The Medical Establishment takes a “silver bullet” approach to health, isolating a particular biological process and “aiming” at it with a synthetic chemical. They then apply this to supplements, prescribing a single mineral, calcium, to help “treat” osteoporosis, along with prescription drugs.
Of course, the Establishment’s approach fails on many levels, and today we’re going to delve into this as we explore silica, a mineral that is vital for strong and healthy bones…yet chances are your doctor will never mention it. You’ll also learn how to get more of this important mineral.
It all begins with the recognition that calcium is not the only mineral involved in bone health…
Why Calcium Alone Is Not Enough
As it relates to supplements, the Medical Establishment ignores the issue of synergy and continues to prescribe large doses of a single mineral, typically calcium – and the wrong kind of calcium, such as calcium carbonate.
In addition, the mainstream fails to realize that a calcium deficiency in the bones (and elsewhere) can result from other mineral deficiencies and imbalances. No matter how much calcium you take in these cases, your bones will still be deficient. They require many other minerals to take up calcium, and one of those other minerals is silicon.
Silicon vs. Silica
Before we embark on a discussion of this mineral, I’d like to clarify these two terms. Silicon and silica are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference: silica is the oxide form of silicon, meaning silica has an oxygen molecule attached via covalent bonding. It actually has an abundance of sulfur-oxygen bonds in its natural state. Silica is therefore often called silicon dioxide, which then gets shortened to silicon – hence the confusion.
Silica occurs in great abundance in the earth’s crust. In contrast, silicon is a single atom, not a molecule, and rarely exists in nature in its pure form. It’s nearly always in the form of silica, and that’s the form of this mineral we’re going to discuss today.
Silica And Your Bones
Silica is found not only in the earth’s crust, but also in the human body. It’s present in nearly all body tissue, including bone.
Silica levels tend to decrease as we age, yet it’s most important in the senior years because it prevents the decalcification of bones associated with age. It also prevents deterioration of connective tissue like collagen, which is vital for bones’ tensile strength.
Silica has the unique ability to “make the most” of available calcium, almost amplifying its effects in building bone. Silica accelerates the process of calcification and deposition in bone.1 It also improves bone matrix quality and facilitates bone mineralization, so it’s not surprising that fracture healing rates increase in the presence of silica, even if calcium is relatively low.2
Other Health Benefits Of Silica
Deficiency in silica has been linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s, and in fact, it’s been called the missing link in anti-aging plans. Silica inhibits aluminum absorption in the brain and counteracts its effects in the body overall, making silica of particular importance for the elderly.3
Too little silica can bring about calcification of connective and soft tissue, causing stiffness and loss of elasticity. Considered symptoms of aging, these issues may well be symptoms of silica deficiency. Hair, skin, and fingernail health is enhanced by silica as well.
How To Get More Silica In Your Diet Through Foods
There are many delicious foods that are full of silica, and many of them are Foundation Foods listed in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. Here are some particularly good sources of this mineral.
- Cucumbers*
- Horsetail herb
- Barley*
- Oats*
- Rice bran*
- Beer*
- Wheat bran
- Brown rice*
- Bell peppers*
- Cherries*
- Almonds*
- Oranges*
- Apples*
- Honey*
- Tomatoes*
- Pumpkin*
- Romaine Lettuce*
- Spinach*
*Foundation Food
As you can see, when you’re following the Program, you’re getting plenty of bone-healthy silica, and you should aim to get at least 10 mg per day. To give you an example, a medium-sized banana contains about 6 mg of silica, and a carrot contains about 1.5 mg.
Silica Does Not Work In Isolation
It’s important to remember that just because we’re highlighting the virtues of a particular mineral, it does not mean you should run out and ingest massive amounts of it by itself.
Stop Worrying About Your Bone Loss
Join thousands of Savers from around the world who have reversed or prevented their bone loss naturally and scientifically with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
This is why the Osteoporosis Reversal Program recommends complete supplementation with Foundation Supplements, as well as eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as Foundation Foods, because they contain many different components that all work in synergy with each other for maximum benefits.
Silica plays a significant role to build bone and maintain its integrity and strength. Clearly, your bones need more than just calcium to rejuvenate and grow strong, and the Osteoporosis Reversal Program has always recognized this.
Till next time,
References:
1 Jugdaohsingh R et al. “Dietary silicon intake is positively associated with bone mineral density in men and premenopausal women of the Framingham Offspring cohort.” Journal of Bone Mineral Research.19(2):297-307. (2004).
