Silicon
![Silicon is one of the most abundant elements on earth.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/what-is-silicon-used-for.jpg?output-quality=75)
Silicon is one of the most abundant elements on earth. It is also found in significant amounts in the human body. Silicon and its alloys (made by combining it with other metals) are used extensively in various fields such as electronics, aviation, construction, and healthcare. Research suggests that silicon is essential for various health benefits such as a healthy heart, brain, skin, hair, nails, and digestion. The mechanism through which silicon provides these health benefits is not well understood. However, silicon may have a role in the formation of the bone and synthesis of the protein collagen in the body.
The word silicon is often considered a synonym for silicone. They both are, however, not the same substances. Silicone is a substance made from several chemicals such as silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It is generally manufactured as a flexible material resembling plastic. Silicone is used for making several household products, breast implants, and medical devices such as medical tubes.
Silicon is used for several purposes:
- Healthcare: Various types of silicon supplements are available for medicinal purposes. There is, however, limited evidence to support the health benefits of these supplements. You must not consume any of the silicon supplements without consulting your doctor. Some of the proposed health benefits of silicon may include:
- Promoting bone health: Silicon can promote bone formation in both men and women. Studies have suggested that premenopausal women and men who took a higher amount of silicon in their diet had stronger bones. Silicon, however, does not seem to reduce the bone cell breakdown. Thus, it does not provide any significant benefit in postmenopausal women.
- Healthy skin: Silicon supplements may make the skin healthier and firmer.
- Healthy heart: Silicon may protect against heart diseases.
- Healthy brain: Some studies have suggested that silicon supplementation can protect against brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
- Healthy hair and nails: Silicon may promote the growth of healthy hair and nails.
- Manage digestive issues: Silicon supplements may be given to promote healthy digestion and gut health.
- Treatment of sprains and strains: Some studies have suggested that silicon may provide quicker recovery from sprains and strains.
Silicon is used in the production of silicone that may be used for making
- Breast implants.
- Topical medications.
- Drug delivery systems.
- Heart pacemakers.
- Lubricants to ease the insertion of needles and devices.
- Electronics: Silicon has various uses in electronic manufacturing. It is used for making highly sensitive circuits, keyboards, keypads microprocessors, and semiconductors.
- Aviation and aerospace: Silicon and its derived compounds are used in the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft.
- Construction: Silicon may be used for the manufacture of various sealants, adhesives, and coatings in the construction.
- Household products: Several durable cookware and food containers can be made using silicon.
- Cosmetics and personal care products: Silicon is used in the manufacture of various personal care products including shampoos, conditioners, lotions, sunscreens, antiperspirants, deodorants, and make-up products such as skin foundations and nail paints.
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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Makeup Allergy
Fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling after the product comes in contact with the person's skin. Treatment typically involves the use of over-the-counter cortisone creams.Plastic Surgery Pics
Thinking about getting plastic surgery? Check out before and after pictures of popular plastic surgery procedures, including: liposuction, tummy tuck, breast implants, rhinoplasty (nose job), neck lift, and more.What Is the Difference Between Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery?
The terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often used interchangeably. Although both disciplines of medical science aim at improving a person’s body, they are different from each other in many aspects.silicon
Silicon is taken as a dietary supplement to strengthen bones and improve hair, skin, and nail health. There are no known side effects from oral ingestion of silicon supplements. Inhaled silicon can cause: liver disease, kidney injury, increased risk for tuberculosis, and autoimmune disease. Consult with your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.What Are the Types of Cosmetics?
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines cosmetics as products "intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions."