Do you also use selenium pills? (Selenium Supplements) Things you need to know!

Did your doctor prescribe you a selenium pill? Or have you ever seen this name in a pharmacy and wondered what kind of medicine it is? Selenium is a mineral that is essential for the health of our body, but not many people talk about it. So today we will talk about it simply, like talking to a friend, in a way that you can understand.

What is Selenium? Why do we need it?

Simply put, selenium is an essential mineral that our bodies need in very small amounts. It's like engine oil for a car, although it's a small thing, it does a lot of work.

Selenium primarily helps with two important functions in our body:

1. Strengthening the Immune System: The immune system is the army that helps our body fight disease. Selenium helps keep this army strong and ready for battle.

2. Healthy Thyroid Gland Function: The thyroid gland in the neck controls many things in our body. From heart rate to body weight. Selenium is essential for this gland to properly produce its hormones and regulate their function.

In addition, selenium is a powerful antioxidant . This means that it helps protect our cells from harmful particles that damage our body's cells, age us quickly, and open the door to various diseases.

Usually, when selenium levels in our body decrease, doctors recommend these pills to restore them to normal and prevent deficiency.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start taking selenium, it is important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions:

• If you have any digestive system (intestines) or stomach conditions.
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to selenium or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
• If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether to give you selenium and how to give it.

How exactly do you use this?

To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it properly.

• This medicine should be taken orally with a glass of water .
• Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor or the instructions on the medicine package exactly.
• For best results, take this medicine with a meal. This will reduce the risk of stomach upset.
• Get into the habit of taking your medicine at about the same time every day. That means, if you take it once a day, every morning. That way, it's easier to keep the medicine's effectiveness at the same level in your body.
• Do not take more than the prescribed dose for any reason. Taking more than the doctor prescribed will not make you feel better any faster, but it can cause side effects.

Should I give this to small children?

In some special cases, doctors may prescribe selenium to children. However, special precautions must be followed. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to your doctor about it carefully and follow his instructions exactly.

What to do if you overdose?

If you think you've taken more medicine than you thought, you should take immediate action without panicking.

You can go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) as soon as possible. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. They will tell you exactly what to do.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

It is possible for us to forget to take a dose of medicine. If this happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take double doses.

What are the possible side effects of selenium?

Like any medicine, selenium can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. It is important to watch out for the following symptoms.

If you experience any other unusual symptoms that are not on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.

A few more things...

• Healthy Diet: Don't stop eating a balanced diet just because you're taking selenium pills. Include foods that naturally contain selenium in your diet, such as meat, fish, poultry, and whole grains.
• Other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). They may interact with selenium.

How to keep medicine safe?

• Keep out of reach of children. This is very important.
• Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
• Keep the cap of the medicine bottle tightly closed.
• Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.

Selenium, vitamins, minerals, side effects, thyroid, immunity, medicine