Updated: 12/8/23
Do you ever feel sluggish and low on energy? If so, it may be worth exploring how a little selenium can help boost your mood and protect your cells from damage. Selenium is an essential mineral that offers numerous potential health benefits; however, many people may not realize they need more of this vital mineral in their diet. By increasing your intake of selenium-rich foods or taking supplements, you can potentially enjoy improved cognitive functioning, enhanced immunity levels, and reduced inflammation—all while protecting the integrity of your cells! Read on to learn about the incredible power of selenium and what it can do for you!
What is Selenium?
Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral found both in the soil and foods like Brazil nuts, tuna, eggs, and brown rice. Unfortunately, due to soil depletion and modern farming practices, it’s difficult to get the full amount required of this essential mineral through diet alone, which is why supplementation could be necessary. The mineral is extracted and processed into a dietary supplement, readily available over-the-counter.
Selenium performs a range of functions in the body, but one of its best known benefits is its antioxidant capacity, which reduces inflammation, combats free radicals that cause oxidative stress, and neutralizes toxins that can harm cells and organs. Additionally, Selenium supports cardiovascular health and helps regulate thyroid function, and supports an active immune system. For men’s health, taking Selenium may improve sperm quality, boost male hormone levels, and improve fertility. For women’s health, the supplement is used in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Selenium works by activating important enzymes within the body, such as glutathione peroxidase, which helps the liver detoxify harmful compounds. It also works in tandem with other antioxidants such as Vitamin E, regulating oxidative stress in the system. Selenium is also known to have a direct impact on the immune system, increasing the body’s natural defense against diseases, viruses and infections, such as the common cold or flu.
Selenium Benefits
Boosts Immune System
Selenium plays a vital role in improving our immune system’s function. It helps fight against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens by stimulating antibody production. Selenium also has anti-inflammatory properties which act as an immune-modulator that helps decrease excessive immune responses such as autoimmune reactions. n turn, this helps you to stay healthy and reduces the likelihood of developing chronic diseases.
Fights Inflammation
Inflammation is a common factor in a wide range of health problems, from arthritis to heart disease. Fortunately, the anti-inflammatory properties of selenium can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Research has shown that individuals who consume a diet high in selenium have lower levels of inflammation than those who consume less.
Promotes Heart Health
When it comes to heart health, selenium is an essential mineral that helps lower the risk of heart disease. This micromineral acts as an antioxidant that prevents the development of free radicals that can cause oxidative stress. Selenium is also known to aid in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing high blood pressure, which are both risk factors for heart disease.
Improves Breathing
Selenium has been shown to have a positive effect on lung function and can help improve breathing in people with asthma. This mineral has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways, which can make breathing easier. By adding more selenium to your diet, you can improve your lung health and reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions.
Aids in Weight Loss
Did you know that selenium can also assist in weight loss? While it is not a magic solution, selenium can help boost your metabolism, which will aid in burning calories faster. As a result, this will help you lose weight naturally, alongside a balanced diet and exercise routine.
Helps in Maintaining Cognitive Function
Our brain requires adequate nutrition for optimal functioning. Selenium, combined with vitamin E, plays a significant role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, allowing for better cognitive function and memory retention. This mineral plays a role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, which is responsible for cognitive functioning. Low levels of selenium have been linked to cognitive decline and other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. By getting enough selenium, you can give your brain a boost and improve cognitive function.
Boosts Fertility and Hormone Balance
Selenium is to improve reproductive health and balance hormones. Studies show that selenium supplementation for men improves sperm motility and vitality, leading to higher chances of fertility. For women, it promotes hormone regulation, reducing the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other hormonal imbalances.
Prevents Thyroid Disorders
Lack of selenium links to thyroid-related disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and goiter. Our thyroid gland requires selenium to maintain its normal function, and any deficiency in this mineral can lead to thyroid malfunctioning leading to a host of issues such as brittle nails, dry skin, hair loss, and slow metabolism. Low levels of selenium can lead to an underactive thyroid, which can cause weight gain, fatigue, and depression. By ensuring you have enough selenium in your diet, you can support proper thyroid function and avoid these symptoms.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Selenium is known to have anticancer effects, particularly in preventing cancer cell growth. It also helps to activate the immune system to fight cancer cells. Studies have shown that selenium may reduce the risk of certain cancers such as prostate, lung, and colon. By incorporating selenium into your diet, you may reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Getting the recommended dose of selenium is beneficial for healthy skin. It helps to protect skin cells from UV damage and can prevent inflammation. Selenium is also responsible for healthy hair and nails by promoting elasticity and strength.
Selenium Side Effects
Nausea and Vomiting
One of the most common side effects of taking too much selenium is nausea and vomiting. This can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as severe vomiting can cause dehydration and other complications.
Hair and Nail Changes
It is essential for healthy hair and nails, but taking too much can actually have the opposite effect. Some people have reported hair loss, brittle nails, and changes in hair texture after taking supplements.
Skin Rashes
It can also cause skin rashes and other allergic reactions. If you experience any itching, hives, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking selenium, it’s important to stop taking it and seek medical attention.
Digestive Issues
Some people may experience digestive issues after taking supplements, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is particularly common if you take too much selenium at once, so it’s important to always follow the recommended dosage.
Breathing Problems
Breathing problems such as asthma and shortness of breath have been associated with toxicity. Long-term exposure to high levels of selenium can lead to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive disease that affects breathing and is often seen in smokers.
