Why has Silicon been so greatly over looked in health and nutrition? It may be because there is more silicon on the Earth’s crust than any other element except oxygen. It has been theorized that there must be adequate silicon in our diets since there is such high levels of silicon in our environment. This theory however, has shown to be false for some individuals considering our current dietary patterns – which includes eating a diet of highly refined foods.
There are many biological actions of silicon. Research on silicon continues at a rapid pace. Some of the recently reported benefits of silicon include: Improved energy and endurance for athletes, improved bone remodeling, elimination of bone spurs and calcifications, improved immune system function, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer. Silicon can reduce free radicals many times greater than other well know antioxidants such as Vitamin E and C. (Free radicals are molecules in the body that have an unpaired electron which randomly pull (steal) electrons from other molecules. This process may lead to cell damage (aging & disease) or destruction).
Organic silicon was discovered by Berzelius in 1810. Since this time, much has been learned about the importance of this element in our body’s biological system. The organic (carbon containing) form of silicon is considered the most biologically active form. However, both inorganic and organic forms have been shown to be effective in laboratory studies. In 1972, Dr’s Shwarz and Carlisle of the University of California at Los Angeles discovered the nutritional essentiality of silicon in animals. They fed rats diets lacking in silicon. These rats showed retarded growth and growth abnormalities compared with rats fed the same diet with silicon. In fact, the rats fed silicon – containing diets grew 30% faster without growth abnormalities. Dr’s Shwarz and Carlisle also showed similar results in rabbit studies. In the late 1970’s, Dr. T.J. Bassler showed that athletes with low tissue levels of silicon had a much greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries, compared with athletes that had a much higher tissue levels of silicon. Dr. T. Robinson researched silicon and its use for gastric ulcers in the 1960’s. He published his findings that silicon is an intricate component of connective tissue, which means it is helpful in the repair of damaged tissue due to ulcers. Dr. Robinson also concluded that silicon is useful for conditions such as arthritis and heart disease, since it is such an important structural component of connective tissue (collagen).
Silicon acts as a powerful antioxidant. It has the ability to reduce free radicals such as Oxidized Nicotinamide adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), as well as Super Oxide and Hydroxyl free radicals. Interestingly, NAD+ is reduced to NADH which increases the amount of hydrogen carried to the cells which in turn can increase the reactions for metabolism and energy production (ATP transfer) – silicon enhances this function. The reduction of Super Oxide protects adrenaline oxidation as well as diminishes many other inflammatory conditions. By allowing greater hydrogen to be carried to the cells, oxygen is then scavenged and DNA is protected from damage due to oxygen free radicals.
Another important function of silicon is that it reduces the surface tension of water allowing it to structurally arrange water molecules up to three layers deep. With this type of arrangement, silicon enhances electrical conductivity in the cells and improves the reactions for energy production.
The production of connective tissue (bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, hair, skin and nails) is dependent on adequate quantities of silicon. It is an important part of connective tissue flexibility. Silicon is necessary for bone formation. In fact, calcium deposition in the bones is dependent on silicon and some researchers have reported a reduction of calcium deposits such as stones and spurs. Some current research has shown that silicon removes calcium from places that it is not suppose to be and redistributes it in places that it should be. Cartilage development has shown a direct relationship with silicon levels and the production of glycosaminoglycans (cartilage matrix).
Silicon and silicates are considered non-toxic. They have been used as ant-acids for over 40 years. There are even studies that show that silicon has a protective effect against high levels of aluminum in drinking water potentially benefiting those with senile dementia and other neurological diseases.
As research continues on this valuable nutrient, it is to be certain that many more amazing findings will present themselves. Already we have discovered silicon functions as an anti-oxidant, strengthens and repairs connective tissue, enhances energy, vitality, and endurance, reduces overall cellular acidity which can enhance immune function, and increases cellular hydration. It may very well be considered one of the most important minerals in all of nutrition. For optimal health, reach for the Silicon.
