The trace element of longevity is selenium. Selenium for a woman's body

Selenium is an extremely important element for the human body. It improves immunity, acts as one of the main antioxidants, protecting the human body from the action of free radicals, reduces inflammation, and also plays a key role in maintaining metabolism.

According to recent studies, selenium has an antiviral effect on the body, is important for the male and female reproductive system, and reduces the risk of developing cancer, autoimmune and thyroid diseases.

The human body contains a large number of vitamins and microelements, as well as other nutrients that are, to one degree or another, responsible for its vital functions. Among others, we can highlight selenium. This mineral, if taken in the wrong dosage, can be extremely dangerous to health, but at the same time, if consumed correctly, its benefits will be very, very great.

So, in order. Selenium was once considered a toxic trace element, but then people discovered that this fact was influenced by the amount of its consumption. A lack of selenium can lead to infertility, premature aging and some other serious diseases.

The male body, according to modern scientists, requires slightly more of this trace element than the female body. This increased need is explained by the effect of selenium on the activity of the male reproductive system and a man’s sexual activity. Deficiency of the substance stops male sexual activity. Medical statistics confirm a direct correlation between selenium deficiency and sudden death among male infants. It is possible to replenish microelement reserves if you regularly eat foods that contain it.

The benefits of selenium for the human body

Selenium is found in many foods. It is also available in the form of dietary supplements. Selenium is an integral part of more than two dozen selenoproteins, which play a crucial role in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and also protects against oxidative processes and infections.

The main functions of selenium in the human body include:

• stimulation of immunity;
  participation in protein synthesis;
  prevention of tumor formation;
  assistance in the formation of red blood cells;
  inhibition of aging processes;
  activation of vitamin E;
  neutralization and removal of foreign substances from the body;
  stimulation of reproductive function;
  normalization of the functioning of the nervous system;
  main role in stopping the progress of cardiovascular diseases;
  participation of enzymes and hormones;
  stimulation of metabolic processes;
  maintaining the healthy condition of the horny surfaces.

Selenium is concentrated to a greater extent in human nails, hair, pancreas, heart, lungs, liver, bone marrow and kidneys. The trace element is able to protect our body from the threat of bacteria and viruses, as well as other negative influences, thereby protecting the human immune system.

It is also a sure obstacle to the formation of free radicals that destroy body cells. Among other things, this microelement controls the vital activity of absolutely all cells of the body and prevents diseases of the endocrine system, heart and blood vessels, as well as various inflammations.

Products containing selenium

Selenium exists in two forms: inorganic (selenate or selenite) and organic (selenomethionine or selenocysteine). Both forms can be good sources of selenium.

Inorganic is found in the soil. Selenites and selenates that accumulate in plants are converted into organic form during the synthesis process.

The human diet must contain foods rich in selenium in order to fully supply all body systems with this substance. In this regard, it is imperative that every person is aware of the list of such food products.

It is important that the food consumed contains as little sugar as possible, then the absorption and preservation of selenium will occur as efficiently as possible. To achieve maximum benefits, you need to limit your intake of sweets and avoid cakes, pastries and sweetened sodas. Having freed your diet from foods that negatively affect the absorption of selenium, it is important to focus on the consumption of vitamin E, as it helps the microelement effectively penetrate into cells.

Among plants, selenium is found in tomatoes and garlic, porcini mushrooms and champignons, olive oil, Brazil nuts, coconut and pistachios, corn, oat and buckwheat, wheat bran, brewer's yeast and sea salt. This valuable microelement can be found not only in plant foods, but in chicken eggs, some types of fish and some other seafood, as well as in the liver and kidneys of animals.

Garlic and Brazil nuts can easily be declared the leaders of the list. Eating 10-20 grams of one or the other every day will meet your daily requirement of selenium.

Unfortunately, this microelement is not able to be independently synthesized in our body, so it is replenished only by intake from the outside. By the way, the extent to which a particular product will be saturated with selenium depends on its content in the soil where the plant was grown.

Selenium deficiency

Selenium deficiency causes biochemical changes in the body that can lead to certain diseases. Especially associated with any situation. For example, selenium deficiency in combination with infection can lead to cardiomyopathy or the so-called Keshan disease. Although the exact cause of this disease has not been named to this day, many associate it with selenium deficiency.

