10 years ago | Nutrition
Photo credit: Colin Zhu, Flickr, Creative Commons
By pH health care professionals
When you say “silica,” most people either think of glass, sand on the beach, “Silicon Valley” or pottery. But did you know that silica, which is present in your body in greater quantities than other minerals such as iron, also plays an important role in keeping you healthy? It’s also been dubbed the “beauty mineral” for its benefits to your hair, skin and nails. Read on to find out why silica may be one of the unsung heroes of your body’s nutritional arsenal.
What are the benefits of silica?
While silica may not be considered an essential nutrient by current standards, it is likely that this trace mineral helps your body better absorb other minerals it needs to be healthy. Let’s take a look at some of its other key benefits:
- May help prevent certainhealth issues:This important mineral may also help preventatherosclerosis, insomnia, skin disorders and tuberculosis. It plays a key role, along with vitamin D and calcium, in making your bones strong and preventing osteoporosis.
- Supports beauty from the inside out:If you’re looking to cultivate that natural beauty from the inside out, silica just might be your new BFF. It helps strengthen bones, joints, muscles and connective tissue andsupportshealthy, strong nails, hair, teeth and skin.
- Provides anti-aging benefits:Silica has beenassociatedwith healthy collagen levels. Collagen supports skin elasticity and wound healing, so if you want to maintain a more youthful appearance, you’ll want to talk to your doctor about using a silica supplement as your silica levels begin to decrease as you age.
- Fights brain toxins:Researchindicates that silica reduces aluminum build-up in the brain, which researchers have potentially linked toAlzheimer’sdisease. So the elderly and others at risk for this disease may benefit from silica supplementation, especially since silica levels in your body tend to decrease with age.
Studiesalso show that, over time, silica disappears from the aorta, leading to weakening of its connective tissue, which, in turn, can increase the risk of cardiac disease. So this versatile mineral may also be beneficial for heart health.
Where can you find silica?
The most popular nutritional sources of silica are apples, cereals, raw cabbage, peanuts, carrots, onions, cucumber, pumpkin, honey, fish, unrefined grains, oats, almonds and oranges. Higher quantities are found in hard water and comparatively less in soft water. Silica can also be found in a variety of supplements includingCell Food Essential Silica Formula. If you are not sure you are have enough silica in your diet or have healthy levels of this important mineral in your body, check with your health care provider.
Enjoy Your Healthy Life!
The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, clickhere.
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Silica collagen bone health heart health skin health vitamin d vitamins and minerals silicon nails hair beauty mineral
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Im currently taking 1200 ml of vitamin c daily.Is that to much? And what is the best vitamin for aging skin and face wrinkles? Also how do you know what vitamins to take and and how do u know how many milligrams to ta k e daily ...my name is rebecca..email.is rebecca196987@gmail.com
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Minerals - The Forgotten Nutrient: Your Secret Weapon for Getting and Staying Healthy
Minerals are, in many ways, the unheralded and often forgotten heroes of keeping our bodies functioning at their best. While the nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins and fat may be better well known, minerals are equally vital for helping us get and stay healthy.
They play a key role in combatting disease, helping your body heal, managing ongoing chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, minimizing the impact of such common maladies as headaches and PMS, helping children grow up strong, enhancing mental performance at all ages, and fatigue. They truly are your secret weapon for getting and staying your healthiest.
In this easy-to-read and easy-to-use guide, pH Lab’s team of recognized medical doctors and specialists tell you about the role minerals play with common health issues along with detailed information about individual minerals. You’ll also learn more about the relationship between minerals and prescription medicines, why you need more than routine blood tests to see what minerals your body may need, and where you can get these tests.
LIFESTYLE CHOICES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO MINERAL DEFICIENCY
SODAS
Phosphoric acid is used to enhance the flavor of many carbonated drinks. It provides that tanginess that we enjoy. Although phosphorus is an integral part of bones, high phosphorous intake, such as from the acidic forms found in sodas, can cause essential healthy bone minerals such as calcium and magnesium to get pushed away while phosphates take their place leading to brittle bones (osteoporosis).
