Silicon for the human body. Role, benefits, lack of symptoms, over the counter, the price, the use of

Silicon - the most common, after oxygen, the element on Earth. At the word silicon remember all computer chips, silicones and ceramics. But few know that an element essential to the human body.

What is silicon, its composition

Silicon - a non-metallic solid crystal with atomic weight 28. substance density - 2.3 g per cubic cm, a melting temperature - 1414˚S. For the first time the pure element was isolated in 1824 by the Swedish chemist Jakob Berzelius.

He is the seventh of the prevalence in the entire universe and the second on the planet. About 25% of the crust consists of silicon. It occurs naturally in the form of oxide (silica) or silicate. It serves as a support during the formation of the stem growth in plants. A large number of substances are concentrated in horsetail, bamboo, diatoms, cereal plants.

Assigning a silicon body

For a long time the silicon is considered inactive substance not involved in the biochemical processes. It has only recently been recognized as one of the most essential minerals for the human metabolism.

High concentrations of silicon are found in the organs, connective tissue consisting of:

• aorta;
• trachea;
• bone structure;
• skin.

The content of the substance in human skin is 49.5 .mu.g, 42 .mu.g in hair, nails in - 26.12 g per 1 g of tissue. The total content of the element at a 70 kg human is from 140 to 700 mg.

The greatest amount of silicon is concentrated:

• kidney;
• liver;
• spleen;
• lungs.

Free orthosilicic acid is not related proteins accumulate in the blood. Low content in the composition of the body leads to the destruction of collagen, bones, which creates the risk of osteoporosis. Healthy tissues contain silicon, but with age the amount is reduced, especially in atherosclerosis and tumor diseases.

Silicon for the human body is an important component in the formation of collagen, the protein that gives the strength and flexibility of the articular cartilage, increase their absorbing capacity, helping mineralization bones. Of particular importance physicians attach to the presence of elements in menopausal women.

During the day a person must be 5-10 mg. Not all the food is well absorbed by the silicon, so its share of the daily intake should be higher. This is especially true of those areas where the soil contains little silica.

Silicon is recommended for daily use:

life stages	Age	Number of I / day	tolerance
Children	0-18 years	no	no
Adults	19 -50 years	9-14 mg	20-30 mg
late life	Above 51	9-14 mg	20-30 mg
pregnant	—	no	no
Lactation	—	no	no

The use of silicon for the organism

Silicon for the human body is also necessary, as well as calcium, with whom he is involved in the process of decalcification of bones. It regulates calcium turnover and magnesium, because it is their antagonist. In the body of silicon accumulates in areas of active bone growth, accelerate their mineralization.

Element is required to remove harmful toxic heavy metals, it reduces the concentration of zinc in the tissues.

The advantage of silicon to health:

1. Strengthens and supports the connective tissue of the joints, ligaments and muscles. It is required for the formation of articular cartilage, as a coupling agent in a network of glycosaminoglycans that attract and retain water in the joint.
2. It helps to strengthen the absorption of calcium, which creates support the skeletal system. The bone silica is the major component constituting the collagen matrix which is filled with calcium. It is impossible to form a bone without calcium and silicon dioxide. The researchers admit that the addition of silica in the diet, not the calcium needed to maintain strong bones.
3. Strengthens the teeth and gums.
4. It supports the cardiovascular system. It prevents vascular occlusion, arterial making the inner shell less permeable fabric. It reduces the risk of atherosclerotic lesions in blood vessels, preventing them from calcination.
5. It improves digestion. Most disorders of the stomach and digestive tract associated with the degradation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Silica is an element that restores and maintains the tissue.
6. It improves the immune system. Leather - the first line of defense against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Silicon creates an alkaline environment, which neutralizes excessive acidity adversely affects the immune system.
7. Heals wounds and burns. It stimulates rapid growth of damaged skin tissue.
8. Istonchonnye restores hair, brittle nails, dry skin. It gives hair shine, prevents alopecia, increases the synthesis of collagen, which contributes to the good condition of the skin, its elasticity, wrinkle reduction.
9. It helps to remove aluminum. It has been shown that silicon dioxide is a good eliminator aluminum, high concentrations of which in the organism contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
10. Detoxification. Silica actively removes waste, toxins and heavy metals from the body. Additives to the silicon will be a good addition to any detox program.
11. It helps restore mucous. Dehydration causes destruction of airway mucous membranes. silicon consumption allows to recover mucosa and prevents infections in the lower airways.
12. Silicon is inside only through the gastrointestinal tract. On absorption agent strongly affects the form of silica (silicon dioxide). Food products of plant origin contain it in the form of silicon oxide and silicates.

Products containing silicon

Silicon for the human body is the main structural connecting element, which affects the metabolism of mineral and other nutrients. About 70% of the chemical elements are not assimilated, if not enough silicon.

