Silicon is the second most abundant substance on Earth, after oxygen. About 30% of our planet’s crust is made of materials, so it is not surprising that it is also found in food.
However, silicon is not found alone. Instead, it combines with oxygen and other materials to form silk, the largest component of Earth’s mineral resources and comprises 90% of the Earth’s crust. One such substance is silica, or silicon dioxide, which is the most common type of sand.
Silicon deficiency is a condition characterized by a decrease in the level of silicon in the body. Silicon plays an important role in the human body.
- It is involved in collagen formation and helps build cartilage and bones as well as calcium. Silicon is believed to allow calcium to enter the tissues.
- It strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
- It strengthens the nails and maintains the firmness of the skin with the combination of elastin.
- It helps the skin and mucous membranes to maintain immunity.
- It helps prevent dehydration
- Silicon reduces the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatism.
- It slows down the aging process (helps prevent oxidative stress) and protects the cardiovascular system;
Silicon prevents tuberculosis. - Prevents aluminum poisoning and Alzheimer’s disease by binding aluminum.
- It is involved in protecting kidney stones.
- Silicon reduces body aging and helps people look healthy and fit.
The daily requirement for silicon for an adult is 20-50 mg. Fiber, molybdenum, magnesium, and fluoride increase the demand for silicon.
Causes
- Silicon deficiency occurs mainly due to inadequate nutrition.
- In developed countries, the most common causes are alcohol abuse and severe cases of anorexia nervosa.
Risk factors
Pregnant women and nursing mothers are at risk of developing silicon deficiency. People who are malnourished or suffering from anorexia may also develop a deficiency of silicon.
The penetration and exposure of opponents lead to a shortage of silicon. These include alcoholic beverages, tobacco (nicotine), cola drinks, soft drinks (excluding natural drinks), coffee and tea (containing caffeine and decaffeine), chocolate (cork), rare mineral water (tap, well, spring), polluted air, refined sugar, and refined sugar substitutes, highly processed foods, dairy products, refined and processed foods, polyunsaturated fats, radiation exposure, microwave diets, a synthetic estrogen, birth control pills, most of all drugs.
Symptoms
Silicon deficiency can be detected when skin, hair, and nail deterioration occurs.
- The hair becomes brittle, loses its shine, and falls out.
- The nails are brittle.
- The skin becomes thinner.
- The wrinkles occur.
- The person experiences slower wound healing.
- As silicon works against oxidative stress, its deficiency can accelerate vascular atherosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially cardiovascular disease.
- Bone metabolism is affected by mineral disturbances and osteoporosis. The bones are weak and break easily.
- Fatigue, loss of appetite, and mood swings are also evident.
- Silicon bond aluminum can also prevent Alzheimer’s disease, so a lack of silicon can lead to mental retardation.
- Sleep disorders (insomnia) may occur.
- Disorders of digestion and stomach cramps.
- Weekend teeth and gums.
Treatment
Increased silicon intake by diet or dietary supplementation can alleviate this condition, although very high doses of silicon may be recommended, as long as an overdose is possible.
Silicon is found in plants, especially apples, cereals, nuts, oranges, cucumbers, pumpkins, fish, raw grains, oats, almonds, onions, and carrots.
Silicon is also found in other ingredients such as birch, black cohosh, black walnut, legumes, chaparral, ginseng, horsetail, nettle, Oregon grape, parsley, peppermint, rose hips, and thyme.
FAQ
Does your body need silicon?
The study noted that “silicon is essential for growth. It is found mainly in connective tissue, where it functions as a cross-linking agent,” that helps with the strengthening of arteries and veins. Silicon helps keep our skin tissue healthy.
What happens if you don't have enough sulfur in your body?
Sulfur is excreted in the urine as it exists in the blood. A deficiency of sulfur amino acids has been shown to compromise glutathione synthesis to a greater extent than protein synthesis in the presence and absence of an inflammatory stimulus.
What happens when you have too much sulfur in your body?
Sulfur in excess can cause brain cell death, resulting in brain damage. Signs associated with brain damage can include blindness, incoordination, seizures, death, and others.
