How Selenium Boosts Mood and Mental Health
Unlock the Secrets: How Selenium Boosts Mood and Mental Health
Selenium is an essential trace micronutrient that your body cannot make on its own. Although the recommended dietary
allowance (RDA) of selenium is only 55 micrograms (one microgram is equal to one-millionth of a gram, for
reference), a selenium deficiency can negatively impact your mood and mental well-being.
Researchers estimate that up to one billion people worldwide don’t have enough selenium in their diets due to
low levels of the mineral in soil [1]. We rely on dietary sources, including some nuts, seeds, green
vegetables, and
mushrooms, for selenium intake. If crops are not grown in soil that has adequate levels of the mineral, your food
will not either (and neither will your food’s food if you are a meat eater).
Below, we explore the specific role this essential mineral plays in mood regulation and how a high-quality organic
selenium supplement may be able to help you reach your health goals.
How Liquid Selenium Can Enhance Mental Health
Selenium has two powerful qualities that influence our moods: the ability to fight oxidation and thyroid function
support.
Potent Antioxidant
When faced with a stressor, the body releases several hormones, called glucocorticoids, that help control our
physical and mental responses (“fight or flight”). An elevation in these hormones can induce
mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation in the brain – AKA neuronal oxidative stress
[2].
The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidation due to its high oxygen requirements, which can lead to
neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis [3]. Oxidation in the brain
has also
been linked to schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease [4] as well as the development of depression
[5].
In several recent studies, selenium has been shown to help neutralize glucocorticoids and mitigate the associated
oxidative stress they cause in the brain [3], therefore supporting short and long-term mental wellness.
Thyroid Support
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and brain function. Research shows that
even slight changes in proper thyroid function can increase the risk of mood disorders, including depression and
bipolar [6], due to its impact on neurotransmitters and brain chemistry.
Selenium contains selenoproteins, which are involved in the optimal function of thyroid hormones and cellular
homeostasis. Researchers often find a connection between low selenium levels and various thyroid diseases and are
currently exploring selenium supplementation as an effective management option [7].
Things to Consider Before Taking Liquid Selenium
Although significant research supports selenium supplements for mood regulation, it’s important to consider
your body’s specific needs. You may want to start by asking your doctor to order a blood test that measures
selenium levels so you can assess your dietary intake.
If the results show that you are deficient in the mineral, ask your healthcare provider if a high-quality organic
selenium supplement is right for you.
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