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The Importance of Physical Fitness

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One of the simplest and most effective ways to bring down blood glucose levels, cut the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve overall health and well-being is physical fitness and exercise. Yet, in our increasingly sedentary world, where almost every essential task can be performed online, from the driver’s seat, or with a phone call, exercising and being physically fit can be tough case to sell.

In reality, everyone should exercise, yet survey shows that only 30% of the United States adult population gets the recommended thirty minutes of daily physical activity, and 25% are not active at all.

Inactivity is thought to be one of the key reasons for the surge of type 2 diabetes in America, because inactivity and obesity promote insulin resistance and other factors that trigger other kinds of diseases.

The good news is that it is never too late to get moving, and exercise is one of the easiest ways to start controlling the onset of any kinds of diseases. For people who are already candidates for some serious diseases like diabetes and heart failure, exercise and physical fitness can improve the condition of some parts of the body like insulin sensitivity, lower the risk of heart disease, and promote weight loss.

In 2003, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism had published an issue regarding the result of their study and found out that lack of exercise and physical fitness were the key factors behind obesity and other serious diseases like diabetes.

Hence, it is extremely important for a person to stay healthy and be physically fit in order to avoid such illnesses.

Getting Started

The first order of business with any exercise plan, especially if you are a “dyed-in-the-wool” couch potato, is to consult with your health care provider.

If you have cardiac factors, your doctor may want to perform a stress test to establish a safe level of exercise for you.

Certain complications of some diseases will also dictate what type of exercise program you can take on. Activities like weightlifting, jogging, or high-impact aerobics can possibly pose a risk for people with diabetic retinopathy due to the risk for further blood vessel damage and possible “retinal detachment.”

Health experts also contend that patients with sever peripheral neuropathy or PN should avoid foot-intensive weight-bearing exercises such as long-distance walking, jogging, or step aerobics and opt instead for low-impact activities like swimming, biking, and rowing.

If you have conditions that make exercise and physical fitness a challenge, your provider may refer you to an exercise physiologist who can design a fitness program for your specific needs.

If you are already active in sports or work out regularly, it will still benefit you to discuss your regular routine with your doctor.

The bottom line is that physical fitness and exercise should not have to be a rigid activity and should not come off strong. Your exercise routine can be as simple as a brisk nightly neighborhood walk, walking the dog, or simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator. The important thing is that you keep on moving. Every little bit really helps a lot.

In the end, you will realize that the many things that good food can bring you are equally the same as what physical fitness can do for you.

Taking a Vitamin Supplement

There are a number of essential vitamins that the body needs to function properly and it is possible to take these in the form f a vitamin supplement. The majority of people do not have a balanced diet and they may be lacking in certain vitamins which means that they require a vitamin supplement to ensure that they do not have a deficiency of an essential vitamin. A health professional or dietary technician is the best person to give advice on any vitamin supplement that a person should take. It is important to seek professional advice before taking any vitamin supplement. This is because there are some vitamins that can be toxic if too much is consumed and a vitamin supplement may not be appropriate if there is enough of the vitamin already in the food a person eats.

Some categories of people may require more types of vitamin supplement than others. Vegetarians are often deficient in certain vitamins that are only found in animal products, for example, and a vitamin supplement is the ideal solution to this problem. Vegetarians do need to be aware that some vitamin supplement manufacturing processes involve animal products and it is important for them to read the labels. A large number of synthetic vitamin supplement products are available which will enable a vegetarian to take them without contravening their dietary beliefs or needs.

Children will often need a vitamin supplement, especially when they are extremely young. This is because a lot of children do not eat a sufficient variety of foods in their early years and a vitamin supplement can help compensate for this natural deficiency. Breast feeding has long been recommended as a source of all the essential nutrients but women who choose not to or are unable to bottle feed may be concerned as to whether their baby needs a vitamin supplement. The large majority of baby milk formulas contain additional vitamins to prevent the need for a vitamin supplement to be given. It is important to discuss any concerns over the need for a baby or child to take a vitamin supplement with a health professional to ensure that the correct solution is found.

Elderly people or those suffering from certain diseases or illnesses are other groups of people that may need to take a vitamin supplement. The body may often need a vitamin supplement to compensate for a person not being able to consume the recommended daily allowance of certain vitamins through their normal diet.

Whey Protein Isolate

SUPPS PROTEIN ISOLATE

Between whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, which among the two do you think is more expensive? The correct answer is the second option because of the high pure quality and superior biological value. The two types of building blocks can actually be obtained from the many powdered milks available in the market. However, there is a greater amount of concentrate than isolate which is simply mixed in.

The advantage with whey protein isolate as compared to whey protein concentrate is the fact that the first will not spoil your diet regimen as it contains less lactose and fat in each serving. Concentrate has about 70% to 85% while isolate has about 90% to 98%. At this juncture, the referred building block also has the highest yield which comes as a form of one of the main ingredients in a product extracted from a cow.

Due to the fact that whey protein isolate is the simplest form to absorb, muscles in the body are very much compatible as when being fed by whey protein concentrate. Due to the rich dilution of isolate, it is then considered as the finest to utilize. However, like all other things, this building block also has its own share of negative aspect like if you are on a tight budget, the monetary value will most likely disappoint you.

Going back to the advantages, whey protein isolate can actually boost the human being’s immune system than whey protein concentrate. According to a study conducted by the Department of Food, Science and Technology in Ohio State University (OSU), isolate can dramatically intensify the levels of glutathione around the prostate epithelium. The research means that there is a potential mechanism for the building block to defend the growth of cancer.

With everything that has been said, you may be confused now between whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. If pecuniary matters are not an issue for you as long as you will be able to provide the utmost for the health of your family, do not think twice of choosing isolate. Albeit, when you are having a difficulty in the financial aspect, you can always settle for concentrate. The worth by the way, is not an indicator of better benefits you will be obtaining. Exercise enthusiasts do not even notice much the huge gain over the pricey isolate than with the cheaper concentrate.

Benefits of Whey Protein

Whether you are young or old, age will never be an issue for obtaining the benefits of whey protein. This building block is considered to be highly valuable in the role of a nutritional plan to assist in improvement and maintenance of human body. In the market today, protein isolate has the purest form of protein compared to concentrate that contains about five to six percent of lactose. Whey protein is a natural nutrient containing essential amino acids that will enhance external physical appearance.

In physical performance, there is unmistakably an abundant harvest of the benefits from whey protein. Identified as the “Gold Standard,” this building block has been one of the ultimate partners of professional athletes who are working hard to have great biceps, firm abdomen and strong muscles, among others. Not only has the aftermath been observed, there were also studies that have proven the effects. Those who are seriously involved in sports are actually consuming at least 25 grams of this natural nutrient on a daily basis.

One of the benefits of whey protein is being able to acquire Branded Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s). BCAA’s are metabolized immediately to the tissues and are the first ones to be exhausted during vigorous periods of profuse sweating. When the building block will be in tandem with the BCAA’s, worn out levels of tilted cell membranes will be stocked up for the purpose of rebuilding and repairing.

In weight management, there are several benefits of whey protein that will also facilitate in avoiding the cancer and diabetes as well as complications in the heart. Since time immemorial, diet has always played a necessary role in programs that will look after the body mass. Frequent digestion of the building block will then create a positive impact because the natural nutrient is already in the uncontaminated kind with no traces of carbohydrates or fat.

According to the research done by physician Donald Layman, who also happens to be a professor in University of Illinois (UI), leucine is among the benefits in whey protein which can stir up the loss of unwanted calories. The building block also stabilizes the level of blood glucose by keeping the process of absorption very slow. This is then the reason why a person will not be able to feel much hunger because the insulin has already reduced and makes the burning of fat much simpler.

