Antioxidants and Selenium: The Unsung Hero
Antioxidants are well-known for their positive impact on our health, but selenium, a powerful nutrient that also acts as an antioxidant, often goes unmentioned. Selenium plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, brain health, and reproductive system. Unfortunately, the negative health impacts of selenium deficiency are also frequently overlooked. Consuming foods grown in selenium-poor soil or having digestive and intestinal ailments, such as celiac disease, can lead to selenium deficiency. Let’s explore the top five signs that you might need to increase your selenium intake through diet or supplementation.
Signs of Selenium Deficiency
Foggy Memory
Feeling spacey or having a cloudy mind, along with short-term and even long-term memory issues, could indicate a selenium deficiency. Many people attribute memory problems to aging, but a lack of selenium can interfere with cognitive function. This deficiency doesn’t just affect memory; it can also impair analytical thinking skills and concentration.
Fatigue
Selenium is essential for converting the T4 thyroid hormone (thyroxine) into the active hormone T3 (triiodothyronine). An imbalance in these hormones can increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism, a condition associated with lethargy, depression, and uncontrolled weight gain. While iodine is also crucial for thyroid health, selenium deficiency plays a significant role in protecting the thyroid and regulating important hormonal functions.
Chronic Cold or Flu
Selenium supports the immune system and enhances the body’s natural defenses against colds, flu, and other immune-compromised conditions. Hypothyroidism, which can be influenced by selenium deficiency, negatively impacts the immune system’s response to invading germs. The immune system relies on cell communication to combat germs and bacteria, and selenium, as an antioxidant, supports this communication.
Infertility
Infertility can have many causes, and attributing fertility issues solely to selenium deficiency isn’t always accurate. However, selenium does affect sperm quality and motility. In fact, selenium and vitamin E work synergistically to promote male fertility.
Slow Wound Healing
If you have a cut or bruise that doesn’t heal as quickly as it should, you might not be getting enough selenium. As an antioxidant, selenium aids in cell tissue repair. When wounds heal slowly, it’s worth examining your selenium levels, as research suggests that selenium may help wounds heal faster.
Getting Enough Selenium
While experiencing one or more of the above issues may indicate a selenium deficiency, it’s important to note that not everyone with these symptoms is necessarily deficient in selenium. However, it’s something to consider. If you have any of these concerns, review your nutritional intake and consider adding more selenium-rich foods to your diet. Supplementation might also be an option, but ensure you choose a high-quality selenium supplement. I recommend our vegan-friendly selenium supplement, extracted from 100% organic mustard seeds.
