With the rapid flow of modern life, it is becoming more and more difficult for people to maintain the right balance of vitamins, trace elements and minerals in the body. As a result, you need to be able to make the right daily diet and eat a varied diet without giving preference to any specific foods, otherwise you can get big health problems. Selenium is a necessary mineral for the woman’s body to maintain health and beauty.
Characteristics of the trace element
Selenium is considered a trace element of longevity, which is caused by its unusual properties. In the periodic table is under the sequence number 34, in the sixth column. It is a black non-metal, which under normal conditions does not react with oxygen, water or acids. In laboratories during chemical reactions it dissolves in nitric acid (concentrated), as well as in alkaline solutions (it oxidizes when interacting with them).
Mineral tends to actively migrate in the biosphere. In humans, it accumulates from thermal water, volcanic smoke and limestone rocks. That is why in places of ancient or modern volcanism the soil is most enriched with this mineral. Products grown on such soil will contain selenium, necessary for humans, in its composition, the benefits to the body of which have been proven by more than one study.
Why selenium is considered a longevity mineral
The antioxidant properties of the mineral in terms of their effects on the body are similar to vitamin E, it is precisely because of this, these substances can replace each other in various physiological processes occurring in the body.
Antioxidant effect is manifested by neutralizing free radicals that violate the recovery processes. Selenium is able to oxidize while maintaining healthy skin and normal production of collagen for its elasticity. As a result, selenium is a necessary trace element for the woman’s body.
In addition, it affects the integrity of nucleic acids, ensuring the absence of gene mutations, storage and transmission of hereditary information. In no case can you arrange for the body selenium starvation, as this can be fraught with rapid biological aging of the body, as well as a reduction in life expectancy.
Selenium: why does the body need this trace element?
In the human body, selenium is concentrated in certain places (pancreas, bone marrow, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, legs and hair). The features of its location suggest the principles of microelement impact on the body:
- provides increased immunity;
- prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases;
- part of hormones, proteins and enzymes;
- has a normalizing effect on metabolic processes, allowing the body to more quickly and easily cope with the digestion of food and the breakdown of trace elements;
- helps to prevent the development of malignant tumors in the body;
- normalizes the nervous system, increasing stress resistance;
- reduces the content of toxic substances in the body (such as mercury, silver, lead, and others);
- normalizes the endocrine system;
- regulates reproductive function in men due to the fact that it enters the chemical;
- affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails, making them strong, elastic and healthy.
Selenium for a woman's body is necessary for the normal course of all physiological and biological processes in the body.
What is dangerous selenium starvation
In the case when selenium does not enter the body for a long time, it slows down, overweight and the likelihood of obesity develop. In addition, with a long selenium fasting can occur:
- myocardial infarction;
- coronary heart disease;
- cancers;
- rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis;
- multiple sclerosis;
- bronchial asthma.
For an adult, it is necessary to obtain a daily rate of selenium equal to 1 μg / 1 kg of weight. Pregnant and lactating women, athletes, smokers and people engaged in heavy physical labor, it is necessary to use more selenium. Benefits for the body of this trace element is indispensable.
Symptoms of selenium deficiency and overdose
With a lack of selenium in the body, chronic fatigue develops, a person quickly gets tired, feels weak, visual acuity is lost, skin irritations, dermatitis, eczema appear, muscle soreness is felt, increased cholesterol levels are found in the blood. This is only a small part of the symptoms, the rest can be identified only when conducting laboratory tests.
When the body receives an excessive dose of microelement, there is a garlic taste in the mouth, nausea and psychoemotional disorders can occur. This condition occurs when the daily norm is exceeded (more than about 5 mg).
Selenium for the body of a woman: contraindications and benefits
Selenium, a powerful antioxidant, allows you to maintain skin's elasticity for a longer time; this effect is especially good when combined with vitamin E, which helps the digestible longevity to be absorbed faster. Mineral selenium for the body is necessary to maintain the health of hair, accelerating their natural growth. In the presence of dandruff, the constituent microelement will effectively neutralize this problem.
The benefits of selenium for the body of women is invaluable in the process of losing weight. Its ability to speed up the metabolism has a positive effect on the rate of splitting of the deposited fats, as a result of which a complete diet combined with exercise will give a faster result. The only contraindication to receive is an excessive dose of a trace element.
Effect of selenium on physiological processes
Selenium for the body of a woman is a fundamental mineral that ensures the maintenance of natural attractiveness and beauty. During pregnancy, when a woman has a very unstable emotional background, selenium will help to normalize the condition and provide the developing baby with all the necessary microelements and minerals.
Due to its beneficial effects, selenium reduces the possibility of development of pathologies in the fetus, spontaneous miscarriage or fetal fading.
Women who consume this microelement in sufficient quantity are less susceptible to viral and infectious diseases, since selenium increases the body's defenses, which is very important during the period of gestation and breastfeeding.
Why is the balance of selenium in the body
To maintain good health and well-being, it is necessary to strictly observe the balance of this trace element in the body. Selenium, the harm to the organism of which can manifest itself both from an overabundance and a lack of a mineral, it is important to use in limited quantities that will not exceed the allowable daily dose. But at the same time the trace element should be enough for the flow of important physiological and metabolic processes.
It should also be borne in mind that taking and smoking significantly depletes the reserves of selenium in the body. Therefore, you need to include in your diet as much as possible of fresh fruits and vegetables, without exposing them to processing. Only in this case, the body will receive the required amount of mineral and function properly.
What foods contain selenium
Having dealt with the question of why selenium is needed in a woman’s body, it is necessary to determine from which food products it can be obtained in the required amount. Selenium is contained in:
- seafood;
- fish;
- meat offal;
- the liver;
- cereals;
- eggs;
- mushrooms;
- garlic;
- sunflower seeds;
- almond;
- fruits and vegetables.
Regularly eating these products, you can easily maintain the perfect balance of trace elements and minerals necessary for normal functioning of the body. It is important to note that after heat treatment, the number of trace elements in the product is reduced to half. Therefore, it is better to use the majority of fresh products, which will allow for the most efficient use of selenium for the woman’s body. Reviews of synthetic micronutrient additives suggest that these drugs do not have good benefits for humans, and in some cases may even worsen the condition.
Impact of selenium on cardiovascular diseases
The lack of selenium in the body is one of the main reasons why a person develops susceptibility to scientists. It has been found that people who eat a sufficient amount of this trace element are 70% less likely to suffer from heart disease. In particular, selenium provides elimination of toxic substances (mercury, lead), the accumulation of which leads to blockage of the coronary vessels.
By maintaining the proper balance of selenium in the body, you can be confident in your health. Knowing the usefulness of selenium for the body, you can skillfully regulate your condition by consuming the right dose of the mineral and consuming it from natural, unprocessed foods.
Impact of selenium on the thyroid gland
Selenium has the ability to produce glutathione peroxidase - an enzyme that stimulates the production of thyroid hormone, which normalizes the endocrine system, maintaining metabolism at the right level and preventing the development of obesity.
In addition, glutathione peroxidase also has an anti-inflammatory effect. For this reason, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, colitis, asthma and psoriasis, selenium must be present in a sufficient amount in the diet. Properties for the body of this trace element have a strong effect in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
The impact of selenium on cancer
This issue is very controversial and is still actively studied by all the stars of modern medicine. In the clinic of Dr. Atkins, the administration of selenium drugs is a priority in the prevention or treatment of cancer. However, his opinion that selenium-based supplements can reduce the incidence of cancer by 40% does not support most doctors and scientists, since selenium can be toxic to the human body.
In the German laboratories, doctors have concluded that selenium is very toxic, the additives of which, on the contrary, adversely affect human health. To upgrade the immune system and prevent mutation processes in cells that are capable of causing the development of cancer, it is necessary to use products containing natural selenium. The benefits and harm to the body of this mineral will in any case for a long time to be studied by leading experts.
To maintain your health, you need to get a trace element with water and food, but you must refrain from taking supplements and vitamins based on selenium, since its overabundance can lead to negative consequences.
How does selenium interact with vitamins?
Why this body needs this mineral is easy to understand, but vitamins, E and C in particular, play an important role in the assimilation of the microelement by the body.
The right balance of microelements and vitamins makes it possible to resist age-related changes in vision (in particular, it prevents the development of cataracts), improves the state of the cardiovascular system (protects against stroke and heart attack, arthritis and various vascular damage). That is why it is important to maintain selenium at a certain level.
Useful properties for the body, updating and maintaining the immune system, allow you to resist dangerous diseases (AIDS, cancer, heart disease), so you need to carefully monitor your diet in order to be able to adjust it in time and fill the body with essential trace elements and vitamins.
The vital role of selenium is commonly associated with its antioxidant properties. This property is manifested in the fact that selenium, along with other substances, in particular with vitamins C and E, is involved in preventing the formation of free radicals 1, which have a detrimental effect on organs and tissues. With a deficiency of selenium, the immune system, the heart muscle cells, and much more suffer.
Selenium is part of the enzyme necessary for the normal formation and exchange of iodine-containing thyroid hormones. That is why, if selenium is deficient, iodine may not be able to properly perform its vital functions in the human body. This is one example of the close interaction of two different trace elements with each other.
As we mentioned earlier, in the last decades the antioxidant system has been given an important role in protecting people from a number of the most serious diseases: atherosclerosis, cancer and a number of others.
As for oncological diseases, in one of the recent studies on people living in regions with low selenium content in the soil, it was shown that the additional intake of selenium, without affecting the incidence of skin cancer, significantly reduced the incidence of lung cancer by 35-54% , prostate, colon and rectum, as well as all types of cancer in the aggregate. At the same time, overall mortality from cancer was reduced by 50%, from prostate cancer - by 37%.
The daily need for selenium is 30-70 mcg.
Selenium is found in fish, meat, animal entrails, nuts; However, to meet the need for this trace element, it is necessary to use multivitamin preparations containing and selenium.
Selenium deficiency and its consequences
The main cause of selenium deficiency, as in the case of iodine, is the low content of selenium in the soil and the agricultural production produced on these soils, both plant and animal.
The most prominent manifestation of selenium deficiency is Keshana disease, which was diagnosed at one time in the province of China of the same name with an exceptionally low consumption of selenium - less than 20 micrograms per day. The basis of this disease is severe heart damage. Similar disorders were found in people on full artificial parenteral nutrition (nutrients in this case are injected intravenously) that did not contain the right amount of selenium. Symptoms of insufficient selenium intake are also anemia. During pregnancy, selenium deficiency can lead to impaired growth and the formation of fetal bones.
Lack of selenium can predispose to cancer, and adequate provision of this trace element - to reduce their frequency.
To verify and confirm this conclusion, in 5 countries, long-term tests of additional selenium intake are being conducted with the participation of 40,000 people.
At the same time, in Finland, the addition of selenium to agricultural fertilizers, which increased the supply of this trace element with food from 30-40 to 100 μg per day, did not lead to any noticeable change in cancer mortality over the course of 8 years.
