Reduces Inflammation
Selenium supplementation may be worth considering for individuals looking for a natural way to reduce inflammation. The body needs selenium to produce glutathione peroxidase, an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Selenium is also involved in producing other antioxidant enzymes, including catalase and thioredoxin reductase. These enzymes play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to inflammation. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation can help reduce markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
The anti-inflammatory effects of selenium have been attributed to its ability to modulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines are signaling molecules that play a key role in the inflammatory response. Chemokines are a type of cytokine that attract immune cells to the site of inflammation. Selenium can also scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit the production of lipid peroxidation products, which are involved in developing inflammatory diseases.
Selenium supplementation has been shown to reduce the severity of several inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Selenium can also improve symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.
