Selenium It is a vital mineral for body health and must be taken from the food we eat.
It is only needed in small amounts but plays an important role in some processes in the body such as metabolism and thyroid function.
In the article "What does selenium do in the body?"You will find the answer to the questions.
What Are the Benefits of Selenium?
It acts as a powerful antioxidant
Antioxidants are compounds found in foods that prevent free radical-induced cell damage. Free radicals are normal byproducts of the processes that occur in our body on a daily basis.
They are considered bad, but free radicals are actually essential for health. They perform important tasks, including protecting the body from disease.
However, situations such as smoking, alcohol use, and stress can generate excessive amounts of free radicals. This leads to oxidative stress, which damages healthy cells.
Oxidative stress has been linked to an increased risk of premature aging and stroke, as well as chronic diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.
Selenium such as antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress by controlling free radical numbers.
It works by neutralizing excess free radicals and protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
It reduces the risk of some cancers
SeleniumIn addition to reducing oxidative stress in the body, it also helps reduce the risk of some cancers.
It, seleniumIt has been attributed to its ability to reduce DNA damage and oxidative stress, boost the immune system, and destroy cancer cells.
This effect is only related to selenium taken through food, not the same when taken as supplements. However, some research, taking selenium supplementssuggests that it may reduce side effects in people receiving radiation therapy.
For example, one study found that oral selenium supplements reduced overall quality of life and radiation-induced diarrhea in women with cervical and uterine cancer.
Protects against heart disease
In the body selenium low levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, a diet rich in seleniumhelps keep the heart healthy.
In an analysis of 25 observational studies, blood selenium A 50% increase in levels was associated with a 24% reduction in coronary artery disease.
Selenium It also lowers markers of inflammation in the body, one of the main risk factors for heart disease.
For example, a review of 433.000 controlled studies involving more than 16 people with coronary heart disease, selenium pill showed that taking it reduces the levels of CRP, an inflammatory marker.
Additionally, it increased levels of glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant.
It, seleniumIt shows that flour reduces the risk of heart attack by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress and inflammation are due to atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the arteries.
It can lead to dangerous health problems such as atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease.
Eating selenium-rich foodsis an excellent way to minimize the level of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Alzheimer's diseaseis a devastating condition that causes memory loss and negatively affects thoughts and behavior. The number of people with Alzheimer's disease is increasing day by day. Therefore, studies continue at full speed to find ways to prevent this degenerative disease.
Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to both the onset and progression of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Many studies found that patients with Alzheimer's disease had lower blood pressure. selenium realized that he has the level.
In addition, some studies have taken from food and supplements selenium It has shown that it can improve memory in patients with Alzheimer's.
One small study found that in patients with a mild cognitive impairment a day selenium found that the additional consumption of a rich Brazil nut improves verbal fluency and other mental functions.
Moreover, the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is lower in the Mediterranean diet, where high selenium foods such as seafood and nuts are consumed in abundance.
Important for thyroid health
Selenium It is important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Thyroid tissue, in a higher amount than other organs in the human body selenium It contains.
This potent mineral helps protect the thyroid from oxidative damage and also plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones.
A healthy thyroid gland is important because it regulates metabolism and controls the growth and development of the body.
Selenium deficiencywhere the immune system attacks the thyroid gland hypothyroidism triggers thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Observational study of more than 6,000 people, low selenium levelsfound that the risk of autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism.
Also, some studies selenium supplementshas shown that the disease may also benefit people who have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease.
A compilation, selenium supplementsfound that taking for three months resulted in lower thyroid antibodies. It also improved mood and general well-being in patients with Hashimoto's disease.
Strengthens immunity
The immune system keeps the body healthy by detecting and combating potential threats. These include bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Selenium, health of the immune systemplays an important role in This antioxidant reduces inflammation and strengthens immunity by reducing the body's oxidative stress.
Studies show that blood levels selenium showed that the increase in it increases the immune response.
On the other hand, selenium deficiencyIt has been noted to negatively affect immune cells and has been found to cause a slower immune response.
The second reason to use the selenium supplements influence, tuberculosis and helps strengthen the immune system in hepatitis C patients.
Reduces asthma symptoms
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways that carry air inside and outside the lungs.
In asthma patients, the airway begins to become inflamed and narrow, causing symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough.
Asthma is associated with increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. SeleniumBecause of flour's ability to reduce inflammation in the body, some studies suggest this mineral may be effective in reducing symptoms associated with asthma.
Studies show that people with asthma have lower blood levels selenium It states that it is found.
One study found higher levels in his blood selenium showed that patients with asthma have better lung function than patients with low levels.
Selenium supplements It is also useful for reducing symptoms related to asthma.
For example, one study found that people with asthma should receive 200 mcg per day. selenium they found that the use of corticosteroid drugs used to control their symptoms decreased.
The following foods are the richest food sources of selenium.
- Oyster
– Brazil nuts
- Halibut
- Tuna
- Egg
- Sardines
- Sunflower seeds
- Chicken breast
- Hindi
- Cottage cheese
– Shiitake mushroom
Brown rice
- Haricot bean
Spinach
- lentils
Cashew Nuts
- Banana
In plant-based foods selenium amountin the soil where they are grown to selenium content varies depending on.
For example, a study, Brazil nutsnext selenium It shows that the concentration varies according to the regions. A single Brazil nut in one region provided 288% of the recommended intake, while others only provided 11%.
