Selenium and the Baby Boomers
Selenium is another trace mineral that is essential to the good health of aging baby boomers. It is also an important dietary mineral that is a micronutrient antioxidant used in the fight for antiaging and life extension. The antioxidant ability lies primarily in its makeup of enzymes, at least eleven. One of the more prominent of the selenoenzymes is glutathione peroxidase. This powerful antioxidant, especially working synergistically with vitamin E, can help prevent cellular damage in the body from free radicals.
What are some of the benefits
- Works as an antioxidant in the form of glutathione peroxidase and other selenoproteins
- Works synergistically with Vitamin E
- Works to help prevent heart disease (?)
- Works to help prevent stroke
- Works to help prevent different types of cancer
- Works to strengthen the body's immune system, even in it's fight against HIV/AIDS
- Works as an anti-inflammatory in relation to lupus and arthritis symptoms
- Works to protect the body's tissues to maintain youthful elasticity
- Other - helps alleviate hot flashes and menopause problems, increases male sex drive, protects against macular degeneration
Selenium, by acting as a powerful antioxidant, activates the glutathione system. This system works to protect the cells against oxidative stress. One of the main results accomplished is the conversion of the oxidized fat produced in the body into compounds that are not as harmful. Thus it helps to reduce the LDL count in the blood stream. LDL, low-density lipoprotein, is the responsible culprit that helps transport cholesterol and triglycerides allowing them to be deposited in the body's circulatory system.
As stated above, selenium works synergistically with vitamin E; one supports and enables the other. Our natural energy metabolism creates free radicals in the oxidation process and tends to damage the cell membranes. The fat-soluble character of the vitamin and selenium's action against fats makes this an indispensable disease fighting duo for baby boomers.
The prevention of heart disease is one area where the final word is still in the testing stages. Some trials have shown no real positive results while others show some. Most would agree that if positive results are to be realized, they are accomplished by the mineral working with other vitamins and minerals. Make no mistake, nutrition and exercise to be healthy and alert, both mentally and physically is accomplished best by having a combination of natural dietary intake and supplementation.
|
Stroke is also another concern for aging baby boomers. It,s prevention is accomplished by the same action as described above. Fats are broken down and rendered harmless and cells remain strong and supported against the oxidative stress. Consequently, one of the causes of stroke is the build up of plaque which causes blood vessels to become blocked, depriving the brain of oxygen. Selenium helps to prevent this build up of cholesterol and triglyceride plaque.
There have been several studies that show when participants took about 200 micrograms per day of selenium, cancer has been significantly decreased. Lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, colorectal and gynecological are some of the types of cancer that have been reduced. Chemoprevention is the attempt to prevent cancer from developing by using substances that interfere in the process of carcinogenesis. Selenium is one of those powerful chemopreventive agents according to Dr. Donald Lisk of Cornell University.
NOTE:
[The study Hawkes, W.C., Keim, N.L. 2003. Dietary selenium intake modulates thyroid hormone and energy metabolism in men. Journal of Nutrition. 133:3443-3448. states that the mineral when consumed 14 times the normal recommended intake can be toxic. It further states that high selenium (about 5 times the RDA) decreased the amount of active thyroid hormone in their blood and led to a steady slow weight gain. The converse was true also in that low selenium increased their active thyroid hormone levels and led to a steady, slow weight loss.]
The study [Combs GF, Clark LC, Turnbull BW. An analysis of cancer prevention by selenium. BioFactors 14 2001; 153-9.] indicates that selenium reduces the risk of cancer in two ways. It helps prevent free radical damage in the body with it's antioxidant abilities. Secondly, it is believed to prevent tumor growth by enhancing immune cell activity and suppressing development of blood vessels to the tumor.
One other area worthy of mention is the studies concerning prostate cancer. Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial (NPC) and SELECT, Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial both have ongoing studies. Some studies show that reductions as high as sixty percent in prostate cancer have been achieved.
|
|
Selenium, acting as a strong antioxidant, helps to strengthen the immune system. The following studies Arthur, J. R. (2000) The glutathione peroxidases. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 57: 1825-1835.[Medline] and Pfeifer, H., Conrad, M., Roethlein, D., Kyriakopoulos, A., Brielmeier, M., Bornkamm, G. W. & Behne, D. (2001) Identification of a specific sperm nuclei selenoenzyme necessary for protamine thiol cross-linking during sperm maturation. FASEB J. 15: 1236-1238. state the following in part.
'The antioxidant effects of selenium were suggested to be mediated through the glutathione peroxidases (GPx)4 that removed potentially damaging lipid hydroperoxides and hydrogen peroxide. At least five of these peroxidases have now been identified as operating in different cell and tissue compartments. Thus, selenium can act as an antioxidant in the extracellular space, the cell cytosol, in association with cell membranes and specifically in the gastrointestinal tract, all with potential to influence immune processes.'
Concerning it's anti inflammatory properties, selenium has proven effective in studies against such conditions as arthritis, osteoarthritis and even asthma. There are hormone-like compounds produced in the body called prostaglandins. Free radical damage occurs in the body and this free radical activity stimulates the production of the prostaglandins.
One of their functions includes inflammatory mediation. Selenium tends to inhibit the production of the prostaglandins which cause inflammatory reactions in the body. According to studies, both the inorganic and organic forms of selenium have been shown to be effective although the organic form, selenomethionine, seems to perform best.
Selenium also works to maintain the body's youthful elasticity. Karen E. Burke, MD, dermatologist and research scientist, in an American Academy of Dermatology Meeting made the following statement.
"Despite advertising claims, almost all available topical formulations contain very low concentrations of antioxidants that are not well absorbed by the skin. There are three antioxidants that have been proven to decrease the effect of the sun on the skin and actually prevent further damage: selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C."
Sources
Some of the best dietary sources of selenium are brewer's yeast, garlic, fish both fresh water and salt water, grains including whole-grain cereals, Brazil nuts, walnuts and eggs. It is also found in certain herbs such as fennel seed, ginseng, alfalfa, catnip and burdock root.
The recommended daily allowance is generally set at 55 micrograms (mcg) per day. Some studies have shown that for protection against certain cancers, daily intake should be as high as 200-300 mcg/day.
Specific to the Baby Boomers
Antioxidant - It activates the glutathione system which works to protect the cells against oxidative stress.
Synergist - It works with vitamin E in particular and with vitamin C to fight against free radicals.
Heart Disease - The struggle against heart disease, while questionable, is accomplished by good nutrition accompanied by supplementation which includes selenium.
Stroke - The mineral helps to prevent the build up of stroke causing cholesterol and triglyceride plaque.
Cancer - Selenium, acting as a chemopreventive, works to prevent several types of cancer by preventing the process of carcinogenesis.
Immune System - The immune system is strengthened and acts in all areas of health.
Anti Inflammatory - Selenium inhibits the production of the prostaglandins which cause inflammatory reactions in the body.
Antiaging - Selenium, working synergistically with vitamin E and vitamin C helps to keep the skin youthful and pliable.
Other - The mineral helps alleviate hot flashes and menopause problems, increases male sex drive and protects against macular degeneration.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER REGARDING THIS SITE: Information on this site is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation. Please consult an appropriate health care provider about the applicability of any opinions or suggestions with respect to your own symptoms or medical conditions.
BoomersProfit.com | © Copyright 2008 - 2010, All Rights Reserved
Designed by Steve's Templates
|