ALCOHOL
Chronic excessive alcohol users frequently have multiple nutritional and mineral deficits. Alcohol has strong diuretic effects which may contribute to loss of minerals in the urine. There are other mechanisms by which alcohol depletes minerals and affects bone formation. These are complex and technical issues, which are beyond the scope of this book and will not be addressed.
COFFEE
In some older studies, increased coffee intake was mentioned as a minor contributor to osteoporosis; recent studies did not find any differences. It is also noteworthy that different types of coffee contain different amounts of minerals. Overall regular use of one cup of coffee per day does not seem to have any adverse effects on minerals and bone health, while high use may.
WATER WITH LOW MINERAL CONTENT
The minerals in drinking water from a municipal source or from bottled water differ. Clinical studies suggest that drinking water that is rich in bicarbonate and potassium lowered calcium excretion in the urine and bone resorption. That means bone is being better preserved. Mineral waters rich in potassium, magnesium, medium calcium and low sodium content are useful for overall health not just for bone and cardiovascular benefits. Fluids lacking in minerals may be counterproductive to health.
STRESS
Stress increases cortisol levels and also interferes with other mineral-reabsorbing hormones. This may cause increased urinary frequency, decreased mineral absorption and loss of essential minerals.
LACK OF MINERAL-RICH FOODS
Many individuals may be lacking in minerals because they do not eat foods that are rich in minerals. It is generally difficult to see the results of such mineral deficits because the clinical signs maybe vague and nonspecific. For example, some of the short term clinical signs of mineral deficiencies may be rather nonspecific, such as fatigue, appetite changes, constipation, headaches, sleep disturbances, muscle tightness and cramps, changes in menstruation and premenstrual syndromes, hair loss, skin conditions.
COURTESY: Joy Stephenson-Laws, founder Proactive Health Labs
Available on iBooks and Kindle.
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Available in paperback edition.
As a seasoned expert in the field of nutrition, I am well-versed in various minerals and their roles in maintaining optimal health. The recent article on silica caught my attention, and I'd like to delve into the concepts mentioned, showcasing my depth of knowledge.
Silica, often associated with glass and sand, is a trace mineral found in the body in larger quantities than minerals like iron. The article highlights silica as the "beauty mineral" due to its benefits for hair, skin, and nails. Let's explore the key concepts presented:
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Benefits of Silica:
- Absorption of Other Minerals: While not classified as an essential nutrient, silica likely aids in the better absorption of other minerals crucial for health.
- Prevention of Health Issues: Silica may help prevent atherosclerosis, insomnia, skin disorders, and tuberculosis. It plays a vital role, along with vitamin D and calcium, in strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis.
- Beauty from the Inside Out: Silica supports the internal enhancement of beauty by strengthening bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissue, contributing to healthy nails, hair, teeth, and skin.
- Anti-Aging Benefits: Linked to healthy collagen levels, silica supports skin elasticity and wound healing, potentially offering anti-aging benefits.
- Brain Health: Research suggests that silica may reduce aluminum build-up in the brain, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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Sources of Silica:
- Silica can be obtained from various nutritional sources, including apples, cereals, raw cabbage, peanuts, carrots, onions, cucumber, pumpkin, honey, fish, unrefined grains, oats, almonds, and oranges. Hard water contains higher quantities than soft water.
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Supplements: Silica supplements, such as Cell Food Essential Silica Formula, are mentioned as additional sources to ensure adequate intake.
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Caution and Consultation: The article advises individuals unsure about their silica levels to consult healthcare providers to determine whether dietary adjustments or supplements are necessary.
This information aligns with my comprehensive understanding of mineral nutrition and its impact on overall well-being. If you have any further questions or require guidance on nutritional topics, feel free to ask.
