Selenium

Selenium can be one of the most potent sources for reducing inflammation. This is an important consideration for individuals struggling with an autoimmune problem, which includes patients with HIV and life-threatening sepsis.

Supplementation with selenium has been shown to enhance the natural antioxidant defense system of cells. The activity of NF- kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB), known to trigger a chronic inflammatory response, can be suppressed using selenium. Supplementation has also been reported to decrease the concentration of immune-trafficking components of lymphocytes called L-selectin. These adhesion molecules give inflammatory T-cells the green light to leave the bloodstream and bind to tissues in the body resulting in a heightened inflammatory response.

Selenium is part of glutathione peroxidase which protects cell components from oxidative damage due to peroxides produced in cellular metabolism. selenium depletion may decrease immune functions.Improvement in selenium status was associated with a 57% increase in the activity of platelet glutathione peroxidase in agroup supplemented with selenium.

One of the best detoxifying agents to prevent mercury build-up is the mineral selenium. Most people have elevated concentrations of mercury in their body. Mercury competes with other essential trace minerals at cellular binding sites. A deficiency of trace minerals can readily allow mercury to accumulate in and contaminate cells by inhibiting their natural energy producing abilities, blocking enzymatic activity and shutting down antioxidant systems.

Selenium supplementation may be valuable in the treatment of cancer as well as in the prevention of cancer.  Selenium has the ability to protect against the formation and progression of some cancer cells and also the ability to selectively target some existing cancer cells. Moreover, it may be that selenium can work in synergy with conventional cancer therapies. Pre-clinical research data suggest that selenium may in some instances protect normal cells and tissues against the toxic effects of conventional cancer treatments on the cells [Evans 2017].