Neurological Effects
High levels of it can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. It also affects the nervous system, leading to tremors, loss of coordination, and even coma.
Increased Risk of Diabetes
Finally, there is some evidence to suggest that taking supplements may increase your risk of diabetes. This is because it can interfere with insulin signaling in the body, which can lead to insulin resistance and other complications.
Interactions with Other Medications
Supplements can interact with medications in many ways, leading to unexpected drug effects or reduced effectiveness of the medication. Some medications that may interact with selenium include: anticoagulants, chemotherapy, cholesterol-lowering medications, and thyroid medications.
Are Selenium Supplements Safe?
In general, supplements are safe when taken in appropriate doses. The recommended daily amount for adults is 55 micrograms per day. Most supplements contain anywhere from 100 to 200 micrograms per serving. However, taking too much and it can be harmful and lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and even in rare cases, nerve damage. It’s important to follow the instructions on the supplement label and not exceed the recommended dose.
It’s also worth noting that some individuals may be more at risk for toxicity than others. This includes people with certain medical conditions like kidney disease and those who are already getting enough from their diet. If you’re unsure whether you should take a supplement, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting.
Can Selenium Cause Weight Gain?
There is no scientific evidence that supports this claim. Instead, it actually supports weight loss. It is because selenium plays a significant role in metabolism and thyroid function. Underactive thyroid can lead to weight gain, but selenium can aid in the activation of thyroid hormones, resulting in better metabolism and weight loss.
Can Selenium Cause Hair Loss?
It’s important to understand that selenium deficiency can cause hair loss. It helps to maintain the health of your hair follicles and supports hair growth. When you don’t get enough selenium in your diet, your hair may become brittle and start to fall out. However, getting too much selenium can also cause hair loss. The recommended daily allowance for selenium is 55 micrograms per day for adults. If you exceed this amount, you may experience toxicity which could contribute to hair loss.
The relationship between selenium and hair loss is complicated by other factors. For instance, people with thyroid problems are likely to experience hair loss, and selenium deficiency can exacerbate their condition. On the other hand, getting too much selenium can also interfere with thyroid function. Therefore, it is possible that selenium’s effect on thyroid health is what causes hair loss.
The supplements are a popular way to ensure your body gets enough selenium. However, taking too much of the mineral through supplements can increase your risk of hair loss. If you’re taking a supplement, make sure you follow the recommended dosage and talk to your healthcare provider before increasing your intake.
How Selenium Helps Thyroid
It is a trace mineral essential for good health and well-being. It aids in the proper functioning of several bodily functions, including the thyroid. It’s an antioxidant that protects the gland from harmful metabolic byproducts and other toxins that may damage it.
It also helps stimulate the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland requires a sufficient amount of selenium to produce enough T3 and T4 hormones, the two hormones responsible for regulating metabolism. Without enough selenium, the thyroid gland can’t make sufficient hormones, resulting in an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.
There’s evidence that suggests that it may also improve thyroid hormone uptake in cells. It works synergistically with iodine to help transport thyroid hormones to the cells that require it. Without selenium, the thyroid hormones can’t bind to proteins, and the cells can’t use them. This may cause a deficiency in thyroid hormones, leading to a host of related health issues.
How to Take Selenium
The daily recommended allowance of selenium for an adult is around 55-70 micrograms, depending on age and gender. However, various factors such as diet, location, age, and lifestyle may play a role in the body’s daily selenium needs. For example, people living in areas with low selenium content in soil or those with health conditions that affect absorption may need higher amounts of selenium. While the maximum tolerable level of selenium intake is set at 400 micrograms per day, it’s recommended not to exceed 200 micrograms per day for long periods.
It is present in many different foods, including meat, fish, vegetables, and eggs. Brazil nuts, in particular, are high in selenium, with one or two nuts providing up to the daily recommended amount of selenium. Other sources of selenium include tuna, salmon, beef, turkey, lentils, spinach, and eggs. While taking a selenium supplement is beneficial for those who don’t get enough selenium from their diet, it’s best to get the mineral from natural food sources. For example, the bioavailability of it in foods is much higher than supplements.
Where to Buy Selenium
You can purchase selenium supplements at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Do you have interest in testing selenium’s antioxidative abilities against cancer and heart disease?
Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Bottom Line
Taking selenium is a simple and effective way to support your overall health and well-being. Whether you get your selenium from food sources or supplements, it’s important to keep in mind the daily recommended intake and possible health implications of too much or too little. With this guide, you now have the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about selenium intake and optimize your health. Start taking steps today towards adding this vital micronutrient to your daily wellness routine.
Selenium is a vital mineral for our body, but it’s essential to remember that too much of anything can be harmful. While moderate intake of selenium-rich food is a recommendation, overconsumption of supplements can lead to severe health problems. It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any supplements and to follow the recommended dosage. Ultimately, understanding the complete picture of it and its side effects list can help you make better decisions for your overall health and wellbeing.
As you can see, incorporating selenium-rich foods into your diet is crucial for your overall health. While it may seem easier to take a supplement, it is important to note that the best way to get the recommended dose is by eating a balanced diet filled with selenium-rich foods. Some of these foods include Brazil nuts, tuna, whole wheat bread, and oats. By adding such foods to your diet, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the benefits. So, go ahead and boost your immune system, promote heart health, aid in weight loss, reduce the risk of cancer, and promote healthy skin by adding selenium-rich foods to your diet!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
