Selenium is vital to the correct functioning of every part of the body, and overall good health. Selenium is needed for the production of hormone like substances called prostaglandins.
They are needed to reduce any inflammation of the joints of arthritis sufferers, and to ensure their good functioning. There are areas in the world, for instance in China where there is a natural chronic shortage of selenium, in these areas specific diseases abound. Heart and joint problems are suffered as a direct result of a selenium deficiency.
It would appear that levels of selenium are dropping each decade. A study in the 1990s showed how Britain’s intake of selenium was about 30ug a day, in the 1970 about 20 years earlier it had been about 60ug a day. This is a bit difference.
What is happening? More the most part the quality of the soil has declined with modern and intense farming practices, in the UK and many other places in the world. The soil in general is becoming short of many minerals not just selenium. The other problem acid rain and modern fertilizers hinder the plants from taking up the selenium that is in the soil, so the plants we eat also contain less selenium.
Rich sources of selenium – Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, tuna, sardines, meat, mushrooms and lentils.
You can also buy selenium supplements.
Arthritis & Pain Program at The Haven
