wrote by Stephanie Oswald Certified Health Coach (IIN, graduated 2014) and in training to become an Registered Holistic Nutritionist.
Mineral support for healthy hair, skin, nails and beyond.
Healthy, Lustrous Hair, Skin and Nails
The condition of our hair, skin and nails can give us a glimpse of what is going on inside
the body. Deficiencies can show up through our appearance as dry flaky skin, lack luster,
thinning or dry hair and damaged, brittle nails. Silica (silicon dioxide) is a mineral essential for
the integrity of the skin, hair, nails, ligaments, tendons, and bone.
Silica is an important mineral in the formation of collagen and is found in its highest
concentrations in the hair and skin. Collagen is our main skin protein and is needed for supple
well toned skin. Collagen is also important in the formation of strong durable nails. Silica helps
the skin stay supple and hydrated due to its ability to bind to 300 times its weight in water. It has
been shown to inhibit the aging process in the tissues and prevent skin sagging contributing to
firm toned skin. Silica improves nail quality and protects them from infections. As a main
component of hair, it helps to maintain the flexibility of the hair shaft preventing breakage.
Furthermore, pregnant woman should ensure that they are getting adequate Silica, as it
supports the skin while it stretches to accommodate the growing baby inside.
Strong Healthy Bones, Joints and Teeth
Studies have shown higher intake of Silica is linked with higher bone mineral density,
which could reduce the risk of developing Osteoporosis. Silica can improve joint and tendon
function and aids in faster repair of broken and fractured bones. Silica improves Vitamin D,
Calcium and Magnesium utilization within the body, which are also important nutrients that
protects in the density of bones and teeth. It also aids in the generation of new enamel for
strong teeth and the avoidance of cavities.
Other benefits of Silica
We face and intake potential toxins on a regular basis; Silica plays a crucial part in
binding with these toxins. For example, it carries toxins such as aluminum within the intestines
through the process to elimination. Silica is also needed to maintain healthy, flexible arteries as
it strengthens the arterial walls. It has been shown that individuals with Atherosclerotic
(“hardened”) arteries tend to have much lower levels of Silica than individuals with healthy
arteries.
Getting your daily dose of Silica
Food sources of Silica include; asparagus, celery, leafy greens, onions, sunflower seeds,
apples, cucumbers and rhubarb. However, taking a daily supplement of Silica, like Land Art’sColloidal or Ionic Silica, can ensure that you are receiving adequate amounts needed to receive
all of the great benefits as well.
Land Art Ionic Silica Vs Colloidal Silica
Land Art Ionic Silica is great for anyone, but was curated especially for individuals who
are 50+ in age. It is in a highly bioavailable and rapidly absorbed form, which is especially
important as we age and our ability to absorb nutrients weakens.
Land Art Colloidal Silica is what I personally take. With daily use, I have enjoyed the
benefits of stronger nails and hair with noticeably less breakage and more lustrous and smooth
skin. It is sourced from diatoms, fossilized micro-algae from the deep sea and is suspended
in a colloidal emulsion for improved bioavailability and easier assimilation by the body.
Other Tips for Strong Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails
● Proper hydration is critical for plump, healthy, moisturized skin and hair.
● A healthy balanced diet with adequate protein, healthy fat and a high volume of vitamin
and mineral rich fruits and vegetables provides critical nutrients and antioxidants for
healthy hair, skin and nails.
● Exercise has been shown to have anti aging benefits leading to supplier younger looking
skin. You can also get some time in a sauna to sweat out toxins and promote healthy
skin.
● Practice safe sun! Always wear SPF when you are out in the sun.
● Avoid concentrated, processed sugar which breaks down collagen and depletes Vitamin
C levels. Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can also benefit appearance, as they deplete
nutrient levels, flood the body with toxins and dehydrate the skin.
References
➢ “The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines”, Author: Michael Murray, ND
➢ “Encyclopedia of Natural Healing”, Authors: Siegfried Gursche, MH and Zoltan Rona, MD, MSc
➢ “The Optimum Nutrition Bible”, Author: Patrick Holford
➢ “The 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy”, Authors: Jonny Bowden, Phd., CNS and Alison
Tannis, MS, RHN
➢ “Nutritional Pathology, Third Edition”, Author: Dr. Brenda Lessard-Rhead, BSc, ND
➢ “Staying Healthy with Nutrition”, Author: Elson M. Haas, MD
➢ “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition”, Author: Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
➢ “Every Woman’s Guide to Beautiful Hair at Any Age”, Author: Lisa Akbari
➢ Boyera, N., I. Galey, and B.A. Bernard. " Effect of Vitamin C and Its Derivatives on Collagen Synthesis and
Cross-Linking by Normal Human Fibroblasts " International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 20.3 (2008): 151–8.
Web. 8 Feb. 2017.
➢ Liu, Stephanie W., Mary H. Lien, and Neil Alan Fenske. " The effects of alcohol and drug abuse on the skin ."
Clinics in Dermatology. 2010. Web. 8 Feb. 2017.
➢ Morita, Akimichi. " Tobacco smoke causes premature skin aging . " Journal of Dermatological Science. Dec.
2007. Web. 8 Feb. 2017.
McCusker MM., Grant-Kels JM. “ Healing fats of the skin: the structural and immunologic roles of the
omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. ” Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut Health Center.
