Selenium

Originally, selenium was considered toxic to the body. Discovered in 1817, it was not until the 1950s that it was revealed as a major antioxidant in the human body.

What is selenium?

Selenium is a trace element (that is to say that the body only needs it in very small quantities) which contributes to the proper functioning of the body. Selenium is good for the cell against oxidative stress, against the toxic effects of heavy metals, alcohol, tobacco smoke and various atmospheric pollution.

There is no organic transporter specific to selenium such as glycinates or pidolates. It is the form of selenium itself which is more or less assimilable. L-selenomethionine is produced from living yeast in the presence of selenium. This form is highly bioavailable because it is organic selenium in its most metabolized form. Selenium is very well known for its antioxidant properties. Its action is favored by the simultaneous absorption of vitamins C and E, as well as by the presence of ß – carotene.

In the context of coronary pathologies, your health practitioner or doctor could combine selenium with magnesium, potassium and copper for effective therapeutic assimilation. 

Selenium is a molecule that cannot be synthesized by the body itself. Therefore, it must be brought into the human body, either through food or by good quality food supplements. 

Ensure a good quality nutritional intake.

Selenium also has other benefits

• it protects cells against oxidative stress

• it contributes to normal spermatogenesis

• it contributes to the maintenance of normal nails and hair

• it contributes to the normal functioning of the natural defense system

• it helps support cells against oxidative stress

It is also indicated in case of selenium deficiencies. 

The foods with the most selenium are Brazil nuts, because a single nut provides the daily intake of selenium. We also find oysters, tuna, certain mushrooms. Whole grains are also rich in selenium. But also in garlic, pineapple, sunflower seeds, brewer's yeast, seafood, oily fish such as herring, tuna or salmon. Egg yolk also contains a lot, but it all depends on the quality of the eggs. Prefer organic eggs from live hens in the open air. Selenium is found in the land and therefore in the main diet of poultry. Battery eggs do not have an interesting amount of selenium.

Non-organic food is grown in poor land, pulverized and damaged by modern industrialization. A varied diet is important, but only if it is of organic quality, grown in healthy soil. Otherwise, opt for supplements from quality laboratories.

Selenium as a major antioxidant

Selenium is one of the organic substances known to protect against free radicals. In addition, this trace element plays a major role in the action of removing heavy metals. Indeed, it helps the body to evacuate cadmium, mercury, lead or even aluminum via the urine. Its role is major in the cleansing of the body of various and toxic pollution such as alcohol, tobacco or environmental pollution.

Selenium acts in collaboration with many enzymes, it therefore behaves like a coenzyme. It is therefore considered as a cofactor for other enzymes. By combining with glutathione peroxidase, it protects the body against the attack of free radicals. This effect then prevents damage to cell membranes and the nucleus.

The ideal supplement to strengthen the immune system

In fusion with vitamin E, selenium is a perfect nutritional supplement to fight against weakened immune defenses. Ideal in winter when the body's defenses decrease.

Essential trace elements with anti-cancer properties

Selenium has anti-cancer properties through its immuno-stimulating and antioxidant capacities. By including a cure of quality food supplements as part of cancer support, the malignant cells no longer proliferate and avoid multiplying endlessly.

Selenium, a major player in the fight against cardiovascular diseases

Selenium protects the body by controlling the amount of red blood cells while accelerating lipid metabolism. Selenium also regulates blood pressure for people with hypertension or hypotension.

The treatment of asthma with this nutritional supplement

A selenium supplement could help and accompany treatment for asthma. Selenium appears to improve symptoms in patients with chronic asthma.

The essential action on the large thyroid

This essential trace element participates in the activation of thyroid hormones. Selenium therefore has a role in the activity of the thyroid gland.

Selenium deficiencies

Infants who are not breastfed and fed exclusively cow's milk may suffer from selenium deficiency. In fact, cow's milk does not have enough to cover the needs of the child.

People on a poor diet are prone to deficiencies. Bowel disease like Crohn's can also be a deficiency factor in some people.

For adults, deficiencies are marked by:

• liver problems

• pancreatic insufficiency

• male sterility

• various infections or muscle pain

• premature aging of the body and skin

• certain cancers

• iron deficiency (a lack of selenium limits the absorption of iron)

• growth problems and even mental retardation.

Be alert to all of these symptoms and see a doctor who will order a blood test to check the level of selenium in the blood.

Green tea activates the leakage of selenium in the urine.

Excesses in selenium

The body can also suffer from a poor selenium dosage. If the intake is too high - beyond 400 to 500 μG - the body reacts by expressing uncomfortable symptoms such as, for example, skin rashes, fever, gastrointestinal disorders, muscular discomfort, a metallic taste in the mouth. In the most severe cases, damage to the nervous system may appear.

Brazil nuts are rich, limit their consumption to 2 nuts per day. Two nuts provide the daily amount recommended for humans.