Silica

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Special Precautions of Silica

None known, but not yet thoroughly tested to be be fully known. It is thought though, that silicon dioxide (silica) supplements are more toxic at lower levels than those from the herb horsetail, which can generally be safely taken at higher levels, but neither supplements should be taken at excessively high levels for long periods as they can cause toxicity symptoms. The type and severity of toxicity symptoms depends on the individual's tolerance levels. Long-term use or very high doses of horsetail (or silica) supplements have caused irreversible kidney damage, especially in people with existing kidney or heart disease. People with eodema (fluid retention) should also not take silica (or horsetail) supplements. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should not take any silica (or horsetail) supplements due to the possible adverse effects and only obtain their silica from food, as the safety of excessive levels of silica has not been tested thoroughly and caution is advised. Inhaled silica dust can cause silicosis, which is a lung condition that causes fibrosis and cancer of the lungs. Studies show that diatomaceous earth industry workers who were exposed to crystalline silica during the course of the excavation and mining of diatomaceous earth have a higher than expected rate of death from cancers related to silica exposure and inhalation. There is a lot of conflicting information about this mineral, so people who want to take a silica (or horsetail) supplement should always exercise caution. Seek advice from a doctor before trying any silica (or horsetail) supplements.

The benefits of Silica are

Silica is a trace mineral, which means the body only needs a very small amount of it to stay healthy. Silica is found most predominantly in the connective tissues - skin, blood vessels, cartilage, bone, teeth, tendons and hair. Silica is really beneficial for the health of blood vessel walls (the aorta is has really high concentrations of silica). Silica is used to keep bones, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels and artery walls healthy. It is also required by the nails, hair and skin to stay in good condition and is useful in counteracting the effects of excessive aluminium in the body, which is implicated in the development of Alzheimer's Disease : Aluminum accumulates in tissue that doesn't have a rapid cellular turnover. The slow turnover tissues are contained in bone matter, the heart and the brain. The brain and its associated nervous system is where diseases such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), chronic fatigue and other neurological or auto-immune diseases manifest.

Silica is also involved in the formation of healthy bone tissue and collagen, the framework which makes the body "stick" together, without which, the body would fall apart.

Important silica facts

  • Silica is short for silicon dioxide
  • Silica is also called silicon and is a natural substance while silicone is a man-made industrial substance which is popularly used in breast enlargement operations
  • Silica is present in soil, plants and water
  • Silica has a similar healing effect on cartilage and joint degeneration as sulphur
  • Silica is important for the health of hair, skin and nails
  • Silica is needed by the body to make the connective tissue collagen
  • Water, as well as beer and coffee (both made with water) are the main ways most people get adequate intake of silica (over half of the daily intake).Beer can contain anywhere from 19-60mg silica per kg of beer (approximately 1 litre of beer), which provides adequate intake of silica, but it may not be a heart healthy decision to drink that much beer every day
  • Some anti-caking and anti-foaming additives in foods are are made from silica
  • Silica may help to counter the effects of too much aluminium in the body, which some studies suggest is implicated in Alzheimer's disease.
  • Ageing - silica levels drop as people age and it might therefore be beneficial as an anti-aging component in the diet of older people. In addition to this, silica helps to mitigate any adverse health effects that aluminium have on the body, in particular as a risk factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Several studies show that silica may play a role in prevention of this disorder, but more studies are needed to confirm the results of initial studies
  • Atherosclerosis - studies show that silica may play an important role in ensuring the blood vessels and particularly, the walls of arteries (which get clogged up in people with atherosclerosis) are healthy and functioning correctly
  • Bone health - silica looks promising as a way to completely heal bone fractures as it in needed by the body to help with bone health and reduce risk of osteoporosis. While results from initial studies are positive, more research needs to be done in this area to confirm this ability
  • Symptoms of silica deficiency : It is unlikely that a silica deficiency would occur in many people, but if it did, it is thought that it may result in the following deficiency symptoms:

Problems with the teeth and bones (decay and softening) Hardening of the arteries

Homeopathy Profile Type

Silica people lack emotional and physical strength. They are normally insecure and indecisive fearing failure to the point where they tend to overwork, which is a problem because they lack the stamina to work long hours. They are shy and unassertive but tend to stubbornness. They feel the cold very easily and are always the first to put on warmer clothes. They tend to sweat a lot at night. Physically they are prone to digestive disorders and are often profuse, smelly nervous sweaters.

Food sources

Found in :

FOOD AMOUNT Silica (mg)
Beer 1 litre 19.2 - 60
Banana (yellow peeled) 250g 13.6
High bran cereal 100g 10.2
Bread (wholegrain) 200g 8.9
Raisin (California seedless) 100g 8.3
Mineral water (high silica) 500mL 7.2
Green beans (cooked) 250b 6.1
Carrot (raw, peeled) 200g 4.6
Bread (wholemeal) 200g 4.5
Brown rice 200g 4.1
Mineral water (regular) 500mL 3.4
Bread (white) 200g 3.4
Wheat biscuits (Vita Wheats) 100g 2.8
White rice 200g 2.5
Cornflakes 100g 2.4
Lettuce, iceberg (raw) 250g 1.0