Salenium

What is Selenium?

Selenium is a trace mineral that comes from soil, and is needed by almost every cell in the body. Over the last two decades, it has gained tremendous prominence due to a variety of studies that show it to be an extremely potent nutrient that can help counter some of the leading disorders, diseases, and causes of death.

How can it benefit you?

Selenium functions as one of the most powerful known antioxidants, believed to be 200 to 500 times more potent than Vitamin E, another well known antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are highly reactive chemical substances within the body that can cause cellular damage, leading to premature aging and disease.

Studies have shown that this amazing mineral can help prevent many forms of cancer and protect the health of the heart, by acting as a blood thinner, and improving the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL).

Additional studies have also shown that those cancer patients with the lowest levels of selenium developed more tumors, and survived for a shorter time period when compared against those taking in more of this mineral.

Selenium may also benefit people who suffer from arthritis, psoriasis, and eczema because it harbors anti-inflammatory properties. Also noteworthy is its ability to protect the integrity of eyesight, counter such conditions as macular degeneration and cataracts.

Lastly, selenium is also able to boost the strength of the immune system, fighting off bacteria and viruses and has the ability to chelate (pull out) heavy metals (toxins) such as Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury.

Precautions

Sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. It is not recommended that people take over 600 mcg of selenium per day for prolonged periods of time. 900 mcg of this mineral has been known to cause toxicity symptoms, such as skin rashes, nervousness, fatigue, hair loss, and nausea. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) stands at 70 mcg for men and 55 mcg for women.

Opinion

Selenium is clearly a very special mineral, backed by numerous studies from prestigious Universities. Because so many of the most devastating illnesses are believed to be caused by free radical damage, selenium's role as an extremely potent antioxidant should warrant it strong consideration as part of anyone's supplement regimen. Of course, those with a preexisting medical condition should talk to their doctor before first.

Tips on Choosing a Selenium Supplement

Selenium works synergistically with other antioxidants, especially Vitamin E. A comprehensive formula maximizing its benefits should contain: Alpha-Lipoic acid, beta carotene, green tea extract, and Vitamin C and E.
As mentioned above, for long term use we believe people should opt to stay around the RDA allowance for this mineral, unless one is taking selenium for a specific therapeutic purpose. Experts generally agree that a dosage between 50 mcg to 400 mcg will not create any adverse side effects. Over 600 mcg per day, on the other hand, should probably not be sustained for too long.
Choose a selenium supplement that comes in the chelated form. Chelated minerals are ones that are bound to a protein molecule that facilitates their transport into the bloodstream. In short, they are much better absorbed.

What is Selenium?

It is a trace mineral that is not too dissimilar to sulphur. It is needed in very small quantities but is essential to human health.

Why is it needed?

Selenium is essential for the formation of a powerful antioxidant by the name of glutathione peroxidase, which may protect the body from cancer.

It is needed for healthy immune-function as it stimulates the activity of white blood cells.

It is also needed to activate thyroid hormones.

Where is it found?

Brazil nuts have the highest concentration of selenium. It is also found in yeast, broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, organ meat, radishes, garlic, onions, whole grains and seafood too.

What happens if you are deficient?  

Most people are probably slightly deficient in selenium, yet deficiencies on a scale whereby they have an adverse effect on health are rare in the Western world.

People with AIDS have been reported to be low in levels of selenium, and there appears to be a link between depleted levels and heart disease.

What conditions has it been used to treat?

Primary: 

• Cancer - (risk reduction) due to its antioxidant properties.
• Arthritis - good results have been reported by vets who have used injectable selenium/vitamin E in the treatment of arthritis in dogs and various other animals.
• Heart disease - just like vitamin E and C, selenium helps protect against the build-up of artery clogging fats that damage blood vessel walls.

 Secondary: 

• Asthma

How much is normally taken?

Even if you do get enough selenium from your diet, you need to take a supplement if you are to benefit from the protection it offers against cancer and heart disease.

Supplementing with 100 and 200 mcg daily is often recommended by nutritional therapists.

Are there any contraindications or side effects?  

Overdosing on selenium (taking over 1,000 mcg per day) can cause loss of fingernails, adverse effects on the nervous system and skin rashes.