Health Benefits Of Selenium

When it comes to nutrients, there are a lot to consider.

You’re probably familiar with some of them – we’ve all heard about the benefits of vitamins A, C, D, and E.

And we likely have some idea that we need to ensure we have enough calcium to maintain healthy bones.

But not every nutrient gets the same amount of press.

A walk down the vitamin aisle in your local drugstore might have you wondering what all of these different pills do, and more importantly – do you need them, or can you rely on getting everything you need from your diet?

As a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, I want to help demystify some of these nutrients for you.

Today we’re going to take a closer look at selenium.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Selenium?

Selenium is a mineral which is important to the functioning of metabolism.

It’s naturally found in water, soil, and some foods.

As an essential nutrient, selenium can’t be created by the body – it needs to be taken in through food sources or via supplementation.

Health Benefits Of Selenium

Although selenium is an incredibly important nutrient, you don’t need a lot of it to get its benefits.

It does, however, play an important role in a number of processes including metabolism and thyroid function.

Let’s have a closer look at the benefits of this important nutrient.

1. It’s An Antioxidant

You may have heard of antioxidants, even if you’re not entirely sure what they are, what they do, or why they are important.

Antioxidants are substances which help prevent damage caused by free radicals.

Although free radicals in small numbers are beneficial for health and help with immune system function, too many can lead to oxidative stress and cell damage.

Selenium is one source of antioxidants, which is important for helping to limit the number of free radicals in your body, and thus limiting the damage they can cause.

Other antioxidants you have heard of include:

• Glutathione
• Vitamin C
• Quercetin
• Polyphenols

2. It’s Good For Your Thyroid

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck.

It’s responsible for regulating hormones which control many functions, including heart rate, metabolism, brain function, and growth.

It also uses more selenium than any other organ or gland in your body.

Low levels of selenium have been linked to hypothyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism is linked with both male pattern baldness and female hair loss as well as issues with infertility and a number of others as well.

3. It’s Good For Your Immune System

After the past two years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic, immune system health seems to be top of mind for many people.

The immune system is what allows your body to identity and fend off threats from viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Increased levels of selenium in the blood have been associated with heightened immune system response, whereas deficiency is may harm immune cells and lead to a slower response.

4. It’s Good For Your Heart

Heart disease is the second leading cause of death for Canadians, after deaths related to cancer.

In one 2006 meta analysis a fifty percent increase in blood selenium levels was lined to a twenty four percent reduction in heart disease risk.

Another effect of selenium is that it may play a role in lowering one of the main factors which can lead to heart disease – inflammation.

Finally, we’ve already talked about how selenium is a great antioxidant, and oxidative stress has been linked to plaque build up in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, which can lead to hypertension.

5. It May Help Combat Alzheimer’s

Decline in cognition, mental function, and memory loss as we age is something most people are looking to try to prevent.

Rates of Alzheimer’s disease are going up as people are living longer, and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age.

Selenium can help reduce oxidative stress which is thought to play a role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions, which makes it useful in a naturopathic approach to multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s.

For individuals who have already developed Alzheimer’s, selenium may help to improve their memory.

Dietary Sources Of Selenium

If you’re looking to get more selenium in your diet, here are some foods to consider:

• Brazil nuts
• Eggs
• Poultry
• Sunflower seeds
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Beef
• Grains
• Oysters
• Many types of fish, including herring, tuna, cod, and red snapper

Can You Overdose On Selenium?

Overdosing on selenium is rare, but possible especially if you are using supplements.

It would be difficult to overdose on selenium from dietary sources alone, however eating too many Brazil nuts is something to watch out for in this regard.

Signs of a selenium overdose can include:

• Tremors
• Muscle soreness
• Hair loss
• Flushing
• Digestive issues like vomiting and nausea
• Dizziness

Severe cases can result in neurological and intestinal issues, kidney failure, heart attack, and death.

For these reasons, it’s best to book an appointment with your Toronto naturopath to find out if supplementing with selenium is right for you.

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ!

Are you worried you aren’t getting enough selenium in your diet?

Do you want to look into taking a supplement, but want to ensure you’re getting the right dose?

I’m Dr. JJ, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto and I can help you ensure you’re getting all of the nutrients you need for your body to perform at its best – including selenium and many others.

Contact my office today for more information, or to set up a consultation.