Micronutrients The power of zinc and selenium

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“Selenium and zinc are a well known duo when it comes to working for bowel health.”

micronutrients mega important

SELENIUM & ZINC.

If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease you could be deficient of vital micro-nutrients like selenium and zinc, especially those with Crohn’s disease. Zinc and selenium are among the most important trace elements that have significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Irritable bowel diseases – or IBD – including such diseases as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are relapsing bouts of bowel inflammation that can trigger a number of unpleasant symptoms. A recent study carried out on Japanese children under the age of 17 years has shown that there is a link between the prevalence of these disorders and deficiencies of essential micro-nutrients such as selenium and zinc.

The science bit

Both selenium and zinc are involved in a host of different biological processes that are related to inflammation. Selenium is needed for normal functioning of some selenium-dependent enzymes called selenoproteins, of which there are around 25-30 in the human body. Two of these selenoproteins, selenoproteins S and selenoprotein K, have a role in dialing down inflammatory signaling pathways. Zinc also plays a vital role. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that zinc deficiency increases the number of pro-inflammatory cells and promotes intestinal leakage of certain inflammatory cytokines (white blood cells) that are known to worsen inflammation in the intestinal area. It is thus seemingly essential for people with bowel inflammation to make sure to get sufficient quantities of selenium and zinc, as this helps control their symptoms. Get round the irritated gut

Selenium and zinc are a well known duo when it comes to working for bowel health, however there is much more to them that this. Incorporating selenium and zinccarrying foods into your diet is important, however if you’re suffering from bowel problems, supplementing is definitely worth it. The irritated bowel is not able to function optimally and perform its role of absorbing essential nutrients from the food we eat. So, intelligent supplements, which are aware of how to be absorbed, are really helpful in helping to get you back on track.

This little duo have a long list of benefits to offer when they reach your blood stream. Selenium is an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory that will target the entire body, not just the bowel but also the heart, an immune booster and a thyroid supporter. Looking at zinc, we also have many accolades to list; an immune booster, a brain function supporter and a wound healer.

The journey of discovery

There is nothing more empowering than realising you can help yourself. You can support your body in finding what it needs to be healthier and stronger. The above is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to zinc and selenium but we hope to have encouraged you to find out more about what these mega micro-nutrients could do for your bowel and your general health.