Helpful zinc and selenium

Among all the elements that the human body is composed of, at least 25 are necessary for its proper functioning, of which 18 are considered essential. Zinc and selenium belong to this latter group, known as trace elements or micronutrients. However, not everyone knows that both elements also play a very important role in strengthening the body's immune system. They increase the level of antibodies produced and the activity of white blood cells, as well as protect immune system cells from damage. Zinc stimulates the body to fight disease.

Zinc is a chemical element from the group of transition metals in the periodic table. It was discovered in India or China before 1500 BCE. This metal only made its way to Europe in the 17th century. It occurs in the Earth's crust in an amount of 75 ppm in the form of minerals - mainly zinc blende and smithsonite. From a nutritional point of view, large amounts of zinc are found in oysters, lean meat, poultry, and fish. It is also provided by cereals and whole grain bread.

Selenium is a chemical element from the group of metalloids in the periodic table. This element was discovered in 1817 by J. J. Berzelius. The name comes from the Greek word "selene," meaning moon. It occurs in the Earth's crust in an amount of 0.05 ppm as a contaminant in some sulfide ores. Industrially, it is obtained as a by-product of refining copper and sulfur ores. Selenium oxide is dissolved in nitric acid. Then the solution is passed through sulfur dioxide. Free selenium precipitates as a red sediment. From a nutritional point of view, wheat, brown rice, oats, pumpkin seeds, as well as poultry, semi-skimmed milk, lean meat, and fish are rich sources of selenium.

It is widely known that zinc prevents skin diseases, hair loss, nail brittleness, promotes wound healing, and is an essential element for the proper functioning of the liver and kidneys. It participates in protein and nucleic acid synthesis and bone formation. It treats anemia and stomach ulcers. Zinc improves intellectual performance, prevents senile dementia by affecting the central nervous system, and also increases resistance to stress. However, few people know that it is a trace element that enhances resistance to viral and bacterial infections, helpful in combating colds! Zinc regulates the immune response of immune cells and activates them. Together with vitamin C, it is an excellent remedy against viral infections. It participates in the production of lymphocytes and macrophages and enhances their activity. It protects immune system cells from oxygen radicals and their damage in the oxidation process. It shortens the duration of a cold by preventing microorganisms from binding to the respiratory mucosa. Zinc deficiency causes damage to the respiratory epithelium, a decrease in the number of immune cells, and impairment of their function. Other symptoms of zinc deficiency include baldness, loss of appetite, dysfunction of smell and taste receptors, fatigue, and weakened resistance to stress and infections.

By collaborating with vitamin E, selenium prevents premature aging of cells and the formation of tumors due to its antioxidant properties, protects the brain and heart from oxygen deprivation. It is widely known to increase vitality, have a beneficial effect on fertility and potency. It turns out that selenium is involved in the production of substances preventing inflammatory conditions, stimulates antibody synthesis, and stimulates lymphocyte response to the appearance of bacteria and viruses. Selenium deficiency increases susceptibility to infection by viruses previously harmless to the body. The lack of this element in the body threatens an increase in inflammatory and degenerative changes, an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cancer, or liver disease. The body reacts to the lack of this element with muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, susceptibility to viral and bacterial diseases.

The World Health Organization has established the average daily requirement of these elements for the body. It is about 10 milligrams for zinc and 40 micrograms for selenium per day, and it should be remembered not to exceed the upper limit of dosage, which is 400-500 µg for selenium and 40 mg for zinc.

The immune system's task is to effectively defend our body against millions of microorganisms we encounter every day. We distinguish natural, innate, or nonspecific immunity and acquired, or specific immunity, which we acquire through the stimulation of the immune system, e.g., through vaccination.

The development of inflammation is an example of nonspecific immunity - cells release certain substances that stimulate the dilation of blood vessels and, as a result, faster flow of immune substances. Serum proteins come into action, cooperating in the treatment and repair of damage, and white blood cells called macrophages, which "ingest" disease-causing microorganisms through a process called phagocytosis. Some macrophages can destroy up to 100 bacterial cells before their breakdown. In the next stage of defense, microorganisms are washed into the lymph nodes along with fluids from the tissue spaces. In the lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, and groin, there are numerous phagocytic cells that destroy unwanted organisms.

The mechanism of acquired immune response, however, consists of the production of antibodies by another type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. Tiny molecules called antigens present on the surface of every virus or bacterium stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. Antibodies bind to antigens and weaken bacteria to the extent that they break down or their destruction by phagocytic cells is significantly facilitated. Additionally, the immune system remembers the types of antigens that appeared in the body, and upon their subsequent penetration, they are immediately destroyed by already prepared antibodies. It is estimated that one person can produce over 100 billion different types of antibodies, which is why we do not get sick twice, e.g., with chickenpox or mumps.

However, despite such a brilliant physiological defense mechanism, it often happens that bacteria multiply faster than antibodies are produced, which ultimately leads to illness. At this point, additional stimulation of the immune system is needed. Zinc and selenium are precisely some of the most important factors strengthening the body's defense mechanisms.

Additionally, in the case of viral diseases, prevention and proper treatment are extremely important to avoid the need for antibiotics. It is also necessary to remember that the body is weakened during illness, making it susceptible to a new attack by viruses. Therefore, especially at this time, additional stimulation of the immune system is needed to fight the disease to the end and prevent its recurrence.