Benefits of measuring your own blood pressure

The only way of constantly keeping track of your blood pressure is with the help of a blood pressure monitor. But be careful if you are going to acquire one because there are many types and models of blood pressure monitors available so you have to find the ones that suit you best.When suffering from high blood pressure it is very important to monitor how the values of your blood pressure change during the day. This way you will have an active role in taking care of your own health and it will be very easy to determine what kind of treatment you need.

The price of a digital blood pressure monitor is not too elevated and they are quite easy to use too. When you’ve just bought one the best thing to do is to pay a visit to your doctor and he should be able to instruct you on how to use the blood pressure monitor. It is important to do this because otherwise you may perform innaccurate measurements and this should be avoided.

 

You must also take into account the fact the values of the blood pressure vary at everyone, so do not be frightened if a few of your readings are a bit over the line, this is normal for everybody. You should only worry if these high values keep repeating, and in this case you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Also, the values of the readings that you make with the blood pressure monitors may be lower than usual a few times, which is also normal.
If you want the readings to be as accurate as possible try to sit down, rested, on a hard surface when performing the measurements.

Finally do not forget that the purpose of measuring your blood pressure at home is is to reduce it!

Essential Amino Acids

Known as building blocks of protein, there are about 20 of them but only 9 are considered as essential amino acids. They cannot be produced by the body alone so human beings can only obtain them from foods or supplements.

Here are 7 of the 9 essential amino acids with a brief description of each:

Isoleucine

Coded for in the DNA, isoleucine has a chemical composition that is similar to that of leucine. However, the arrangement of its atoms is different which then has other properties. It is a hydrophobolic amino acid that thas two chiral centers. Meaning there are four stereoisomers and two diastereomers. It can be found in eggs, pork, mutton, chicken, pulses and beans.

Leucine

Nutritionally one of the essential amino acids, leucine is isometric with isoleucine. Most commonly found in proteins, it is also significant in optimal growth especially in infancy and childhood, also in nitrogen balance in adults. It plays a major part in the maintenance of the muscles by equalizing synthesis and breakdown. Whole grains and milk products are its best sources.

Lysine

Commonly found in proteins, lysine has a 4-aminobutyl side- chain classified together with arginine and histidine. Its human nutritional requirement is 1- 1.5 grams a day. Deficiency of which can lead to lack of niacin or vitamin B that causes a disease called pellagra. It can actually function as a nutritional supplement to help fight against herpes. It is obtained in most legumes, cereal grains and fish.

Methionine

Lipotropic in nature, methionine is considered as one of the essential amino acids. Together with cyesteine, they are the only sulfur- containing proteinogenic amino acids. It has a part in carnitine and taurine synthesis by the processes called transsulfuration pathway, lecithin production and phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Astheroclerosis can be achieved if there is improper conversion of such. Meats, vegetables, nuts and legumes are its best supply.

Phenylalanine

Existing in two forms, phenylalanine are enantiomers or mirror- image molecules of one another. With a benzyl side- chain, its name was derived from its chemical structure composed of a phenyl group alternated for one of the hydrogens of alanine. Due to its phenyl group, it is considered as an aromatic compound. Its great sources are milk, avocados, pulses, legumes, nuts and seafoods.

Threonine

One of the essential amino acids that contains two chiral centers, threonine has four possible stereoisomers and two diastereomers. With its name that can be used in a single enantiomer, its side chain can also undergo O- linked glycosylation. It can become phosphorylated through the action of a threonine kinase. Lentils, fish, meats and cheese are its best supply.

Tryptophan

It may not be easily synthesized, tryptophan functions as building blocks in protein biosynthesis. A precursor for serotonin, melatonin and niacin, its functional group is indole. It has been implicated to bring about schizophrenia in persons that cannot be able to metabolize it correctly. It can be obtained in turkey, chicken, sesame , peanuts and chocolates.

Life After Leg Day

Life after leg day got you like, “can I borrow your wheelchair, Grandma?”

Leaving the gym after leg day can leave you cringing, but there’s nothing more cringeworthy than wide shoulders and chicken legs

Learn why you shouldn’t skip leg day, and how to recover from the aftermath.

