Silicon – The Mineral That Supports Bone Health and More

Vitamins and minerals are essential elements for a healthy body. A deficiency in one or more essential nutrients can lead to mild imbalances or even certain diseases. Because their number is very large, their quantities and distribution in the body also vary greatly. Similarly, we know more about some of them, while we know very little information about others.

One of the minerals that is not spoken about as often, but is essential for a healthy body, is silicon. Like other elements, it is not naturally synthesized by the body. One of the curiosities related to silicon, however, is that it is found in large quantities in our bodies right from birth. As we age, its level decreases.

This can lead us to think of a protein that has the same properties: collagen. The link between the two is that silicon helps in the synthesis of the latter.

What else do we need to know about silicon? Besides being very important for the health of our tissues, it also helps us have healthy hair, skin, and nails. Next, we will discover how it works and what sources we can obtain it from.

Silicon – what functions and properties does this mineral have

The human body is made up of a multitude of minerals, vitamins, and proteins. The former help synthesize the latter. This is probably the first thing we should know about silicon: it is involved in the formation of collagen and elastin, some of the most important proteins in the body.

Beyond this aspect, what is silicon and why is it important for us? It is also called the beauty mineral, having a decisive contribution to skin health.

What is silicon?

Silicon is a natural or organic mineral, found in large quantities in the body from birth. As we age, however, it decreases. Why? Because it is responsible for collagen production, which maintains the health of our bones and skin. As we know, it decreases as we age, and this happens due to the decrease in silicon levels.

Silicon is naturally found on Earth, being the second most abundant element after oxygen.

Here are some other curiosities about it:

• although it is found in large quantities in the body, compared to other minerals, its proportion is quite small;
• thanks to silicon, our wounds heal faster in childhood;
• to promote bone health, silicon “works” alongside vitamin K2, as well as other elements.

Vitamin K2 is essential for women, in particular, as it can prevent the onset of osteoporosis. To help the body, it can be consumed as a supplement along with vitamin K1. One such product is Vitamin K2 MK7 tablets, which not only contributes to bone health but also to heart health. Additionally, in this formula, it plays a very important role in the correct absorption of calcium. Therefore, to truly enjoy its benefits, we should choose complex solutions with multiple advantages for our body.

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What other properties does silicon have?

It promotes a multitude of processes that occur in the body from childhood.

Silicon and its properties

Silicon is one of the important minerals for connective tissues, especially for strengthening elastin and collagen.

It has several properties, the most important being:

• supporting bone and joint health;
• supporting the health of skin, hair, and nails;
• supporting the health of teeth, especially their enamel;
• formation of new cells in the body;
• correct assimilation and fixation of calcium and magnesium in the body.

At the opposite pole of an optimal amount of silicon is a deficiency, the effects of which can be quite serious. There are also a number of symptoms that can indicate a lack of this mineral in the body. The first signs can be observed on the skin.

Silicon deficiency and its symptoms

The most visible signs of silicon deficiency in the body are:

• dull skin appearance;
• brittle hair and nails;
• decreased bone density, felt through joint pain;
• slow wound healing due to slowed connective tissue regeneration.

Silicon deficiency may be more visible in women than in men, but they too can experience various symptoms. On the skin, the appearance or accentuation of wrinkles can be one of the most evident signs. Also, hair can become thinner and start to fall out. Nails can become thin and break more easily. However, the same symptoms can also be associated with calcium deficiency.

In addition to the visible signs, silicon deficiency can be felt, especially in the joints. Thus, joint pain and even the onset of osteopenia or osteoporosis are effects of this mineral’s deficiency.

How do we combat or how do we deal with silicon deficiency in the body?

Through a correct and balanced diet. To determine this deficiency, however, a set of tests may be needed. Thus, a specialist doctor may also recommend certain dietary supplements. However, there are numerous foods rich in this mineral. There are also certain medicinal plants that contain it.

Where is silicon found

Sources of organic silicon are quite numerous, especially regarding food. This list can include certain vegetables, as well as flour products. Several studies have shown that vegetarians have a higher intake of silicon than meat-eaters.

In addition to the silicon found in food, certain supplements can be taken on a doctor’s recommendation.

Foods rich in silicon

If we do not have a silicon deficiency, it is recommended to rely on a varied diet rich in organic silicon. Among the best natural sources for this mineral are vegetables and cereals.

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What vegetables contain silicon? Here are a few examples:

• raw cabbage;
• green beans, one cup containing approximately 7 milligrams of silicon dioxide;
• celery is also a good source of silicon;
• carrots, onions, cucumbers, and zucchini are foods rich in organic silicon and can be easily incorporated into any diet.

