Silica, the Trace Mineral

Silica is an important trace mineral which contributes to the health of the hair, skin, nails, connective tissue and bones of the human body. It is needed in very small amounts but is critical for our bodies to maintain good health as we age. The trace mineral silica enhances collagen formation. This minute mineral works with calcium strengthening the bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. Older Americans, especially, need to look at the importance of silica.

We take our skin for granted. Our skin is much more complex than we can imagine. Several layers of cells, blood vessels, nerves and glands make up our skin. Protein and carbohydrates hold the matrix of our skin together. A healthy skin matrix protects our bodies. Skin is the first line of defense for our immune systems.

Our skin keeps us from dehydrating, keeps our temperature regulated, keeps infection at bay, and protects us from ultraviolet rays and injuries. Our skin cells act like a second liver, detoxifying many harmful substances we may come in contact with. The beauty of our skin certainly may be reflected by our diet. We are what we eat. We need to take good care of our skin.

So how would a tiny mineral known as silica (or silicon) help protect our skin? Many chemical reactions in our human organism require silica in minute amounts to maintain and repair the body. We need very little, about a gram to do the many jobs but that small amount is critical. Silica helps the body produce collagens. Collagens build tissues in our bodies and strengthen the extra cellular matrix, thus keeping our skin in a healthy condition. Silica may be found in many foods, in particular, whole grains, fruits, meats, vegetables, mineral water and the herb horsetail. The problem is that as we age, we do not absorb the silica nutrients from our food as well as when we were younger.

In order for us to benefit from the silica in our foods our bodies convert dietary silica into single silicon units called orthosilicic acid or OSA. Since the OSA-silica absorption slows down as we age, older people may benefit from the supplement orthosilicic acid. This supplement comes in liquid form.

The most abundant protein in the animal kingdom is collagen. Silica enables the body to produce collagen. A mesh-like structure consisting of long resilient fibers woven together are created by the collagen. The overall form and strength of the skin matrix is the foundation of the collagen network. Collagen works along with glycosaminoglycans and elastin to keep the skin matrix supple, hydrated and flexible.

Since collagen is used through out the body to build other tissues we can see why silica may be such an important trace mineral. Our arteries depend on collagen to keep them flexible and strong. Silica works with calcium to keep our bones strong. Actually the minerals and calcium of the bones are held in place for the most part with a collagen protein matrix.

The herb horsetail is rich in silica. Silica is more abundant in horsetail than any other herb. Because herbs are foods this form of silica is highly absorbable. Horsetail is also a rich source of calcium and other minerals necessary for tissue repair, including zinc and copper.

This herb has been used to heal connective tissue, strengthen the bones, and enhance the health of the nails, skin and hair. Horsetail has been used to treat many ailments of the body, including arthritis and menopausal bone loss. It can prevent atherosclerosis, tone the bladder and urinary system, fight infections, promote a healthy prostate, treat emphysema and other lung problems, and much more. When you realize how important silica is to the human body one can only imagine how helpful this herb may be.

Depending on your age, you may need silica added to your diet. Consult with your natural health care professional.



This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat anyone. Until next time I am wishing for you, good health.

Eva may be reached at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com