Selenium is an essential nutrient that offers antioxidant function, which helps to boost the immune system. Found in soil, plants absorb it and it does not diminish when processed. This trace mineral is essential in the human body as it assists both the immune system and operation of the thyroid gland.

These findings do make sense as selenium fights free radicals and therefore it will help those who suffer from arthritis and certain heart conditions. Poor heart function and cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) are often linked to this deficiency; this is because it reduces the stickiness of the blood and at the same time, decreasing clotting. At the same time, good (HDL) cholesterol is increased and bad (LDL) cholesterol lowered.

With its immune-boosting properties, selenium assists the body in fighting disease. It fights against herpes, which causes shingles and cold sores and current studies are performed to test its efficiency against HIV and AIDS. The anti-inflammatory properties are thought to be beneficial against conditions that include eczema, lupus, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition to low levels of nutrition provided by fresh produce, gastrointestinal disorders or gastric surgery could hamper the absorption of sufficient nutrients. These disorders, which include Chron’s Disease, are known to inhibit the absorption of selenium.  Excess selenium may, in rare cases cause selenosis. This condition manifests in symptoms such as mild nerve damage, blotchy nails, hair loss and stomach upsets. This is however a rare condition and which is usually diagnosed in people who were involved in industrial accidents.

More research is required to prove a link to increased selenium levels and a reduced rate of mortality amongst cancer patients. However, it is believed that the incidence of certain cancer types is reduced because of selenium. These cancers include cancer of the prostate, lunch and colorectal cancer. This research also suggests that cancer risk is affected in two different ways. Apart from the anti-oxidant properties that protect the body from the affects of free radicals, it is also thought to prevent or slow the growth of tumors. This helps to enhance the activity of immune cells and to suppress the circulation of blood to the tumor.

Soybeans, wheat and corn are some of the best sources of selenomethionine. This is the analogue form of methionine and it can be used by the body to replace methionine. It serves as storage for selenium in the tissues and organs. It is thought to be the form of selenium, which is best absorbed and utilized. Supplements may contain substances that are not derived from plants or other organic sources. These substances usually include sodium selenate and sodium selenite.

This trace mineral affects many other body processes, but its importance was only realized in the late 1970s. Since then, it was found to be helpful in preventing cancer of the liver, pancreas, esophagus, bladder, rectum, cervix and ovaries. It also showed hope in preventing leukemia.

Supplementing with selenium may prevent with causes of impaired vision, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. These conditions are common, especially in the elderly.

Since the soil in which vegetables are grown determines the amount of trace elements provided by the food sources, it is not easy to meet the required daily intake for optimum health. Therefore, supplementation is often necessary. The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of Selenium is 55 mcg per day for adults. Deficiencies are common in countries such as Russia and China and the occurrence of Keshan disease is a result. Adequate levels of essential selenium could worsen the effects of an iodine deficiency, which also affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. 

Before adding <a href=”http://www.mineralifeonline.com/pd-selenium-8oz.cfm”>selenium supplements</a> to your daily health program, get all the facts about mineral supplements by visiting <a href=”http://www.mineralifeonline.com”>www.mineralifeonline.com</a> and download your FREE audio, Minerals: what your body needs and why.

About the Author

Neil Butterfield

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How Simply Writing Can Help Cancer Patients

A study published in the journal ‘The Oncologist’ in the February issue of last year supports the notion that expressive writing is effective in easing the stress of cancer. Cancers are by far one of the most dreaded medical conditions and coping with the disease can be quite stressful. Aside from the physical stress the body endures from the malady and from the various treatments viz. chemotherapy (treatment with pharma drugs), radiotherapy, etc, an individual has to cope with myriad lifestyle adjustments that induce a lot of stress.

This study indeed raises hopes that an activity as simple as expressive writing aids the individuals suffering by alleviating psychological stress arising out of the condition. Cancer is a disease that affects young and old, rich and poor and every one around the world. For example, In the year 2005 alone, the world witnessed about 7.6 million individuals becoming terminally ill with the disease. However the brighter aspect is that about 40% of all cancers are preventable and many are treatable and curable if caught early enough.

The Study

The study engaged patients in writing sessions of 20 minuets and it was found that is aided them to alter the way they thought and felt about their condition. Furthermore, this changed perception actually helped them in enhancing their quality of life.

Though, writing studies have been carried out on cancer patients before, the difference with this study was that it was conducted in a normal clinic environment as against in lab settings. Further, many writing studies involved healthy college students as subjects.

Expressive writing in the study entailed patients with leukemia and lymphoma writing about their innermost thoughts and feelings about how the disease has had and effect on them. When they were surveyed after the exercise most of them (about 50%) reported thinking and feeling differently about their condition. Further, when the exercise was repeated after three weeks an even greater number reported thinking that way (approx. 54%). On the other hand simply writing about the facts didn’t seem to have an effect on thinking patterns, the researchers found.

The most promising finding however was that all the patient who had reported a change in their thought patterns about the disease also fared better on a quality of life measurement scale after they underwent the writing exercises.

Additionally, there were positive changes expressed in the patients’ writings as well. Many of the changes included feelings about their family, spirituality, work and the future. One patient wrote “Don’t get me wrong, cancer isn’t a gift, it just showed me what the gifts in my life are.”