Recent years have been marked by new discoveries that shed light on previously unknown properties of selenium. It turned out that he, apparently, has a powerful antiviral effect. It was reported that the root cause of Keshan's disease is not a selenium deficiency, but a virus; deficiency of selenium only predisposes to this disease, rendering the body defenseless against virus attack.
Particularly impressive are the data on the high efficacy of mega-drug selenium in the treatment of the most severe viral disease - Ebola hemorrhagic fever: the administration of selenium reduced mortality in severe cases from 100% to 36%, in less severe cases from 22% to zero.
Of no less interest are data proving that selenium can inhibit the reproduction of the AIDS virus and slow down the development of this disease.
Of course, all these data need extensive and thorough verification, and since the doses of selenium used in these cases border on toxic ones, they can only be used for their intended purpose and under the control of a highly qualified medical specialist.
It should be remembered that selenium is highly toxic. And along with regions where there is little of it in the soil and products grown on it, there are regions where an excess of selenium can lead to poisoning, the so-called selenosis with rapid baldness, destruction of nails, teeth, various skin lesions and disorders of the nervous system.
In addition, the therapeutic breadth, i.e. the difference between the physiologically necessary and the toxic dose of selenium is very small. The recommended rate of selenium intake for adult men and women, currently in force in the United States and Canada, is 55 mcg per day, and the maximum safe level of consumption is 400 mcg.
So with selenium you should be quite careful. If you try to optimize the level of selenium in your diet, then it is better to do this using complex vitamin-mineral preparations of well-known and trustworthy companies with guaranteed selenium content not higher than the recommended level of its consumption, and best of all, within 30-50% this level i 15-25 mcg per day.
The widespread use for this purpose of food products specially enriched with selenium is hardly expedient and unsafe.
1 Free radicals -thisunstable molecules with an odd number of electrons, damaging cells. The free radical enters the cell and begins to take electrons from its elements in order to stabilize its position, since all unstable elements tend to supplement their electronic shell in order to become stable. After thatasfree radicals have worked in the cell, it begins a real confusion- everyone starts grabbing electrons from each other. It turns out a small cellularexplosion,the cell collapses.
When it comes to the minerals necessary for the body in general and the female body in particular, we usually first of all remember the calcium necessary for “bones”. If the list needs to be continued, many may recall magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and zinc, although not everyone can list the functions of these substances. Even less, we know why a woman needs selenium. Meanwhile, the wrong dosage of this little-known (relative to others) substance can cause serious health disorders among the fair sex.
Selenium
(lat. Selenium) is a chemical element that, along with oxygen, sulfur, polonium and tellurium, is included in the 16th group of the fourth period of the periodic system of DI Mendeleev. In its pure form is a black vitreous substance of brittle structure; non-metal, well soluble in water. 
The discovery of selenium belongs to the Swedish chemist Jönns Jacob Berzelius. In 1817, while engaged in the synthesis of sulfuric acid, he discovered in it a strange red-brown residue smelling of radish. This substance was originally adopted by a scientist for tellurium, discovered in 1782, but upon detailed study it turned out that this is a completely new, previously unknown chemical element.
Did you know? It is interesting that due to the similarity with tellurium, selenium got its name. The fact is that the word "tellurium" is derived from the Latin "tellus", which means "Earth." By this analogy, the tellurium satellite was named after the moon (selenus, Greek σελήνη).
Selenium is a very toxic substance, but, as is often the case in nature, in microscopic doses it is present in the composition of some proteins. There is it in the human body: mainly in the liver, heart, kidneys, spleen. In men, this microelement is also present in the testicles, spermatic cords and sperm itself.
The value in the woman's body and its benefits
Perhaps the most important thing you need to know, speaking of selenium, is its role in protecting our body from free radicals, aggressive molecules, which arise as a result of an incomplete cycle of redox reactions and destroy cellular structures, causing not only premature aging. , but also a whole "bunch" of very dangerous diseases. Suffice it to say that according to the World Health Organization, at least 60% of deaths on Earth are caused by diseases that are caused by the negative effects of free radicals. 
The mechanism of "internal" defense against attacks of these dangerous killers is known as "antioxidant protection." It is precisely in its construction that selenium is of great importance, and more specifically, glutathion peroxidase containing it is unique enzymes that bind the most destructive types of free radicals. There are more than two hundred enzymes in the human body, which include selenium. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that this trace element affects the work of almost all organs and systems.
- energy metabolism (it is directly involved in the formation of adenosine triphosphate, which is a universal source of energy for all biological systems);
- increased stem cell activity (preventing premature aging);
- improve metabolism;
- increase activity, improve sleep, increase muscle tone, overcome the effects of emotional overload and stress;
- strengthen the heart and blood vessels;
- normalization of the thyroid gland;
- improve the condition of nails, hair, skin, joints and spine;
- regeneration of liver cells and pancreas;
- preventing the formation of atypical cells;
- prevent diabetes, asthma, allergies, arthritis and colitis;
- protect the body from the effects of negative environmental factors - emissions of industrial waste, exhaust gases, tobacco smoke, cadmium vapor, mercury, lead;
- blocking various inflammatory processes, protection against bacteria, viruses and fungal infections (in particular, the trace element prevents the growth of mold fungi);
- enhance immunity.
All the above-mentioned properties of the "lunar" element are equally relevant for both men and women. But selenium has features that make it especially important and valuable especially for the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. And it's not just about preserving youth, beautiful skin and strong hair (which, of course, is also important). The effect of the substance in question on the woman’s body is additionally manifested in the normalization of the work of specific sex hormones, which, in particular, provides: - proper metabolism (obesity prevention);
- free conception (prevention of infertility);
- prevention of serious pathologies of the female genital organs, including uterine myoma, as well as various inflammatory processes in it;
- later wilting women (menopause).
