Selenium - "we are often deficient"

Selenium is typically found in the soil, and is theoretically absorbed into a plant as it grows, which eventually benefits us as we eat these plants. It is found in higher amounts in certain areas around the globe than others, but if the soils that vegetables are grown in are depleted, the plant will be depleted. As a result, the amount found in foods can vary greatly.

Selenium Deficiency

Unsupplemented UK and European diets are selenium deficient. Not only do they fail to meet the UK's own Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) of 75 ug per day, but this RNI is itself insufficient for optimal expression of the selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzymes.

Furthermore, UK selenium intake has fallen by 35-40% over the past three decades, largely as a result of switching to selenium poor European wheat, instead of selenium rich Canadian imports.

There is evidence that selenium deficiency does not usually cause illness by itself, but can make the body more susceptible to illnesses caused by other nutritional stresses.

There are however, a few diseases associated with Selenium deficiency including Keshan Disease, Myxedematous Endemic Cretinism and Kashin-Beck Disease. 

Keshan Disease results in an enlarged heart and poor heart function and is most prevalent in selenium deficient children. Myxedematous Endemic Cretinism results in mental retardation and Kashin-Beck Disease results in bone disorders.

Selenium depletion or deficiency can also lead to, and be associated with severe gastrointestinal problems such as Crohn's disease and other gastrointestinal disorders.

What happens is that it ends up being a chicken and egg situation.  First there may be a deficiency that causes the problem and then it becomes worse because the body begins to loose the ability to absorb nutrients because of the damage the deficit causes.

Unfortunately not many doctors have made the connection between the deficiency, however it is becoming more widely accepted.

Adequate Selenium - Benefits

One of the benefits of having enough selenium in the diet is that it can help regenerate the liver after it has been damaged. Selenium can have a positive effect on the heart and cardiovascular system, on the digestive system, and also on joints. 

Selenium is also essential for normal functioning of the thyroid gland, which has far reaching ramifications for those who are trying to lose weight. People often get caught in the viscous cycle of binging on junk food that is totally devoid of any real nutrient content and this further robes their bodies of nutrients like selenium that help to maintain their health and well being.

In a lesser known application, it can help in the prevention and treatment of dandruff!

Almost all main stream medical intervention is about treating the symptoms, and not the cause of a disease.  Many times in the field of medicine the answer is right in front of us, but we can't see it. 

Taking selenium to supplement your diet may fend off any possible lack of this nutrient that may be occurring and causing you to feel less than at your peak!