Selenium Prevents Bladder Cancer
What causes bladder cancer is unknown. However, researchers have identified several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing bladder cancer.
Exposure to carcinogenic substances increases the risk of this deadly disease. Studies have shown that people working in dye, textile, paint, printing, hair coloring and leather and rubber processing industries have a greater risk of developing bladder cancer.
Smokers have two-fold increase in risk of developing bladder cancer than non-smokers. Cancer in the bladder might develop due to unhealthy eating habits. Diet rich in animal fats, fried meat and processed meat might significantly increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Selenium prevents bladder cancer
In a recent study, reported in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers have found that risk of bladder cancer could be reduced significantly by including enough selenium in the diet. Selenium is especially beneficial for women.
This trace mineral could reduce the risk of bladder cancer by up to 39 per cent. Researchers have found that bladder cancer patients have low levels of selenium in the blood. The lower the level of selenium in the blood, the greater is the risk of developing bladder cancer.
How selenium prevents bladder cancer
Selenium is needed for synthesizing selenoproteins in the body. Some of these proteins work as antioxidants that protect the cells from oxidation damage, which might lead to cancers, including bladder cancer.
Sources of selenium
Selenium is present in the soil. Plants growing in selenium rich soil are the richest sources of this trace mineral. Animals feeding on plants growing in selenium rich soil contain large amounts of selenium in their meat.
Brazil nut is rich in selenium. Mushrooms, barley, oats, sunflower seeds, mustard seeds, fish and seafood are good sources of selenium. Adults require 55 micrograms of selenium daily.
Pregnant women need 60 micrograms of selenium daily, whereas 70 micrograms of selenium is sufficient for lactating women. Selenium supplements might be suitable for preventing selenium deficiency.
Side effects of selenium
The tolerable upper intake level of selenium is 400 micrograms per day. Selenium intake beyond the maximum tolerable level causes hair loss, white spots on the nails, stomach upset, fatigue, mild nerve damage and foul breath.
