Selenium. Why we don’t speak about it? Why we should?!
Woman | Cancer | Fertility | Hashimoto | Heavy Metal Detox
In my personal and professional opinion this is one of most important mineral that our busy, stressed and “full of cancers” society needs. It is big statement. I know, but science backs my statement. I’ve learned about Selenium and how is important for Cancer support and prevention when my Mum had a breast cancer - since then I researched even more about Selenium over last 13 years and I’m in love with this mineral! I recommend this mineral to any of my female friends! (dose about 100-150 per day for daily support - do not overuse)
Selenium is a MUST FOR EVERY WOMAN - EVERY AGE.
It is a Miracle Mineral.
Don’t get me wrong but when I see all these “cancer campaigns” most of them say “get tested” and “wear something pink” - but something that is lacking is REAL EDUCATION. Which dietary changes can prevent it and importance of minerals like SELENIUM. Please share this knowledge about Selenium with every your female friend, Mum, Sister or Daughter as it can really IMPACT and improve their lives.
Back in August 2021 when I was doing my exam for Certificate in Naturopathy one of the questions was about favorite mineral and why? Here is my response:
“I chose mineral selenium as in my opinion there is not enough attention to such an important mineral.
Role of selenium in human body
Selenium is a very important mineral for cancer and chronic conditions prevention.
It supports body in a big range of mechanisms especially as powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and helps defend body from chronic conditions:
ability to reduce DNA damage and oxidative stress,
boost immune system,
destroy cancer cells
selenium may reduce side effects in people undergoing radiation therapy
lower markers of inflammation in the body
selenium may help lower heart disease risk by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body (oxidative stress and inflammation have been linked to atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in arteries)
selenium supports healing in neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s (as a result of oxidative stress)
is important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and whole hormonal system
plays an essential role in the production of thyroid hormones
Selenium deficiency
is related and was observed in multiple research in:
thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s
cancers
cystic fibrosis
Parkinson’s,
multiple sclerosis
Alzheimer’s
strokes
heart attack
low immune system
HIV
influenza
tuberculosis
hepatitis C
Crohn’s disease
asthma
Like with everything it is important to not overuse. Selenium in too high doses can be very toxic - maximum limit of 400 mcg per day.
Selenium rich food sources:
● Brazil Nuts (up to 6-7 nuts daily)
● Tuna (Yellowfin)
● Shellfish (Oysters)
● Sardines
● Sunflower seeds”
So… like you see now SELENIUM deficiency is behind almost all our main society health problems. Let me repeat that: thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s, cancers, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, strokes, heart attack, low immune system, HIV, influenza, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, asthma. Why is that ? Because Selenium has super important role with detoxification proces - selenium and its role as a glutathione cofactor.
“In cases of selenium deficiency and with the resulting impaired function of glutathione peroxidases destructive hydrogen peroxide breaks down into even more dangerous hydroxyl radical which damages cell membranes and cell DNA eventually leading to serious disease. Selenium is directly involved in preservation of cell membrane integrity and DNA integrity.
The benefits of selenium are the result of the activity of glutathione in our bodies. Research done with selenium proves this connection – low selenium levels are noted in the health conditions that show low glutathione levels. The progression of all these conditions and success with therapies depend on glutathione levels and proper functioning of glutathione peroxidases”
http://www.immunehealthscience.com/benefits-of-selenium.html
Heavy Metal Detox & Selenium
Low levels of Selenium also are responsible for impaired detoxification of heavy metals
arsenic,
cadmium,
mercury
lead
In simple words:
LOW SELENIUM levels = Your body will have a big problem to get rid of toxic HEAVY METALS !
Heavy Metals are present everywhere - including our food, herbicides, pesticides, etc. water supply, medications, canned foods, tooth feelings etc.
Heavy metals are very toxic to our health and wellbeing - and with big load of heavy metals we can’t dream about well functioning IMMUNE SYSTEM.
Like you see SELENIUM is responsible for sooooooo many important functions in the body to protect us from most of main “killers” of our times.
So if you decide to include more of this mineral in your diet or start with suplement - daily recommended dose is 100-150 mcg per day but NO MORE THAN 400 mcg per day !!! As it can be toxic when overused!)
Like with everything always remember about balance
Thank You for reading this article
I hope you will get excited about Selenium as I’m !
…and please remember to share with your friends about Selenium - as these informations can be a missing puzzle in their wellbeing journey |
Thank You! :)
Read more (medical studies & research):
“Higher dietary selenium intakes linked to younger ‘biological age’: Study” https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2020/02/10/Higher-dietary-selenium-intakes-linked-to-younger-biological-age-Study
“Benefits of selenium and its role as a glutathione cofactor” http://www.immunehealthscience.com/benefits-of-selenium.html
“Targeting glutathione S-transferase P and its interactome with selenium compounds in cancer therapy” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30290218/
“Effects of 12 months treatment with L-selenomethionine on serum anti-TPO Levels in Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17696828/
“Selenium deficiency in HIV infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8194134/
“Chapter 24 - Selenium in Fertility and Reproduction” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978012800872000024X
“The biochemistry of selenium and the glutathione system” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21782571/
“A concise review of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and the importance of iodine, selenium, vitamin D and gluten on the autoimmunity and dietary management of HT patients.Points that need more investigation” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28315909/
“Maternal Selenium, Copper and Zinc Concentrations in Early Pregnancy, and the Association with Fertility” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31315178/