Selenium and Thyroid Function
There are many benefits of Selenium as it plays a key role in maintaining optimal health. One of the most multi functional essential trace minerals, Selenium can be found in small quantities in the body but mostly needs to be acquired from diet. It is needed for the prevention of many health conditions as well as for the proper running of different bodily functions.
An adequate supply of Selenium is required by the body for proper immune response. It plays an important part in enhancing the antioxidant performance of the body by regulating cell damage that is linked with the development of prostate cancer.
Other benefits of Selenium include helping malabsorption issues in the digestive tract and regulating gastrointestinal problems.
It can also improve liver function and aid in fertility. A heart healthy component, Selenium can lower the risk of cardiomyopathy. Sufficient supplies of Selenium and thyroid performance also have a bearing on one another.
When paired with Vitamin E, the performance and benefits of Selenium are enhanced as the two work well together to prevent age related degenerative diseases. Moreover this trace mineral is very important for people who have HIV and AIDS. These patients are recommended to include it in their diet, as Selenium is very effective in countering the development of the virus.
Being a trace mineral, it should be administered in an adequate dose as too much could result in significant toxicity leading to certain health hazards, while too little could lead to deficiencies. An overdose of Selenium can have toxic affects resulting in brittle hair and fingernails and certain skin conditions. On the other hand, significantly low levels of this trace mineral could be linked to various medical conditions like anxiety, depression, asthma, cardiovascular conditions and arthritis.
One of the most prominent conditions associated with selenium deficiency is that of thyroid disorder.
Other Benefits of Selenium
Selenium is key for the thyroid gland, which is an essential component for good health as this gland is responsible for regulating the metabolism. Selenium and thyroid function go hand in hand as far as optimal thyroid performance is concerned.
When thyroid performance is compromised, the body is unable to properly utilize energy provided by food. The trace mineral in question helps convert T4 to T3 so any inconsistencies might debilitate thyroid activity. The link between selenium and thyroid behavior can result in the following two conditions:
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid where the gland is not able to produce the required amount of hormones. This under activity upsets the normal balance of chemical reactions in the body and could be the precursor of problems like obesity, joint pain and possibly heart related conditions… Unfortunately the list of symptoms of hypothyroid conditions can be quite extensive.
The other condition is known as hyperthyroidism. In this situation there is an excessive production of thyroid hormones and if left unchecked, the condition could lead to high blood pressure, fever and sometimes heart failure. In some instances, confusion and delirium may also occur.
In short, the thyroid gland needs adequate doses of selenium to work properly, as well as your whole body because the benefits of selenium are numerous and varied.
Wishing you most of happiness and whole hearted living,
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