The Strengths and Why You Shouldn’t Skip Leg Day

Leg day gets a bad rap. This is mainly because it hurts so much, and probably because it impedes daily activities such as walking. Or moving. This being said, there are LOTS of reasons why you should be doing leg day. Here are some of our favorites:

Reason #1 Boost Hormones, AKA Get Ripped

Your legs have the biggest muscles in your body. This is important because working large muscles gives big love to your endocrine system. The endocrine system gets revved up and starts releasing lots of those crucial hormones like testosterone and HGH.

Result? You get bigger, and stronger, everywhere. Skip leg day again? I don’t think so.

Reason #2 Build Your Whole Body

Leg Day acts as the foundation for your exercise routine, literally. Working on your legs help you create foundational strength that translate into a stronger core and better functional movements.

Because of the revved endocrine response from Reason #1, you also get a boost to anabolic response to help build size in the shoulders, back, and arms.

Reason #3 Reduce Lower Back Pain

The pain you experience after a hard leg day, it’s brutal. Leg day pain may make it impossible to move for about three days. BUT, leg day will loosen those hip flexors and strengthen your hamstrings, two surprising contributors to that low down backache.

You don’t have to be 92 to have low back pain. And please, don’t wait until you’re 92 to start protecting your back.

Reason #4 Run Harder and Stronger

A lot of people are running these days. Are you? Athletes start in the legs, and what you do in the gym translates to the track or field, and vice versa. Leg day uses strength training to power up your ability to run, jump, and also loosen you up to prevent running injuries.

Hit it hard on leg day, and you’ll be pounding the pavement, track, or field like a beast.

The Struggles, And How to Recover From Leg Day

Struggle #1 D.O.M.S!

All that pain in your legs keeping you from walking? It has to do with lactic acid. After you killed those lunges and deadlifts, delayed onset muscle soreness (D.O.M.S.) hits with a vengeance.

Drop your keys? Have to get out of bed? You’ll be begging for mercy.

Answers?

Don’t face the pain alone. Use these smart tips to reduce soreness, combat lactic acid build up, and recover stronger for your next leg day.


1) Flood your body with water – Key to almost every system in your body, good hydration promotes increased blood flow and helps transport nutrients during exercise. Properly hydrated muscles also perform and recover better.
NutraKey’s BCAA Optima has an electrolyte complex to help hydrate and recover following exercise.

2) Stretch – Before. During. After. Stretching before workout helps warm up your muscles and preps you for the heavy lifts. Stretch between sets to stay limber and maintain full range of motion.
Stretching after exercise helps squeeze out lactic acid from muscles, helping it be flushed away from your water from tip #1.

3) Feed your muscles – Your body needs the proper nutrients to help repair muscles following exercise. Show your muscles some love by feeding them the building blocks of muscle protein, known as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
NutraKey’s BCAA Optima provides clinically recommended amounts of key nutrients including Branched Chain Amino Acids to help improve recovery and combat muscle soreness caused by D.O.M.S.
Struggle #2 Injury

Because of the heavy weight and multiple muscle groups involved, leg day can take a heavy toll on ligaments and cartilage in the hips, knees, and ankles.

Follow these tips to maintain an orthopedically safe leg day.

Answers?

1) Use good form – Good form can be the difference between sculpted legs and scoliosis.

You’ve probably heard a few common tips; “You should never let your knees never pass in front of your toes during heavy squats!”

This is true. But before hitting the heavy rack, beginners should consider starting with machines or simple, lightweight free-form exercises in order to practice proper movement and control.

One of the easiest ways to learn is watching someone experienced demonstrate common movements.

Our Personal Trainers demonstrate proper form and give tips for a few good Leg Day Exercises for beginners and experts alike:

2) Feed your Joints – Healthy ligaments and cartilage are composed of a balance of nutritional building blocks. Much like muscles, your joint tissue can grow weaker and more vulnerable with neglect, and may struggle to recover without the ingredient necessary.

