Selenium is one of 25 different compounds known as selenoproteins that are produced by the body. Selenium is necessary to regulate thyroid function, thwart cell damage, bolster immunity and support a good inflammation response. Overly high selenium levels in the body are said to be harmful, as like all minerals, selenium is toxic in large doses.
Selenium’s antioxidant properties may help with joint health by quashing free radicals that attack healthy joint tissue. At the time of this writing, however, experts remain unsure of just how selenium works to fight free radicals. Selenium theories include:
- Selenium may protect DNA from free radical damage.
- Selenium may actually trigger the self-destruction of cells detrimental to good health.
- Selenium may boost immune response.
In addition to the many positive selenium outcomes at the laboratory level, the combined results of more than 15 population studies indicate that selenium may benefit prostate health.
Selenium levels
Nutritionists suspect that most adults get all the selenium they need simply by eating a balanced diet. So who needs selenium supplementation?
A surplus of selenium in the body appears to have little effect on good health, unless a person happens to be selenium deficient. And if anyone is considering a self-appointed regimen of selenium as a way to subvert whatever ailment they may have, nutritionists caution to be sure not to ingest too much selenium at once. Nutritionists suggest that you don’t take selenium supplements unless diagnosed with a selenium deficiency.
Good sources of selenium include meat, seafood, dairy products and poultry. Grains, vegetables and some nuts will contain moderate levels of selenium, but only if grown in selenium-rich soil.
There is promising evidence to suggest that selenium may play a role in prostate cancer prevention and also in lung cancer, and the role in the immune system is well-established, she says. Studies have also shown selenium to stop viruses from mutating.
Selenium suppliments can be used to Naturally Stimulate Thyroid.
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