Is it helpful
During the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding, the "lunar" element in the diet of a woman acquires a special role, which is worth a little more detail.
During pregnancy
The future mother needs to take care of obtaining the required dose of the "lunar" element, since it contributes to:
- easy pregnancy (in particular, prevents the occurrence of toxicosis, prevents depletion and weakening of the woman during this period, reduces the risk of miscarriage);
- protection of the mother's body from external and internal threats;
- quick recovery after childbirth.
During lactation
During breastfeeding, selenium deficiency occurs most frequently. At the same time, given that the woman’s body after childbirth is most at risk of all kinds of infections, and exacerbation of diseases of the internal organs at this time occurs very often, and many drugs are incompatible with lactation, it is very important to mobilize and use its full protective functions . As we have already mentioned, it is far from the last role in the formation of immunity and the construction of antioxidant protection belongs to the mineral in question.
Daily intake: how to take selenium
The opinion of scientists regarding the daily consumption of selenium is not unambiguous. Some call numbers from 70 to 100 micrograms, others say about 80-200 micrograms. For example, in the United States of America, 55 mg of a substance per day per adult person is considered the norm for consumption of selenium, regardless of gender, but in the UK, men are recommended to receive 75 micrograms of this element per day, and 60 micrograms for women. In the Russian Federation, the daily rate of the “lunar” element also depends on gender: for women it is 55 mcg, for men - 75 mcg. Children under 18 need only 10-50 µg of this substance per day, depending on age. In some sources, the recommended dose is indicated at the rate of 1 µg of the element per 1 kg of weight, in others more detailed tables are given, for example:
- up to six months - 10 mcg;
- from six months to a year - 15 mcg;
- from one to six years - 20 mcg;
- from six to ten years - 30 mcg;
- from ten to fourteen years - 45 mcg;
- from fourteen to majority - 50 mcg.
Do not forget that a large number of useful trace elements accumulates in the placenta to ensure the full development of the fetus. Thus, consuming a mineral, a woman should do it, as sung in a famous song, “for herself and for that guy.” During this period, as well as during breastfeeding, it is recommended to receive 200 μg of selenium per day (by the way, athletes and smokers should be guided by the same volumes). Important! Until recently, the threshold of 500 mcg per day was considered the maximum permissible dose of selenium (in severe cases it was even increased to 1 mg), but now they prefer to do the emphasis on low doses, filling the deficit by increasing the duration of the course of administration. The maximum dose per day at the same time should not exceed 400 micrograms.
Speaking about the benefits of selenium, one should never forget about its high toxicity. Despite all the above, as a self-treatment (in the form of food additives and vitamin complexes), no more than 50 μg of a substance per day are allowed, because we receive a certain amount of this element in food. A pregnant woman and a nursing mother should refrain from amateur activities and carry out “seleno-therapy” solely on the recommendation of the attending physician and under his direct supervision.
Where does selenium
There are several different types of selenium:
- Natural (organic): is present in plant and animal products, the most common forms are selenmetionin and selencysteine.
- Mineral (inorganic): It is contained in some medications, such as, for example, Neoselin.
- Artificial (organic): obtained by combining an element with an artificial protein, forms the basis of another category of drugs (for example, "Selenium-active").
- Yeast: Special yeast forms are added to the mineral selenium dissolved in water, which partly (by 20-30%) convert the “dangerous” inorganic element into a “safe” organic. Used in the manufacture of various dietary supplements.
Source Products
The most desirable form of replenishment of the reserves of the "lunar" element in the body is the use of products containing this mineral. We have already mentioned that selenium is in both plant and animal food.
Important! Selenium contained in plants is absorbed by our body almost completely (up to 98%). Of animal products, we are able to take only a third of the mineral contained in them, but even this figure looks quite decent, given that inorganic selenium is absorbed by no more than 10%!
Among the plant products that are natural sources of selenium, it is worth highlighting:- cereals (especially);
- legumes;
- cabbage;
- oregano grass;
- , including yeast (this category is conditionally classified as vegetable products, according to the generally accepted classification, fungi are neither plants nor animals).
From animal products selenium can be found:
- in and seafood (,);
- offal (especially in the liver);
- (especially veal) and fat;
- and including butter;
- 200 g;
- 200 g (boiled);
- 50 g;
- 3 large cloves of garlic;
- 100 g;
- a glass of fresh homemade.
The most valuable natural source of selenium is also mineral water produced in the Caucasus. Important! Any treatment of the product, even if it is not associated with heating (for example, drying or freezing), greatly reduces the content of selenium in it, therefore, it is best to use raw products containing it to replenish the reserves of this trace element (of course, if possible).
It must be said that the amount of selenium in one or another natural source can vary greatly depending on the geography of growth (residence) of a particular plant or animal. The more this mineral is contained in the soil, the more it gets into the surrounding organic matter (in Russia, unfortunately, there is very little selenium in the soil, which often explains the deficiency of the lunar mineral in the body of the people living here).
Various chemical fertilizers and heavy metals are washed out of the soil by the valuable element. As a result of the death, under the influence of these harmful substances, microorganisms contained in the soil that process selenium into its organic forms, the digestibility of this element, even if it is present in the soil, decreases sharply.
Medications
The pharmaceutical industry has developed more than a hundred different preparations containing selenium. Above we mentioned two of them - "Neoselin" and "Selenium-asset". This trace element is also very often included in the composition of multivitamin preparations (including complexes for nursing mothers), as well as dietary supplements (dietary supplements). 
