Silica Benefits
Silica: A Foundational Mineral for Good Health
When you think of the minerals required for good health, which ones come to mind? Calcium or magnesium? How about iron, zinc or potassium?
Although all of these minerals are used by the body to heal and maintain health, one important mineral that is rarely ever discussed and is absolutely foundational to the body itself is silica! In fact, it is one of the minerals that the body needs the most.
It’s also not widely known that there are actually two different kinds of silica. The first type plays a critical role in supporting the health and strength of bones, while the second type is involved in creating and maintaining skin health.
Let’s Dive Deeper into the Various Functions Silica Plays in the Body:
It’s important to know that this mineral actually plays the most foundational role in bone health. Many would argue that it is even more important than calcium. Not only does it work to build and strengthen bones, but it also protects them from damage, demineralization and conditions such as osteoporosis, osteopenia and age-related bone loss. Those supplementing with silica can experience improvements in both bone flexibility and density as well as faster recovery times after injuries involving broken or fractured bones and dislocated joints or pulled muscles.
Silica also plays a similar role in oral health. It helps to maintain strong teeth and is needed to remineralize cavities and address demineralization issues. In addition to this, many people don’t realize that silica is an essential “beauty mineral” that nourishes and strengthens hair, skin and nails. It rejuvenates damaged skin and fine lines, providing anti-aging and anti-wrinkle properties.
I love recommending silica supplementation to my new-mama clients for postpartum recovery because it can be very helpful in tightening loose skin, strengthening a weak pelvic floor, recovering from vaginal birth, c-section, and diastasis recti. Silica is able to miraculously accomplish all of this because it helps to form collagen and elastin in the body-both structural proteins found in connective tissue. Shortening recovery time, silica can accelerate the healing of burns, wounds, and scar tissue. It is also widely recommended by dermatologists.*
Silica is known to be more present in healthy hearts than in diseased hearts because it strengthens blood vessels and muscle tissue. * It stimulates the immune system and has been shown to improve immunity and helps the body identify and fight potential threats such as bacteria and viruses. * Acting as a safe toxin chelator in the body, silica binds to heavy metals so they can be excreted from the body. * Silica also improves cognition and can help prevent memory loss.
*Source: Why Silica https://livingsilica.com/why-silica/
Important Sources of Silica:
Have I gotten you excited about silica yet? If you have, you’re probably now wondering how you can incorporate more of this mineral into your diet. And there a couple of ways you can do this. The first way is through food.
Aloe, cucumbers, grapes, kales stems, wild blueberries, cherries, melons, artichokes, asparagus, dandelion, leafy greens and wheatgrass; as well as herbs such as nettle leaf, lemon balm, horsetail, oatstraw and rose hips are all rich sources of silica and can be consumed as often as desired. It should be noted that this is where children should start- focusing on foods first or exclusively. Try adding a few of these foods and herbs to a smoothie or putting them through your juicer to make fresh juice!
The second way to consume more silica is through supplementation. I personally love supplementation because it’s an easy way to consume higher doses of silica. Exploring supplements based on different forms of silicon to find the most effective formula can be challenging. With numerous forms and formulations available, it can be difficult to discern which one will provide the greatest benefits. Below are my preferred supplements:
Nettle Leaf and Horsetail:
These herbs can be eaten fresh as mentioned above, made into a tea or ingested in supplement form. Both herbs contain both varieties of silica and therefore provide a number of benefits to the body.
Orgono Living Silica:
Orgono Living Silica products are one of the best forms of supplemental silica. Bioavailability is crucial in determining the effectiveness of silica. It refers to the amount of active ingredients that can be effectively absorbed and utilized by the body. Optimal bioavailability ensures efficient absorption into the bloodstream and distribution to the cells and tissues that require them. In terms of bioavailability, Orgono Living Silica is considered 10x more bioavailable than traditional forms of silicon. These supplements are easily absorbed by the body and what I personally recommend and use in practice. The company offers different options, clinically proven, within their product line. They have a Mineral-Based Liquid silica supplement that is made of exclusively silica (no added herbs). This is perfect for mamas who are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as those who are sensitive. They also have a Plant-Based liquid supplement that contains both silica and horsetail for an added boost (this should not be consumed if pregnant or breastfeeding) as well as a silica gel product for topical use. This gel is fantastic for postpartum recovery, healing stretch marks and scars.
You can use our code ‘Kim15’ for 15% off your purchase in www.livingsilica.com
As you can see, silica is an extremely important mineral for creating and maintaining good health. Consuming enough of it should be a focus across all ages- from childhood to adulthood to old age. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of silica as well as deep dive into learning about other focal points of health, while connecting with other like-minded women join our NEW Empowered Moms Monthly Subscription. Also, keep a look out for our Empowered Birth course,launching soon.
About the Author
Dr. Kimberly Spair holds a PhD in Holistic Health and Nutrition, with an emphasis on the science of dis-ease, toxicology and epigenetics. She is also a licensed speech pathologist, and feeding specialist. Kimberly has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering women, mothers and children as they reclaim their health and vitality using food as medicine in a world that does not always align with these intentions. She is ready to help you understand that you are NOT your diagnosis, and that you have OPTIONS when it comes to your health and the health of your children.
