Silica is a relatively unknown mineral by the general public which is absolutely astounding because what it does for the body is nothing short of a miracle.
Silica, also known as Silicon, is a combination of silicon and oxygen, two of the most common elements on earth. It is in the grass the herbivores eat. Plant eating animals have the most silica and meat eating animals have less. Silica is found in leafy greens, onions, alfalfa and whole grains.
When you were young, you had an abundance of silica and this why when you look at children they have beautiful silky hair, skin and nails.
Silica is essential to bone growth and development and an abundance of this mineral works with calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and boron. This promotes strong bones and teeth. We are born with a lot of silica and a low amount of calcium, but as we age, we lose silica and have more calcium. Calcium needs silica (and the above mentioned minerals) to be absorbed into the system, so if you are trying to handle a deficiency, you may not be able to handle it with just taking more calcium. A silica deficiency is a precursor to calcium deficiency.
In several studies done with broken bones it was demonstrated that people with a high calcium content healed slowly, and people with low calcium and high levels of silica healed very rapidly. It has also been shown to assist in healing burns effectively.
This trace mineral is utilized through all the tissues and organs in the body and is needed to produce collagen which promotes smooth healthy skin, hair, nails and tissue elasticity. And who doesn’t want to maintain that! It is thought that silica can improve the cardiovascular system. It has been shown that people with higher amounts of silica have fewer problems with cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.
Silica does have an influence in the brain, the nervous system and proper sexual functions. Men with prostate problems and women with cysts or vaginal problems may benefit from taking this mineral. It counteracts aluminums effect on the body by excreting it so the middle age to elderly may be able to prevent Alzheimer’s disease by supplementing this mineral.
It stimulates the immune system and inhibits the aging process. In short, a deficiency in this mineral has an all over effect on our bodies and our ability to heal and the obvious visible effects of aging skin, brittle bones and hair loss.
An abundance of silica alkalizes the body. This is important because a body that becomes acidic from poor diet and toxicity from the environment is far more likely to contract immune problems and disease. A silica rich environment is alkaline and ph balanced. There are test strips you can purchase at your local drugstore to determine if you are acidic. Taking silica on a regular basis may bring your body back to its natural ph balance, that and a healthy diet and exercise.
Silica supplements are not for the young (who have an abundance of silica). If you are in your mid to late forties you may be deficient. The best way to take silica is in liquid form as this is the most absorbable for the body.
o Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA are meant for informational purposes only. Consult your health care professional before undertaking any treatment.
References: James F. Balch, MD and Phyllis A Balch, CNC second addition page 28
