Silicon is soft and supple by nature, but with integrity to strength. These characteristics transfer to its function inside our body; silicon keeps things soft and supple, while offering structural support and strength. It does this by helping to build collagen. Collagen is a type of protein in our body that helps to form connective tissue. This type of connective tissue helps to maintain the integrity of our skin and keeps it looking young and supple. It’s also needed for healthy tendons and ligaments. Silicon also maintains the luster of our hair and the health of our nails.
As well as keeping things smooth and supple on the outside, silicon also keeps things strong on the inside. It’s another component needed for the connective tissue in our bones and cartilage. This cartilage is what keeps our joints moving freely and smoothly, and gives structure and shape to many parts of our body, like our nose and ears. Silicon is needed for all of it.
A lack of silicon can be seen through our skin and felt in our bones. Poor collagen support, better seen as wrinkles and early aging, may result from a silicon deficiency. It may also contribute to fragile and thinning hair, hair loss and brittle nails.
A lack of silicon can also contribute to poor joints and bone loss.
Silicon can be found in plant derived foods, particularly oats, barley and rice. Silicon levels are much lower in foods of animal origin. Silicon is also found in drinking water as orthosilicic acid.(1)