What is selenium and why it matters to your health?
Selenium (SE) is an essential mineral found in the soil and water. Certain foods contain Selenium like mushrooms, Brazil nuts, eggs, liver, fish (tuna, Halibut, sardines, cod) and certain meats and poultry, sunflower seeds, Oats, oatmeal and cottage cheese. It is very important to have a balanced intake of this essential mineral as selenium deficiency as well as excess can lead to various health issues. Selenium has shown to boost the immune system, help prevent heart disease and fight cancer. It is helps prevent depression and improves your general mood.
Selenium is a component of antioxidant enzymes which play an important role in repairing tissues by improving blood flow, reduce the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation. Selenium levels are also an important marker of your overall health and anti-oxidant levels.
The levels of selenium in the soil depend on where you are in the world. There are areas where selenium levels are low due to the soil conditions. Certain parts of the United States have depleted soils levels like the Eastern Coastal Plains and the Pacific Northwest. Other parts of the world that have this deficiency are mainly found in some parts of Europe, Africa and China. Crops grown in those areas will have lower levels of selenium due to the poor quality of the soil.
There are 4 types of selenium, two are found in the soil; elemental selenium, selenide and the remainder are found in water; selenate and selenite. The main source of selenium intake for people is through food then water.
How does selenium benefit your health? TOP 10:
Not only is selenium is a vital nutrient that increases antioxidant activities, Selenium also helps reduce inflammation which is high in many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Here are just 10 of the ways selenium can help you live a more vibrant life:
Helps defend the body from Oxidative Stress due to its antioxidant activity
May reduce your risk of certain cancers.
Good for the brain
Improving blood flow
Good for heart health
Helps increase longevity
Helps regulate thyroid function
May help reduce the symptoms of Asthma
Boosts your immune system
Helps protect against viral infections
What are the signs of selenium deficiency?
- Infertility
- cognitive decline
- reduced immune function
- Chronic inflammation
- fatigue
- thyroid dysfunction
- hair loss
- muscle weakness
- Keshan disease (affects heart muscle)
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- various cancers
Some people have trouble absorbing selenium especially if they have certain conditions like Crohn’s disease, HIV or are undergoing kidney dialysis.
For those suffering from thyroid disorders, selenium is especially important to maintain thyroid function.
People with Kashin Beck disease, a bone disease affecting people mostly in China, is a chronic bone disorder caused by selenium and iodine deficiency. This disease cause major functional limitations by causing degenerative osteoarthritis and damage to the cartilage.
Suffering from a selenium deficiency is correlated with an including mortality due to inflammation, infertility, increased risk of health problems, poor immune function and cognitive decline. While not as serious, deficiency symptoms can include reproductive issues, muscle weakness, fatigue, brain fog, thyroid dysfunction, and hair loss.
How much selenium do you need?
Although, we only need small amounts of selenium the Daily Recommended allowance for adults is 55 micrograms per day. It is best to get your selenium intake from your diet rather than additional supplementation.
What if you overdose on Selenium?
Although rare, If you overdose on selenium (especially by supplementation) you can get selenium toxicity. The mild side effects include bad breath, nausea, and fever. Selenium poisoning causes serious health issues as liver, kidney and heart complications like heart attacks. If you take selenium supplements it can interact with certain medications like birth control pills, anti-acids and statin drugs.
How does ABM mushrooms compare to other medicinal mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms are also a good source of selenium and other nutrients like Vitamin D, iron, B vitamins and antioxidants. A study on the nutritional composition of medicinal mushrooms show that ABM has the highest level of selenium.
How does ABM mushrooms compare to other medicinal mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms are also a good source of selenium and other nutrients like Vitamin D, iron, B vitamins and antioxidants. A study on the nutritional composition of medicinal mushrooms show that ABM has the highest level of selenium.
Agaricus blazei
Murrill
Reishi
Maitake
Shiitake
Turkey Tail
Selenium
mg/100g
0.350
0.014
0.056
0.075
0.007
Source : International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms Vol7, numbers 1&2, 2005 pg 106-107
Pure mushroom extracts are a natural whole food source of selenium and other vital nutrients. Stay healthy!
Be well,
Kristina okuda