The human body requires selenium to function optimally. Selenium is a mineral that acts within the cells of the immune system to prevent oxidative stress and DNA damage, which can lead to cancer development. It also helps in reducing inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases like arthritis or lupus.
Selenium is necessary for reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, and some aspects of human development. Since the body needs selenium to function correctly, it is recommended that healthy adults under 60 years old take 55 micrograms of selenium per day. Though the amount of selenium required by an individual will vary, the average intake should fall around 55 micrograms per day.
Minerals, in general, are frequently neglected as a fundamental component of good health. Selenium is one of those minerals classified as an essential mineral for human health.
Selenium is classified as an essential trace element, which means that it must be obtained from external sources rather than produced within the body. Selenium is a trace mineral that doesn't require large amounts to benefit, but it's still essential for optimal health.
Selenium combines with vitamin E to become an even more potent antioxidant in the body. It's also essential for thyroid health and functioning. In addition, it works in tandem with vitamin C to help protect the body's immune system and is a potent antioxidant that aids in the formation of glutathione, the master antioxidant.
Selenium for Thyroid Health
The thyroid gland accounts for the most significant proportion of selenium in our bodies, and the thyroid gland must produce T3. So when your body runs short on selenium, it cannot convert T4 into T3, resulting in hypothyroidism.
Thyroid disease is the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism. Weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, puffiness, poor digestion, and anemia are signs of thyrotoxicosis. Selenium supplementation can aid in the recovery or decrease the severity of hypothyroid symptoms while also bringing the thyroid back into a healthy state.
Selenium is a Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants are compounds in meals that assist us in staying young, protect our DNA, and combat free radicals in our bodies. Excess inflammation, stress, poisons, and a poor diet generate free radicals. They are harmful by-products of everyday existence that result from overindulgence.
Excess oxidative stress can cause heart disease, strokes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and early aging. Antioxidants are present in many foods as well as supplements. Selenium-rich treatments and foods work the best to mitigate oxidative damage and safeguard the body.
Selenium for Hearth Health
Selenium is an essential trace element that helps maintain a healthy immune system. According to studies that show low levels of selenium linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, heart disease can be prevented by consuming a diet high in selenium.
According to the study, selenium supplementation reduced heart disease by 24 percent in this survey of 25 observational research studies.
It is thought that high cholesterol levels result from inflammation in the body, which causes plaque to form in the blood vessels. Selenium reduces inflammation throughout the body, lowering the incidence of plaque buildup and blood clots that can cause strokes and heart attacks.
Selenium's antioxidant activity and ability to decrease oxidative damage effectively prevent the development of plaque in blood vessels, which leads to heart disease and strokes.
Selenium for the Prevention of Cancer
Selenium has a remarkable capacity to prevent and combat cancer even in trace amounts. In addition, there is a significant link between blood selenium levels and the risk of various malignancies.
This is because selenium aids in cell DNA repair. When DNA is damaged, normal cells do not grow properly, and cancer cells may develop instead.
According to one publication in a well-known cancer journal, Selenium supplementation has "proved beneficial in numerous diseases and conditions." Furthermore, according to the literature, low, non-toxic levels of selenium can “protect against cancer”.
Selenium Strengthens the Immune System
Our immune systems are responsible for several life-sustaining functions, such as fighting off harmful organisms, viruses, and fungi. Our immune systems also combat infection and assist in the healing process throughout the body. When the immune system is compromised, it may become hyperactive and attack the body. This results in an autoimmune condition, which manifests in various systems.
Selenium has antioxidant properties that help decrease inflammation and protect the immune system by lowering oxidative stress. As a result, immune systems begin to function correctly, and immunity to disease, infection, and autoimmune reactions is enhanced.
Selenium deficiency impairs the immune system's ability to fight infections. As a result, patients with more severe illnesses such as influenza A, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C can also profit from selenium supplements.
Selenium aids in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections, cancer cells, and herpes virus. It also affects cholesterol levels and promotes skin healing after burns.
Selenium aids in the maintenance of healthy skin, and shampoos containing selenium can help with dandruff.
Selenium and Zinc on the Immune System
Selenium is a mineral that functions with zinc to regulate the immune system. It is an essential trace mineral that can enhance the body's natural protection against free radicals. Selenium also increases antibody response by helping white blood cells function properly.
Selenium and Bromelain on the Immune System
Bromelainis an enzyme that is known to break down proteins. When selenium and bromelain are taken together, it creates a natural antioxidant that boosts the immune system. This strengthens the body's defenses against illness and disease by helping to regulate the production of white blood cells, which work with T-cells to fight infection.
