Is Silica Bad For You?
Also Known As: silicon dioxide, SiO2
Short answer
Silica can have great benefits for your health, but there are a few concerns to watch for if you have existing medical conditions.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Silica certainly has its place in healthcare, but there are many people that should make the decision to add it to their diet with the consultation of their doctor. Silica is also known as silicon dioxide and is often used a filler in prescription medications outside of its availability as a nutritional supplement on its own.
Many healthcare providers see the benefits of silica as a stabilizer in the body’s tissues as it balances calcium and magnesium, and is a necessary component of building collagen. Its use in building collagen is especially noteworthy, as this means not only a strong body with healthy skin and bones but healthy blood vessels as well. It may even boost your immune system! Silica is made from the herb horsetail (Equisetum) which has also long been used to soothe inflammation and to remedy kidney and bladder issues.
There are some cautions that should be noted when taking a silica supplement, though. Those with certain health conditions such as diabetes and alcoholism should be careful when taking silica. It can also enhance (to a dangerous point) some medications when taken in combination.
Silica lowers your blood sugar, so those with diabetes should discuss the best dosage of both their diabetes medication and their silica supplement with their doctor before taking.
Taking a silica supplement can also cause a vitamin B1 deficiency. This can be particularly dangerous if you have problems with alcoholism. Alcohol directly inhibits the intestines ability to absorb thiamin (B1) by acting on the gene receptors that pull the vitamin into the cells. Silica supplementation will make this deficiency worse.
Silica also acts as a diuretic, which can be dangerous for anyone taking a “water pill.” Taking both together can lead to dehydration from the excessive water loss in the body, which can also cause electrolyte imbalance. Potassium is typically the most affected by this situation, as levels become very low. Potassium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and constipation, along with arrhythmias. The risk of chromium poisoning is also increased when chromium containing supplements or herbs like brewer’s yeast are combined with silica. Talking with your doctor or pharmacist is always a good idea when adding supplements to your diet regardless of if you take medications or not. You never know, and it’s better to be safe!
Aside from its healthcare uses, silica is also used to manufacture ceramics and cast iron and as an anti-coagulant in food production.
Possible short-term side effects
- decreased blood sugar
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vitamin b1 deficiency
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potassium deficiency
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dehydration
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electrolyte imbalance
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muscle cramps or weakness
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chromium poisoning
Benefits
- promotes:
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collagen production
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healthy skin
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healthy blood vessels
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healthy immune system
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kidney and bladder health
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reduced inflammation
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Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-13-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-13-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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