The Dr. Westin Childs Podcast

Signs of Selenium Toxicity - Are you taking TOO much selenium?

05.16.2022 - By Dr. Westin ChildsPlay

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The list of warning signs and symptoms of selenium toxicity. Are you taking too much selenium? Here's how to find out:

Selenium is a very important micronutrient for your body. It is included in certain proteins, called selenoproteins, that enable your cells to function properly, reduce inflammation, and produce antioxidants.

Many people suffer from selenium deficiency which leads them to use selenium supplements.

That's all good but what happens when they take too much? They may end up with minor signs of selenium toxicity. True selenium toxicity is rare, but a slight amount of selenium toxicity isn't uncommon and can occur if you accidentally take too much selenium in your supplements!

This is often a problem for patients with thyroid disease because they know that using selenium can help reduce thyroid gland inflammation.

Minor symptoms of selenium toxicity include:

- Hair loss

- Brittle nails

- Fatigue

- GI problems

- Joint pain

- Nausea

These are more common than the serious symptoms but let's include the more serious symptoms as well:

- Neurological problems

- Paralysis

- Selenosis (selenium poisoning)

So, how much selenium should you take?

The RDA for selenium is around 40-55mcg per day.

My recommendation is 100-200mcg per day.

Some doctors recommend 400-600mcg per day (probably only good for a short period of time and to treat very specific conditions).

The best way to avoid selenium toxicity is to do 2 important things:

#1. Check your supplements for selenium!

See if you are accidentally taking too much using the guidelines above.

#2. Pay attention to how much selenium you are getting from food (organic versions have more nutrients)

Food sources high in selenium include: Brazil nuts, fish, ham, pork, beef, chicken, eggs, brown rice, oatmeal, spinach, bananas,

But note that nutrients vary based on where plants were grown/harvested and whether or not they are organic.

Do you have any of the signs of selenium toxicity? Let me know!

Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/

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This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.

#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's

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