04th Sep 2009
Fight Asthma With Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that is important to good health but required only in small amounts. Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes in the body. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by products of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease to name a few. Other selenoproteins help regulate thyroid function and play a role in the immune system and more.
Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries through out the world. The content of selenium in food depends on the quantity found in the soil where plants are grown or animals are raised. For example, researchers know that soils in the plains of northern Nebraska and North Dakota have very high levels of selenium. People living in those regions generally have the highest selenium intakes in the United States. In the U.S., food distribution patterns across the country help prevent people living in low-selenium geographic areas from having low dietary selenium intakes. Soils in some parts of China and Russia have very low amounts of selenium. Selenium deficiency is often reported in those regions because most food in those areas is grown and eaten locally.
Minerals selenium seems to help the body stimulate antibodies after you receive a vaccination. It also may help protect the body from the poisonous effects of heavy metals and other harmful substances found in foods and the environment today.
Selenium is a trace element that is essential in small amounts (microgram quantities), but like all essential elements, it is toxic at high levels. Humans and animals require selenium for the function of a number of selenium dependent enzymes, also known as selenoproteins. During selenoprotein synthesis, selenocysteine is incorporated into a very specific location in the amino acid sequence in order to form a functional protein. Plants do not appear to require selenium for survival. However, when selenium is present in the soil, plants absorb it non specifically into compounds that usually contain sulfur.
Selenium is a nutrient used with other antioxidants to help prevent arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. It is also used in asthma, burns, and male infertility.
Selenium mineral is available in capsule or tablet form at your local or internet health food store. Always look for name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
Talk with your caregiver about how much Selenium you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Selenium. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Selenium is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
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