The Kaufmann Diet is all about using nutrition as a powerful tool to support good health, prevent disease, and sometimes even reverse diseases. In this series, we break down the components of nutrition into their specific parts, and discuss how they can support––and sometimes hinder––our health. The third part of this series covers minerals, what they are, how they fit into your Kaufmann Diet, and the best sources of these nutrients. Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for human health. Here are the things selenium does in the body:
Antioxidant Properties: Selenium is a vital component of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase, which help protect cells from damage by free radicals. These antioxidants play a significant role in preventing the oxidation of cell membranes and DNA, which can lead to chronic diseases.
Thyroid Function: Selenium is vital for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It helps in the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 (thyroxine) into the more active form T3 (triiodothyronine). This conversion is essential for regulating metabolism and maintaining normal thyroid function.
Immune System: Selenium boosts immune system function. It enhances the proliferation of immune cells and their ability to respond to pathogens, making the body more resistant to infections and diseases.
Reproductive Health: Selenium plays a role in reproductive health, particularly in males. It contributes to the development and proper functioning of sperm cells.
Reduction of Inflammation: By reducing oxidative stress, selenium can also help reduce inflammation, a root cause of many chronic conditions.
Prevention of Certain Cancers: Some research suggests that selenium may help reduce the risk of certain cancers by preventing cell damage and boosting the immune response.
In spite of how important selenium is, only small amounts of selenium are needed. However, getting too much selenium and not getting enough can both lead to health issues. Fortunately, getting enough selenium through your diet is easy when you are on The Kaufmann Diet; it is found in a variety of foods which are on the diet. Here are some good sources:
Brazil Nuts: These are by far the richest dietary source of selenium. Just one Brazil nut can provide more than the daily recommended amount of selenium.
Seafood: Fish and shellfish, including tuna, halibut, sardines, shrimp, and salmon, are excellent sources of selenium.
Meat: Beef, liver, pork, chicken, and turkey all contain good amounts of selenium. The content can vary depending on the selenium levels in the soil where the animals were raised.
Eggs: Eggs are a good source of selenium and also provide a range of other essential nutrients.
Nuts and Seeds: Sunflower seeds, cashews, and almonds also contain selenium.
Selenium does have some anti-fungal properties; here are a few ways in which selenium is linked to anti-fungal activity:
1. Immune System Support: Selenium boosts the immune system, which can help the body fight off fungal infections more effectively.
2. Antioxidant Properties: As an essential component of antioxidant enzymes, selenium helps reduce oxidative stress within the body. This reduction in oxidative stress can support the body’s natural ability to combat fungal pathogens.
3. Direct Anti-fungal Effects: Some studies suggest that selenium mineral compounds, particularly selenite, can inhibit the growth of certain types of fungi. This effect may be due to selenium’s ability to disrupt critical processes within fungal cells.
While the selenium mineral contributes to general immune function and has some direct inhibitory effects on fungi, it is not recommended to be a standalone anti-fungal modality on the Kaufmann Diet. Instead, selenium underscores the fact that eating a balanced diet like the Kaufmann Diet is a good way to naturally protect yourself against pathogenic yeast and fungi, and how natural anti-fungals are in natural, wholesome food.
Because getting too much selenium can be harmful, only supplement with selenium under orders of your doctor.
The Health Benefits of Selenium + Best Kaufmann Diet Sources
The Five Healthiest Fish To Eat
The Most Nutrient-Dense Foods On The Kaufmann Diet
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Doug Kaufmann has written many books that cover a full range or health issues. Find out which of his books best suits you by clicking the button below.
Doug Kaufmann developed his diet after years studying the clinical effects of pathogenic fungi on the body. Fungi and yeasts can become parasitic organisms on and inside our body, causing health problems that can be difficult to diagnose. Learn more about the Kaufmann Diet, change your life and know the cause.
We encourage all visitors to this site to take some time and study these technical articles prior to initiating lifestyle changes, including dietary changes and to do so with their physician’s awareness and approval. The articles posted in this link are scientific and with few exceptions are taken from medical journals familiar to healthcare workers.
Looking for help assembling antifungal Kaufmann Diet approved recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner? We have several videos, books and recipe write ups here on Know the Cause that will help your health journey. The recipes in this section are so good, you’ll feel like you’re indulging. No sacrifice needed! Enjoy.
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