A lack of this microelement in the human body is most often observed under the following circumstances:

• harmful working conditions;
  age over 90 years;
  use of certain medications;
  selenium deficiency in the soil;
  diseases of the digestive system.

A constant deficiency of selenium in the body can lead to such consequences as:

• hypothyroidism;
  cretinism;
  malfunction of the thyroid gland;
  endemic goiter;
  malfunctions of the reproductive system;
  decreased immunity;
  anemia;
  cataract;
  cardiopathy;
  atherosclerosis;
  diseases of the skin, nails and hair;
  frequent inflammatory processes;
  liver diseases;
  inhibition of growth and development in childhood;
  lung diseases;
  atherosclerosis.

Harm of selenium to the body

Oversaturation of the body with selenium should also not be allowed, because this is fraught with very serious consequences, in particular, severe poisoning. In most cases, overdose occurs as a result of irrational use of food additives enriched with this microelement.

The main symptoms of overdose include the following:

• nausea, vomiting;
  lack of stability in the psycho-emotional state;
  increased fragility of nails and hair;
  skin erythema;
  constant smell of garlic from the mouth and skin;
  bronchopneumonia;
  disruptions in liver function.

It must be remembered that in order to avoid adverse consequences, before starting to take medications with selenium, you must consult a specialist.

Women during pregnancy or breastfeeding should consume more vitamins and minerals. Therefore, these values ​​are averaged. Before use, it is better to consult a doctor and get accurate recommendations.

Children aged:

from 0 to 6 months – 15 micrograms per day;

from 7 months to a year – 20 micrograms per day;

from 1 year to 3 years – 20 micrograms per day;

from 4 to 8 years – 30 micrograms per day;

from 9 to 13 years – 40 micrograms per day.

Teens and adults:

Men 14 years and older – 55 micrograms per day;

Women 14 years and older – 55 micrograms per day;

Pregnant women - 60 micrograms per day;

Breastfeeding women - 70 micrograms per day.

The best way to get the right amount of selenium is to eat a properly balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.

Why our body needs selenium, watch the video

Hello, dear friends! This material is a must-read for all representatives of the fair sex in order to learn about a mineral that will help you become much younger, lose weight, acquire beautiful hair, strong nails, and silky skin. And all this is selenium for women.

The benefits of the mineral for female beauty

We all learned long ago that proper nutrition is good for the body. Let us remind you once again what proper nutrition is.

1. With every “sour” product you need to use an “alkaline” product. Let it be meat with herbs, but not with potatoes or rice.
2. Include beauty minerals in your menu every day. The first is sulfur, which affects complexion.
3. Next comes zinc, which promotes cell division, cleanses the liver, and provides the body with oxygen. It is followed by iron, silicon, manganese.
4. Finally, we get to selenium. How is this element useful? It is a powerful antioxidant and also helps slow down the aging process of our body. Therefore, the longevity mineral should always be on our table, every day.

What is it for? To neutralize free radicals that interfere with the restoration of cells throughout the body, especially the skin. By oxidizing free radicals, the element normalizes collagen production, resulting in clean, elastic and firm skin.

And its most important task is to prevent gene mutations from occurring, that is, to disrupt the transmission of heredity. If the body experiences a deficiency of selenium, then very soon the body will age, which means a reduction in healthy years of our life.

The natural antioxidant is concentrated in the pancreas, liver, bone marrow, lungs, heart, kidneys, legs, and hair. As you can see, there are many places where it is found in the body, so a sufficient amount of the mineral will help:

• Increase immunity;
• Prevent cardiovascular diseases;
• Normalize metabolic processes, giving the body the ability to easily break down microelements and digest food;
• Prevent the development of cancerous tumors;
• Increase stress resistance, calm nerves;
• Reduce the amount of harmful substances in cells;
• Normalize the functions of the endocrine system;
• Improve the appearance of hair and nails.
• Benefit for men: make sperm more productive.

The dangers of selenium starvation

A micronutrient deficiency can result in:

• slowing metabolism;
• the appearance of excess weight;
• development of heart attack, coronary heart disease;
• development of oncology;
• the appearance of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis;
• development of multiple sclerosis and bronchial asthma.

