Cancer Treatment and Health Care

In recent years the interest in trace elements and, in particular, selenium has been increasing dramatically so that it is essential to pay attention again, especially by the latest findings published.
Selenium was discovered in 1817 when a Swedish scientist found a red residue in the waste material formed during the production of sulfuric acid on a copper sulfide mine in Falun (Sweden). Because their chemical properties were similar to tellurium is described as such … until shortly after J. J. Berzelius found that this was a new element with unique properties.

Selenium is part of an enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, which is responsible for ensuring the destruction of hydrogen peroxide formed in the oxidative reactions. It is therefore a vital element.
In selenium deficiency theory should not be a problem because food is so common as grains, meat, seafood, etc.., But it’s not because the current overexploitation of the land prevents fields containing adequate minerals and that they become part of the diet of livestock or humans.

In fact, many researchers have already sounded the alarm about the problems associated with deficiency of this mineral and investigations are only beginning to define the many functions that selenium has. Let’s highlight the most relevant:

In coronary disease

In 1988 Michelson found that there was a relationship between heart disease and the lack of selenium in the body. It has also been able to demonstrate its effectiveness in preventing and controlling cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. But not only protects the heart through the production of glutathione peroxide but also can limit the body burden of toxic metals like mercury, lead, cadmium and others who are capable of damaging the heart tissue.

It is also necessary to maintain levels of coenzyme Q10, a substance essential for the heart.
Glutathione peroxidase combat oxidation of lipids in the arteries and reduces platelet aggregation. His absence has a direct impact on the inhibition of prostacyclin synthase enzyme essential for the production of a vasodilator produced by vascular endothelium.

As protection of DNA

Selenium helps protect genetic material against free radicals.

Selenium and cancer

Its relation to the prevention of cancer is well documented. Several epidemiological studies have established that there is a clear and direct relationship between low blood selenium and cancer.

In 1996 he published what may be the cancer prevention study most successful in the U.S., conducted by the National Cancer Institute between 1312 volunteers. Were administered 200 mcg of selenium daily, and the result was a 49% decrease in the mortality rate of the three most common cancers: lung, prostate and colorectal. That shows that we need more selenium in the diet you provide.

Moreover, according to a study from Stanford University low selenium levels significantly increase the risk of prostate cancer. And according to American and Chinese researchers, a large proportion of cases of esophageal cancer and stomach cancer in Linxian (China) are epidemic in nature and can be attributed to low levels of selenium in the population.

Collaborators from the National Institutes of Health in Maryland (USA), meanwhile, examined the association between serum selenium and the development of squamous cell esophageal cancer and gastric adenocarcinoma. According to the results, the researchers estimated that 26.4% of cancers of the heart can be attributed to low levels of selenium in blood.

It also is studying the application of selenium in skin cancers induced by ultraviolet B radiation as it could mediate the genetic material mutation, oxidative damage and immunosuppression.

Detoxifies Action

Selenium protects against the toxic effects of cadmium and arsenic antagonist, silver, mercury and copper, thus reducing their toxicity.

Selenium and the brain

Evidence suggests this mineral supplements reduced in number and intensity of seizures. Coupled with vitamin E and zinc reduced cognitive decline in older people. It is also able to improve mood, anxiety, depression, hostility, and mental confusion.

The role of selenium in AIDS

It seems that maintaining an optimal level of selenium involves more than replenish this loss and strengthen the immune system. Its effectiveness is based on inhibition of virus-related substance called reverse transcriptase. Selenium-dependent viruses to grow and replicate but a deficiency of the mineral makes the virus active.

In fact, it has been shown that when laboratory-specific viruses including hepatitis B and influenza viruses (common cold) – they are deprived of selenium may mutate into more dangerous forms.

His influence on fertility

Selenium participates directly in the synthesis of testosterone and the formation and development of sperm and its deficiency decreases sperm motility. Along with folic acid and zinc, selenium is also crucial for preventing neural tube defects in newborns.

Inflammatory disorders

Selenium levels are low in people affected by rheumatoid arthritis, combined with vitamin E and other antioxidants, have helped alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Because glutathione peroxidase is selenium known anti-inflammatory action is also effective for treating conditions such as asthma, colitis and psoriasis.

Cataracts

It has been shown in laboratory studies with rats that lack of selenium can induce cataracts. And in humans has shown that the lenses affected by cataract had a lower selenium than required.

It is, finally, that excess selenium can be toxic. Should therefore be careful with their intake as a supplement, especially if you follow a diet too rich in that mineral. Therefore be taken with caution and always on the prescription of a professional.

(Remember the reader to follow both the treatment and the dosages to prescribe in cases of illness are the work of a specialist health and no way to use this article as a basis for treatment, only as a guidance and illustrative).

credit to: José Ramón Llorente