Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — Essential Elements

Selenium is an essential trace element with a critical role in immune function, antioxidant defence, and thyroid health. Research links selenium deficiency to increased viral replication, more severe infection outcomes, and a higher likelihood of viral mutation into new strains. Heavy metal exposure from mercury and arsenic can further deplete selenium, compounding the risk. This article explains the science behind selenium’s role in viral protection, the geographical link between selenium-deficient soils and emerging infectious diseases, and how at-home ICP-MS testing can confirm whether your selenium levels are adequate.

Learn why the biological sample used for element testing — urine, whole blood, serum, hair, or nails — can dramatically change how toxic and essential mineral results are interpreted. Discover how different sample types reveal recent intake, long-term exposure, body burden, deficiency, or chronic toxicity for elements like mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, selenium, zinc, copper, iodine, and magnesium, and why choosing the correct testing method is critical for clinically meaningful results.