Silicon: Vascular Elasticity
Silicon (= Silicium) (Si)
For humans – elasticity of blood vessels.
Silicon is one of the most important macroelements. In the human body, it participates in the formation of connective and epithelial tissues, promotes hair and nail growth, and stimulates phagocytosis. It is present in the human body in the form of various compounds, mainly involved in the formation of hard skeletal parts and tissues.
Currently, there are no precise recommendations for the daily requirement of this macroelement in the human body: the calculated range for consumption is from 20 to 40 mg per day for adults. Some scientists believe that the optimal intake of silicon is 50–100 mg/day. Silicon deficiency can develop with insufficient intake of this element in the body (5 mg/day or less).
The total amount of silicon in the adult human body is about 1 g. Approximately 4% of the total amount of silicon ingested is absorbed by the body. Despite significant fluctuations in the amount of silicon entering the body, its concentration in the blood remains stable.
Silicon is found in the highest concentrations in connective tissue: the walls of the aorta, trachea, ligaments, bones, skin (especially in the epidermis), hair (with brunettes having twice as much silicon as blondes), and lymph nodes. In muscles and parenchymal organs, the silicon content is significantly lower.
Among the internal organs, the thyroid gland is the leader in silicon content – it accumulates up to 310 mg of silicon.
The silicon content in brain tissue is 0.001–0.01%, with the dura mater, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum being the richest in it. The concentration of silicon in the brain depends on the state of the central nervous system; for example, during excitation of the central nervous system, its amount in brain tissues decreases, while during inhibition, it increases.
Soluble silicon compounds are absorbed in the small intestine and duodenum. According to spectral analysis, the silicon content in daily products excreted by a healthy human body is 4.7%.
Increased silicon intake raises its excretion in urine to quite clear limits.
Increased silicon intake raises its excretion in urine to quite clear limits.
Biological role in the human body. Silicon is necessary for maintaining the elasticity of arteries and plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It prevents the harmful effects of aluminum on the body, stimulates the immune system, and slows down the aging processes in tissues.
According to biochemists, silicon is used in the human body eight times, participating in various intermediate reactions as a catalyst, “energy donor,” ensuring life. After eight uses, silicon is excreted.
The main role of silicon in the human body is its participation in a chemical reaction that involves binding the subunits of fibrous tissues (collagen and elastin) together, which gives them strength and elasticity. It also directly participates in the process of bone tissue mineralization.
In addition, silicon, together with protein structures, contributes to the formation of enzymes, amino acids, hormones; it is necessary for the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, fats, chlorine, fluorine, sodium, sulfur, manganese, molybdenum, cobalt, and many other elements; it affects the conductivity of nerve fibers and the function of certain brain structures, energizing the cerebellum, which is responsible for controlling and coordinating our movements and balance. Any disruption in the silicon balance primarily affects the coordination of human movements, with individuals deficient in silicon always swaying to the right and never to the left.
Silicon slows down aging processes; prevents cholesterol from penetrating the blood plasma and lipid deposition on blood vessel walls; facilitates the removal of metabolites, foreign and toxic substances through urine; serves as a barrier that hinders the spread of degenerative processes; binds the breakdown products of tumor tissue; influences metabolic processes in erythrocytes; strengthens the venous wall, improves the structure of hair, skin, and nails; plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, stimulates the immune system; protects against hormonal disorders, constipation, etc. The occurrence of many pathological processes, including cancer, atherosclerosis, tuberculosis, diabetes, goiter, some dermatitis, urinary tract stones, is often associated with a disruption in the metabolism of silicon compounds in the body.
According to biochemists, silicon is used in the human body eight times, participating in various intermediate reactions as a catalyst, “energy donor,” ensuring life. After eight uses, silicon is excreted.
The main role of silicon in the human body is its participation in a chemical reaction that involves binding the subunits of fibrous tissues (collagen and elastin) together, which gives them strength and elasticity. It also directly participates in the process of bone tissue mineralization.
In addition, silicon, together with protein structures, contributes to the formation of enzymes, amino acids, hormones; it is necessary for the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, fats, chlorine, fluorine, sodium, sulfur, manganese, molybdenum, cobalt, and many other elements; it affects the conductivity of nerve fibers and the function of certain brain structures, energizing the cerebellum, which is responsible for controlling and coordinating our movements and balance. Any disruption in the silicon balance primarily affects the coordination of human movements, with individuals deficient in silicon always swaying to the right and never to the left.
