Melain

Have you heard about the incredible benefits of Silica? If your answer is no, well, I was in the same boat until a couple of months back when I was sent a press release and a bottle of Alexia Rich Orgono® Silica to try. 

So what is silica?

Silica or silicon dioxide is a natural element made up of oxygen and silicon molecules – (don’t get confused this is not the enhance your boobies type silicone) – found in nature and is the most abundant element in the planet’s crust, considered to form the foundation of life.

It can be found in almost everything from the sand in your garden to your computer screen and even in your toothpaste or your quartz countertops.

The average adult should contain approximately 7 grams of silica in their body, primarily found in tissues such as the bones, joints, eyes, skin, and teeth, as well as the outer structures of our glands and organs.

As it’s a natural element, it contains absolutely no animal products and is therefore vegan and free from hormones and other nasties and the benefits are phenomenal.

After reading many different sources, here are some of the many benefits that I thought were worth sharing, without making this post too long:

Bone Health

Since the 1970’s studies have confirmed silicon to be an essential mineral for bone formation and maintenance. It is therefore incredibly beneficial in improving bone and connective tissue health and can improve both bone density and flexibility thus may help reduce the risk of bone related illness. If you suffer from bone ailments such as bone density loss, osteoporosis, osteopenia etc, silica would be a great addition to your management of these. Silica may also be used to help speed up bone repair and the healing of fractures.

Anti-aging

Increases the production of collagen – the buzz word of the beauty industry – which is basically the glue that holds everything together and helps improve suppleness, elasticity and the natural glow of the skin, making it a great anti-aging supplement. 

This increase in collagen will not only improve the appearance of your skin but also the strength and luster of your hair and nails too. 

In one double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial, women were administered 5mg silicon for 150 days. The subsequent evaluation of multispectral images showed a 46-75% improvement in skin wrinkles, 40% less visible UV spots, and even a 50-54% increase in eyelash length! 

Bring it on I say 😉

Immune system 

Research has shown Silica to help increase the production of antibodies relied on by the immune systems to fight off infection. Meaning a quicker recovery from colds, flu and other illnesses even when the immune system has been compromised. Perfect for the scary times we currently find ourselves in, where a strong immune system is of utmost importance.

Heart health

Silica increases the uptake of calcium and therefore prevents the build up of calcium (calcification) in blood vessels, body tissue and organs. Also studies have revealed the silica level in healthy hearts to be higher when compared to unhealthy ones.

Cognitive support 

Silica helps strengthen connective tissue within the brain and nerve cells thereby improving memory.

Also the electrical charge of Silica allows it to bind to certain metals that may accumulate over time in tissue. High levels of aluminum can build up in soft tissue especially in the brain which has been linked to a decline in cognitive function.

Studies have shown silica to have an affinity for binding aluminum therefore preventing its absorption and stopping it from building up in the body and causing havoc.

I don’t know about you but having found out all of the above I was sold and ready to get my Silica on!

The Story of Alexia Rich

Founder, Zelda Warren’s family first started using silica about 1,5 years ago, after she purchased a few bottles overseas. 

After a few months of use, they were completely sold, having noticed a marked improvement in their skin, hair and nails. Zelda also suffers from poor bone density as a result of Chemotherapy several years ago, and after taking the supplement for several months, her doctor couldn’t believe the improvement in her bones. Her son, who has scoliosis, said that his chronic back pain had completely disappeared, and his energy and general sense of well-being had notably increased.

After battling to find a local manufacturer and spending a fortune ordering it in, Zelda decided to do a little research. At the beginning of 2019, Zelda traveled to Spain to enter negotiations with the manufacturers, and shortly thereafter, acquired the license. Organo® Liquid Silica is now formulated in a South African laboratory by a team of chemists in accordance with the international manufacturer’s process and protocols, bottled under the Alexia Rich label. 

Research has shown that the form of Silica used in Organo® Liquid Silica with its absorption rate of 64% is highly effective and can be utilized by the body in its various biological systems. Remember if the body cannot absorb a nutrient it will not be able to utilise it. OLS has been proven to be at least four times more effective at replenishing the silica levels on our body than other forms of the supplement.

Cost

R599.00 for 1000ml

This equates to 67 single 15ml servings per day or 34 if you increase dose to 30ml per day as advised for the first month.

This is way more cost-effective than other collagen supplements and most definitely worth the try.

Also just recently they have launched their capsule range, which comes in two variants the beauty and the active, depending on your specific need. These retail at R399.00 for a bottle of 60 capsules and would be perfect for traveling when the world finally opens up again.

My thoughts

After using the product for a little over a month, I can say that I have been impressed, while I haven’t noticed too much in the way of skin improvement, but doing treatments and using many different products my skin is in pretty good condition, so difficult to tell.

I have two balding spots in my hairline which seem to grow out in winter and then shed in summer, these have just started growing out (a little earlier than normal) and I’m hoping the inclusion of Silica will mean that they stick around.

Also, I’ve noticed an improvement in the joint pain in my wrist, so yea overall after reading many different studies and my own experience I’d say go give it a try!

Essential Service provider

As Silica is considered to be beneficial to the immune, cardiovascular and respiratory system, Alexia Rich has been certified as an Essential Service Provider which means that they are able to trade during lockdown, however orders are limited to the Western Cape area. So if you’re in The Western Cape go and get yours now.

Till next time, stay safe and sane! x