So, what are T-cells? These white blood cells help keep the immune system strong and healthy by attacking infections or foreign substances to prevent disease or illness.
By combining increasing the production of these cells with bromelain's ability to break down proteins, selenium can improve the immune system's resistance against illnesses.
Selenium and Quercetin on the Immune System
Selenium is an essential trace element found in Brazil nuts, mushrooms, onions, and garlic. It has several functions in cellular metabolism, but its role on the immune system is of particular interest since it has been linked to the control of inflammatory diseases, cancer prevention, and even autoimmune processes.
Quercetinis a flavonoid compound found in blueberries, citrus fruits, and grapes. It has been associated with a range of positive health effects such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties.
The combination of the two powerful entities - selenium and quercetin - has reduced tumor growth in mice by suppressing angiogenesis. In addition, selenium and quercetin have anti-inflammatory properties useful in a chronic active inflammation disorder like Crohn's disease.
Food Sources of Selenium
Selenium can be found in small amounts in whole grains, milk and cheese products, seafood, and meat. Unfortunately, the selenium content of food depends on the concentration of selenium within the soil where the plants or animals were grown or raised. As a result, many populations worldwide do not get enough selenium in their diets.
The most effective approach to acquiring selenium is through your diet. Brazil nuts (which have a lot of selenium) and halibut are two examples of foods that contain high amounts of selenium. Chicken, eggs, sardines, yellowfin tuna, oysters, sunflower seeds, shiitake mushrooms are other good sources.
A few herbs that contain selenium include yellow dock, yarrow, sarsaparilla, rose hips, raspberry leaf, peppermint, parsley, nettle, milk thistle, lemongrass, hops, ginseng, garlic, fennel seed, chamomile, cayenne, burdock, alfalfa.
Symptoms of not having enough selenium in your diet are:
- Thyroid hormone deficiency/Hashimoto's disease
- Your immune system is poorly functioning.
- Infertility or sterility
- Fatigue
- Brain Fog
- Hair loss
Symptoms of having high levels of selenium can include:
- Arthritis
- Brittle nails
- Garlicky breath odor
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Hair loss
- Irritability
- Liver and kidney impairment
- A metallic taste in the mouth
Selenium is beneficial for the human body because it is involved in many immune processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis or programmed cell death, and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, selenium controls inflammatory responses to infections through its effects on adaptive immunity (antibody-mediated response) and innate immunity (innate immune response). Selenium can also function in the thyroid gland. Thyroid disease is often characterized by excessive inflammation due to autoimmune processes, which selenium could help control.
Seen above are several essential interactions between selenium and immune system components, especially glutathione peroxidase and selenium. These interactions show how selenium is part of a healthy immune system but could also help treat pathologies in the immune system by participating in biochemical pathways within cells' nuclei.
Selenium is required for both functions, as it boosts antibody production by helping with cell division and fights off free radicals with its antioxidant properties. This mineral also regulates how often T-cells divide, essential for a properly functioning immune system.
Selenium for Mental Health
Selenium has undoubtedly received more study than any other vitamin in its impact on depression and anxiety.
In 1991, a study published in Biological Psychiatry by Benton & Cook, "The influence of selenium supplementation on mood," showed an excellent link between depressive symptoms and selenium in 50 British people.
In their double-blind study, people got either a placebo or 100 mcg selenium each day. The intake of selenium in the diet was estimated through a food frequency questionnaire.
Selenium is a trace mineral that has been found to be beneficial in treating anxiety and depression. The people who ate the most selenium had the most significant mood boost and lower anxiety levels. Conversely, as seen by studies, selenium supplementation reduced anxiety, depression, and tiredness in those with low levels of selenium in their diet.
Studies have found an association between lower selenium consumption and an increased risk of depression.
Whether you're an individual who wants more energy or a parent looking for ways to keep their children healthy, incorporating foods rich in selenium into your diet will help improve overall wellbeing.
Immune Support Supplement
You can also find selenium in our Immune Support Supplement, which has been specifically designed to provide high doses of nutrients that have been found to reduce the incidence of infection and calm inflammation within the body. With the addition of bromelain, zinc and quercetin to Immune Support, this supplement will ensure you are getting the most of the quercetin you consume.
If you have any questions about using this product to support your health goals, please reach out to us and/or consult a health practitioner before beginning use.
