Silica is one of the trace elements essential for life and is found in all organs with a proportion of connective tissue. Nevertheless, the term silica is rather to be considered as an imprecise term for sediments and minerals with high silicon content.
Mode of action of silica
The amount of silica is particularly high in high-fiber foods such as potatoes, millet, oats, root and green vegetables, and bamboo shoots. The body needs silica for the adequate formation of collagen. With the help of this protein substance, bones and cartilage, tendons and connective tissue are formed and stabilized. Silica is also present in blood, glands, muscles and elastic skins and is instrumental in the formation and maintenance of hair, nails and teeth. In addition, silica ensures the elasticity of tissues and increases their resistance. Siliceous earth is also essential for building bone tissue, as it promotes the absorption and utilization of calcium from food, thus improving bone growth. Because silica binds toxins, it accelerates the maturation of abscesses, boils and fistulas and has an expelling effect on foreign bodies that have penetrated the skin. An adequate supply of silica improves the conductivity of the nerves so that nerve signals can be transmitted properly. Brittle hair and nails, nervousness, restless sleep, eczema, delayed wound healing, chills and increased susceptibility to colds may be signs of silica deficiency.
Importance for health and sports
Silica is said to have been used as far back as ancient Egypt and is considered one of the oldest known remedies. For treatment, silica can be used internally and externally for a whole range of ailments. In the case of burns, poorly healing or infected wounds, it binds escaping wound secretions. Silica causes increased activation of the lymphatic system and spleen, stimulates the production of immune cells and accelerates the healing process. Scar growths and hardenings are smoothed by silica and fine sensitive skin is strengthened. The age-related sagging of connective tissue, stretch marks and premature wrinkling can be combated with silica. It is used to prevent osteoporosis, after tests showed that a regular supply of silica can measurably increase bone density and have a positive effect on bone health in general. Silica can also be helpful for developmental problems of the teeth or bones in children. Because arterial walls contain a high proportion of silicon, siliceous earth is also believed to be effective in protecting against arteriosclerosis. In animal studies, a cholesterol-lowering effect has been documented. Silica is also recommended for increased itching, diffuse hair loss, splintering nails and hair growth disorders. Athletes can also benefit from the effects of silica. The increased elasticity and stability of tissues, ligaments, muscles and tendons makes them less susceptible to sports injuries such as ligament sprains, ankle strains and sprains. Taking silica is also said to prevent muscle soreness.
Occurrence in food
The requirement for silica is 5 to 10 grams per day and can usually be met through a normal and balanced diet. Silica is found in varying amounts in almost all foods. The proportion is particularly high in high-fiber foods such as potatoes, millet, oats, root and green vegetables and bamboo shoots. Beer also contains a lot of silica. In animal foods such as meat, the silica content is somewhat lower, but may be better absorbed and utilized by the body. Silica is only sufficiently available to the organism if the foods used are natural. Industrially processed food contains much less silica than whole foods. The silica content of cereals and vegetables can vary from region to region and depends on the area under cultivation. The silica offered as a dietary supplement is obtained from purified diatoms.
