The Connection Between Selenium and the Immune System

With the Coronavirus lockdown still active, there are a variety of supplements being talked about right now due to their benefits to the immune system. As we know, the immune system is our body’s personal defense against viruses and bacteria. A strong immune system will help keep you healthy during difficult times.

Of all the vitamins and minerals being discussed, there’s one that isn’t getting enough attention - Selenium. Not only is it found in a variety of different supplements already, but it has been estimated that nearly one billion people in the world suffer from a selenium deficiency.

Selenium is an essential mineral that your body can’t produce on its own. This means you must consume it in your diet on a daily basis. According to the National Health Institute, you should be receiving 50-60mcg per day.

We will frequently find selenium in various foods we eat, such as brazil nuts, fish, ham, pork, beef, eggs, brown rice, and baked beans. How much selenium is in each food will depend on the amount of selenium in the soil it grew in.

If you’re receiving dialysis, are living with HIV, or have Crohn’s disease, there’s a good chance your body isn’t properly absorbing the selenium in your diet. In this case, supplementing would be an easy way to solve that. 

As we mentioned earlier, the immune system helps our body fight infections, diseases, bacteria, and pathogens. Without it, you would be highly vulnerable to any viruses roaming around. Much like every other system in our body, certain nutrients will act as fuel for the immune system - including Selenium.

Selenium is known for its antioxidant properties, which means it helps reduce oxidative stress in the body. With a healthy balance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, your immune response will receive a boost and inflammation will be reduced. Together, this will lead to a stronger immune system.

Also Read: Enzymes: Kind of a Big Deal

That’s not all Selenium has to offer, though. It has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers by limiting DNA damage, as well as protecting your body against heart disease.

When taking Selenium as directed, it can also prevent mental decline and improve the function of your thyroid. The thyroid gland is very important as it is responsible for regulating your metabolism and controlling the growth and development of your body.

Although there are no cures for the Coronavirus at this time, a healthy immune system can help you reduce your risk of contracting the virus. As always, you should be practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently.

If you’re looking to add a multivitamin to your daily diet, we have two great ones to choose from. Our multivitamins contain plenty of Selenium - along with other immune-boosting ingredients.

Contact us today to learn more about our supplements and how they can help you during these difficult times!