We are surrounded by toxic chemicals in the environment all around us. One of these pollutants is mercury which is a biological toxin that can be lethal. Mercury binds easily to fatty tissue especially in the kidneys, liver, and brain. It can accumulate in high concentrations weakening these organs and causing severe harm. One of the best detoxifying agents to prevent mercury build-up is the mineral selenium.
How Selenium Fights Cancer
Selenium can act as a bit of a mechanical thing in the way it works. It binds protective antioxidants like glutathione to areas of DNA that need repair. The process then reduces the damage to cellular DNA and is also quite important in order to reduce cancer growth, improve the aging process, and prevent against tons of degenerative diseases.
But wait there’s more! Research has shown that selenium can actually contribute to natural antioxidant pathways which can stimulate apoptosis (cell death) in human cancer cells. PLUS, it’s also been found that it reduces metastasis in skin cancers such as melanoma.
How Are We Exposed to Mercury?
Aside from industrial pollution, major mercury contaminants in our environment are sourced from fish, vaccinations, processed food, and dental amalgam fillings. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Environmental Health showed evidence that mercury cell chlor-alkali chemicals are used in the manufacturing of food color additives such as FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow 6 and high fructose corn syrup.
Selenoprotein enzymes are generated by the body by incorporating the trace mineral selenium into proteins. These enzymes function like antioxidants, destroying free radicals thus limiting oxidative damage. They also stimulate thyroid function and optimize the immune system. But many people have too much mercury in their body. When mercury binds to selenium, the production of selenoproteins is reduced. This promotes immune dysfunction and abnormal thyroid function.
Selenium Is a “Mercury Magnet”
Think of selenium as if it is a mercury magnet. It has a powerful affinity for binding toxic agents in the body and neutralizes their harmful activity. When mercury and selenium bind, this new compound cannot be absorbed by the body so it is removed as waste. This strong interaction greatly benefits total health and serves as one of the best strategies to remove accumulated mercury from fatty tissue in areas like the brain.
Supporting the production of this antioxidant enzyme is essential for human health. We must include a surplus of selenium in our body to reduce mercury levels. It is critical to consume more selenium and less mercury for this to occur. Mercury contamination from food, vaccines, dental amalgams, or whatever the source might require you to increase selenium consumption up to 1000 mcg each day.
The Anti-Inflammatory Roles of Selenium
Selenium stimulates a variety of antioxidant pathways in the body and also reduces inflammation, regulates the immune response, and improves blood flow. Selenium can be one of the most potent sources for reducing inflammation. This is an important consideration for individuals struggling with an autoimmune problem, which includes patients with HIV and life-threatening sepsis.
Supplementation with selenium has been shown to enhance the natural antioxidant defense system of cells. The activity of NF- kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB), known to trigger a chronic inflammatory response, can be suppressed using selenium. Supplementation has also been reported to decrease the concentration of immune-trafficking components of lymphocytes called L-selectin. These adhesion molecules give inflammatory T-cells the green light to leave the bloodstream and bind to tissues in the body resulting in a heightened inflammatory response.
Selenium is also very important for healthy fertility. Selenium is incorporated in the sperm mitochondrial capsule and may affect the behavior and function of the sperm as they move through the vaginal canal. Optimal levels of selenium help to improve the sperm viability and support fertility.
Highest Sources of Selenium in Food:
The absolute best source of selenium can be found right in Brazil nuts. Just one Brazil nut alone contains around an estimated 50-75 mcg selenium. And a small handful of 6 nuts can supplement the selenium you need for the entire day.
Some other excellent sources of selenium include pasture-raised eggs, mushrooms, shellfish, meat (including the organ meats), and also seeds.
TOP 10 Tips to Reduce Mercury and Boost Selenium Levels Naturally
The following ten tips are strategies that you can incorporate into your lifestyle to naturally reduce mercury and boost selenium levels.
- Consume real foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties
- Avoid vaccines
- Eat 5-6 Brazil nuts daily
- Eat only wild-caught fish with the best ratio of selenium to mercury concentration
- Do not get dental amalgams and remove existing ones (only with with a qualified biological dentist)
- Enhance your body’s natural detoxification systems with herbs like parsley and cilantro
- Detox daily by consuming supergreens and chlorella and/or spirulina
- Hydrate with clean, filtered water
- Take an effective detoxification supplement
- Perspire in an infrared sauna
