What is "Selenium"

Yesterday we spoke about the trace mineral called "Molybdenum" and its importances. Well, there are 4 key minerals that the body needs on a daily basis that all flavor each other and are essential to optimal health and life. So today we're going to talk about part 2 . . . "Selenium".

"Selenium" is also an essential trace element and is necessary for a healthy "liver". And as we know, the liver is part of our detoxification process. Meaning elimination of toxins and waste from the body so illness and disease can't harbor.

Now, another attribute is that "selenium" can improve mood by "reducing inflammation" in the body. Therefore "selenium" is good for disorders such as "anxiety".

"Selenium" is also an powerful antioxidant which helps "prevent" cell damage. And the real biggie is this little mineral is an "anti-carcinogenic" which helps to "prevent" cancer from developing.

So we can clearly see just how important this mineral is to optimal health!

Okay . . . so just when you think things couldn't get any "better" . . .

"Selenium" also plays a critical role in metabolism and is involved in the biochemical pathway that produces thyroid hormones, thus protecting "thyroid" function. It helps protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress, it boost the "immune system", slows age-related mental decline and even reduces the risk of heart disease. "Selenium" also aids in weight and body fat reduction.

Okay now . . . let's slow it on down . . . . don't go running out there to purchase yourself some "selenium". And this is the reason why . . .

We as consumer . . . take way too many over-the-counter supplements. And as I've stated in previous Health Tips . . . most of the supplements we take have hidden elements like fillers of wood pulp and carcinogens that are detrimental to our health. Don't get me wrong . . . there are supplements that we need to take that we can't get from our food.

But a healthy body comes from as many natural means as possible.

Not to mention . . . if you were to take "too" much selenium it could affect the kidneys, liver and heart negatively. And a high enough dose could even cause death.

So my rule of thumb is this . . .

If you can get a nutrient (mineral, vitamin, enzyme or amino acid) from a food source . . . that's normally the safest amount and avenue to take.

Okay . . . so what foods contain "selenium"?

Well . . . for example . . . 1 cup of regular (no flavor or sugar added) cooked oatmeal will give you 13 mcg of selenium and 2 eggs contains about 53 mcg.

Some other good sources are . . . pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish, beans and nuts especially Brazil nuts.

Okay . . . so now I'm sure you're thinking . . . how much selenium should I consume daily?

Well . . . if you were to look a this factor on paper . . . the average person should consume under 200 mcg per day. BUT . . . it would depend on the health of that person.

So best rule of thumb would be . . . eating a well balanced diet which contains protein (fish, chicken, turkey, beef, pork), simple carbohydrates (veggies and some fruits) and compliant complex carbohydrates (compliant starches such as wild rice or sweet potatoes) would give you the balance of selenium that you would need for optimal health.

So how does "selenium" work with "molybdenum"? Well . . . they are important to the process of cellular respiration, cellular utilization of oxygen, DNA and RNA reproduction, maintenance of cell membrane integrity and sequestration of free radicals. This is all for the detoxification of waste and toxin from the body.

Tomorrow we'll talk about the 3rd element in this foursome of cleaning out the body from disease.

As always, feel free to contact me here