of the body. The criticality of this hormone can be understood by the fact it is essential for brain and bone development during pregnancy.
• When there is high iodine content in the body first thing that is affected is the proper functioning of the thyroid, which can lead to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
• If you already have an underlying heart condition, then iodine-induced hyperthyroidism can be dangerous.

2. Sea Moss Can Cause Allergic Reactions

Some people may be allergic to types of seaweed or, in particular, sea moss. As early symptoms, itching, skin redness, and shortness of breath can be experienced. In that case, immediately consult a doctor before it worsens.

3. Sea Moss Can Affect Our Digestion 

• Sea Moss is a very good source of dietary fiber, which has tons of benefits. The most prominent benefit is it prevents constipation by adding bulk to stool and creates natural bowel movements.
• Once we start taking sea moss as a part of our regular diet, there can be an abrupt change in fiber intake. This can cause certain abdominal discomforts like bloating, gas, and even diarrhea. 
• Moderation is the key here. That is why we should slowly increase the consumption of sea moss or consult a doctor for recommendations.

4. It Can be Contaminated

• It can be a big threat because contaminated sea moss can adversely affect our health.
• Contamination can depend on the source and the way it is harvested. Heavy metals or pollutants are the main reasons for this.
• For tested and high-quality products, always buy sea moss from a reputable source.

5. Interaction With Other Medicines

• Sea moss can interact with other medicines. The worst it can do is by inhibiting the absorption of the medical salt and reducing the efficacy of the medicine.
• If you are under medication for any chronic diseases like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism or taking a blood thinner like aspirin, consult with your doctor before getting dependent on it.

Conclusion

Does Sea Moss Make You Poop? Most definitely, it can. It is found in many studies that the core of good health depends a lot on the condition of our gut. People around the world are largely affected by constipation and its related symptoms. A free gut in the morning can make it blissful, but sadly, we struggle to clean our system properly. Constipation can give rise to many diseases, including some chronic diseases. Sea moss has a good content of fiber, which makes it a savior in many ways. With all the benefits that we have discussed in this blog, we recommend consulting a healthcare expert before including sea moss in your diet and urge you to carefully start using it, keeping an eye on the possible side effects.

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