Guest guest Posted September 30, 2004 Report Share Posted September 30, 2004 Selenium--Powerful Detox The buildup of toxins in our bodies over the course of years often result in degenerative diseases. Just as emotional traumas that have been buried for years tend to surface in midlife, asking that we examine and change our learned behavior, so too do physical symptoms surface to reveal the need for change in how we care for our bodies. In either case, if we ignore the signals that something is amiss, that something requires our attention, we do so at our own peril. Denying pain inevitably leads to more profound pain. Unexamined fears eventually assume monstrous proportions.Clinging to habits that do not support growth and life bind us instead to stagnation and death. Clearing accumulated toxins is believed to free the body from undue burden so that it is able to function better and regain the energy necessary to heal itself. Though fasting and cleansing may be one step, detoxification is not a single event but an ongoing process that supports the body's natural ability to effectively dispel toxins on a daily basis. Part of that process is consciously limiting the toxins that enter the body in the first place. Restricting or eliminating use of the usual culprits-- caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, synthetic or petroleum-based body products and household chemicals, is a good place to start. Eating an organic natural-foods diet, drinking sufficient amounts of pure water, and getting regular exercise are actions that begin to facilitate detoxification. Our bodies adjust best to gradual change, so incorporating these practices into everyday life is recommended before embarking on a more stringent course for flushing toxins out of your system. The language of detoxification often suggests an attitude of deprivation, restriction, and penance -- as if fasting and cleansing are the price to be paid for poor choices, whether we made them years ago or days ago. That attitude conjures images of a strict parent demanding that we be responsible for taking care of what we have been given. Perhaps that model will spur us to compliance in caring for our physical bodies, but it does not encourage mental and emotional health. Truly caring for the self feels like nurturing, not like deprivation or punishment. Small changes that feel like indulgences: long silent walks, a regular massage, and/or access to a steam room or sauna may provide a point at which caring for your physical self is a positive experience for your whole self. Begin there. Other shifts will occur. Toxins are substances that interrupt or completely block the normal metabolic functions of the body. Metabolic functions include moving nutrients into our cells, processing and eliminating wastes, producing energy, making repairs, and growing replacement cells. Detoxification is the processing and elimination of toxins from the body, and it is an essential part of regaining and maintaining good health. Food provides the body with nutrients, which are the building blocks for health. Nutrients are released from food through digestion. Poorly digested foods will not only limit the amount of nutrients available to be absorbed, but will increase the toxic burden on the body through fermentation. Undigested foods will not merely pass unchanged out of the body, but ferment and produce gases and other toxic byproducts, which will be reabsorbed by the body. These digestion originating endogenous toxins, along with exogenous toxins originating outside of the body, will burden and limit normal bodily functions. Toxic substances include: heavy metals, such as mercury and lead; solvents, such as benzene; plastics, such as styrene; hormones and chemicals acting as hormones; and, free radical compounds. I consider " free radicals " to be the number one class of *toxins*. A free radical is an unbalanced chemical structure that will pull electrons from other structures, damaging them in the process. Free radicals may originate from poor digestion, uncontrolled emotional stress, and pollution from the world around us. Oxygen has the ability to pull electrons off of other chemical structures, which is necessary for our efficient cellular energy production and the operation of our immune system. While oxygen is essential for life, if uncontrolled it will create toxic free radicals and increase our risk of developing diseases. Free radicals will act against our bodies by directly " burning " our cells, 'damaging' our DNA and increasing our risk of developing diseases through the " altering " of our genetic expression. Altered genetic expression may lead to the emergence of dormant diseases such as cancer, Hepatitis C, and AIDS. Virtually every person has symptoms of toxic load. Selenium's contribution to the immune system is to *protect* the cells against " damage " caused by oxygen-free radicals. Selenium is an essential trace element which is normally obtained from the diet.However, it was not until 1979 that it was recognized as a requirement in human nutrition. Previous to this time it was regarded as essential to animals only. The first major breakthrough was achieved by Dr Klaus Schwartz who discovered that liver 'necrosis' in rats could be prevented with the aid of a kidney extract, found to contain selenium. As a result of Schwartz' discovery, selenium became the object of an intense programme of research, which continues today. In the 70's selenium deficient agricultural land presented serious problems for the Finnish cattle industry, which were eradicated by the addition of selenium to fertilizers and cattle feed. Selenium has now been discovered to be part of the enzyme system that controls " prostaglandins " , which have widespread functions in the body. Studies on animals show that selenium reduces high blood pressure and, when combined with Vitamin E, reduces angina pectoris. Selenium deficient animals do not 'reproduce' and in fact half a man's body stores of selenium are found in the testes and seminal glands. Breast milk contains up to six times as much selenium as cow's milk and twice