A theory explaining the finding suggests that expressing their thoughts about their chronic medical condition causes psychological as well as physiological changes to occur. However, researchers also believe that that there’s a whole array of reasons why expressive writing benefits.

Benefits go beyond cancer

The benefits of expressive writing are not confined to cancer patients only. Several other researches on the topic have revealed that it helps in numerous medical conditions such as asthma, arthritis and pelvic pain. Other studies indicate the benefits to be an improved immune system, pain relief – what a way to relieve pain without a pain relief drug.

While writing research isn’t new and it has been conducted for the past 20 years or so, it’s now time to bring the benefits out to the patients. Not only has writing been found to be effective, it’s perhaps the most cost-effective means of coping.

Another question that arises is, whether the benefits of writing are confined only to those suffering from chronic and challenging medical conditions? Given the evidence of research carried out, it appears that simply writing about intensely positive experiences helps too. A study published by the Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri found that writing about IPEs or intensely positive experiences was associated with enhanced positive mood, and it was also linked to fewer health center visits for illness. Health benefits of writing have also been echoed by in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, by University of Texas researchers James Pennebaker, and Janet Seagal.

In order to reap the benefits of writing you don’t have to wait, you can begin writing right away. You might begin with short sessions of 15 – 20 minuets and increasing the time you spend writing, as you become comfortable with the activity. If you’re attempting to journal for the first time you could have some doubts in your mind but all you have to do is to express yourself and leave aside any fears and inhibitions. With a little practice, fluidity would come to your writing by itself. The only instruments you need for it are a pen and a journal or you might even choose to blog your way to expressing yourself.

About the Author

Fred is a journalist with 7 years of experience. Though, as a professional He’s reported on myriad topics, his favorite is the medical industry. Off late he’s been working on different web portals including Themedica.com. Themedica is a comprehensive business-to-business (b2b) information portal and directory, featuring useful information for medical and health care industry professionals and businesses. It showcases resources such as trade shows, industry overviews, trade associations, global business listings, industry news, tenders, medical publications, informative articles and more that help professionals/businesses stay abreast with the latest and grow. He now blogs at Smiling Health

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Arthritis, which is the general term used to define over a hundred types of arthritic diseases, is the disease that causes joint inflammation. It is manifested by joint inflammation and stiffness. The affected area is also tender and warm to touch. Also, the movement of the affected joint can become limited.

These symptoms cause great pain and discomfort to the patient, and although there is no definite arthritis treatment that will permanently cure the disease, there are treatments that will relieve the pain and discomfort.

One popular arthritis treatment is the administration of medication that could provide quick pain relief. Pain relievers like acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen are usually prescribed to arthritic patients. However, some medications promise long-term results, like biological response modifiers which are drugs that reduce the swelling of the joints by stopping the reaction of an immune system protein called tumor necrosis factor. Enbrel and Remicade are examples of this arthritis treatment.

Getting massages from accredited therapists can also be an effective arthritis treatment. A massage increases blood flow to the affected area. However, the muscles surrounding the swollen joint are very sensitive, therefore, it is important that the therapist is knowledgeable about the disease.

Home remedies like cold packs or heating pads also help relieve discomfort. But it is not advisable for people have bad blood circulation to use cold packs. Splints and braces are also recommended for arthritic patients because they protect the affected joints. They also allow the stressed joints to relax, which facilitates healing.

There are also clinical procedures that can alleviate the suffering of arthritis patients. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS aims to stop pain messages from reaching the brain and by modifying pain perception. In TENS, a small device is inserted beneath the skin over the affected area. This device directs electric impulses to nerve endings that are located under the skin and relieves the pain.

In extreme cases, surgery may also be recommended. Some procedures that can help are realignment of joints, removal of synovium or the complete replacement of a damaged joint with an artificial one. Joint replacement is the most beneficial procedure because it improves joint motion and provides great pain relief.

Another recommendation for patients with arthritis is weight reduction. Weight-bearing joints like the hips and the knees are strained when a person carries excess weight. Exercise is also believed to be therapeutic for patients with arthritis. Aerobics, swimming and walking are best for reducing joint pain and stiffness. Stretching can also help. However, an accredited therapist must oversee the exercise program that you are going to follow.

Some arthritic patients follow special diets and take specific supplements, but these still do not have medically-approved therapeutic benefits. Alternative treatments like acupuncture are also sought out by patients, but it has not yet been scientifically-proven to have beneficial effects.

When untreated, arthritis can be a life-altering disease. It could have detrimental effects to your lifestyle, making simple acts like brushing your teeth or taking a bath virtually impossible to do. Early administration of treatments can give a world of difference to those who suffer from arthritis.

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NOT heard of it myself, but advice is ‘if in doubt then don’t.’

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How are you sitting when you use the phone. sometimes you can put your hands and/or fingers asleep by pressing on a nerve while talking or cut the circulation off with clothing cutting into the blood vessel in the arm. Try not to lean on anything while using the phone and see if there is any change. If not then your RA may have gotten to the point that it pinches the nerve when in a certain position or if you have swelling during the attacks. then it is time to ask your doctor if opening up the bony space Will work to stop the pinching that’s causing the numbness.
The jury is still out on the cancer question. Mabey it was just the earlier models that might do this, the newer ones with a shield may prevent this by keeping the antenna far enough away from the brain that the signal will not affect the brain so easily.

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