She Strengthens

The Hidden Importance of Selenium for Your Health

What is Selenium Deficiency?

Selenium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining your overall health. A selenium deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t receive enough of this crucial mineral. While the daily requirement is minimal, selenium supports various bodily functions, including thyroid function, fertility, and protection from infections.

Recognizing the Signs of Selenium Deficiency

If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms, it may be due to a selenium deficiency. Common signs include:

• Infertility
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Hair loss
• Difficulty fighting off infections

Why Selenium Matters

Selenium is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage. Research suggests that it may also play a role in preventing certain health issues, such as:

• Cancer: Some studies indicate that selenium may help reduce the risk of cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this.
• Heart disease: Consuming selenium along with other antioxidants may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Age-related cognitive decline: Healthy selenium levels may help reduce the risk of memory problems, although the evidence is mixed.
• Thyroid disease: Selenium is essential for healthy thyroid function, and supplementation may be recommended for those with thyroid disease.

Daily Selenium Requirements

The recommended daily intake of selenium varies by age and health status. Teens and adults need 55 micrograms per day, while pregnant or breastfeeding women require 70 micrograms daily.

Food Sources of Selenium

Fortunately, selenium deficiency is rare because many foods are rich in this mineral. Some of the best sources include:

• Brazil nuts (one handful provides nearly 10 times the daily recommended value)
• Cooked yellowfin tuna
• Cooked halibut
• Roasted ham
• Canned shrimp
• Boneless roasted turkey

Selenium Supplements

If you’re unable to get enough selenium from food sources, supplements may be necessary. However, it’s essential to consult with a doctor before taking any supplements, as excessive selenium intake can cause harm.

Who is at Risk of Selenium Deficiency?

While selenium deficiency is rare, certain individuals are more at risk, including:

• Those living in areas with low selenium soil
• People undergoing dialysis treatments
• Those with HIV
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with thyroid conditions

Diagnosing Selenium Deficiency

Only a doctor can diagnose a selenium deficiency, which can be challenging due to the lack of a universal test. If you’re experiencing symptoms, your doctor will ask about your health history, diet, and symptoms, and may order tests to measure selenium levels in your blood, urine, or hair.

Takeaway

Selenium deficiency is a rare but potentially serious health issue. If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms or have a higher risk of deficiency, consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can maintain optimal selenium levels and support your overall health.