as much Vitamin E. Selenium is the principal mineral anti-oxidant and free radical *deactivator*. It combines with glutathione and Vitamin E to form gluathione peroxidase, the body's free radical controller. Other factors include zinc, manganese and copper. Prevention of Infections and Blood Clots. --- It would appear that selenium increases the *beneficial* prostaglandins (a regulatory factor in the coagulation of the blood) and 'decreases' the *formation* of harmful prostaglandins (e.g. prostaglandins causing inflammation in the joints). Low selenium levels are associated with ECG abnormalities indicative of heart problems. Selenium also prevents cancer. Selenium supplementation has been effective in the prevention of many forms of cancer. Selenium alone can give a 50% success rate, but combined with vitamins A & E this rises to a 90% success rate. The incidence of cancer is more common in a sub-group of the population with low selenium blood levels. As has already been seen, selenium protects cells from damage by oxygen-free radicals. It also decreases the carcinogenic *viruses* and inhibits the *division* of cancer cells. --- The Link between Vitamin E and Selenium Selenium is synergistic with Vitamin E, i.e. the beneficial effect of combined selenium and Vitamin E is greater that the added effect of each single nutrient. The enzyme glutathione peroxidase *requires* both selenium and Vitamin E to function. The most efficient ratio is 100mcg Vitamin E to 25mcg Selenium . (Selenium is 50-100 times more powerful than Vitamin E.) Sources of Selenium Good sources include cold water fish, raw brazil nuts. Whole grains and brown rice contain significant proportions, but levels vary, depending on the soil content of the area in which they are grown.However,remember that selenium is also *lost* in processing. Brown rice has fifteen times higher levels than white rice and wholemeal organic bread has twice the levels of white bread. We've told you about studies that have shown how a sufficient selenium intake may lower the risk of prostate, breast, colorectal and lung cancers. Now a recent study from Indiana University Cancer Center and Indiana University Schoolof Medicine has explored the theory that selenium activates an important *tumor-suppressing* gene called p53. Scientists estimate that the p53 gene is mutated in as much as 70% of all cancers. In experiments performed on human lung cancer cells, the Indiana researchers used selenomethionine, the major component of selenium, to treat cells that contained p53 genes, and other cells that were deficient in p53. Results showed conclusively that selenomethionine not only *activated* the p53 protein,but also protected cells containing p53. Based on these findings, the researchers speculate that selenium therapy may act as a cancer preventive by enhancing the *vitality* of p53 genes. When the p53 genes function properly, cells are more likely to *repair* the DNA damage that may promote cancer. ----------------------------- The Versatile Antioxidant ----------------------------- In addition to its excellent cancer fighting abilities, many studies have shown that selenium's antioxidant properties may also fight 'autoimmune' disorders and help 'increase' insulin " efficiency " . Other research has concluded that selenium may be able to stop viruses from mutating and becoming more potent. Clearly, the importance of selenium in our diets can't be overstated. Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium, but the amount of selenium in any plant depends on the selenium content of the soil it's grown in. For instance, soils on the high plains of North America have high amounts of selenium, while the soil in much of China contains low amounts. So while garlic tends to contain good amounts of this mineral, the amounts vary depending on the soil the garlic is grown in. The Brazil nut is the undisputed selenium champ, with one ounce containing as much as 840 micrograms (mcg) - well over the government recommended daily intake of 50 mcg. However, Dr. Martin L. Smith, the author of the Indiana study, noted that the average diet probably falls short of 50 mcg per day. Furthermore, Dr. Smith believes that in order to reap the cancer preventive qualities of selenium, intake needs to be around 200 mcg per day. In other words, if you can't or don't want to add a quarter ounce of Brazil nuts to your daily diet, you might want to add selenium to your supplement regimen. If you are taking a multi-vitamin, check to see if you're already getting some supplemental selenium. You may be getting enough, but the chances that you're getting a sufficient protective dose are pretty slim. --- Brazil Nut: An Anti Cancer, Antioxidant & Immuno-Stimulant. --- This is one of the richest sources of selenium and vitamin E - powerful antioxidants with anti-aging properties that can help guard against many disorders including heart disease and cancer. The brazil nut is also extremely nutritious with high levels of protein, unsaturated fat, selenium, zinc and other minerals, plus substantial quantities of vitamins E and B-complex. But it is the combination of vitamin E with selenium that gives the nut its special immune enhancing properties. These two antioxidants work together each improving the performance of the other to boost immune system function. Antioxidants prevent cell damage by mopping up any existing free radicals, thus preventing the adverse reactions that can damage our DNA. Accumulated damage by free radicals is known to be an important factor in ageing and disease and the role of antioxidants in the prevention of illness is well recognised. Antioxidants play a preventative role in many conditions including: Asthma, heart disease, immune-dificiency disorders and cancer. Selenium enhances immunity by activating an enzyme in the body which inhibits selenium levels. This in turn affects the immune system because a low level of selenium affects the normal antibody responses to infection. So even a moderate increase in selenium intake - a few nuts each day for instance - is beneficial to the body's self defence mechanisms and