For an adult, the daily norm of the mineral is: 1 mcg per 1 kg of weight. Pregnant and nursing mothers, athletes, people engaged in heavy physical labor, and smokers should consume more than the existing norm. If in the spring you notice that your hair has become dull, then your hair, in addition to other minerals, definitely needs selenium.

What does a mineral deficiency mean?

Symptoms of selenium deficiency:

• The appearance of endless fatigue, unpredictable weakness;
• Loss of visual acuity;
• The appearance of dermatitis, peeling, eczema on the skin;
• Feeling of soreness in the muscles;
• Increased blood cholesterol and much more

Many people, wanting to make up for the lack of an element, begin to consume it in large quantities.

An excessive dose will only cause harm, which can be expressed in nausea, garlic taste in the mouth, and mental disorder.

Selenium for a woman's body

The benefits of selenium for the beauty and health of women have been proven many times. But its positive effect on the beauty of skin, hair, and nails will increase if vitamin E is added to it. It is this vitamin that helps to better absorb the longevity microelement.

Its benefits for weight loss are invaluable. The mineral accelerates the breakdown of already stored fats so much that weight loss will not take long, especially in combination with food restrictions and physical activity.

Pregnant women should not forget that it is this element that promotes the proper development of the embryo and prevents miscarriage or arrest of fetal development.

A sufficient amount of it protects women from viral and infectious diseases, which is very important during pregnancy and lactation.

Products containing selenium

Knowing the benefits for a woman’s body, it’s time to find out which foods contain selenium.

The following foods are rich in selenium:

• fish, especially herring, tuna, and seafood;
• meat by-products;
• eggs, liver, heart;
• lard;
• cereals, mushrooms;
• garlic;
• almonds, sunflower seeds;
• peas, corn flakes;
• fruits and vegetables.

If you use edible sea salt instead of salt, there will be no shortage. It is important to remember that when heated, the mineral is partially destroyed.

Additional drugs

To avoid suffering from microelement deficiency, you can take medications from time to time. The most affordable is AlfaVit, which is prescribed to everyone: from young to old.

Selenium-Active will also help provide your daily dose of the element. Vitamins with selenium Complivit are prescribed to elderly people suffering from heart disease and diabetes. Selekor - prescribed to those people who have excessive physical activity.

Are you faced with a choice: dietary supplement, medication or vitamin complex? Medicines undergo research for many years, but dietary supplements do not undergo such strict control as a drug. This is a common dietary supplement that does not guarantee a reduction in selenium deficiency in the body.

Mineral complexes are produced with different daily norms of the element:

• for women – 55 mcg;
• for pregnant and lactating women – 65 mcg;
• men – 70 mcg;
• for children – 10-20 mcg.

No matter how good the drugs are, inclusion in the diet of food will best cover the mineral deficiency.

The effects of selenium on various diseases

Treatment of the heart, blood vessels, arthritis, asthma, colitis, psoriasis, obesity, especially multiple sclerosis is difficult without the necessary norm of the element. But many doctors and scientists do not recommend taking selenium supplements until it has been determined whether there is a deficiency. Experts call for including mineral-rich foods in the menu to maintain the balance of microelements and vitamins to counteract age-related changes.

Return to youth

A woman over 50 years old needs the norm of this mineral like air. It will help delay the onset of aging, improve the condition of the skin, and prevent the development of many diseases, as well as the appearance of wrinkles. You can occasionally take the Alphabet 50+ complex, which contains 70 mcg of selenium.

How to use? The instructions contain a dosage guideline, it is important to follow it so as not to harm yourself.

Dear women, you have seen how necessary we need this element to prolong youth. It is not difficult to include fortified foods in your diet; it is more reliable than medications and dietary supplements.

Selenium is an important trace element present in the human body (mainly in skeletal muscle tissue) and in various foods; it has numerous health benefits Learn more about selenium, its benefits, food sources and side effects in this article.

Selenium (Se) was first discovered almost 200 years ago by Swedish chemist Baron Jon Berzelius. Many decades later, scientists consider selenium to be a central element necessary for improving human health. This page will help you learn more about selenium: its health benefits, foods rich in it, and potential side effects to watch out for.

What is selenium? Benefits and its application

Selenium is an important trace element present in the human body.(mainly in skeletal muscle tissue), and in various foods; it has numerous health benefits (more on this later).

