Organic Silica
The Scientific Case for Silica Supplementation
Organic silica, also known as silicon, is one of those elements whose lists of documented benefits just keeps growing as time passes and more research is conducted. Silica is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet, but there are very few foods that contain an adequate amount to supply the quantity your body needs. The human body requires good nutrition to renew, repair and rejuvenate itself on a daily basis and organic silica has been found to have an absolute influence on the absorption and processes that the body requires to maintain good health.
In today’s modern world, we are over taxed by hectic lifestyles, pollution, overly processed food and poor food choices that contribute to dietary deficiencies. Silica serves too crucial a role in our health and should not be one of those deficiencies.
Our bodies need silica regardless of our age and even when diet is not the primary factor in cases of deficiencies, we often become deficient in this essential trace element simply thorough the aging process. In our youth, our tissues absorb and maintain high levels of silica— enabling our bodies to remain flexible, resilient, and energetic— but as we age, our silica levels steadily decline until they become almost non-existent. In fact, 80% of all of our body’s silica is used up by the time we become adults.
The effect of this steady decrease in silica levels is a progressive decline in health, increasing fatigue and acceleration of the aging process. Silica supplementation can be an aid in supporting healthy bones, joints, cartilage and blood vessels, as well as skin, nails, hair, teeth and gums. The result would be an improved well-being. Numerous clinical studies support the benefits of silica for the body and have found the following:
Silica and the bones and joints
Calcium and vitamin D alone are not sufficient for bone growth, density, strength, and flexibility. In fact, the body cannot absorb and use calcium without the presence of silica. Data suggests that instead of promoting healing, calcium supplementation speeds up the leeching away of bone calcium and thus accelerates the degenerative process of osteoporosis and similar diseases that affect the connective tissues in the human body.
For objectives of re-mineralization in damaged bones, it is advised that a sufficient silica supplement be taken daily because bones are composed of mainly of the minerals phosphorus, magnesium and calcium; however, these minerals need the presence of silica to be deposited into the bones, especially calcium. It hastens the healing of fractures and also diminishes scarring at the location of a fracture. A great deal of research evidence indicates that through a transmutation process, silica is turned into calcium when there is a calcium deficiency and the body needs it.
Silica and the immune system
Silica may play an important role in the immune system and the inflammatory response because it is necessary for the manufacturing process of antibodies/antigens and it encourages the conversion of LB (Lymphocyte B) into LT (Lymphocyte T). Silica decreases swelling due to its positive effects on the lymphatic system.
Silica and the skin
Skin is our largest protective organ. Collagen accounts for up to 75% of the weight of the dermis and is responsible for the resilience and elasticity of the skin. Collagen, which is mostly made up of silica, is the glue that holds us together. Our connective tissues consist of collagen, elastin, mucopolysaccharides and mucous carbohydrates which aid in moisture retention. Their capacity to hold on to moisture keeps the connective tissue resilient and has apparent importance in the prevention of premature aging. All these valuable molecules house large quantities of silica. Studies show that without adequate silica, the body cannot maintain optimum skin elasticity, strong hair, nails, teeth and gums.
Silica and the brain
Silica levels decrease with aging and therefore may be needed in larger amounts by the elderly. Scientists and researchers have long hypothesized that Alzheimer’s disease is linked to a build up of aluminum in the brain, and links between aluminum in drinking water supplies and Alzheimer’s have now been ascertained. A factor that had been overlooked is that silica reduces the accumulation of aluminum. When researchers added silica to aluminum-laced water supplies, it inhibited the aluminum from being absorbed. It also caused a proliferation in the excretion of aluminum in urine and lowered aluminum concentrations in the brain, liver, bone, spleen and kidneys. Silica, therefore, may be important in supporting neurological health.
Silica and the cardiovascular system
Silica can hinder the effects of coronary disease by fortifying blood vessels. Studies confirm that with age, silica disappears from the aorta, the heart´s key blood vessel— thus weakening its critical connective tissue, and resulting in a greater cardiac risk. Silica also aids in the repair and maintenance of vital lung tissues and defending them from pollution.
********************************************
Other facts about silica include: silica is water soluble; hence, it easily absorbed via the intestinal wall and is also rapidly excreted. It does not accumulate in the body, so consistent daily supplementation is important. Studies have not found any negative side effects from too much silica. Its safety and extensive range of uses makes silica one of the most important minerals used in complementary therapy and alternative medicine. Regular supplementation could make a significant difference in the quality of our lives during later years.