can help to reduce the risks of: Cancer, heart disease and fungal infections, such as candidiasis. Six brazil nuts provide four times your daily minimum requirement of Selenium. Selenium is a very important mineral, however bear in mind that it is regarded as a " trace " mineral. For this reason, Dr. Weil and other naturopathic physicians do not advise taking more than 300 mcgs daily in supplemental form. The rest of our needs can be obtained very easily from common dietary sources in the form of fresh raw organic foods. Studies have indicated that selenium is better absorbed when obtained from organic foods such as eggs ( the organic brands are best because of the derogatory effects of hormones and antibiotics in traditional brands which introduce/intersperse even more toxins into our system. Seafoods, even canned varieties, such as alaskan salmon and sardines in water, mushrooms( esp. medicinal mushrooms) and organic wheat germ are especially high in selenium content. Selenium is also present in Brewer's yeast and the sea vegetables that are so prevalent in Japanese macrobiotic diets (kelp,dulse, etc), as well as brazils and other raw nuts. Brazil nuts are highest in selenium content, with 8 mcgs of selenium in just one of them. The selenium in foods has no known toxicity level. Shari Lieberman, Ph.D. claims that one can ingest up to 2,400 mcgs of selenium in foods with no adverse effects. Brazil nuts would be highest although organic eggs would be my second choice of high selenium foods. If organic is not available in your area, farmers markets frequently offer hormone/ antibiotic free eggs. Horizon Organic site contains additional info regarding organic eggs. www.horizonorganic.com Almonds and cashews are rated moderately high in selenium as well although Brazil nuts are best. There are also some seeds that are beneficial... sesame and pumpkin seeds are good sources as well. It is good to remember that Vitamin E works synergistically with selenium, both in supplements and foods. --- Post subject: Selenium -Shari Lieberman Ph.D -- Selenium is present in all the tissues of the body, but is concentrated most highly in the kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, and testes. People do not consume enough selenium both because of the type of diet they eat, and because of the low selenium content of the soil in which their food is grown. The selenium content of soil varies widely, with many areas showing serious depletion. In fact, there have been several reports of selenium deficiencies in livestock raised on selenium-depleted soil. FUNCTIONS AND USES Cancer Selenium's best-known and perhaps most important biological function relates to its role as an antioxidant and anticancer mineral. As we have seen in other chapters, free radicals damage our cells, possibly leading to the development of cancer and other degenerative diseases. Selenium is an activating component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which protects our cells from this damage. Many animal studies have proven that selenium deficiency increases the incidence and rate of growth of cancers in animals that are either exposed to a variety of potent carcinogens or receive transplanted tumors. Companion studies have shown that high selenium intake protects against these cancers. For example, in one study in which rats were exposed to a potent carcinogen, only 15 percent of those who were also given selenium developed liver cancer as compared with 90 percent of the unsupplemented rats. In another study, the occurrence of cancer was 10 percent in the supplemented group versus 80 percent in the control group. In yet another animal study, selenium supplementation reduced colon cancer incidence by more than 50 percent. In another study, selenium protected against UV-induced skin damage and cancer, retarding the onset and number of skin lesions, and reducing inflammation, blistering, and pigmentation. In. humans, there is ample epidemiological evidence that high selenium is correlated with a lower incidence of many types of cancer. For instance researchers have found that cancer risk is significantly lower in people living in areas with selenium-rich soil, in people with a high-selenium food supply, and in people with higher blood levels of selenium, when compared with people with lower intakes and blood levels. Selenium intakes in the people studied were close to 750 micrograms per day, with no toxic side effects noted. In a survey that spanned twenty-seven countries, including the United States, it was found that the cancer death rate was lower in those people whose typical diets were high in selenium. This and other cancer studies indicate that selenium is especially protective against cancer of the breast, colon, and lung. Data also suggests protection against tumors of the ovaries, cervix, rectum, bladder, esophagus, pancreas, skin, liver, and prostate, as well as against leukemia. Since 1969, it has been known that the blood levels of cancer patients are low in selenium. In general, cancer patients with lower-than-average selenium levels have a greater number of primary tumors, more recurrences, more distant metastases (tumors that have spread to distant parts of the body), and a shortened survival time. In a study of 12,000 people conducted in Finland, the risk of fatal cancer in people with the lowest levels of serum selenium was nearly six times higher than that in people with the highest selenium concentrations. Like other nutrients, of course, selenium cannot do its work alone. In several studies, it has been shown that selenium and vitamin E-and perhaps vitamin A, too—have a synergistic effect. For example, in one study, male smokers who died of cancer had lower levels of serum selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E, when compared with healthy control subjects. It is well known that vitamin E enhances the antioxidant effect of selenium. In. addition, it has been found that supplementation with selenium alone and with selenium plus vitamin E in excess of the RDAs stimulates the immune system in experimental animals. This effect is particularly