Spinach and lentils are also among the best sources of natural silicon. In addition to these, bamboo extract has also proven to be rich in this mineral. Rice is also a food we can consume for a balanced silicon intake. Of all varieties, brown rice has proven to be the best, with three tablespoons containing up to 4.51 milligrams of silicon dioxide.

There are also a few fruits that contain silicon, including apples and bananas. Studies have indicated that a medium-sized banana can contain up to 4.77 milligrams of silicon dioxide.

Other foods rich in silicon are nuts, such as peanuts and almonds. In addition to these, beer is one of the best sources of this mineral. One serving (330 milliliters) contains more silicon than any food product.

Although these foods can be easily incorporated into any diet, certain deficiencies can prevent the proper absorption of silicon in the body. In this case, we can resort to various dietary supplements. Most often, however, it is advisable to take them on the recommendation of a specialist doctor. They can be prescribed after blood tests.

Silicon and other sources from which we can obtain it

Most of the time, the silicon intake in the body from diet alone is insufficient. This happens because the mineral is eliminated by the kidneys. Therefore, silicon-based supplements can be one of the best ways to assimilate it. They are available in tablet form, as well as tinctures.

It is very important to know that our body can only assimilate organic silicon. When taken in tablet form, it can be found along with other vitamins, such as K1 and K2, as well as calcium and magnesium. On the other hand, it can also be obtained from other plant sources, such as tinctures. Among the best known are horsetail and bamboo extracts.

Daily silicon requirement

Because we are talking about supplements, it is also good to know in what quantities we can take them to provide the body with its daily intake. This can vary between 20 and 50 milligrams, depending on age.

Silicon has many benefits for us, but taken in too large quantities, it can also cause adverse effects. Thus, we must also pay attention to its contraindications.

Silicon – benefícios and contraindications

When we say that silicon is the mineral of youth and beauty, it might seem like we’ve said almost everything. However, it also has other lesser-known benefits for the body. Also, we must consider its contraindications in certain circumstances.

Organic silicon and its benefits for the body

Here are some benefits of silicon:

Supports the health of skin, hair, and nails.

Especially after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which destroys collagen. Supplements or foods rich in organic silicon help produce this protein, contributing to the health of hair follicles and skin elasticity and firmness.

Helps the immune system.

The skin is one of the ways viruses and bacteria can attach and attack the immune system. As silicon contributes to skin health, it also directly helps boost immunity.

Provides protection for the cardiovascular system.

One of the curiosities related to silicon is that it helps strengthen blood vessels. Their health is vital for the heart and all the organs they pass through.

May alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Several studies have concluded that aluminum accumulation in the body can lead to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. As one of silicon’s properties is to eliminate aluminum from the body, it can contribute to improving the signs of this disease.

In addition to silicon’s benefits, we must know that when its quantity is in excess in the body, it can lead to various problems.

Silicon contraindications

Silicon is generally considered safe for healthy individuals. However, when we know we have no problems but decide to use supplements, we must be aware of its adverse effects. One of the most important is long-term consumption, which can cause stomach problems.

Horsetail is also a good diuretic, thus eliminating potassium from the body. It can also interfere with certain medications. Similarly, excessive consumption can lead to arrhythmias. Because it contains the enzyme thiamine, the plant will destroy vitamin B1, which can cause neurological disorders in the absence of that enzyme.

Not only the silicon found in this plant is contraindicated, but also that from other sources.

Thus:

• long silicon cures can lead to liver problems and kidney stones;
• it can eliminate various nutrients from the body, which can cause many imbalances.

In addition to these, breastfeeding women are advised to avoid silicon-based supplements due to the same possible adverse effects.

The conclusion about organic silicon is that it plays a very important role in bone and skin health. It also has other benefits, such as improving the cardiovascular and immune systems. It is a mineral we obtain from various food sources, as well as from supplements, depending on the body’s needs. The richest foods are vegetables such as cabbage, beans, and spinach. It is also found in medicinal plants like horsetail, from which various tinctures can be made. However, high consumption of it is not recommended, as it has some contraindications. If not respected, they can lead to certain conditions. Certain supplements, in combination with other vitamins, can have other benefits, such as supporting multiple bodily functions. Nevertheless, a balanced diet will ensure optimal health.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24470100/

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1096/silicon

https://www.healthline.com/health/silica-for-hair#takeaway

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-silicon.html

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