Selenium is required for many tasks in the body such as immunity, cancer protection, functioning of thyroid, heart, brain, lung and reproductive system.
Selenium is a trace mineral. It is required for nearly 25 special proteins called Selenoproteins that the body makes.
Some of these proteins are antioxidant enzymes that play a role in preventing cell damage. These selenoproteins lower oxidative stress in the body. This reduces inflammation and enhances immunity.
Increased blood levels of selenium are associated with enhanced immune response.
Selenium supplements have shown improvement in symptoms for the patients of hepatitis C, tuberculosis and influenza.
Selenium also helps in DNA synthesis and reduces DNA damage due to oxidative stress.
The boosted immune system helps in destroying cancer cells.
So selenium helps in preventing certain cancers such as those of breast, lung, colon and prostate.
Selenium supplementation was found to reduce side effects of certain cancer treatments such as radiation therapy.
Selenium has been shown to counteract the toxicity of heavy metals such as cadmium, inorganic mercury, methylmercury, thallium and silver.
Our thyroid gland regulates metabolism and controls growth and development.
Selenium deficiency impairs thyroid hormone metabolism by inhibiting enzymes that convert thyroxine or T4, to T3.
Selenium deficiency is linked with thyroid conditions such as autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism.
Several studies have shown that selenium supplementation reduces thyroid peroxidase antibodies, as well as the severity of hypothyroidism symptoms.
Selenium helps in lowering inflammation in the body. C-reactive protein or CRP is a very significant marker of inflammation in the body. Taking selenium supplements has been shown to lower CRP levels in heart patients.
Selenium helps in production of an antioxidant called gluthathione, which is a powerful cellular-level antioxidant.
Atherosclerosis is a heart condition that involves buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in the artery walls. Inflammation and oxidative stress are often the starting causes of atherosclerosis.
Since selenium reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, it helps in protecting against atherosclerosis.
Low levels of selenium have been linked to higher risk of heart disease. In some studies, a 50% increase in selenium concentrations was associated with a 24% reduction in heart disease risk.
Selenoproteins are involved in the diverse functions of the brain including motor performance, coordination, memory and cognition.
Lower blood selenium levels have been observed in Alzheimer’s patients. One small study found that selenium supplementation improved how fluently one could speak as well as other mental functions in patients with mild memory loss.
Just like Alzheimer’s is a brain disease with inflammation and oxidative stress, asthma is the lung disease with inflammation and oxidative stress.
People who have asthma have lower blood levels of selenium. Selenium supplements may help reduce asthma-related symptoms.
Selenium is an essential element involved in reproductive health. It is required for normal reproductive system development.
Selenium deficiency results in several reproductive and obstetric complications including male and female infertility, miscarriage, preeclampsia, foetal growth restriction, preterm labour, gestational diabetes, and obstetric cholestasis.
This video offers research-based information to discerning viewers. It uses conclusions published in renowned medical journals and resources for any health claims.
This channel, Health Sachet, will have regular videos with preventive health tips, on topics such as lifestyle disorders, fitness, and pollution hazard.
Our website:
Our email: health.sachet@gmail.com
Content by:
Madhur Kotharay
Email: madhur@alumni.princeton.edu
Instagram:
Facebook:
LinkedIn:
Twitter:
