Silicon – properties, effects and applications

Silicon is a trace element found in the body and in certain plant-based foods. Often overlooked, silicon is an integral part of our health, being an important component of a properly functioning immune and skeletal system. What should you know about it, and why is it worth taking advantage of its health-promoting effects on the human body?

Organic silicon – what is it?

There are many chemical elements that are essential for maintaining good health. Among them is silicon, which plays a key role in maintaining the firmness and resistance of our tissues. Silicon is sometimes called the element of life.

Occurrence of silicon

Silicon is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Silicon is found in rocks, sand and other inorganic forms - in the form of silicates. In turn, some organisms, such as diatoms, bamboo and horsetail, use organic silica as a building material for their own skeletons. This form of silicon is also the only real form that the human body can absorb. It has many benefits and health-promoting properties for the human body.

Silicon is found in very small amounts in the human body. Despite this, silicon is a substance necessary for cell growth, the construction of fibrous proteins and many other important functions in the human body.

What does silicon help with? – the benefits of consuming silica

Although silicon is not an essential trace element, increased consumption of this mineral is associated with many benefits for the entire human body. What are the benefits of increased silica consumption in the diet or through supplementation?

• Prevents osteoporosis – silicon has been shown to be involved in the formation and renewal of bone tissue in some animals, particularly rats. Regular silicon supplementation increases the collagen content in human bones;

• Adjuvant treatment of rheumatism – silica is used in dietary supplement formulations designed to relieve joint pain. Thanks to this, the element is able to improve the condition of patients struggling with rheumatism;

• It affects the proper synthesis of calcium – silicon plays a role in the proper binding of calcium in bones;

• Promotes better immunity – in the thymus, a gland that is part of the lymphatic system, silicon is responsible for improving the body's immune response, promoting the production of health-promoting antibodies that are helpful, for example, in colds and seasonal flu.

Silicon for hair – is it helpful?

Silicon is also present in our hair, where it participates in the synthesis of collagen (which is responsible for the appearance and condition of the hair). Higher levels of silicon in hair fibres promote reduced hair loss and increased shine. At the same time, it preserves the original structure and nourishes damaged, dry hair, giving it strength and vitality.

Silica extracted from plants (e.g. bamboo shoots) is also used in dietary supplement formulations designed to improve the condition of hair and nails. It appears that this trace element is involved in the formation of connective tissue in animals, including humans. Regular silicon supplementation stimulates the production of keratin naturally produced by the body, keeping hair in top condition.

The element of life – what are the properties of silicon in the body?

Silicon has been studied for many years as a potential effective alternative for many health problems. Today, we know in detail the close relationship between silica and maintaining proper bone health and strength. Similarly, it is known that it is an excellent support for the health of the brain and blood vessels throughout the body.

One of the areas in which this element is most commonly used is cosmetics - it utilises the rich anti-ageing properties of silicon. However, there are many other key areas where the health benefits of silicon are essential. These include:

• Strengthening hair, nails and teeth

• Helping to maintain joint flexibility

• Keeping skin free from wrinkles and premature sagging

• Promoting the formation of collagen and elastin

• Helps with the proper absorption of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D

• Lowers cholesterol levels

• Prevents heart disease

• Strengthening muscles and tendons

• Promoting healing and pain relief in inflammatory conditions

• Controlling blood pressure

• Relieving symptoms caused by, for example, heartburn

Silicon deficiency - causes of silicon deficiency in the body

People who are malnourished, follow extreme restrictive diets, consuming mainly highly processed foods, avoiding whole grains, fruits and vegetables, not consuming enough fibre and mineral water, as well as the elderly.

Symptoms of silicon deficiency include:

• connective tissue problems, such as bone disorders, ligament damage, osteoporosis, gum problems, osteoarthritis

• accumulation of atherosclerotic deposits in the arteries

• increased cholesterol levels

• dry skin prone to irritation

• brittle nails with delayed growth

• reduced resistance to infections

• lung and upper respiratory tract disorders

Silicon as a dietary supplement – what is worth knowing about it?

Silicon, a derivative of silicic acid, supplemented in the form of drinking solutions, is characterised by high bioavailability – at the level of 40-50% (often containing choline to improve absorption). Obtained from many plant sources, it is particularly recommended for people with bone and joint pathologies. Drinking silicon in the form of a dietary supplement is also recommended for older people as a preventive measure against potential bone demineralisation. How does silicon affect the body?

Such a dietary supplement, taken every morning before breakfast, improves bone and joint function and supports the overall health of the entire body.

Silicon with boron – a helpful combination of elements?

We already know that the body would not be able to function at an optimal level without silicon. It is an integral component of osteoblasts, the cells that form and repair cartilage and bones, as well as collagen, which affects the condition of the skin, including its elasticity. One of the supplement combinations currently available on the market is silicon with boron.

Why are both elements so highly valued in simultaneous supplementation?

Boron, like silicon, participates in the metabolism of calcium, copper, magnesium and amino acids. Its best-documented effect is its positive impact on bone health, improving bone calcification and supporting proper joint function, as well as stabilising bone mass by interacting with silicon on a mimetic basis.

Both trace elements mimic each other's effects, effectively preventing the effects of deficiency, which is why this combination counteracts premature ageing of bones, skin and hair. As a result, silicon and boron-based dietary supplements can have a positive effect on the health of the entire body, while also offering a wealth of antioxidant and antibacterial properties that reduce inflammation (e.g. pimples, acne and other skin lesions) caused by bacteria and viruses.

Organic silicon from bamboo shoots – why is it worth considering?

Bamboo shoot extract is a good source of silicon – silica, which is an organic form of silicon with high bioavailability. Bamboo shoots (Bambusa vulgaris) are known for their high content of organic silicon and their richness in plant substances that affect many vital functions of the human body.

Silicon supplementation from bamboo shoots, like other types of silica, promotes the construction of blood vessel walls, stimulates collagen and keratin production, and improves the condition of the skin, tendons and mucous membranes.

When used as recommended by the manufacturer, it visibly improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails after just two weeks of supplementation. Organic silicon from bamboo shoots is available in vegan capsules, and its high bioavailability can lead to immediate health improvements.

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