Silicon slows down aging processes; prevents cholesterol from penetrating the blood plasma and lipid deposition on blood vessel walls; facilitates the removal of metabolites, foreign and toxic substances through urine; serves as a barrier that hinders the spread of degenerative processes; binds the breakdown products of tumor tissue; influences metabolic processes in erythrocytes; strengthens the venous wall, improves the structure of hair, skin, and nails; plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, stimulates the immune system; protects against hormonal disorders, constipation, etc. The occurrence of many pathological processes, including cancer, atherosclerosis, tuberculosis, diabetes, goiter, some dermatitis, urinary tract stones, is often associated with a disruption in the metabolism of silicon compounds in the body.
A person can obtain the necessary amount of silicon from food. Additional intake is recommended for Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. In any chronic and acute pathology, the need for silicon increases, and increased intake of this element leads to improved well-being and helps the body cope with illness. Moreover, silicon is indicated for healthy individuals for the prevention of not only all the aforementioned diseases but also for maintaining the health of nails, skin, and hair.
Synergists and antagonists of silicon. Silicon is well absorbed together with molybdenum, magnesium, fluorine, as well as fiber.
An excess of aluminum in the body can lead to a decrease in silicon content. The consumption of refined food products lowers the silicon level in the body, while a diet rich in dietary fiber increases it.
An excess of aluminum in the body can lead to a decrease in silicon content. The consumption of refined food products lowers the silicon level in the body, while a diet rich in dietary fiber increases it.
Signs and symptoms of deficiency. Loss of elasticity in blood vessels (leading to accelerated aging processes), caries and periodontitis, brittleness of nails and hair loss.
Increased silicon content in the body is observed in workers in the mining industry exposed to asbestos, quartz, aerosols, cement, glass, etc., as well as in areas with an excess of silicon compounds in water and air. Systematic inhalation of dust containing free silicon dioxide in high concentrations leads to the development of silicosis.
Main manifestations of excess silicon: lung fibrosis; urolithiasis; malignant tumors of the pleura and abdominal cavity.
Main manifestations of excess silicon: lung fibrosis; urolithiasis; malignant tumors of the pleura and abdominal cavity.
Silicon is necessary: in Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, for maintaining the health of nails, skin, and hair.
Food sources of silicon: champions in silicon content – oats, barley, and unrefined rice (brown). Other sources of silicon include: pineapples, potatoes, various types of cabbage, beets; vegetable leaves; buckwheat, millet, soybeans, whole grains; nuts and seeds: peanuts, cashews, sesame, poppy, macadamia, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, hazelnuts.
Silicon is present in all plant-based food products. The highest amounts are found in root vegetables and other products rich in plant fiber, in fruits and vegetables grown in fertile soil (i.e., soil rich in organic compounds), – apricots, dried apricots, avocados, quince, cherry plums, pineapples, oranges, watermelons, bananas, grapes, cherries, grapefruits, pears, melons, raisins, figs, dried figs, strawberries, wild strawberries, kiwis, cornelian cherries, cranberries, gooseberries, raspberries, mangoes, tangerines, sea buckthorn, peaches, black-fruited rowan, plums, prunes, red currants, black currants, feijoa, dates, sweet cherries, blueberries, mulberries, apples, eggplants, ginger, zucchini, white cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, red cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, seaweed (kelp), onions, carrots, cucumbers, parsnips, pattypans, hot peppers (chili), sweet peppers, parsley, radishes, black radishes, turnips, beets, celery, asparagus, tomatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, pumpkins, horseradish; greens: basil, coriander (cilantro), green onions, leeks, chives, green parsley, rhubarb stalks, arugula, lettuce, green celery, wild garlic, green garlic, spinach; cereals and legumes: buckwheat, corn, oats, millet, soft wheat (whole grain), hard wheat, wheat bran, long-grain white rice, short-grain white rice, brown rice, wild rice, rye, beans, peas, soybeans, kidney beans, lentils; caviar, eggs; nuts and seeds (peanuts, cashews, sesame, poppy, macadamia, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, hazelnuts), in hard water. A significant amount of silicon is found in grape juice, wine, and beer.
In cases of silicon deficiency in the body, nutritionists recommend including so-called “nut-based” foods in the diet: 200 g of nuts (any from the list above), 200 g of raisins, 200 g of dried apricots, and 2–3 lemons passed through a meat grinder, mixed with honey. All components should be mixed, placed in a jar, stored in the refrigerator, and consumed regularly throughout the year as this silicon-rich product.
The healing properties of silicon water are widely known. Silicon water is a simple means of replenishing the concentration of this vital substance in the body. Silicon water possesses all the properties of melted, bactericidal silver water, and has a special taste and freshness. This water resembles intercellular fluid and human blood plasma in terms of pH and biochemical categories.
One of the most silicon-rich natural sources is blue, medicinal, food clay. Clay is considered an undisputed leader in the content of this substance. Silicon in it is presented in the form of easily absorbable compounds, and blue, medicinal, food clay is completely non-toxic and harmless, making it safe for long-term use.