What is Selenium?

This trace mineral not only acts as an antioxidant, but is also essential for the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland. Selenium wards off attacks by harmful bacteria and viruses, fights the effects of aging, relieves menopausal symptoms on women, removal of harmful substances such as mercury from the system, and enhances pancreatic functioning and elasticity of body tissues.

Selenium can be naturally obtained from numerous food items including brazil nuts, walnuts, tuna, cod, red snapper, herring, beef, poultry and grains. Processed foods have decreased selenium content so pick out whole foods to fulfill your selenium requirement. This trace mineral must be consumed in moderation. Excess selenium has dire consequences as does too little selenium. In severe cases, death too can be one of the consequences of selenium imbalance in the body.

What is Selenium Deficiency?

 Selenium deficiency can be caused by not eating enough selenium containing food items, consuming food items cultivated in selenium deprived soils, and due to certain intestinal disorders. Selenium deficiency can be detected by several symptoms, which include:

Hypothyroidism

Selenium is crucial for the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland. A selenium deficiency leads to hypothyroidism which results in heart palpitations, excess skin moisture, and increased sensitivity to light and being emotionally disturbed.

Keshan’s Disease

This fatal illness affects children and females that are of a child bearing age. The consequences of leaving this illness untreated include increased susceptibility to diseases, pulmonary edema and heart failure.

Kashin-Beck Disease

If selenium deficiency is coupled with iodine deficiency, the individual is at a risk of suffering from Kashin-Beck Disease. This disease causes degeneration, necrosis and atrophying cartilage tissue which can leave an individual with a growth pattern that is stunted and disproportionate.

Reproductive Problems

Selenium deficiency can also cause miscarriages in women. Hypothyroidism can also result in menstrual changes and fluctuations.

Mental and Physical Fatigue

Selenium deficiency results in a sudden onset of physical lethargy and weariness. Routine tasks seem difficult and physically taxing. Mental prowess and dexterity may also show signs of decline.

Immune System Problems

Selenium deficiency causes the immune system to become less effective. The body becomes increasingly vulnerable to viral and bacterial attacks, and the patient may suffer from cirrhosis, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, diarrhea, hair loss, sloughing off of nails and garlic breath.

Conclusion

These potentially fatal results of selenium deficiency can easily be avoided! Simply make sure that your diet contains an adequate quantity of selenium rich whole food items. Consult your health practitioner regularly for medical tests to evaluate whether you are at a risk of suffering from selenium deficiency. Additionally, you can also seek your health practitioner’s opinion about selenium supplements. The key is to remember that whether you are relying on natural sources of selenium or artificial ones, this trace element must strictly be consumed in moderation.

 
Soruces
Top 5 signs of selenium deficiency - Newsmax.com
Signs and symptoms of selenium deficiency - Testcountry.org
Selenium - Foodpyramid.com
Definition of selenium deficiency - Medterms.com