pronounced when the diet is high in essential fatty acids (omegas). These studies show promise for the prevention and possible treatment of cancer with selenium supplementation. When combined with other supplements, the anticancer effect may be even greater. The National Cancer Institute is conducting ongoing " chemopreventive " trials of several individual nutrients, including selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin A. However, often these trials are limited to 200 micrograms of selenium per day, which may be too low a dose to assess the potential protective effect of this mineral. Larger doses of selenium have been shown to be protective in animals, and safe in humans. In addition, we are not sure of the extent to which selenium supplementation influences the later stages of cancer development. If its influence is strongest in the early stage, it will be very difficult for these trials to prove the connection between low selenium and cancer because of the long latency period for most cancers. (For example, it may take up to fourteen years for a single breast cancer cell to multiply and produce a tumor large enough to be detected by currently available diagnostic methods.) Finally, evidence of the synergism of nutrients has led many researchers to emphasize the need to consider several nutrients in any given diet and cancer study, instead of focusing on just one nutrient per study. --- ---------------- Cardiovascular Disease In humans, a link has been found between selenium and heart disease. People found to have overt selenium deficiencies-alcoholics with cirrhosis of the liver, and people receiving long-term intravenous feeding-have also been found to suffer from heart problems that respond to selenium supplementation. In eastern Finland, which has one of the highest mortality rates from heart disease in the world, it was found that low selenium in the blood was associated with up to a six- or sevenfold increase in the risk of death from heart disease. In addition, children in certain areas of China in which the selenium content of the soil is low are known to develop a heart disease called Keshan's disease. Their heart problems, too, respond to selenium supplementation. --- ---------------- Functions in Muscular Dystrophy and Rheumatoid Arthritis There is some evidence that selenium may also prove effective in the treatment or prevention of several other disorders. A study using 400 micrograms of selenium and approximately 25 international units of vitamin E markedly improved skin conditions such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis in the test subjects. A Danish study examined patients with rheumatoid arthritis and found that they had lower levels of selenium. Those with the lowest levels had the more severe form of this disease. Moreover, a recent study conducted in Japan suggests that selenium and vitamin E may enhance the responsiveness of arthritis patients to conventional treatment. A fascinating study conducted in Scandinavia showed a correlation between low selenium levels and the incidence and severity of muscular dystrophy; one patient who was treated with selenium supplements showed considerable improvement after one year. Finnish researchers have also conducted a study on elderly patients, who were given large doses of selenium and vitamin E for one year. After two months, researchers found an obvious improvement in their patients' mental well-being, including less fatigue, depression, and anxiety, and more mental alertness, motivation, and self-care. Finally, selenium has been shown to protect against the toxic effects of mercury, arsenic, and copper. RDIs AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS Selenium deficiency symptoms may include muscular weakness and discomfort. Recent studies have shown that people with celiac disease-an inborn inability to digest gluten are at high risk for low selenium, along with other nutrients, either because their low gluten diets are also low in selenium, or because of their absorption problems. Down's syndrome patients have also been found to have low levels of selenium and other antioxidants. --- ---------------- In one study, refinery workers were found to have low selenium levels in spite of their dietary intake of 217 micrograms per day, which is more than three times higher than the RDI. This study indicates that because of the workers' exposure to free radicals on the job, their bodies were utilizing large amounts of selenium to produce the protective enzyme " glutathione peroxidase " . This suggests that exposure to toxic environmental chemicals increases the requirement for this mineral. Food Sources: There are no accurate available measurements of the selenium content of foods. Whole grains and nuts can be good sources, however this depends on the selenium content of soil in which they were grown. Fruits and vegetables generally contain very low amounts of selenium. The refining process strips foods of much of their selenium content. In one study, it was found that a highly refined diet contains 61 percent less selenium than does a diet rich in unrefined foods. Cooking also reduces the content significantly, especially if the cooking water is discarded. Vitamin C seems to enhance the absorption of selenium. SUPPLEMENTS Selenium is most often available as an individual supplement, although some multivitamin-mineral formulas are beginning to include this mineral. I recommend selenium in the form of selenomethionine, which is extracted from selenium-rich yeast or ocean plants. This form appears to be the most absorbable. OPTIMUM DAILY INTAKE-ODI For optimum general health, the basic Optimum Daily Intake for selenium is: 100-400 mcg for men and women living in low-selenium areas (this includes coastal areas and glaciated areas) 50-200 mcg for men and women living in high-selenium areas Excerpted from " The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book " , by Shari Lieberman, Ph.D and Nancy Bruning, Avery Publishing, 1997 _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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