Researchers emphasize that selenium is extremely important for humans, but its deficiency is still a common problem. Nearly 1 billion people worldwide suffer from it, while many more consume less than the daily recommended amount needed to protect against disease.

To protect yourself from the risks associated with deficiency, it is recommended to take a supplement. Typically, selenium can be taken as part of a vitamin and mineral supplement or as a nutritional antioxidant formula.

Most supplements contain a form of selenium called selenomethionine. If you come across a product called selenium sulfide, do not use it to treat a deficiency, given that it is sold as a lotion and is used as a shampoo to treat dandruff and a fungal skin infection called shingles.

Selenium-Rich Foods You Should Try

In addition to taking a selenium supplement, you can also combat the negative effects of deficiency by eating foods high in selenium. Examples of foods rich in selenium include:

Brazil nuts

Fish such as sardines, wild-caught salmon and herring

• Chia and sunflower seeds

  Organic eggs

  Organic chicken and turkey

  Grass-fed liver (lamb or beef)

Keep in mind that the level of selenium in some foods depends on the amount of this mineral in the soil in which they were grown. Ideally, they should be eaten raw or lightly cooked, or seek out unprocessed organic varieties, as selenium is destroyed during refining or cooking.

Selenium Health Benefits

Selenium benefits the body, which in some cases has already been proven by research:

Serves as an essential component of glutathione peroxidase is an enzyme that can convert hydrogen peroxide into water.

Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to improve immune function- When selenium is used to produce glutathione peroxidase, it exhibits antioxidant properties and acts as the first line of defense against the accumulation of free radicals in cells.

Selenium also has the potential to influence the immune response through selenoproteins (selenium-containing proteins), which may help manage increased immune response and chronic inflammation.

• Help in the fight against infectious diseases and viral infections- selenium may be useful in suppressing HIV, as patients with this disease have low levels.

Several studies have also highlighted that selenium can help fight viral infections such as the flu, and bacterial infections such as coxsackie, which can mutate into a highly pathogenic strain.

Helps maintain proper thyroid function- Although its specific effects are still being studied, selenium plays a role in maintaining proper function of the thyroid gland, which contains more selenium per gram of tissue than any other organ in the body and can express specific selenoproteins.

Staying healthy during pregnancy- Selenium is believed to reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Solving Fertility Problems in Men- it has been found to have a beneficial effect on male fertility.

Help for people with chronic asthma- Observational studies have shown that people with chronic asthma may have lower selenium levels compared to healthy people.

Reducing the risk of cancer- because of selenium's potential to prevent the accumulation of free radicals, which is a known precursor to cancer.

Numerous studies have found that low selenium levels have been associated with an increased risk of death from cancer and other diseases.

Remember that significantly increasing your selenium intake must be done correctly to prevent health risks. I suggest consulting with your doctor before taking supplements or increasing the amount of selenium-rich foods in your diet.

Ideal Selenium Dosage

Selenium is needed by the body in very small quantities (mcg). I suggest you consume it in moderation, whether from food sources or supplements, because excess can lead to toxicity. Ideally I recommend do not exceed the norm of 200 mcg daily. Most studies on selenium support this dose and emphasize that there is no significant benefit to higher dosages.

If you want to increase your selenium levels with Brazil nuts, eating 2-3 nuts daily is a good idea. You can also take supplements to increase your selenium levels, as long as you talk to your doctor first. Once you receive approval, make sure you select the correct supplement form. High Selenium Yeast is a scientifically tested and most recommended form of supplementation.

Side effects of selenium

Although it is difficult to “overdose” on selenium from food, there is still a danger with supplementation. Selenium poisoning or toxicity is the main health hazard associated with this mineral. Taking too much selenium can cause various symptoms of selenium toxicity. Poisoning can be acute or chronic:

Acute selenium poisoning—in humans occurs through inhalation (usually as selenium dioxide or hydrogen selenide) or through oral exposure. Various side effects are associated with these two methods of exposure:

Chronic poisoning - can occur due to high levels of selenium in food and water e. It can lead to complications such as:

• Skin discoloration
• Deformation and loss of nails
• Baldness
• Excessive decay and discoloration of teeth
• "Garlic Breath"
• Weakness
• Lack of mental activity
• Lethargy
• Skin rash
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Weight loss

