According to Bruce Ames, Ph.D., of the University of California, Berkeley, when certain vital micronutrients are in short supply, the body undergoes slow, insidious changes that undermine health and increase the risk of chronic disease.
One such crucial micronutrient is selenium. Dr. Ames and his fellow researchers recently analyzed 25 studies to judge the activity of immune-system components called selenoproteins – which, as the name suggests, contain selenium as an essential component. His conclusion? Even “modest” selenium deficiency appears to be associated with age-related diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease and immune dysfunction.
Sources of selenium
Excellent dietary sources of selenium include Brazil nuts (in fact, these should be eaten only occasionally, as their unusually high levels of this vital mineral could lead to an overdose, according to the National Institutes of Health).
Good dietary sources include:
* brewer’s yeast
* wheat germ
* garlic
* whole grains
* sunflower seeds
* walnuts
* raisins
* shellfish
* fresh and saltwater fish.
In supplement form, I recommend an organic form such as yeast-bound selenium or selenomethionine. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 80 to 200 micrograms.
More information
As oestrogen levels decline at menopause women do notice a change in the elasticity and plumpness of the skin, particularly on the face. Getting the right hormone balance is essential, so if you are lacking in oestrogen then supplementing with 20-1, a combination cream which has both progesterone and two natural oestrogens, will certainly help.
Try a moisturiser that has the anti-aging ingredient Matrixyl as this has been shown to make a real difference to skin texture and appearance. These links can give you more information:
https://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2013/05/06/which-hormones-do-you-need-progesterone-oestrogen-or-both/
http://wellsprings-health.com/pages/wellsprings-anti-aging-moisturiser/