SUPPS contains a mixture of key nutrients that nourish joint tissue including Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM. With 10 active ingredients, Innoflex can help support strong, healthy joint tissue with a full range of motion.

 

Following the tips above can help avoid injury, build strength and size, and recover from the crippling soreness. Jump into those elevated reverse lunges without fear of falling, and don’t be afraid to take the stairs.

5 Natural Fat Loss Tips That’ll Jumpstart Fat Burning

Does it seem like despite your best diet and exercise efforts, you still aren’t losing weight as quickly as you’d like?

Welcome to what most people find themselves in at some point or another – the plateau.

This plateau is characterized by slow or completely stopped results, despite you continually working towards your diet and workout program.

You feel frustrated, angry, and might be ready to toss in the towel. Before you do however, there are a few tips that you’ll want to consider that could jumpstart your rate of fat burning again.

Try one – or all of these – and you might just find yourself back on track, working towards that dream body of yours.

Drink More Water

The first quick tip is an easy one, but one that far too many women overlook. The tip? Hydration. If you are even slightly dehydrated, it can have an impact on your resting metabolic rate, basically slowing down your daily calorie burn. Drinking more water will not only help keep your metabolic rate higher, but it’ll also help you shed excess water weight as well. Now, this may seem wrong –drink more water to lose water, but it’s true. When you’re dehydrated, your body compensates by storing as much water as possible – sometimes up to 5 lbs! This appears as the “bloated” look that some of us are all too familiar with. The more water you do drink, the less water your body will hold onto, reducing that water retention that makes it look like you have more body fat than you really do. If you’re drinking tons of water but still struggling to shed that extra 5 lbs of water weight, you might want to consider trying natural herbs such as Uva Ursi, Horsetail Extract or Dandelion Root. These herbs have been shown to gently & naturally flush out extra water retention, helping you avoid feeling bloated and like you are carrying around extra weight. You will find yourself amazed at what the difference is once you lose this water retention.

Identify Hidden Sugars

The next step to jumpstarting sluggish fat burning is to identify any hidden sugars in your diet. You should know by now that you are to avoid consuming sugar whenever possible. Eating sugar will spike blood glucose levels, which then sends a flurry of insulin to rush into your system, upon which, the glucose will be taken up into the body fat stores. By avoiding sugar, you prevent this from happening, optimizing the rate in which you burn fat. Now, many women do a great job at avoiding the easily recognizable sugars like cookies, candy, and cake. But what about hidden sugars such as those found in sauces and condiments, yogurt, and breakfast cereal? If you aren’t avoiding those, this could be the reason you are not losing weight. Start reading all nutritional labels and any time you see sugar (or another name for sugar), avoid that food. Not sure what to look for? Check the ingredients list for anything ending in ‘ose’ (glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, maltose) – those are the hidden sugars you should watch out. If you can’t kick the sugar, that’s okay!

Natural extracts like white kidney bean can help block the harmful effects of sugar in the body.

White kidney bean will help reduce the total amount of starch that’s converted into sugar in your blood stream, further lowering the chances of fat gain. Another powerful ingredient to consider is called Garcinia. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that the active ingredient in Garcinia, HCA can help to suppress fatty acid synthesis, suppress food intake, increase energy expenditure, curb appetite, and inhibit fat synthesis from excess carbohydrate calories. Clearly all very beneficial things when you are trying to get lean. Obviously following a strict diet is the best way to overcome plateaus, but these natural ingredients can help fill the gaps when you just have to have that slice of birthday cake, or midnight snack.

Sip Green Tea

The next trick to get your body burning fat faster again? Green tea. Sipping on green tea at least once per day can rev your metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories at rest. Green tea contains special catechins, which act to turn up your metabolic furnace. In addition to that, it also provides a number of antioxidants, which will help keep you healthy and feeling your best. It even comes in a powdered extract so you don’t have to brew your own! If you aren’t a green tea fan, not to worry. You can actually get the same – if not better – benefits by simply using green coffee bean extract, another powerful substance that increases your metabolic rate and accelerates fat burning, according to a study published in the Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Journal. This product will also help to hinder the absorption of the fat that you eat, further helping you get lean. It’s thanks to the active ingredient called chlorogenic acid that causes this effect. 

