==Special Precautions of Kombu==
* Do not confuse with [[Kombucha]]
* Pregnancy Complications : Kombu has been used to manually dilate a pregnant woman's cervix -- the small opening at the base of the uterus -- and induce labor. Unfortunately, this use of kombu may cause severe pregnancy complications for the mother and baby. Infection, cervical rupture and infant death may occur following treatment with kombu. For this reason, expectant mothers should not use kombu unless otherwise directed by a physician.
* Thyroid Gland Problems : As an iodine-rich supplement, kombu may significantly elevate the levels of iodine in your bloodstream. Iodine stimulates your thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. High levels of iodine may result in the overproduction of thyroid hormone, a condition called hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include fatigue, heart rate changes, loose and soft stools, weight loss, and profuse sweating. If you develop any of these symptoms while taking kombu, seek additional care from your doctor.
* Contraindications : Treatment with kombu is not appropriate for everyone. If you have a pre-existing thyroid gland disease, such as goiter, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or kidney problems, you should not take kombu. Improper use of kombu may worsen symptoms associated with your health condition.
* Consuming large amounts of kombu can actually backfire on you because kombu consists of indigestible cellulose or non-soluble fiber. Even taking a teaspoon or tablespoon of kombu powder, which appears finely ground, can feel like shrapnel to your colon because it is an insoluble substance. Diarrhea or constipation is likely to occur in those who start eating kombu in larger quantities than their bodies are accustomed to.
* Medication Interactions : Kombu may interact with certain medications. Avoid using kombu in conjunction with digoxin, ACE inhibitors, potassium supplements, and potassium-sparing diuretics or water pills. Kombu is a high-potassium supplement and may inadvertently elevate your potassium levels to unhealthy levels when used in conjunction with these drugs. In addition, do not take kombu if you are also taking thyroid hormone, because this treatment combination may raise your risk of developing high blood levels of thyroid hormone.
* Although Kombu has many health benefits, it does not provide adequate supply of vitamin B12 which is vital for a strong nervous system, and vitamin D required for absorption of calcium in the body.