2 Price CT et al. “Silicon: a review of its potential role in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.” International Journal of Endocrinology. April 2013
3 Balch JF, M.D, Balch PA, C.N.C. “Prescription For Nutritional Healing”. Avery Publishing. 4th Printing Edition. 1990.
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We’re sorry you’re having to deal with those issues, Marlene! Please check your email inbox for our answer. We’re happy to help you!
Customer Support
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Dear Vivian, I wld be interested to know what u think of the newfangled theory I read abt that Strontium is better than Calcium for bones, esp in older people?
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I’ve researched strontium in-depth, and this article shows the science-backed information on it:
https://saveourbones.com/strontium-science-based-facts-vs-fiction/
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The silica article is very interesting. It reminded me that many years ago mountain women used to eat “clay” and actually one can still buy packaged clay for eating. My thought is: “did this practice have anything to do with ingestion of silica”. Does anyone know?
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Indeed, it is interesting… but stick to the supplements 🙂
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Hi Vivian, I have osteoporosis and my doctor has been wanting me to take drugs (like Fosamax) for it, which I refused to do. Last year after my yearly physical her nurse called me and said that the doctor didn’t want me to take any more calcium which I had been told to take 1800 MG a day for years. She never did explain why?, even though I asked. Then I read about taking K-2, along with vitamin D3. I called her office and asked if that is okay to take. The nurse got back to me and said no, don’t take vitamin K-2. I do anyway, but can you tell me “what is going on”? Is it safe?
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Janice, if you’re taking anticoagulants, then Vitamin K2 would interfere with the drug, and that would be the reason why the nurse told you not to take it.
Vitamin K2 is a very valuable micronutrient for bone health. You can read the science-backed information about it here:
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Having 3 fractures on spine and ribs after accident. I wd love to know if taking the following is best course of action and is anything better,:
D.E CALCIUM D3&K2
GLUCOSAMINE &
Chondroitin and have today started collagen. Thank you for yr advice.Katherine-
Katherine, I hope you’re feeling better after the accident. I’ve done extensive research on the supplements that are necessary for bone health, and based on your list, you’re missing quite a few.
Here’s an article that has the complete list:
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I am on 70% 300mg Bamboo Silica capsules, 1x day. I have had tremendous results from SEVERE PAIN (age 79). 2 bad knees up for sugary, 2 stenosis spinal issues, small area of gout. The capsules are WORKING! My question is that the seller only promotes the 70% for skin-hair-nails, not mentioning bones…WHY? So am I on the right stuff? I cannot believe my recovery! I was down for 8 months last winter, using ice, heat, patches, a walker, a cane — and now am back to NORMAL. I totally believe in SILICA BAMBOO giving it all the credit. But am I wrong? Is there a better capsule or is a powder better, with same results or should I just shut up and keep doing what I’m doing? Is 1x a day enough? Also taking for me and hubby to keep away from calcification, but also on K2/D3.
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You’re on the right track 🙂
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Silicon is an element that does not occur alone in nature. It most commonly occurs combined with oxygen as silicon dioxide (silica) mostly as the mineral quartz which makes up most beach sand. Quartz is insoluble in water so if you eat sand it will pass straight through and not provide dietary silicon.
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A friend recommended DE to me. My question is – Is it safe for me to take it as I have moderate to severe stenosis in my spinal cord, with spurs pressing on my spinal cord.?
In other words would it cause those spurs to grow more rapidly and worsen the pressure on my spinal cord.
Your reply will be greatly appreciated. Thank You-
Hi Mary!
How has it been for you so far? For me, including DE (foodgrade Diatomaceous Earth) every day or two in a morning or midday drink or shake has benefited me a few ways. At 52, roller blading like a 20 year old lol, it removed odd white patches on my scalp, teeth feel as though restoring themselves, I think it pisses my dentist off lol, cutting my nails twice as often, and I’m pretty sure my gut is in good working order.
I’ll take a couple weeks off every so often, occasionally mix DE and activated charcoal for detoxing times after or on vacation.
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ACID A CAL 3 capsules with meal 3 times a day and vit k-2 once a day. This will dissolve bone spurs in 1 to 3 months . Bad carbonate calcium causes spurs . This is what disolved my heal spurs in a short time. I love taking living silica.
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Food grade Diatomaceous Earth ASAP!! Consists of 80% silica! Taken daily, benefits all the above AND some. 🙂
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I’m partial to food grade diatomaceous earth (even over bamboo and horsetail supplements). Look for one that has >0.5% crystalline silica. I mix mine in a little organic apple juice. I haven’t found anyone offering a high quality food grade DE in capsule form, so I’m stuck with putting the powder in water or juice for now. As someone else mentioned, food grade DE also is a known intestinal dewormer.
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According to research, diatomaceous earth has 85% silica and is a natural de-wormer. I take the food grade.
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I’m giving this (Save our bones program) to my mom for Christmas.
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That’s a very thoughtful gift, Pam!
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I have been a member of the Save our Bones community for a number of years now and have found great support and encouragement from Vivian’s emails. I went on holiday at the end of September and all emails from Vivian seem to have stopped. I believe the last one I received was on September 28th.
I would be very grateful for any help Customer Support can give me. Many thanks.-
Rhoda, please check your email inbox within the next 24-48 hours. We’re happy to help you!
Customer Support
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I take Biotin for my hair. It fills in all the little hairs at the forehead. Amazing.
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JUST WAS WONDERING ABOUT THE USE OF ELECTRIC BLANKETS. ARE THEY HARMFUL AT ALL IN TRYING TO FOLLOW THE ADVICE YOU HAVE GIVEN US. THANK YOU FOR A ANSWER.
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I have a three year history of the denosumab treatment coing to a close this January…I just wrote out an email detailing the experience in case you are interested or in case other women may learn from my experience. I seemed to have lost the email–did you by chance get it? I’m going to submit this as is, hoping you can confirm that I successfully submitted it to youa few inutes ago…
Thank you,
anne.hedley@ seattle.gov (206) 615-1004 (work phone)
(206) 937-6981
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Thanks
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You’re welcome!
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I have been taking BioSil for years. Vivian, is this the right supplement? It says “Silicon as Choline-Stabilized Orthosilcic Acid, 5 mg and Choline 100 mg.” After reading this, I think I have the wrong supplement.
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Hi Jeannie,
Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid is silica. 🙂 Studies like this one show it is beneficial for hair, skin, and nails:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16205932
and for bone and collagen:
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Hi, Vivian,
I take a gelatin supplement that contains silicon aminoate. 2 capsules = 20mg. Is that the same as the siiica you are referring to?
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Hi Vivian,
I had a nasty fall and broke my Femur. Someone told me that Boron is very good for building strong bones. What are your thought on this?-
Hi Helen,
Boron is good for building bone; in fact, it’s a Foundation Supplement in the Program. But like silica and calcium, it is not “the” mineral that builds bone. It’s just one of many nutrients that work together. You can read more about boron here:
https://saveourbones.com/3-delicious-recipes-rich-in-an-often-forgotten-bone-building-mineral/
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Hi Vivian,
What are your thoughts on Bonolive? A new supplement extracted from olives that increases bone density. Just wondering. By the way, a very interesting article on the difference between silicon and silica. Thank you for clearing up the confusion.Kind regards,
Sheena-
Hi Sheena,
You’re most welcome for the clarification!
Bonolive is a supplement composed of oleuropein, a polyphenol extracted from olive leaves. It has been shown to be highly anti-inflammatory in studies like this one:
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I have an over abundance of horsetail growing in my garden, I spend a lot of time trying to eradicate it. Maybe I should put some in smoothies now! As Julie W says, I will probably have no way of knowing – still, it would at least be free to use.
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Great idea, Jan! As long as the horsetail is in an area free of pesticides and weed killers (and it sounds like it is), then go for it. Here is an informative website that has more information, including suggestions for harvesting:
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I eat all those foods, and took a silica supplement (horsetail) for three month, hoping it would strengthen my hair.
No results in the hair, so I wonder if it helped my bones? I have no way of knowing.
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3 months is not long enough to tell. two issues: everything works together so balance is key. That’s why foods work so well. Second is the body usually prioritizes the most important need. So yes hopefully it would fix your bones before it would fix your hair. Health is not a short sprint. It is a lifestyle. How you treat your hair could undo all the health it started with. What shampoo etc…???? Please look only at new growth area at roots to judge any improvement and patiently follow the program.
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Julie,
I noticed my hair grows really fast when I take silica.
I wonder if silica goes to the arteries instead of your bones like some calciums do!!!!
Although I take k2 – mk4 , & k2- MK 7 . That takes the calcium to your bones & teeth instead of the arteries.
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I started trueosteo, and omega 3s.I have bad discs and sciatica..also bone on bone on knee, where it bows out. I just want to walk again without limping, and no surgery. Exercising and lifting 20 lb kettle bells..I’m tired!