What you need to know about the benefits and sources of selenium

Selenium is a mineral found in water, soil and some foods. Selenium is needed to produce an enzyme called selenium protein, which has antioxidant properties. This enzyme helps the body's cells. To stand against the destructive effects of free radicals. Selenium also helps produce another enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which plays an important role in removing waste and destructive substances from the body from toxic metals to chemicals.

The thyroid gland also uses selenium to produce T4 hormone. Selenium also plays an important role in converting T4 hormone to T3 hormone, and one of the reasons why hypothyroidism is so common today, especially in women, is the lack of iodine and selenium in the diet. is.



Unfortunately, doctors prescribe alternative hormone pills, such as levothyroxine, to treat hypothyroidism instead of regulating the amount of minerals the thyroid gland needs to function. Taking hormone replacement pills never cures the disease and only reduces and controls some of its symptoms, and usually patients continue to experience problems such as lack of energy, hair loss, etc., despite the use of hormone replacement pills. .

The immune system needs the elements selenium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E and other nutrients to function properly. Selenium makes the best use of vitamin E, which plays an important role in strengthening the immune system.

Some research shows that selenium deficiency increases the risk of skin and prostate cancer in the first place.

Other research shows that taking selenium supplements for 6 months between 100 and 200 micrograms per day reduces a type of lipoprotein, also called bad cholesterol (LDL), but this positive effect of selenium on the reduction. Bad cholesterol is for those who suffer from selenium deficiency and it can be concluded that one of the side effects of selenium deficiency in the body is the increase of bad cholesterol.

Selenium is used by the body for many other biochemical activities, the most important of which were mentioned in this article.



The amount of selenium the body needs:

Adults: Adult women (19+ years) need 55 micrograms, adult men (19+ years old) need 70 micrograms, pregnant women 65 and lactating women 75 micrograms of selenium per day.

Children: 0 to 6 months 10 micrograms, 6 to 12 months 15 micrograms, 1 to 6 years 20, 7 to 10 years 30, 11 to 14 years 45 and 15 to 18 years need 50 micrograms of selenium per day.



Food sources of selenium:

Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, garlic, brewer's yeast, raisins, seashells, fish, wheat germ and chicken are good sources of selenium.

Because Brazilian almonds are high in selenium, you should not overdo it.

Symptoms and problems associated with selenium deficiency in the body:

Hypothyroidism, hair loss, decreased immune system function, skin and nail problems, and high cholesterol are some of the problems associated with selenium deficiency in the body.

HIV / AIDS, smoking, living in polluted cities, stress, exercise, and strenuous physical activity increase the need for selenium.



Selenium supplements:

Selenium supplements are produced in different doses by different laboratories.

Avoid taking dietary supplements without consulting your doctor. Excess elements in the body, such as their deficiency, can cause various problems.

Excessive use of selenium supplements in doses of more than 400 micrograms per day can cause liver poisoning, hair loss, nausea, extreme tiredness, blood clots and other complications.