Selenium, one of the most effective naturally occurring mineral weapons against cancer, is something many of you are not getting enough of. Consumption of the recommended daily supplement dosage of 200 micrograms, it has been shown in multiple studies to be an effective tool in warding off various types of cancer, including breast, esophageal, stomach, prostate, liver and bladder cancers.

Initially first used in conventional medicine as a treatment for dandruff, its study has come a long way since then with research showing selenium, when used in conjunction with vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, works to block chemical reactions that create bodily free radicals that can damage DNA and cause degenerative changes in cells and thus leading to cancer and cardiomegaly; an enlargement of the heart that causes premature aging and early death.

Studies had suggested a strong inverse association exists between selenium levels and cancer incidence appear to be particularly strong with breast, colon and prostate cancers that are also associated with high-fat, low-fiber diets. As the male population ages, selenium levels decrease, there is a parallel increase in prostate cancer incidence. In providing the protective effect of selenium, its antioxidant synthesis function which is selenium-dependent, activates the enzyme gluthathione peroxidase that converts hydrogen peroxide to water for cellular health importance. In doing so, it thus inhibits lipid peroxidation and the formation of free radicals which accounts for its protective role. In this situation, selenium may work interchangeably and in synergy with vitamin E to inhibit tumor growth and regulated the natural life span of cells, ensuring that they die when they were supposed to instead of turning "immortal" and hence malignant.

Apart from assisting to stop damaged DNA molecules from reproducing or tumors from developing, selenium inflicts their death before they replicate, thus helping stop cancer before it gets started. In addition to preventing the onset of the disease, selenium has also been affirmed to aid in slowing cancer's progression in patients who already have it. For those undergoing chemotherapy, the use of selenium in combination with vitamin A and vitamin E can reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. The synergistic effect of vitamin E and selenium together to enhance the immune system is greater than either alone. Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMC), the selenoamino acid that is a naturally occurring selenium compound synthesized by plants such as garlic and broccoli, is found to be an effective chemopreventive agent. Selenium also helps enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiation, and hyperthermia while minimizing damage to the patient's normal cells; thus making therapy more of a 'selective toxin'. SeMC has been shown to induce apoptosis in certain ovarian cancer cells and to be effective against breast cancer cell growth both in vivo and in vitro while it has also demonstrated significant anticarcinogenic activity against mammary tumorigenesis. Moreover, a study has demonstrated that SeMC is one of the most effective selenium chemopreventive compounds, inducing apoptosis in leukemia HL-60 cell lines. Some of the most impressive data suggest that exposure to SeMC blocks clonal expansion of premalignant lesions at an early stage. This is achieved by simultaneously modulating certain molecular pathways that are responsible for inhibiting cell proliferation and enhancing apoptosis. Unlike selenomethionine, which is incorporated into protein in place of methionine, SeMC is not incorporated into any protein, thereby offering a completely bioavailable compound for preventing cancer. Studies had further confirmed that selenium has powerful impact on protection against all types of cancer with greater impression on on prostate, colorectal and lung cancers.

In its role as an immune stimulant, selenium deficiency inhibits macrophage-mediated tumor destruction and inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in animals. Dietary supplementation with selenium have the opposite effects. Working together with the safest antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, they block the chemical reactions that create free radicals during chemotherapy and radiation. Free radicals, known for damaging DNA and promote a variety of degenerative changes in cells, are responsible for killing dividing cells. Selenium works synergistically with vitamin E to protect tissues and cell membranes, aid in the production of antibodies, and help maintain a healthy heart and liver.

Excess quantity of selenium in your body can actually be toxic but research indicates the majority of the world population is not getting enough of the essential mineral. Where and how can you increase your intake of selenium and help your body fight cancer? Good dietary sources of selenium are from mushrooms, egg yolks, seafood, poultry, kidney, liver, muscle meats, garlic, onions, broccoli, asparagus, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes including other whole grains and seeds. However, the quantity of selenium in vegetables and grains depends on the selenium content in the soil in which they are grown. Cancer rates are exceptionally high in the "world cancer capital" of Linxian in China is due to the zinc and selenium-deficiency soil. A point to note for lack of selenium is the process certain foods such as wheat processing into white flour go through which strips it of a great deal of its selenium content.

Commercial preparations of selenium include inorganic selenium and various organic compounds of selenium. It has been reported that the inorganic sodium selenite is not absorbed adequately, whereas organic selenium, including yeast-selenium, is absorbed very well. For this reason, yeast-selenium is considered best for human consumption. While everyone needs selenium on an everyday basis, there are certain situations in which the human need for selenium may be increased, or in which additional selenium may be helpful in the treatment of a disease. If you are a male, your selenium needs are greater than if you are female. If you suffer from heart disease or muscular disorders, additional selenium may help you. The same can be said if you suffer from cataracts, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, liver necrosis, iron deficiency anemia, joint problems, heavy metal poisoning, or cancer. Until proven through more research, no one can recommend the best and safest amount you should get. Experts warn selenium is a toxic mineral, which means too much of it, especially from supplements, is unsafe. For prostate cancer management, stay on a low fat diet, eat tomato products often, take a multivitamin, vitamins C, E and selenium.

So just be mindful about selenium as your savior and you need to take extra care in its consumption. As always been the case, the policy of "too little is bad and too much is detrimental" must be held high for maintaining maximum healthy living. For latest information on research on selenium, click here. Keep reading and I do invite you all to comment, if the need arises.

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