Increase your Intake of Leafy Greens

If there’s one food that you should be eating more of, it’s leafy greens. Leafy greens are very low in calories so you barely have to count them towards your total daily calorie intake and on top of that, they help to detox your body! Many women are suffering from too many toxins in their system, which can hinder the rate of fat burning, lower energy levels, and cause you to suffer from food cravings you otherwise wouldn’t. Try starting each meal with a salad to put this into effect in your diet plan. In addition to adding more leafy greens to your diet, you can also get substantial detoxification benefits from natural botanicals that will help to eliminate these unwanted toxins and protect you from harmful free radicals. The green tea we mentioned earlier is packed with antioxidants, as well as green coffee bean, and even dandelion root!

Up your Intake of Lean Protein

Finally, the last change to make to help increase your fat burning results is to focus on adding more protein to your diet plan. Protein is important because it will help to preserve your lean muscle mass (which in turn keeps your metabolic rate higher), it’ll help reduce your hunger level, and it has a low impact on your blood glucose levels. It also has a high ‘thermic effect of food’, meaning that your body will burn a number of calories simply breaking it down through the process of digestion. This allows you to ‘net’ fewer calories at the end of the day, accelerating fat loss results. Choose lean protein sources like chicken breast, turkey breast, fish, and grass fed steak for optimal results. Not only will these foods provide much needed protein, they are packed with amazing amino acids, like L-Carnitine, which helps to jumpstart metabolism to burn away unwanted fat. So consider trying these tips in order in your plan and to really maximize your progress, pick up the Tone & Tighten, which contains all the ingredients noted above. If you pair this stack with a proper diet and exercise program, your fat loss results will be back on track, and your plateaus a thing of the past.  

Fun Way to be Healthy

When you talk about sports fitness, what comes first in your mind? It is, basically, the different sports activities, right? This is because sports fitness has always been referred to as the sports itself.

Generally, sports entail physical activities that are usually carried out for some “recreational” functions such as self-satisfaction, entertainment, competition, etc. It uses physical activity that is why most fitness experts regard sports as one way of staying fit and healthy. It can also be considered as one way of physical fitness; the only difference is that sports fitness is more inclined to the development of skill or ability.

However, like physical fitness, sports fitness is also capable of toning down the body fats of a person. Because of its rigid and strict health program, a sports enthusiast is able to maintain a well-balanced lifestyle in order to cope up with the strenuous demands of sports.

In sports, people should learn how to value their health. Otherwise, they can never endure the kind of energy that is required when playing sports activities.

Therefore, for people whoa re into sports fitness, here are some tips that you could use in order to stay healthy and be active on whatever sports you want to pursue:

1. Drinks lots of water

Humans can survive days, or even months without food, but they can never last a day without water.

Water is, indeed, the most important element needed by the body. Excessive perspiration, without any means of replenishing the lost fluids will result to serious health problems, and even death.

Therefore, for people who are into strenuous exercises and trainings, it is best to always drink lots of water.

However, for sports enthusiasts, water may not be enough to replace the kind of fluid lost. Hence, it would be better if they would have sports drinks instead. Aside from the fluid, sports drinks have tow additional important ingredients needed by a person who is into sports fitness: carbohydrates and electrolytes.

Electrolytes are usually lost during strenuous physical activity, and this can only be replaced through sports drinks. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are also needed by the body during rigid workouts to provide more energy so that the body can cope up to the demands of the activity.

2. More veggies!

People who are into sports fitness require more intakes of vegetables and fruits. This is because the body is craving for more vitamins and mineral supplements. It makes the body stronger and healthier enabling it to cope up with demands of the activity.

3. Calcium intake

People who are into sports fitness should have calcium present on their diet. This is to provide stronger bones to the body.