Excessive amounts of selenium are also associated with an increased risk of increased cholesterol and diabetes. If you belong to any of the following groups, then Avoid taking the supplement without first consulting your doctor:

• People diagnosed with hypothyroidism
• People who have had skin cancer
• People at risk of skin cancer

Medications to Avoid If You Are Considering Taking a Selenium Supplement

If you or someone you know takes any of these drugs, do not take a selenium supplement without consulting or informing your healthcare provider, due to the risk of side effects such as:

Reduced selenium levels- These drugs are known to reduce the level of this mineral in your body:

• Cisplatin (a drug widely used in chemotherapy)
• Clozapine (Clorazil)
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone
• Valproic acid (Depakote)
• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs

Increased risk of bleeding Taking selenium supplements along with these medications may increase the risk of internal bleeding:

• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Heparin
• Aspirin
• Barbiturates

Longer lasting sedation Some animal studies have shown that selenium may make the sedative effects of these drugs last too long:

• Butabarbital (Butizol)
• Mefabarbital (Mebaral)
• Phenobarbital (Nembutal)
• Secobarbital (Seconal)

Intervention in chemotherapy- Patients undergoing chemotherapy are advised to consult with an oncologist or physician before taking selenium supplements, as this mineral may alter the effects of treatment.

Decreased effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering drugs- selenium reduces the effectiveness of statin drugs.

If you are a woman taking birth control pills but want to try a selenium supplement, talk to your doctor or gynecologist first. The researchers suggested that such women may already have high selenium levels, and further consumption would cause poisoning or toxicity.

Meanwhile, gold salts, which are chemical compounds, reduce selenium levels in the body and cause symptoms of selenium deficiency.

Selenium: This mineral is worthy of praise

When something is considered "important", there must be a list of reasons why it deserves that designation. Selenium has proven its importance as an essential nutrient due to its health benefits in various diseases.

Unfortunately, optimizing selenium levels must be done with caution, given the risk of poisoning or toxicity that occurs when taking excessively high amounts, as well as the potential side effects associated with supplementation.

As I mentioned earlier, it would be It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking them to reduce the risk of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Selenium

B: What are the benefits of selenium?

ABOUT: Selenium is associated with health benefits such as:

• Serves as an important component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase
• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to enhance immune function
• Helps fight infectious diseases and viral infections
• Supports proper thyroid function
• Helps pregnant women
• Solves the problem of fertility among men
• Helps people with chronic asthma
• Reduces the risk of cancer

Q: What foods contain high amounts of selenium?

ABOUT: There are food sources of selenium that will benefit you. These include Brazil nuts, sunflower and chia seeds, garlic, organic eggs, organic chicken and turkey, grass-fed liver (beef or lamb), fish such as wild Alaskan salmon and herring, and mushrooms.

Q: How much selenium should I take per day?

ABOUT: I highly recommend taking 200 mcg of selenium daily. Avoid exceeding this amount because it may increase the risk of toxicity or poisoning. When shopping for a supplement, look for high selenium yeast, which has been scientifically tested and is the most recommended form of supplementation. Talk to your doctor to find out how much of this mineral your body needs.published.

© Joseph Mercola

If you have any questions, please ask

P.S. And remember, just by changing your consumption, we are changing the world together! © econet

Selenium Description:
Selenium is a chemical element whose importance for the human body was discovered in the 60s of the 20th century. Since this discovery, many studies have been conducted confirming the importance of this substance in preserving and fighting various diseases. In its pure form, selenium is poisonous, and in small quantities it is vital for humans. The bulk of selenium in the body is concentrated in the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart and testicles.
Selenium is widely used in medicine for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, including as a powerful anticancer agent.

Why does the body need selenium:

• Selenium reduces the likelihood of cancer.

• Protects cells from DNA damage, promotes normal cell growth, and repairs damaged cells.

• Participates in the production of thyroid hormones, normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system.

• Helps the functioning of the pancreas.

• Selenium strengthens the human immune system, increases the body's resistance to various infections, viruses and pathogenic bacteria.

• Has an anti-inflammatory effect.

• Helps fat-soluble vitamins be better absorbed.

• Selenium protects against diseases of the cardiovascular system.

• Maintains good vision.

• Selenium has a positive effect on the reproductive function of men and women and protects against infertility. Increases sexual activity in men.

• In pregnant and lactating women, a sufficient amount of selenium in the body helps protect both the fair sex from the development of various diseases, and the child from congenital pathologies and diseases that arise in the first years of life.

• Selenium protects the body from premature aging.

• Helps remove heavy metals (lead, mercury, platinum) and toxins from the body. Reduces the toxicity of certain drugs.

• Improves the condition of the skin and nails.

The body's daily requirement for selenium:
The body's need for selenium ranges from 20 to 100 mcg per day. At the same time, both a lack of selenium and its excess have a negative impact on human health.

Interaction of selenium with other substances:
Selenium is better absorbed in sufficient quantities and in the human body, these substances enhance the effect of each other. But sugar and products containing it in large quantities (confectionery), on the contrary, interfere with the absorption of selenium. Also, some medications (for example: paracetamol) can reduce the amount of selenium in the body.

Products containing selenium:
Selenium is present in many foods of both plant and animal origin. A good source of selenium are sea fish and seafood, especially octopus, herring, and. There is a lot of selenium in sea salt. This substance is also found in meat (liver, kidneys, heart), salted, wholemeal flour, bran, and cereals. Selenium is part of, a, yeast, and. It is worth considering that when processing foods, the amount of selenium in them is significantly reduced. In addition, the amount of selenium in the soil can differ significantly in areas located close to each other and, accordingly, the products grown on them will also have different selenium content.
It is worth noting that infants receive selenium from their mother's milk, which contains several times more of this substance than in.

Lack of selenium in the body:
Selenium deficiency in the body disarms a person against various diseases and can lead to very sad consequences. Weakness, depression, decreased sexual activity or performance, skin, cardiovascular, cancer diseases, visual impairment and many other diseases can be a consequence of selenium deficiency in the body. Selenium deficiency most often affects the elderly, pregnant women, bottle-fed babies (especially boys), and residents of regions with unfavorable environmental conditions.
The best way to replenish selenium deficiency is. The use of selenium supplements is possible only after consulting a doctor.

Excess selenium in the body:
It is difficult to obtain an excess of selenium in the body by eating foods rich in selenium. As a rule, an overabundance is rare and occurs when taking medications containing selenium. Considering that selenium in its pure form is a strong poison, taking dietary supplements and medications enriched with selenium must be strictly under the supervision of doctors, since a large amount of selenium in the body can lead to poisoning and other serious consequences. Medicines containing increased amounts of selenium are prescribed by specialists only for the treatment of specific diseases.

Selenium was discovered by the chemist Berzelius back in 1817, but even today scientists are receiving more and more data about the role of this trace element in biochemical reactions in the human body. Since the second half of the twentieth century, a huge number of experimental studies have been devoted to the study of the biochemical functions of selenium. Scientists have been able to establish that some types of soil are very poor in this microelement; accordingly, crop and livestock products grown there will contain little selenium. Therefore, people living in remote parts of even the same country are provided with biologically available forms of selenium to varying degrees. A deficiency of this chemical element can cause serious dysfunction of the organs of the human body.

Daily requirement

The daily dosage of selenium for an adult is approximately 50-60 mcg. The need for this microelement increases in pregnant and lactating women (up to 70-75 mcg per day).

When playing sports, the human body should receive a much larger amount of selenium. During periods of intense training, the dosage may be increased to 200 mcg per day. Exceeding this amount can lead to the development of side effects, so independent uncontrolled intake of selenium-containing drugs poses a threat to human health. With the body’s increasing need for this chemical element, the choice and dosage of mineral-vitamin complexes with biologically active forms of selenium should be carried out only taking into account the recommendations of a doctor.

Functions in the body

In the human body, selenium is found in the highest concentrations in the liver, heart, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, as well as in the skin, hair and nails. The influence of this microelement on physiological processes is quite diverse. Selenium helps strengthen the immune system and stimulates the formation of protein molecules with protective properties. Many important enzymes contain atoms of this element.

