Silicon dioxide, or silica, is a colorless compound most commonly found in mineral quartz, one of the most abundant elements on Earth. It can also be found in every cell of the human body. Silica helps keep our bodies functioning properly by aiding in collagen production, repairing connective tissues, and strengthening bones and cartilage.
Silica is abundant in the human body at birth and gradually decreases with age. This can lead to the accumulation of calcium in the arteries and joints – a major factor in chronic inflammation and disease. According to the American Heart Association, maintaining a diet rich in silica can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in some individuals. This article doesn’t endorse any expert view, but its main objective is to spread awareness about the goodness of using silica supplements in general.
While silica can be consumed in some foods, including brown rice, wheat, and strawberries, it can be impractical to get all of the silica our bodies need from natural sources alone. Many people find that taking a supplement is an easier, more convenient way to maintain useable levels of silica in the body. Below, we’ll discuss some of the specific benefits of taking silica supplements.
Silica Promotes Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails
Taking skin supplements that contain silica has been shown to help reduce the visible signs of aging. Not only does silica aid in restoring elasticity and a youthful glow to the skin, but it also prevents cellulite from forming and supports healthier hair and nails. When used in combination with other therapies and medications, silica has even been found to be effective in managing hair-loss related conditions such as alopecia.
Silica Aids in Detoxification
Heavy metals are present in our air, food, and water. These toxins can linger in the digestive tract, preventing the effective absorption of essential nutrients and minerals. Silica is often used to help detoxify the body of heavy metals in the gut, which is associated with higher incidences of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It does this by bonding to metals in the gut and preventing the formation of sequelae, thus allowing nutrients to be absorbed more easily into the bloodstream.
Silica Improves Circulation
By preventing the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, silica can help improve circulation. Taking silica supplements can also help improve circulation in other tissues – particularly those surrounding the blood vessels. Numerous studies have found that silica levels are higher in healthy hearts than in pathological ones. The heart remains healthier due to the presence of Silica within the walls of blood vessels and arteries. It helps in preserving their strength and yet keeps them supple thus preserving the heart. Silica is very closely related with containing the risks of certain diseases borne by the heart. It also helps in lessening the risk of atherosclerosis, which is often a reason behind heart attacks and strokes.
Silica Helps Treat Chronic Inflammation
The main cause of chronic inflammation is a buildup of calcium in the joints. This calcification can lead to increased joint pain and reduced mobility. Silica helps break down and flush excess calcium from the body, thereby reducing inflammation and restoring a full range of motion to the joints.
Silica Promotes Stronger Bones
Taking silica regularly has been found to be effective in maintaining the strength and health of the bones. More specifically, silica aids in the healing of fractures, the dislocation of joints, and the proper absorption of calcium. Silica deficiency, on the other hand, is associated with brittle bones and can put the bones at a higher risk of fracture.
Silica Maintains Hormone Levels
The levels of Calcium and Magnesium in our bodies get regulated by Silica. These elements are truly necessary for maintaining healthy hormones in adequate proportions.
Silica Enhances Flexibility of Joints
Silica helps in enhancing the flexibility of joints by toughening all connective tissues present in bones. This, in turn, helps in keeping arthritis and certain other sufferings at bay. Apart from any discomfort felt in the bones, most of the pains and swellings caused by fractures are also curbed. It’s also very helpful in ensuring a faster healing of injuries.
Silica Improves Immunity
Supplementation of Silica helps in keeping the body more alkaline. This alkaline state helps in making the immune system stronger. Silica is one of the key alkalizing minerals found in the Earth’s crust. Besides improving immunity, it even helps in detoxifying our bodies very effectively. The production of antigens and antibodies help our immune system to develop a protective shield against specific infections. Silica plays an important role in producing antibodies and antigens. It also helps in facilitating a quick and improved healing from certain other common infections, flu, and colds even when the immune system gets affected.
Silica Helps in Promoting Digestion
It helps in maintaining the softness of tissues present inside the digestive tract. It even helps in maintaining the colon and keeping digestive disruptions at bay by keeping bloating and inflammation under control. Common irritations that follow symptoms like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), diarrhea, gluten sensitivity, and constipation are often relieved by an increase in silica consumption. Researchers have proven how Silica helps in improving general health while boosting the use of glucosamine, calcium, and Vitamin D.
What is the officially Recommended Dosage?
Experts don’t recommend any uniform dosage for consuming Silica on a regular basis. However, about 1 to 1.5 grams of silica gets incorporated in most healthy diets per day on an average. The intake of silica remains insufficient due to the absence of unrefined grains, refined fluids, and unspoiled produce in the regular diet.
All major symptoms of deficiencies mentioned earlier can be eradicated by supplementing 5 to 20 mg. of silica or by consuming foods items rich in silica on a regular basis. Silica also helps in boosting the health of other functions performed by the human body. Experts representing eminent medical associations and health forums often advise consumers to read through the product labeling and usage descriptions carefully before placing their orders.
