Dr. Westin Childs Podcast: Thyroid | Weight Loss | Hormones

This video is all about selenium deficiency, how it presents, what to do about it and how to know if you are overdosing on selenium supplements. First off: Why is selenium important? Selenium plays an important role in regulating several key enzymes in your body. These enzymes control the production of thyroid hormones, glutathione, and even your metabolism. If you don't have enough selenium in your body then these enzymes may not function properly which may cause certain and specific symptoms. The warning signs of selenium deficiency include: 1. Hair loss - Selenium (along with other nutrients) helps your hair grow. A lack of selenium may trigger hair loss or alopecia. Just realize that other nutrients, including iron, are also important for hair growth so not all causes of hair loss are necessarily caused by selenium deficiency. 2. Thyroid dysfunction - Selenium forms the backbone of a group of enzymes known as the deiodinases. These enzymes help to metabolize and either activate or inactive t