Did you know? There is a completely unique case in its curiosity and at the same time tragic, associated with the production of selenium-containing drugs, which is often cited as an example by ardent opponents of dietary supplements. One American company mistakenly “enriched” its products with 100 mg of selenium instead of the permissible 100 μg. Exceeding the daily dose a thousand times, of course, caused a series of serious poisonings.
Indeed, the replenishment of stocks of selenium due to medical drugs should be taken seriously. On the one hand, the so-called “soft deficiency” of this element is observed in the majority of people living far from the sea and receiving selenium exclusively from food. For this reason, as a preventive measure, it is recommended to take preparations containing this supplement at least once a year in a course of two to three months. 
On the other hand, an overdose of selenium can cause serious poisoning, so it is best to consult with your doctor and do the appropriate tests before taking this or that drug. Children taking these medicines without a direct appointment is strictly contraindicated!
Features of the use of pharmaceuticals for pregnant women and nursing
In addition to the fact that a pregnant woman is totally unacceptable to independently prescribe certain drugs (vitamins and microelements are not an exception, since overdosing is sometimes no less dangerous than a deficiency), you also need to pay attention to what form selenium in a particular drug.
For example, artificial organic selenium (for example, the drug "Selenium-active") during pregnancy and breastfeeding is contraindicated. It is interesting that pregnancy and lactation are indicated in the instructions for the abovementioned drug only as a reason to consult with the doctor, which once again indicates that the desire to sell your product is often stronger than moral principles. 
Yeast selenium is less dangerous, but this form contains live fungi, which is fraught with the development of dysbiosis. During the period of pregnancy and lactation, such a side effect is highly undesirable because, against the background of such an imbalance, a favorable environment can be created for the active development of certain pathogens that are present in the woman’s body and do not cause any harm to it (say, the same candida that causes thrush ).
The mineral form of selenium is often used to compensate for its deficiency in pregnant women and nursing mothers. However, if the above-mentioned "Neoselin" can be used for this purpose, then such an analogue of it, like "Selenaz", is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Is there a shortage or an overabundance
Of course, both are possible. But if selenium deficiency usually arises from the fact that getting a sufficient amount of this trace element from food can be difficult, then an overabundance is always associated with the illiterate and irresponsible intake of various medical preparations and dietary supplements. 
About the shortage
The good news is that a critical deficiency of selenium - the phenomenon is not so frequent. But there is also a bad one: every day we lose about 20-30% of the required dose of this trace element. Wrong diet, bad habits (smoking), stress, and a bad environment are all causes of a “mild deficit.”
Important! The Russian Academy of Medical Sciences conducted studies that showed that only 20% of Russian citizens do not have a deficiency of selenium. In this regard, since 1994, a program has been launched at the government level to fill the deficit of this trace element in the country's population.
Lack of selenium can lead to a variety of disorders, including:- to development;
- increased risk of cancer;
- the deterioration of the pancreas and thyroid glands;
- hormonal disorders;
- weakening;
- deterioration;
- increased blood levels;
- premature aging.
Such serious consequences occur if, instead of the prescribed 50-70 micrograms, a person receives no more than 5 micrograms of microelement per day. With a less pronounced deficit may simply appear fatigue, drowsiness, weakness, pain in the muscles. With the right approach, the deficiency of selenium in the body can be replenished within a month, while the effect achieved will last for another 2-3 months. About overdose
An overdose of selenium can cause serious poisoning. Its first symptoms are:
- severe weakness;
- yellow skin color;
- headaches and dizziness;
- feeling of pain in the eyes;
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- coughing;
- garlic odor from the mouth (sweat, urine, skin have the same aroma).
Important! Serious poisoning with selenium affects primarily the nervous system. In addition, the liver, heart and blood vessels may suffer. It is also important to know that this poison is able to cross the placenta, which can lead to dangerous pathologies and even death of the fetus.
Despite the fact that such serious consequences arise mainly from chemical poisoning, and not from a normal overdose, it is still necessary to take dosage forms of selenium with extreme caution. Compatibility in the female body
As you know, for the normal operation of our body, you need a huge amount of various vitamins and minerals. Some of them we receive from the outside, others are synthesized directly in our organs and tissues. However, not everyone knows that the interaction of certain substances with each other can in some cases strengthen, and in others, on the contrary, weaken the effect of each of them. A classic example of "compatibility" is calcium, and: two chemical elements work in pairs, providing water-salt metabolism, and vitamin D acts as a regulator of this process.
They have their own "partners" and "opponents" also in selenium. So, for optimal assimilation of this trace element, it is important that the body has enough vitamin E, but the beneficial properties of the latter are repeatedly enhanced when interacting with selenium. Therefore, in food additives and vitamin complexes, these substances are usually present simultaneously. 
Selenium is also well combined with vitamins A and C. But easily digestible carbohydrates in foods, on the contrary, interfere with the absorption of selenium. From this it follows that in order to fill the deficiency of this trace element, one should not stick broccoli or nuts with buns. In addition, selenium is recommended to take separately from zinc, since these minerals are "competitors".
Equally useful items for women
Completing the odele of praise to selenium, I want, to restore justice, to say a few words about other vitamins and minerals that play an important role in the life of the fair sex.
Calcium
For a woman, it is a guarantee of healthy teeth, strong bones, beautiful nails, strong muscles and good blood. During pregnancy, the need for this element is increased three to four times, since it provides the laying of the skeleton in the baby. Nature arranged that in case of insufficient calcium intake with food to meet the needs of the fetus, the body begins to take this element from the bones of the mother. Calcium deficiency threatens not only frequent fractures, splitting nails and tooth decay, but also problems with the heart, the stomach and the genitourinary system. 
Vitamin C
We will not talk about the role in the body: the antioxidant, bactericidal and immunomodulating properties of ascorbic acid are known to all. We only note that during pregnancy, vitamin C is necessary to strengthen blood vessels and prevent uterine bleeding, as well as to prevent anemia (returning to the issue of compatibility of vitamins and minerals, let's say that ascorbic acid increases iron absorption - another important chemical element for the female body ). 
Silicon
An important role in the formation of bone and connective tissue has such a mineral as. If a pregnant woman is deficient in this element, it is even possible to stop the development of the fetus. In addition, silicon is involved in metabolic processes, strengthens blood vessels, improves immunity and, along with selenium, has strong antioxidant properties.
Everyone knows that it has a calming effect on the nervous system. But this element performs in the female body and many other functions. It participates in the process of thermoregulation, normalizes blood pressure and heart rhythms, promotes the elimination of toxins and "bad" cholesterol, prevents the development of allergic reactions, stimulates the immune system and protects against radiation. Lack of magnesium provokes nervous stress, the development of cardiovascular diseases, leads to seizures.
Important! It turns out that in those regions where drinking water contains a high percentage of magnesium (the so-called “hard water”), people die much less often from heart-related diseases.
Magnesium deficiency is often experienced by women taking oral contraceptives. And in the period of menopause, the deficiency of this element leads to serious destruction of bone tissue and the development of osteoporosis. Summing up, we note once again the most important role that such an element as selenium plays in the body of a woman. Being inherently the strongest poison, this substance, however, is absolutely necessary for us to ensure the proper operation of almost all organs and tissues. 
It is not always possible to "get" the right amount of selenium from food, but ideally, this is still worth striving for. In any case, it is not recommended to start taking selenium-containing drugs (even if they are ordinary complex vitamins or “harmless” dietary supplements) without a direct prescription or at least prior consultation.
For many women in our time, pregnancy is a long-awaited event and becomes the meaning of life. The negative impact of the environment leads to the fact that the conception of a child becomes problematic. In this case, women resort to various ways to increase fertility. As it turned out, the intake of foods containing selenium will help promote pregnancy.
The benefits of selenium
Selenium is a black non-metal that glitters on a break. This element is in the 4th period of the 16th group of the periodic system. The selenium content in the human body is 10-14 mg. It is concentrated in the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, testicles, cell nucleus. Selenium helps iodine to be absorbed in the human body. The connection of this element with the ability to resist cancer is also proven: the use of selenium reduces the probability of cancer by 50%.
Selenium is actively involved in redox processes, regulation of metabolism, interaction with enzymes and vitamins.
Previously, it has been proven that the use of selenium increases male fertility. But the conclusion that selenium contributes to the conception of women, made by scientists from Adelaide. They determined that as a result of the use of selenium in the eggs, the expression of the GPX1 gene is increased, which helps to get pregnant.
Selenium will be useful and if you have.
What foods contain selenium
Women who want to acquire offspring should eat foods that are high in selenium.
Seafood, meat, nuts - this is the main source of selenium for humans. But a real fount of selenium can rightly be called asparagus. It also contains vitamins A, C, E, manganese, zinc, antioxidants.
It is useful for women to improve fertility, there are other products containing selenium and other useful substances. Expectant mothers are recommended to lean on sweet peppers (, citrus, vegetable oil, seeds, cereals, red berries and egg yolks.
It should be noted that the daily rate of this substance - 70-100 mg. An overdose of selenium can even harm the body. Therefore, doctors are advised to adhere to this norm.
And finally, I would like to remind you that the comfort in the house greatly reduces the likelihood of stress. In order to be comfortable needed beautiful interior. This is an online furniture store where cheap furniture can be purchased.
Selenium has a special meaning for women's health; along with zinc, iodine, selenium determines fertility (fertility). All the main and multifaceted effects of selenium: antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and fertility-enhancing effect due to the fact that numerous intracellular enzymes are dependent on.
For many years was considered poison. He is really poison! But only in certain doses: a little more is harmful, a little less is also bad. And these “barely” are so insignificantly small! For health it is necessary to receive only 0,00001 g.
In 1933, it was noticed that wheat from fields rich in this mineral has a toxic effect on livestock. Selenabegan to fear as poison. And suddenly, in the 60s, an enthusiastic boom arose about this trace element. "Without no health!", " Seleniumand vitamin E treat the heart! "," Selenium prolongs youth! "," Seleniumsave us from cancer! ”The discovery as a factor of health was a turning point in medicine.
Currently decrypted main metabolic pathways in the body. The main biological role is its participation in the synthesis and activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Mechanism of action of selenium at the level of the upper limit of the physiological norm of consumption, as well as in the pharmacological range of doses (150-300 μg) is associated with the stimulating effect of an excess of selenium on the activity of thyroid hormones. Such dosages are especially relevant for women prone to viral infection and HIV-infected pregnant women.
Extremely important selenium deficiency relationship with viral infections in pregnant women. Selenium deficiency increases the virulence of influenza viruses, Coxsackie, papillomavirus, AIDS virus, enteroviruses, etc. You are associated with a combined deficiency of selenium and iodine and the epidemic spread of HIV in Central African countries. It is even supposed that the deficit in this type of food at one time contributed to the passage of monkey immunodeficiency virus through the “species barrier” with the formation of one form of human immunodeficiency virus.
Among the most important selenium proteins Selenoprotein P is isolated, which is synthesized in particularly large quantities on the surface of the endothelium of the brain and plays an anti-ischemic and anti-stress role in the mechanisms of metabolism and nervous tissue. Biological function selenoprotein P, according to modern concepts, is, firstly, the protection of the body from the effects of peroxides (oxidative stress). Secondly, this protein acts as an agent that helps neutralize the toxic effects of heavy metals.
Protein selenoprotein W provides optimal exchange in the muscle tissue, and, accordingly, its work.
Yodithirinin-5’deiodinase (liver, kidney) is involved in the activation and biotransformation of thyroid hormones.
The main biological roles of this selenium-containing enzyme are:
- maintaining homeostasis (constancy) in the cell;
- participation in DNA synthesis;
- participation in the regeneration (recovery) of the active form of vitamin C.
Participation in many organic processes (multi-functionality) indicates its important biological significance in pregnant women and the fetus.
Numerous studies have confirmed the role of selenium-containing protein enzymes in processes of regulation of intracellular signal transductionthat starts the process of destruction of cells, which, according to some signs, must be removed from the organ, thereby determining the participation of these enzymes in the mechanism of the antitumor action of selenium.
Without normal selenium levels egg development impossible. Selenium, along with cobalt and magnesium, is a factor that counteracts chromosomal abnormality.
Selenium stimulates immunity; is an antioxidant, possesses protective effect on cytoplasmic membranes, avoiding their damage and genetic disorders.
Also for the normal functioning of thyroid cells Some enzymes containing selenium are extremely important. Selenium plays a special role in neurochemical processes: regulates antioxidant processes in the central nervous system; enhances the brain-specific effects of iodine in the process of the formation of organs in the period of prenatal development (cretinism in newborns - the result of a combined deficiency of selenium and iodine) is involved in photochemical reactions of light sensation. In addition, selenium prevents neurodegenerative brain damage in Alzheimer's disease, anti-ischemic and angiogenic factor, inhibitory factor in autoimmune processes (neurological disorders in systemic connective tissue diseases, multiple sclerosis).
Selenium identified antitumor functions inhibitory process of tumor formation of the nervous tissue. Selenium - antagonist of neurotoxic metals and arsenic.
When exposed to increased background ionizing radiation and chronic intoxication with arsenic, mercury and cadmium compounds, selenium deficiency may develop due to a sharp decrease in its content. In these cases, the possibility of long-term use (up to 6-12 months) by these categories of patient supplements (especially organic) in a high dose (up to 400 μg / day) is permissible; however, this therapy is carried out either before pregnancy or after childbirth.
It has a protective effect against spermatozoa and provides them with mobility. It performs antagonism with heavy metals, radioprotection, protection during smoking.
Clinical effects of selenium
Antioxidant properties of selenium determine the prospects of the use of microelement preparations for oxidative stress, inflammatory and infectious lesions, cardiological diseases, a number of oncological diseases, psoriasis, and treatment of burns and protection from radiation.
Deficiency is usually an endemic disease, sometimes developing with intestinal diseases due to impaired absorption of the element. One of the causes of selenium deficiency is poor and monotonous food, the lack of seafood in the diet.
Deficiency can lead to disruption of cellular integrity, changes in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, the activity of the main intracellular enzymes, increased toxic effects of heavy metals, increased concentrations of free radicals in plasma and tissues.
Selenium affects the reproductive health of both men and women The use of selenium-containing drugs can significantly increase fertility in women. With the simultaneous recovery of selenium and zinc, fertility rates are further improved. In men, selenium-containing proteins are concentrated in the epithelium of the prostate and sperm heads. This is associated with increased sperm motility and a protective effect on the prostate when prescribing selenium-containing drugs.
Clinical symptoms and pathological conditions with selenium deficiency:
- reduction of anti-infective immunity;
- increased propensity for inflammatory diseases;
- cardiomyopathy;
- hypothyroidism;
- diseases of the skin, hair and nails;
- atherosclerosis;
- abnormal liver function (decreased protein synthesis and detoxification functions);
- cataract;
- reproductive failure (with selenium deficiency, the likelihood of male infertility increases);
- pathology of the lung surfactant system;
- rapid aging of the body;
- lag in the development of the placenta;
- low birth weight and slower growth;
- developmental delay, accelerated development of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease;
- increased risk of myocardial infarction;
- radiation, acute radiation sickness.
The most sensitive to deficiency are cardiomyocytes (myocardial cells). Therefore, women with cardiovascular pathology (congenital heart defects, history of myocarditis, etc.) are prepared for pregnancy through a special program that includes, if necessary, selenium-containing drugs and food. The world-famous Keshana disease was first described as sudden cardiomyopathy and the death of young women in the first weeks and months after delivery and in children during the growth spurt (6-8 years) against the background of a chronic nutritional deficit. It is known that the smoking factor in women is associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and selenium deficiency in the blood plasma. The relationship between selenium deficiency and the frequency of sudden "lullaby" death in children is noted. These children were born to mothers with low levels of selenium during pregnancy or conceiving a child with a critically low level of selenium depot.
With a deficiency in the body of a pregnant, the absorption of fats is disturbed, there is a lack of fat-soluble vitamins, for example, vitamin E, and vice versa, with a deficiency of omega3, phospholipids in the diet, the absorption of selenium decreases. It has been proven that diabetes in pregnant women with selenium deficiency develops more often than usual. The most pronounced deficiency in insulin-independent diabetes in women. With selenium deficiency, there is a hidden course of immunodeficiency syndrome with fibrocystic mastopathy, papillomatosis, asthenia and psychasthenia, congestive cardiomyopathy.
Several diseases, genetically determined and acquired, are associated with selenium deficiency:
- Kashin-Beck disease (deforming osteoarthritis): osteoarthritis with multiple deformities of the joints, spine and extremities, accompanied by small growth, hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine, shortening of the extremities.