Deserves special attention antioxidant properties Selena. Scientists have found that many diseases are based on disturbances in biochemical processes caused by the action of harmful particles - free radicals. It is assumed that these unwanted effects are also the cause of aging of the body. Selenium protects the cells of the human body from the harmful effects of such particles, that is, it exhibits antioxidant properties. Thanks to this microelement, the active life of cells is significantly extended and substances dangerous to the body are neutralized. It is for this reason that selenium can be considered as a trace element that ensures longevity. The antioxidant effect also underlies the ability of selenium to prevent the development of malignant tumors.

It has been established that with a normal supply of this microelement to the human body The likelihood of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system is sharply reduced. An insufficient amount of selenium in consumed food provokes a deterioration in the supply of oxygen to heart cells and leads to the risk of sudden death due to heart rhythm disturbances.

Selenium necessary for the biosynthesis of protein molecules and carriers of hereditary information - nucleic acids. The stable functioning of the nervous system also largely depends on a person’s supply of biologically available forms of selenium. This trace element maintains visual acuity and concentration at the proper level.

By ensuring the normal course of maturation of male germ cells, selenium contributes to the performance of sexual function in men. It has also been proven anti-inflammatory effect of selenium.

The functioning of the thyroid and pancreas largely depends on maintaining normal selenium concentrations in the body.

Selenium deficiency

Living in areas whose soils are poor in selenium and eating mainly locally produced food, people inevitably expose themselves to the risk of developing a deficiency of this chemical element in the body.

The main signs of selenium deficiency include: a constant feeling of fatigue even in the absence of any stress, depressed mood, weakness and pain in various muscle groups, hair loss, abnormalities in the structure of the nails, weakening of the body's defenses, the development of pancreatic diseases, and sexual dysfunction. in men, slower growth and development in children and adolescents, premature aging, susceptibility to the development of malignant tumors.

Selenium deficiency during pregnancy is fraught with the onset of premature birth, the development of severe forms of toxicosis and the appearance of various abnormalities in babies.

However, if you find out that you live in a region with a low concentration of selenium in the soil, this is not yet a reason to panic. With the modern level of development of trade, almost any store offers food products from almost all corners of our planet. Therefore, even living in areas with low selenium content in the natural environment, people have the opportunity to eat a wide variety of food products from other geographical latitudes, where the content of this microelement in the soil (and, consequently, in crop and livestock products) is much higher.

The cases of selenium deficiency encountered today are often caused not so much by eating foods produced in the same territory, but by a poor and monotonous diet. Elderly people should be doubly careful in this regard: scientists have proven that with age, the content of this chemical element in our body steadily decreases.

Overdose

Excessive intake of selenium from food can also cause a lot of troubles to a person. Excessive concentration of this trace element in the body leads to attacks of nausea and vomiting, liver dysfunction, brittle nails, redness and peeling of the skin. This pathological condition, the onset of which is caused by an excess of selenium in foods or uncontrolled use of medications, is called selenosis.

Sources of selenium

With a nutritious, varied diet, the human diet includes a sufficient amount of selenium. The foods richest in this microelement are: buckwheat and oatmeal, corn, mushrooms, garlic, meat and offal, brewer's and baker's yeast, shrimp, squid, oysters, seaweed . However, it should be clarified that the same products of plant or animal origin obtained in different regions of the country can differ quite significantly (by several times) in selenium content due to different concentrations of this chemical element in soils.

At home, you can obtain a source of easily digestible form of selenium in a very simple way - to do this, just germinate wheat grains in a saucer of water. This naturally obtained dietary supplement, in addition to the microelement we are interested in, contains a whole set of other substances that are very useful for the body.

Interaction of selenium with other substances

Selenium is part of the amino acid selenocysteine, thanks to which a number of proteins important for the human body can normally perform their biological functions. Despite the participation of selenium in a number of important biochemical reactions, some of its compounds are quite toxic (for example, hydrogen selenide and selenic acid). To enrich the soil, special selenium-containing fertilizers have been developed, thanks to which crop products are saturated with this microelement. For example, in Finland, where previously there was a low natural concentration of selenium in soils and there were frequent cases of the development of deficiency conditions, such measures contributed to an increase in the content of this chemical element in people’s blood to a normal level. In livestock farming, special feed additives are also currently used, in which nutrients contain bioavailable forms of selenium.

Ascorbic acid and vitamin E promote better absorption of selenium by the cells of the human body.

Once in the body, selenium protects tissues from the toxic effects of heavy metal salts - mercury, lead, cadmium.