SUPER SELENIUM
A crucial nutrient for us
Selenium is derived from metal sulphide ores. It is a chemical element, found on the periodic table (symbol ‘Se’; atomic number ‘34’); One of its biggest commercial uses is that it is used in glassmaking and pigment creation. But what about selenium and the human body? Some experts may point out that it’s dangerous for us to consume too much selenium; yet, while that’s true (and the fact you’d have to consume it in huge amounts to do you serious harm), there’s no question it’s critically important for your body to function properly and effectively.
It’s role in the body
So what exactly does selenium do? Specifically, it plays a crucial role in:
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Reproductive health – in the male body, the selenium level in the testes rises during puberty, while in the female body, low levels of selenium may help cause infertility
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Thyroid health – the nutrient combines with iodine to support the thyroid; together with iodine it helps produce the gland’s hormones, while it’s also found in enzymes that regulate these hormones
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DNA synthesis – studies suggest selenium can potentially enhance DNA’s capacity to repair itself, owing to the nutrient’s natural association with antioxidants whose job it is to fight free radicals
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Protect the body against oxidative damage – being a great support to antioxidants throughout the body, selenium aids in reducing oxidative damage and the major health problems this can lead to
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Combining with selenoprotein enzymes to help regulate important physiological processes.
Deficiency
Selenium is a nutrient that our bodies just can’t do without. If the selenium levels in your body drop too low then there’s a chance you could develop problems affecting your muscular, cardiovascular, immunity, neurological or endocrine systems. Signs to look out for are:
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Memory issues – short-term (or even long-term) memory difficulties may not merely be a sign of ageing; low levels of selenium could interfere with your cognitive function, which includes concentration and analytical skills, as well as memory
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Tiredness – without adequate selenium in your body, you risk developing hypothyroidism, which brings symptoms such as lethargy, depression and weight gain
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Viruses and infections – as selenium supports the immune system, it plays a role in helping to build up the body’s natural defence against colds, flu and other viruses and infections; moreover, hypothyroidism can jeopardise the efficacy of the immune system, not least because (thanks to its antioxidant nature) selenium supports communication between the immune system and the body’s cells
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Wound healing issues – if you’ve got a cut or bruise and it seems to be taking forever to heal, yes, it could be because your selenium levels are particularly low; being an antioxidant, the nutrient aids cell-tissue-repair, which is why studies point to selenium helping to reduce the time it takes for wounds to heal
Diet
As selnium is so important to our bodies it is vital that we make sure it’s genuinely present in our individual diets. Selenium can be found in many different foods – both seafoods and organ meats (or offal) are both particularly rich in the nutrient, while dairy products, cereals/ grain foods and muscle meats (essentially lean meats) also contain their fair share.
However, it should be recognised that not everyone does – or is able to – get enough selenium through their diet on its own. So, if you’re not getting enough through food, you may want to consider trying selenium supplements.
Supplements
The following supplements are available through The Finchley Clinic – needless to say we highly recommend them all:
Nutrisorb Selenium
Nutrisorb Selenium (15ml) ideal for helping to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. .
Selenium 200mcg
Selenium 200mcg (60 capsules) – supports the immune system and provides the body with important antioxidants.
Selenium Complex
Selenium Complex (60 tablets) – contains two different forms of yeast free selenium for antioxidant support and vitamins B2 and B6 for additional nutritional value.