Signs you may have a selenium imbalance

Nutrition Foundations
Written By Ilona

Could selenium be the missing link in your health puzzle?

Selenium is a powerful trace mineral that often flies under the radar, yet it plays huge roles in your wellbeing. It’s a key component of antioxidant enzymes, helping your body combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. Selenium also supports thyroid health by aiding the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) into T3 (active hormone), keeping your metabolism and energy balanced.

But that’s not all—selenium is crucial for immune function, reproductive health, and even mood regulation. During pregnancy and postpartum, selenium contributes to healthy foetal development and can help reduce the risk of complications. It also supports male fertility by enhancing sperm motility and reducing DNA damage.

The catch? Selenium has a narrow optimal range. Too little can leave your body vulnerable, but too much can be toxic over time. That’s why it’s important to understand your diet, lifestyle, and potential supplementation needs before guessing.

Lately, the world of selenium nutrition is experiencing a shift: Brazil nuts—the richest source—are in short supply and soaring in price due to climate-driven crop failures and supply chain disruptions in the Amazon. That means relying on them exclusively is increasingly risky.

But don’t worry—selenium-rich nutrition doesn’t depend solely on Brazil nuts. You can find it in seafood (like tuna, crab, shrimp), poultry, eggs, beef, whole grains; and vegetables like mushrooms, garlic, onions, and brassicas also provide selenium, though their levels depend on soil content.

So, how do you know if you’re getting it right? Swipe to learn about subtle signs of imbalance and why personalised guidance matters when it comes to micronutrients.

Your thyroid, hormones, and immune system rely on this tiny but mighty mineral. Are you nourishing them well?

Look out for these signs of deficiency.

  • Metallic taste

  • Male infertility

  • Haemolytic anaemia

  • White nail beds

  • Skin depigmentation

  • Muscle pain and weakness

  • Low immunity weakness

  • Hair loss

  • Depigmentation

  • Cardiomyopathy

Look out for these signs of excess.

  • Loss and brittleness of hair

  • Loss and brittleness of nails

  • Skin rash

  • Fatigue

  • Irritability

  • Garlic breath odour

  • Gastrointestinal distress acutely (diarrhoea and nausea)

Increase or limit these foods.

  • Brazil nuts (from selenium rich soils)

  • Prawns

  • Salmon

  • Halibut

  • Pork

  • Brown rice

  • Wholewheat bread

Ilona
Previous

Do you have low stomach acid?
Next

Urinary tract infections