Selenium amount to be taken daily
For adults (both men and women), daily value for selenium It is 55 mcg. It is 60 mcg a day for pregnant women and 70 mcg a day for breastfeeding women. The tolerable upper limit for selenium is 400 mcg per day. Too much of this could cause my health problems.
The Harms of Overtaking Selenium
Selenium While essential for health, excessive intake is very dangerous. High doses of selenium consumption can be toxic and even fatal.
Selenium toxicity Although rare, one should consume close to the recommended amount of 55 mcg per day and never exceed the maximum tolerable upper limit of 400 mcg per day.
Brazil nuts contain very high amounts of selenium. Too much consumption selenium toxicitywhat could cause.
However, the toxicity selenium-containing foods It occurs by using supplements rather than consuming them.
Signs of selenium excess and toxicity It is as follows:
Hair loss
Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Tremors
Muscle pain
In severe cases, acute selenium toxicity It can cause severe intestinal and neurological symptoms, heart attack, kidney failure, and result in death.
What is Selenium Deficiency?
Selenium deficiencyindicates insufficient amount of minerals in the body. It, selenium-rich foods in the soil where it is grown selenium May be due to decreased levels.
Insufficient selenium intake, selenium it can alter the function of some sensitive enzymes. These enzymes include glutathione peroxidases, iodothyronine deiodinases, and selenoproteins.
Selenium deficiency individuals with physiological stress have been found to be more vulnerable.
What are the Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency?
Selenium deficiency muscle weakness, anxietydepressed mood and mental confusion. If these symptoms are ignored, they can lead to more complex health risks.
Causes cardiovascular problems
Selenium deficiencyis linked to cardiomyopathy, a chronic disease of the heart muscle. Studies have shown that it causes Keshan disease, a common form of cardiomyopathy in the Keshan region of China. In mouse studies selenium supplement reduced cardiotoxicity.
SeleniumIt is known to combat oxidative stress. Its deficiency potentially leads to increased oxidative stress, and heart health is also affected.
In rats selenium deficiency caused an increase in myocardial damage.
Mineral deficiency can also cause lipid peroxidation (breakdown of lipids). This causes high blood pressure levels and platelet aggregation, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Affects the endocrine system
The endocrine system regulates hormones that support growth, development and metabolism. It includes the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, pancreas, testicles (male) and ovaries (female).
Thyroidmaximum between all organs of the human body selenium Includes concentration. Selenium Iodothyronine deiodinases, enzymes associated with thyroid hormone metabolism, support thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium deficiency it can hinder this process.
SeleniumIt controls the work of more than 30 different selenoproteins, all of which perform multiple actions on the endocrine system. These selenoproteins act as antioxidants and alter cell function in the system.
Selenium deficiency May cause musculoskeletal diseases. One of these is Kashin-Beck disease, which is characterized by deformity of bones, cartilages and joints. This causes joints to expand and restricts movement.
Selenium and related selenoproteins have a role in muscle function. In both cattle and humans selenium deficientIt has been observed that it causes various muscle diseases.
Affects nervous system health
Selenium deficiencyhas been found to cause depressive mood and aggressive behavior. Deficiency can affect the turnover rate of some neurotransmitters.
Selenium Glutathione peroxidases, the important enzymes associated with it, are predominantly found in the brain. These enzymes reduce reactive oxygen species that can harm brain health. Selenium deficiency it can interfere with this beneficial process.
Damage the immune system
Reports selenium deficiencyassociated with weak immunity. Deficiency of this mineral can weaken the immune system.
Selenium deficiencyhas been found to impair the immune response and increase the risk of infection. Deficiency can also lead to dysfunction of immune cells.
Affects the reproductive system
Selenium in men, plays a role in testosterone biosynthesis. Deficiency can cause male infertility.
Also in women selenium deficiency can lead to infertility problems. Selenium deficiency can have fatal consequences in the long term.
Who Has Selenium Deficiency?
Selenium deficiency Although quite rare, certain groups of people are at higher risk.
Those Undergoing Kidney Dialysis
Kidney dialysis (also known as hemodialysis) from blood selenium pulls out. Patients on dialysis, due to severe food restrictions selenium deficiency viable.
Living with HIV
People living with HIV, due to excessive nutrient loss through diarrhea selenium deficiencywhat they can have. Even malabsorption can cause deficiency.
Living in Areas Where Selenium is Deficient
In the ground selenium Individuals who eat vegetables grown in low-lying regions also selenium deficiency may be at risk.
These include certain regions of China where soil selenium levels are low. Individuals living in certain European countries may also be at risk.
How to Recognize Selenium Deficiency?
Selenium deficiencyis diagnosed and confirmed by measuring mineral concentrations in serum or plasma. Less than 70 hp / mL selenium levels, indicates the probability of deficiency.
Selenium Treatment
Individuals with selenium deficiency the best treatment for selenium-rich foods is to eat.
Selenium-rich foods if for any reason you cannot eat, selenium supplements will also be effective. Always consult a doctor before taking supplements to avoid selenium toxicity.
As a result;
Seleniumis a powerful mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the body.
It plays a critical role in metabolism and thyroid function. It also helps protect the body from oxidative stress damage.
This mineral is not only essential for health, but also helps boost the immune system, slow age-related mental decline and even reduce the risk of heart disease.
This micronutrient is found in a wide variety of foods, from oysters to mushrooms.
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