Since the body is more exposed to greater physical activities, it is important to have stronger bones in order to avoid fractures or certain bone diseases like “osteoporosis.”

Calcium can be found in different vitamin and mineral supplements. They are also abundant in foods like sardines, tofu, dairy products, etc.

4. Warm exercises are always important before any kind of strenuous activities.

This kind of activity is needed in order not to strain the body. Hence, before playing the sports that you have always love, it is best to do some warm-up exercises first.

Indeed, engaging into sports activities is one great way of being physically fit. The best thing about it is that in sports, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

4 Benefits Of Selenium Proven By Science

Selenium is one of thirteen essential minerals – a class of nutrients that are vital for maintaining your body’s health. Minerals are divided into two groups, macrominerals and trace minerals.  Selenium is a trace mineral and is naturally found in protein rich foods, seafood, and organ meats. Selenium is a vital mineral involved in reproduction and the metabolism of thyroid hormones, as well as numerous biological functions. We’re going to talk about the benefits of selenium and how it works.

What Is Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral, essential meaning they are needed and must be obtained through your diet and nutrition, since your body does not naturally produce them. Even though selenium is only needed in small amounts, it plays a critical role in metabolism, thyroid function, immune system function, and cognition. Selenium is an essential component of various enzymes and proteins, called seleno-proteins, Those that make DNA and protect cells from damage and infection

Supports Thyroid Function

One of the most well-known benefits of selenium is its role in thyroid function. Thyroid tissue contains a higher amount of selenium than any other human organ. Your thyroid is protected from oxidative damage by selenium, an antioxidant. Selenium plays a role in the development of hormones, which regulate metabolism and cell growth. Research suggests that there is a direct and positive correlation between selenium deficiency and thyroid function 

Your thyroid gland controls a number of important bodily functions, such as sleep, appetite, weight, energy, and natural body temperature. Low levels of selenium, and result in improper thyroid function, resulting in negative symptoms, such as muscle weakness, irritability, fatigue, lack of sleep, and weight gain.

Acts As An Antioxidant

Selenium acts as an antioxidant helping to prevent oxidative damage to cells. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Antioxidants scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), maintaining a proper balance of oxidized and cells in the body. Antioxidants can help protect your body from free radical damage, which has been inextricably linked to chronic disease states, as well as age-related disease.

May Improve Cognition

Research suggests that diets which include foods with healthy vitamins and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds, Increasing antioxidant levels in the brain can reduce oxidative stress. Selenoproteins ability to protect against oxidative stress is well documented, proving that selenium is one of the many factors that may affect the risk of cognitive decline and proper neurophysiological function as we age .

Helps Reduce Asthma Symptoms

Observational studies have shown that patients with chronic asthma may have lower levels of selenium and that selenium supplementation may exhibit positive benefits on patients with Asthma. A randomize controlled trial with a total of 24 patients suffering from chronic asthma was included reported significant clinical improvement in the selenium-supplemented group, as compared with the placebo group. However the study could not be validated with an improvement of lung function and airway hyper-responsiveness, therefore more research and evidence is needed to determine whether selenium can exude positive therapeutic use for patients with asthma .

May Protect Against Heart Disease

Researchers suggest that low selenium levels may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis published in the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition investigated the association of selenium with coronary artery disease and the efficacy of selenium supplements on heart disease. 25 observational studies and 6 randomized controlled trials were evaluated and found that in observational studies, a 50% increase in selenium concentrations was associated with a 24% (7%, 38%) reduction in coronary heart disease risk. In randomized trials, the pooled relative risk in a comparison of supplements containing selenium with placebo was 0.89 (0.68, 1.17) .

Selenium Benefits: Takeaway

Selenium plays a pivotal role in overall health and wellness. Research shows that selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant and can benefit thyroid function, cognitive health, as well as immune system function. Adding in protein rich foods to your diet can provide you with the essential micronutrients you need to improve overall health and function. 

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