Well absorbed with substances:

• vitamin D;
• boron;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• manganese;
• potassium.

Many plants absorb and accumulate silicon from the soil. Monocots, grasses, herbs (such as rice) absorb orthosilicic acid from the soil and convert it into polymerized silicon. Therefore, a food rich in fiber such as grains, oats, vegetables, has a high silicon concentration.

While whole grains are a good source of silicon, it is insoluble in them and can not be directly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Silicon dissolves into the food through the stomach acid, which is absorbed directly through the lining of the stomach and intestines into the bloodstream.

With age or disease reduced acidity, and silicon from food assimilation ability is also reduced. Therefore, the elderly are not able to convert food silicates bioavailable ortosilikovuyu acid. Refining and processing food, in which the removed silicon-containing fibers, contribute to reduce the consumption of silicon.

Many of the additives used in the food industry, affect the silicon absorption. The additives can raise the pH of the stomach, to reduce the rate of hydrolysis of silicates in diet to promote polymerisation of orthosilicic acid, and chelate materials.

There are many foods that are a great source of silicon:

Name	Volume, weight,	Max silicon mg
Banana	250 g	13,60
Cereal with bran	100 g	10,17
whole wheat bread	200 g	8,94
Raisins	100 g	8,25
Beer	1 l	19,2
dates	100 g	16,66
Oatmeal	100 g	11,4
Mineral water	500 ml	3,23
Boiled red lentils	100 g	4,42
Green beans (boiled)	250 g	6,10
Black currant	100	6,09
carrot	200 g	4,58
rice brown	200 g	4,14
White rice	200 g	2,48
Cornflakes	100 g	2,42
Onion	100 g	2,43
cucumber	100 g	2,53
Swede	100 g	2,19
Melon	100 g	1,82
salad leaf	250 g	1,0
Beans, spinach	100 g	2,42
pulse	100 g	1,23

A high content of substance found in the shells of cereals, rice hull, oats, wheat. The refined product is drastically reduced its amount.

Fruits that contain silicon, do not have it in its pure form, but only bound form.

Formulations with silicon in a drugstore

Silicon for the human body is also necessary, as well as other food additives. It is available in tablet form and solutions. Drugs with silica additive used in the treatment of obesity, atherosclerosis, dystrophy, rheumatism.

To date, there are two available types of silicon used in medical and food industry:

• silica;
• fumed.

In modern pharmaceuticals present in antidiarrheal, antacid and analgesic drugs.

Analgesics containing silicon:

1. Ketorolac. In addition to the colloidal silica comprises metorolak tromethamine. The drug belongs to the group of analgesics and antipyretics. The total daily dose should not exceed 90 mg for adults up to 65 years. For elderly patients and 65 patients with renal failure, the dose should not exceed 60 mg. One pack contains 10 tablets, reception is calculated individually. drug treatment should not exceed 5 days.
2. Ketorol. The preparation containing in its structure silica provides an analgesic effect with injuries, inflammation, dental extractions. Available in the form of tablets, solution and gel. Take as needed, no more than 4 tablets per day. The maximum dose is 40 mg treatment - 5 days.

Antidiarrheal preparations based on silicon dioxide:

1. Atoxil. Enterosorbent with active absorbent properties. Outputs from the body poisonous, toxic substances, including microbial, allergens. It is used in acute intestinal diseases, food poisoning. It helps heal festering wounds, trophic ulcers, and burns. Widely used in the process of alcohol intoxication. Available as a powder, from which a suspension is prepared. Two bags are dissolved in 150 ml of water and taken as 1 hour before meals. The daily adult dose of 1200 mg, to be taken 3-4 times. For external use powder is used, which is applied in a thin layer on the cleansed skin surface. From above impose aseptic bandage.

The most popular silicon supplements that strengthen not only the bones and connective tissues, but also hair, nails and skin.

When selecting the important factors are safety and bioavailability. Therefore, such drugs should be selected where there are silicon that is produced from natural products.

These include:

1. Plant extracts. Bamboo and algae have high concentrations of silica, but it depends on the region in which they are grown. Bioodostupnost such preparations require high acidity of the stomach for the production ortosilikovoy acid.
2. Colloidal silicone gels. These products consist of the insoluble suspended polymer molecules silicic acid. As plant extracts, they can not be absorbed directly through the stomach wall and therefore have a lower dissolution rate.
3. Stabilized orthosilicic acid. Drugs on the market is represented by a liquid stabilized orthosilicic acid concentrate. silicon absorption rate of these drugs is much higher.

Increasing the silicon content in the body is through food supplements and herbal extracts. Especially it should be taken into account by those who suffer from osteoporosis.

