Silica
Found in :
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. 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
