Q: I was using a diet patch that contained bladderwrack kelp and garcinia cambogia in a menthol base. It worked in terms of reducing my appetite and urges to eat but after 26 days of using the patch, my skin turned red at the patch site and the right side of my abdomen, laterally from the belly button to the side, began to twitch and give spiking pain.
I also developed a bladder infection which was cleared immediately by Cystex. However, even after I stopped the patch, my abdominal twitching continued, as has the pain. I then started using Cipro which I had at the house from a previous colon issue and the twitching and pain subsided somewhat but is still present. I think the patch caused some type of reaction in my body. I don’t know what it is or how to treat it. What do you think?
A: Fucus vesiculosus a/k/a bladderwrack is a form of kelp readily accessible on the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as countless other locations. It has been used for countless years to make medicines for thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, joint pain, arthritis, digestive disorders, constipation, emphysema, anxiety, UTIs, and other conditions too numerous to mention. Unfortunately, thus far there is insufficient scientific evidence to confirm it is effective for any of the conditions noted. As with many plants that originate from the sea, the product contains varying amounts of iodine, making it a rather inconsistent source of iodine. And, it has been proven that taking bladderwrack may actually hamper rather than help some thyroid conditions. The Natural Medicines Database, indicates there is insufficient evidence to even rate its effectiveness for obesity, arthritis, digestive issues, constipation, thyroid problems, arteriosclerosis, and more. They emphatically state that the product can affect the thyroid and should not be taken by individuals with a thyroid condition. The product may be purchased at most health food stores or natural vitamin facilities in capsule or tablet form, yet according to most sources, it should not be taken orally.
On to garcinia cambogia promoted as a popular weight loss supplement. In 2009 the FDA issued a warning for users to discontinue taking the product because of the potential for serious liver problems. Garcinia contains other products that could, in part, be to blame and this has led to varying opinions on its effectiveness and safety. What is known is that it may have unwanted interactions with asthma and allergy medications such as Singulair and Accolagte, with warfarin an anti-coagulant, with statin drugs taken for hypercholesterolemia, with pain medications, and diabetic meds that include both oral forms and insulin.
An allergic reaction at the site of any patch is not uncommon. When it comes to the spiking pain, remember that bladderwrack is harvested from waters that may be heavily contaminated with arsenic, lead and other metals that can cause kidney and nerve damage. While information varies, one website indicates the patch is possibly safe when applied to the skin but the prolonged high intake of dietary iodine is linked with goiter and an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
It may be that the specific amount of kelp in a patch is minimal. However, I would opt for making better choices when grocery shopping, coordinating a plan of exercise, and erring on the side of caution. And I am sorry to say that as far as the unilateral twitching is concerned, I’m at a loss to explain its cause.
