Our appearance often reflects our inner state of mind. Brittle hair and fingernails or pale, wrinkled skin indicate that something is wrong. For example, they may indicate a deficiency of silicon, the most abundant element on earth after oxygen. In nature, silicon is never found in pure form, but always in combination with oxygen as silicon dioxide. The acid of which is called silicic acid.
Where can silica be found?
Silicic acid is found in supporting structures of the smallest marine animals, the diatoms. They already lived in the primordial oceans 80 million years ago. The scaffolds of the dead diatoms were deposited on the seafloor, where they formed enormous heaps. These remained as the sea retreated. Larger deposits of silica are found in Germany in the Lüneburg Heath, on the Vogelsberg in Lusatia, and in the vicinity of Berlin.
Silicon – Essential trace element.
The term trace element in the case of silicon does not refer to the frequency of natural occurrence, but to the concentration in human tissue. Even though there are only about 1.4 grams in total in our body, silicon is nevertheless present in almost every cell. Especially the fast growing cells like skin, hair and nails contain a lot of silicic acid. With age, however, the silicon content in the body decreases. The elasticity and resilience of the connective tissue also diminish and the ability to bind moisture is reduced. Silicon supports the skin‘s ability to bind moisture and has a positive influence on skin metabolism. At the same time, it supports the formation of connective tissue and promotes the growth of hair and fingernails. It is also important for bone formation. Osteoporotic, brittle bones contain less silicon than stable, elastic ones. Since the organism needs silicon for many tasks, the trace element must always be supplied with food.
Resistant hair and strong fingernails.
The hair and fingernails contribute significantly to our external appearance. Therefore, they should look vital and healthy. However, the daily stresses such as sun, wind and air pollution, mechanical stresses or frequent care such as blow-drying, coloring or painting, respectively, significantly affect the structures. These stresses can impair or destroy the fibers in the hair that provide the shine – the hair becomes dry and brittle and it splits. Nails also suffer from external influences, whereby unsightly fingernails can also be the result of deficiency symptoms. Brittle or soft nails indicate, for example, a poor general condition, a temporary immune deficiency or a lack of trace elements and minerals. Therefore, it is important to keep the hair healthy and resistant from the inside. The best way to achieve this is a balanced diet that provides the hair with all the trace elements it needs. If this is not possible, these can also be supplied. The nail quality is also supported by a sufficient supply of silicon. Since hair and nails need some time to regenerate and renew, a continuous supply of silicic acid over several months is recommended.
Firm and healthy skin
With age, the content of silicon in some tissues may decrease, for example in blood vessels and skin. A typical consequence is cellulite. To slow down skin changes, feed your body plenty of protein and fiber-rich foods. In addition, silicic acid supports the formation of collagen and elastin. Collagen makes the skin firm, while elastin keeps it elastic and supple. Taking silica cannot prevent aging of the skin, but it can help supply the body with silicon, which is so important for beauty.
Silicic acid for the medicine cabinet
The large reactive surface of colloidal silica has a high binding power against inflammatory agents such as bacteria or viruses, which are thus rendered harmless. The anti-inflammatory effect has been proven for both internal and external use:
- In the throat area
- In the gastrointestinal tract after
- In wounds and minor injuries
- Acne
- Skin irritation
- Ulcers (such as the open leg)
The simultaneous cooling effect of colloidal silica is beneficial for sunburn and other minor burns and insect bites.
