Are you having a bit of a bad hair day? Are your curly locks starting to lose their lustre? Or perhaps it is your skin or fingernails that are in need of a bit of a pick-me-up?
Everyone wants to be able to boast healthy, strong hair, skin and nails, however with so many different hair and beauty products available, it can sometimes be difficult figuring out the best way to alleviate common problems such as weak nails or dry and brittle hair.
A balanced diet, combined with a healthy lifestyle and effective skin and hair-care routines can certainly make a difference. However, you might be surprised to learn that there is a natural supplement that can also help to boost the health of your skin, nails and hair.
What is silica?
Silica is a trace element which can promote healthy tissues in the body, contributing to the growth, strength and repair of hair, nails and even teeth.
Silica is made up of a combination of silicon and oxygen, and it is actually present in our bodies in most of our organic, bone and connective tissues. Silica itself is a key component of collagen, the major skin tissue that is also a significant part of our hair and nails.
However, as we grow older the amount of silicon in our bodies decreases. As we age and collagen (and silica) production slows, our skin becomes more prone to damage in the form of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Hair can become more brittle and dry, and nails may become cracked or spotty.
In addition to this, lower levels of silica can lead to deterioration in your bones and cartilage, as this chemical compound is one of the essential elements of bone formation.
Replenishing the amount of silica in your body helps to rebuild and regenerate damaged collagen, promoting a variety of health benefits as a result – concentrated most obviously in the hair, skin and nails.
With its collagen-boosting properties, stepping up your silica intake can help to revitalise your hair, restore strength in your nails and promote healthy, glowing skin.
How can I get silica into my diet?
Unfortunately, silica isn't found in a wide range of foods. The highest quantities are contained in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but these are usually refined to the point where silica content is reduced. Other sources of food such as meat, dairy products and refined flours contain very low levels of silica.
If you’re looking to boost your silica intake, the best way to absorb this trace mineral is through products such as breakfast cereals, breads, rice and pasta.
However, the effects of absorbing silica from food sources are often not as potent as those that can be gained from taking an organic oral supplement, as these usually derive their silica content from the horsetail herb (equisetum arvense) or bamboo extract.
Horsetail is a rich, natural source of organic silica as well as potassium, manganese and other nourishing flavonoids which help to boost the repair, resilience and growth of hair, skin and nails.
A bamboo extract supplement is also a great way to replenish your silica levels, as it is one of the richest known sources of the trace mineral.
If you’re looking for a healthy skin boost or a solution for dry or weak hair and nails, silica supplements with horsetail herb or bamboo are the most effective ways to absorb the benefits of organic silica.
Colloidal silica is another way to boost your intake, as it is formulated to be more easily absorbed into the body when taken with water.
The science behind silica
A great deal of scientific studies on silica have been carried out over the years, and many have concluded that silica promotes significant health benefits for the human body – most obviously in the area of bone formation, and collagen rebuilding.
If taken in the appropriate amount – as directed by a healthcare professional – silica supplements can help revitalise your hair, skin and nails over a gradual period of time.
Nutra-Life Silicaplex 5000 Plus is a high-potency organic silica formula designed to promote healthy hair and skin and strengthen soft, brittle or splitting nails. It is available for secure order from our online shop.