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Silicon

Silicon is one of the most abundant elements in nature and an indispensable part of the body’s numerous biochemical processes. Silicon is key to bone tissue metabolism. Silicon has been found to have a positive association with bone mineral density and with decreased osteoporosis risk.

There currently is no recommended allowance for Silicon. Silicon is mainly found in plant foods and is affected by the amount of silicon in the soil. Good food sources of silicon dioxide include oatmeal, beets, brown rice, bell peppers, soy beans, leafy green vegetables, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, parsley, sunflower seeds, barley, millet and wheat. Depending on where you live, your drinking water may contain silica. Beer and coffee provide silicon as well. 

The herb horsetail is rich in silicon dioxide and is recommended by herbalists for a variety of conditions including healthy skin, nails and hair and for kidney and bladder problems. It also may be used to treat wounds and burns. Horsetail is sometimes used as a source of silicon in bone formula supplements.

Be sure to include a variety of the above foods to get silicon in your diet, limiting coffee and beer to moderate amounts and if not specifically contraindicated due to your individual health conditions. In other words, don’t use silicon as an excuse to drink a lot of Beer!

posted on 1/18/2020