Selenium - can it reduce mercury toxicity

Mercury is one of the most toxic metals that can enter the human body. We encounter it in several ways. If you have dental implants, if you eat seafood.

If you live near an industrial zone, it could be in the emissions from the factory. Sometimes cosmetics can have it. 

Mercury is deadly. 

Once inside the body, it binds to proteins and enzymes. It accumulates in the brain, kidneys, and liver. This causes oxidative stress, neurological damage, and impaired detoxification.

So what can you do? 

Nature has a cure. Selenium, an essential trace mineral, plays a unique protective role against mercury toxicity. Its primary action lies in its strong chemical affinity for mercury. When both elements are present, selenium binds with mercury. 

Doing so forms a stable, inert by product mercury selenide. This binding prevents mercury from attaching to critical proteins in the body. 

It is no longer toxic. 

In addition, selenium is a vital component of selenoproteins. Selenoproteins are antioxidants that help protect your body. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Put simply, selenium locks mercury away in an inactive form. 

Research suggests that the ratio of selenium to mercury in the body is important. Cultures that have a selenium-rich diet tend to experience fewer side effects.

This balance is crucial, as mercury can also deplete selenium reserves. So if you believe that you are getting exposed to mercury, it is important to add more selenium to your diet. 

Souces include Brazil nuts, whole grains, eggs, sunflower seeds, sardines, salmon, and tuna. Be careful because there is such a thing as too much selenium.

For example, one Brazil nut contains about 250% of your daily requirement. 

So you need about three a week to get your required intake. Not too much, not too little. As always ensure balance. 

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain