Mineral That Supports Hair Growth

“Optimum nutrition is the medicine of tomorrow .” - Linus Pauling

Introduction:

Most recently, I have been suffering from hair loss and doing a lot of research to salvage or slow down this loss. I've been doing well up to here with minimal grey hairs and a thick bush still on my head, but it all changed once I hit the big 50. I started to notice some thinning and have started down the rabbit hole of researching and trying to figure out how to keep my hair naturally.

I searched the internet for natural hair growth nutrients and came across a mineral I wasn't familiar with more than once that was supposed to help slow down hair loss. After researching, I found that it was an essential nutrient that got little attention. The unspoken mineral that supports hair growth.

In the world of nutrition, some vitamins and minerals get all the attention. Still, some essential nutrients work quietly behind the scenes to help our health uniquely.

Selenium is one of these hidden heroes. It is a trace mineral that helps protect our bodies from oxidative stress and other health risks.

Here is what you need to know about Selenium:

Selenium is a trace element, meaning we only need small amounts for good health. However, its effects are far from negligible. It is an integral part of many enzymes, like glutathione peroxidase, a potent antioxidant in our bodies. Here are some reasons why selenium should get more attention:

1. Antioxidant Capabilities:

Selenium's main job is to protect against oxidative stress, which happens when the body has too many free radicals and insufficient antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable chemicals that can hurt cells, leading to chronic diseases and aging. Selenium in the form of selenoproteins can stop these free radicals from damaging cells by neutralizing them.

2. Boosts the immune system:

A better immune system has been linked to selenium. It helps make cytokines essential for controlling the immune reaction and fighting infections and diseases.

3. Thyroid Activity:

The thyroid gland needs selenium to make hormones and control how they work. Enough selenium is essential for keeping the thyroid, metabolism, and general energy levels in good shape.

4. Cancer Defense:

Some studies show that selenium may help prevent prostate, lung, and colon cancer. Its antioxidants are thought to help keep cells from getting damaged or changing.

5. Heart Health:

Selenium may lower the chance of heart disease by protecting the arteries from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation. It also helps keep the heart healthy as a whole.

Sources of Selenium:

Selenium is found naturally in many foods, but the amount varies based on the soil where the plants are grown and what the animals we eat eat. Here are some excellent ways to get selenium from food:

1. Brazil Nuts: These nuts have a lot of selenium, more than any other nut. You can meet your daily needs with just a few nuts a day.

2. Fish: Selenium can be found in tuna, halibut, and sardines.

3. Lean Meats: Selenium can be found in turkey, chicken, and lean beef.

4. Whole Grains: Selenium can be found in brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal.

5. Eggs: Egg yolk is a good source of selenium.

6. Sunflower seeds: These seeds are another great source of plant selenium.

Conclusion:

Selenium is not a well-known mineral, but it keeps our bodies safe. Selenium is an antioxidant that protects our cells from toxic stress. It also helps our immune system, keeps our thyroid healthy, and may even help prevent cancer. Eat a range of selenium-rich foods to ensure your body gets all the selenium it needs. By doing this, you'll use the power of this fantastic trace mineral to improve your health and help you live longer. I'm just hoping that I'll still have a complete set of hair in the future.

Here are a couple of articles that talk more about nutrients to combat hair loss:

5 Key Nutrients for Healthy Hair

Minerals and Hair Growth: How are they related?