- Keshana disease (myocardiopathy): an increase in the size of the heart with focal necrosis; progressive heart failure; skeletal muscle damage. More often, children are ill, as well as women during pregnancy. The disease is caused by endemic selenium deficiency in geographic areas from the northeast to southwest China; in the Yaroslavl, Chita, Udmurt, Trans-Baikal regions.
- Glantsman-Negeli disease (hereditary thrombosis). This disease is characterized by hemorrhages in the skin - petechiae; nosebleeds and hemorrhages in the mucous membranes of various organs. The number of platelets remains normal, they are not deformed.
Toxic properties of selenium
It should be borne in mind that the excess selenium is dangerous for humans, and especially for pregnant women. The decomposition of selenium-containing compounds in the human body can lead to the release of highly toxic compounds. Selenium intoxication occurs in women associated with selenium production. These women should be transferred to safe work from the very beginning of pregnancy, and preferably before its occurrence (within 3-6 months). In female workers, the contact path of penetration through the skin and mucous membranes of toxic selenium compounds prevails and contributes to the development of skin cancer. An excess of selenium in the body can also occur among workers of the electronic, glass, pharmaceutical, paint and varnish industries, as well as those who are in direct contact with selenium and living in hyper-populated provinces (Kamchatka, some areas of the Far North). Iatrogenic causes of poisoning are described - excessive enthusiasm for food additives, the use of several drugs with selenium simultaneously, the use of drugs in high doses (more than 200 mg / day) and for a long time.
Clinical symptoms of excess selenium:
- skin lesions (chronic dermatitis, peeling);
- hair lesion (loss);
- nail damage (exfoliation of the nail plate);
- damage to the teeth (damage to the enamel);
- arthritis;
- nervous disorders.
In acute poisoning, the following symptoms are observed: nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, neuropathy, garlic smell from the mouth or from sweat, metallic taste in the mouth, rhinitis, hair loss. Prolonged exercise with high doses of selenium (more than 400 µg / day) is dangerous due to the increased risk of melano-dependent skin cancer.
Interaction with other elements
The most important is the ratio of sulfur, since sulfur and selenium can replace each other and cause an imbalance, which is of great importance for the homeostasis of the elements in the body.
Selenium- antagonist of mercury, cadmium and arsenic, able to protect the body from these elements and radiation, to a lesser extent - lead and thallium (in the latter case, vitamin E deficiency is of particular importance). With a deficiency of selenium in the body, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, radioisotopes are accumulated vigorously. In turn, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and radiation exposure aggravate the deficiency of selenium in the body. Intrauterine mercury intoxication causes damage to the selenoproteins in the brain and thyroid gland of the fetus, which may play a role in the development of congenital pathology of the nervous system and hypothyroidism. The administration of selenium microdoses eliminates the carcinogenic and genotoxic effect of cadmium, mercury, lead, etc.
Heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel, etc.) can act as selenium antagonists. Selenium plays the role of an antagonist of neurotoxic metals and arsenic, including through the implementation of anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic properties. Normal provision of selenium to the mother leads to a decrease in the risk of accumulation of mercury, cadmium and lead in the brain of the fetus. Retention of zinc by the body with the introduction of selenium compounds increases by 2 times. Selenium and copper can reduce the toxic effects of each other,
For the purposefulness of the pharmacological effect, the selectivity of the accumulation of various forms in various organs and tissues is very important. The distribution of selenium is influenced by the mono-component diet and a lot of factors. Poor bioavailability is different selenium contained in meat, fish, soybeans, peas. The factors that reduce the bioavailability of selenium include heavy metals cadmium, mercury, arsenic, excess and lack of sulfur compounds, vitamin deficiencies.
It is important to emphasize gender differences in exchange. Women compared with men are much worse tolerate high doses of selenium and selenium toxicosis.
Doses
Average daily requirement: women - 55 mcg / day; pregnant women - 65 mcg / day; / lactating - 75 mg / day; The maximum allowable consumption level is 200 mcg / day.
How should a modern man still need to be fed in order for his body to receive the optimal dose?
The most dangerous "enemy" - hydrocarbons. Therefore, an excess of cakes, sweet cakes, cakes and cookies, sweet flour products, carbonated drinks can completely or partially destroy. In the presence of hydrocarbons, this trace element is not absorbed.
It is also not in canned food and concentrates, and in all boiled, refined products it is half as much as in fresh ones.
The milk of a nursing mother is 2 times more and 5-6 times more vitamin E than in cow's milk.
Boys need much more than girls, so if instead of mother's milk they get cow's milk, this microelement is missing in their bodies.
Foods rich. It should be noted: the method of determining the content in products is one of the most complicated methods of research, and therefore the data on its content must be treated with caution.
If the soil is sufficient, then a normal balanced diet should provide enough of it. One of the most delicious and affordable sources is corn.
Yeast, especially beer, is considered the best source. seleniumnot only because there is a lot of it in them, but also because it is in a biologically active form and easily digestible. Baker's yeast is also useful.
A lot of sea and rock salt, kidneys (pork, beef and calf), liver and heart, poultry eggs, besides, there is also vitamin E in the yolk. Rich in fish, especially herring, not too accessible to all crabs, lobsters , lobster, shrimp and more available squids.
Sources of plant origin are wheat bran, sprouted wheat grains, corn grains, tomatoes, brewer's yeast, mushrooms and garlic, as well as black bread and other wholemeal flour products.
Is it possible to prevent the development of disease?
Unconventional recipes for colds and flu
How to replace meat from plant foods?
When pregnancy occurs after menstruation
Methods of treatment and manipulation in therapeutic and infectious hospitals