Preparations containing silicon in its composition:

1. Solgar, It comprises silica, obtained from algae in combination with calcium. Available in capsules of 100 pcs. Used to strengthen the skeletal system, 2 capsules per day, during meals.
2. Florasil. The addition of vegetable silica (from horsetail) to maintain polish fortress, healthy hair and skin. Available on 180 pieces capsules. Take 1 pc. 3 times per day with meals.
3. Silicon is active. The preparation further enriched with vitamins B, E, D³, calcium. Strengthens bone, cartilage, connective tissue, formation of the elasticity in the area of ​​post-operative scarring. It improves the condition of the teeth, nails, hair, gums. Take 1 tablet. 3 times a day for a month.
4. Polisorb. The drug is well removes toxins from the body, linking them and bringing out the natural way. It helps eliminate allergens, heavy metal salts, an excess of bilirubin, decreases body fat. Sold in the form of powder, used to prepare a suspension. Calculation of amounts of the powder is taken in accordance with body weight. The average daily dose is 6-12 g Taken 3-4 times a day.
5. Silicon water Sulinka. Normalize blood sugar and cholesterol, cleans the body of harmful impurities, strengthens the immune system. One liter of water contains a daily rate of silicon.
6. Silicea 6. The preparation is based on silica. It is produced in the form of granules, and tinctures. Well established in the treatment of headaches, asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough. It is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it helps to restore the nails, hair, skin. For the treatment of the musculoskeletal system tincture is diluted 1: 3 and 1: 6, where 1 part - a tincture, and the rest - water. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is diluted in the ratio 1: 3, 1: 6, 1:12, respectively, the degree of disorder.
7. Oligo silicon. The drug, aimed at improving the bone and cartilage structures, tendons. It serves as a preventive agent for osteoporosis. It helps rapid recovery of bone fractures, tendon ruptures and sprains. The drug promotes the assimilation of other chemical elements, involved in protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It is produced in the form of tablets. In one contained 19.98 mg Silicon is received one-off tab 3. 1 time per day.
8. Silicon water. For the preparation of its need ordinary water and pieces of silicon, which are sold in a pharmacy. Infusion silicon filled with water and placed in a dark place (not the refrigerator) for 3-4 days. fluid is then used for drinking, washing, cleansing enemas.
9. Gels based on colloidal silica: Vitasil, of silica gel.

And they are effective:

• when irritated, itchy skin;
• eczema, psoriasis;
• insect bites;
• as a mask for oily skin;
• while eliminating small facial acne without inflammatory lesions.

Tip: the need for silicon is best met by whole grain and vegetable diet. Additives used in case of problems with the skin, hair, nails, diseases of the joints.

silicon harm to the organism

Many people are afraid to see in the product additive in the form of silicon dioxide. But it is found in many leafy green plants, vegetables, water. it is not retained in the human body, output by the kidneys.

Organizations for quality control of products has been recognized in many countries that the silica is a safe food additive. But an overdose of the substance in trouble.

Silicon, in large doses, can cause undesirable effects on the human body:

1. Long-term use of antacids silicon contributes to the appearance of kidney stones.
2. amorphous silica nanoparticles can pass through the blood-brain barrier, which serves as a barrier to the penetration of harmful substances into the brain. Penetration of silicon particles contributes to small vessel vasculitis, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Strengthening of the diuretic effect. Admission formulations with excessive amounts of water may cause increased urinary calcium loss.
4. In diabetes, can affect a sharp decrease in blood sugar levels.
5. Additives silica enhance response of some drugs. Can not be combined with diuretics, additions of chromium.

Symptoms of silicon deficiency for the organism

The reason usually silicon deficiency is the lack of it in the diet. In developed countries, it is a common cause of alcoholism and anorexia nervosa.

Signs of lack of the mineral:

• brittle dull hair, hair loss, excessive dryness of the head cover;
• delamination and brittle nails;
• thinning of the skin, which leads to deterioration of the wound healing;
• frequent bone fractures;
• tears of tendons and ligaments;
• general fatigue, headaches;
• loss of appetite;
• mood swings;
• problems with teeth and gums.

Often manifested symptoms of excessive consumption of silicon, which are expressed in the appearance of bruises on the skin and irritation of the stomach.

Silicon deficiency Danger

Experiments conducted by scientists in experimental animals have shown that silicon deficiency in the diet causes a deformation of the skeleton, skull abnormal bone development and irregular structure. The malformed joints found reduced content of cartilage. The child may be born underdeveloped in the absence of silicon in the mother's body.

The role of silicon is insufficient for the human body is studied. But many studies suggest that it is important for tissue regeneration, activation of vital processes of cells and enhance human immunity.

Author: Anna Belyaeva

Registration of the article: Vladimir the Great

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