Sunday, January 29, 2017

Selenium roles in immune system

Selenium and zinc are two important minerals that help human immune system function well. Several studies have suggested that being deficient in selenium may be trigger for autoimmune thyroid disease.

Selenium is a trace mineral that human bodies use to produce glutathione peroxidase, and enzyme that’s serves as a natural antioxidant. Glutathione peroxidase works with vitamin E to protect cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals.

Selenium ranks with vitamin C and A as a powerful promoter of immunity. Selenium is an antioxidant key to preventing cancer and stopping the progression of HIV infection from developing into AIDS.

Research suggests that selenium can protect humans against cancer of the lung, ovaries, breast, colon, liver, cervix, skin, stomach and uterus. When sufficient selenium levels are achieved, the risk of getting cancer is half that of a person who is selenium deficient. There are few good food sources of selenium, so supplementation may be the best way to obtain selenium's protective benefits.

One study showed that giving 200 mcg of selenium per day decreased one of the primary antibodies in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. There is also strong link between selenium deficient and celiac disease.

People with celiac disease have malabsorption of many nutrients, selenium being one of them.

As an immune supportive mineral, selenium stimulates the development and function of all types of white blood cells and enhances the ability of lymphocytes and NK cells, or killer cells, to activate and respond to invaders such as bacteria and viruses, including the flu. Selenium works synergistically with Vitamin E, A and C as an antioxidant.

Selenium binds with many toxic minerals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury and facilitates their excretion from the body. By detoxifying per oxidized fats, via its role in the enzyme glutathione and peroxidase, selenium inhibits their carcinogenicity (cancer promoting traits). Selenium also counteracts many of the toxic effects of smoking tobacco.
Selenium roles in immune system

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