SELENIUM - are you levels low?
/In New Zealand we are more prone to this deficiency than most other places due to this mineral being absent in our soils.
Selenium is a trace element – so this means that we don’t need large amounts, but it is critical to our well being. It is naturally present in many foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Selenium, which is nutritionally essential for humans, is a constituent of more than two dozen seleno - proteins that play critical roles in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protection from oxidative damage and infection
Why is Selenium so important to our well being?
Selenium is one of the master keys that helps to unlock/create one of the body's master antioxidants, glutathione per oxidase. This complex keeps the delicate polyunsaturated acids in our cell membranes from getting oxidized (rancid). Polyunsaturated fats, such as fish, hemp and other oils, are particularly vulnerable to becoming rancid. Therefore, having lots of glutathione per oxidase around to protect our cell membranes is vital when we consume these essential fats. We really don't want to run low on the master antioxidants - doing so leaves us vulnerable to a lot of toxic gunk building up in our systems, with long-term effects.
Selenium along with Iodine is vital for the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) into T3 (active thyroid hormone) hence why some of the symptoms below are the same as under active thyroid – Hypothyroid!
Losing Hair | Extreme tiredness | Weight gain | Very often sick | Shortness of breath | Nail loss or brittleness | Skin lesions and rashes | Irritability | Nervous system disorders | Nausea | Help with infertility and can help prevent miscarriage | Eating disorders – including anorexia | Depression | Helps the body fight cancer | Can reset the Circadian rhythm | Increases wakefulness | Helps fight inflammation | Antiaging – along with essential fatty acids – like my favorite, hemp seed oil | Helps boost immunity
Although it is a critical nutrient it is important that you don’t take too much.
High blood levels of selenium can result in selenosis, with gastrointestinal distress, hair loss, white spots on nails, fatigue, and irritability. In fact, very similar to the low range!
I have worked with this nutrient with clients ever since I moved to New Zealand and have found it extremely effective, along with other nutrients, herbs and homeopathic remedies. All of which work towards bring balance to the body.
What I tend to recommend, in NZ, is that you take 50mcg (in liquid form). I recommend the Clinicians liquid drops as they are easy to take and absorb – only 3 drops daily!
