Boron and borax – what is there to the “miracle cure”?
The trace element boron, which has been widely unknown for a long time, has been experiencing a hype for some time now. It is considered a true miracle cure and is said to promote bone formation, positively influence hormone balance, have an anti-inflammatory effect, alleviate arthrosis and arthritis and help with allergies.
But is all this true? We have taken a closer look at the trace element for you.
Natural occurrence of boron
Boron is a so-called semimetal that is widespread in nature. It occurs in various compounds, for example in the form of borax (sodium borate), boric acid or kernite. It is found in rocks, soil and water, among other places. Boron is a vital trace element for plants. It is not only a structural component of the cell walls, is needed for cell division and thus for the growth of the plant, but also plays an important role in photosynthesis.
Thus, plant foods such as fruit (especially dried fruit), green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes and wine are particularly rich in boron. In contrast, the boron content of dairy and meat products is rather low. Our tap water also contains small amounts of boron.
Good to know!
The best-known boron compound is the mineral borax, which is composed of boron, sodium, oxygen and hydrogen and was formerly used for food preservation. In food supplements, borax or boric acid are usually found as ingredients.
In medicine, the basic trace element boron has long been used for various purposes. In the past, boric acid was used to disinfect skin and mucous membranes. Even today, boron can be found in homeopathic compositions, in healing waters or as an antiseptic.
Whow Does Boron Work in the Body?
Although boron is still officially considered a non-essential nutrient, there is no longer any doubt that it plays an important role in our health. And that is a good thing. Not only is boron essential for the strength and elasticity of cell walls and membranes, but it is also involved in many other tasks and functions in our bodies.
Boron = heavy metal = toxic?
We are asked again and again whether or to what extent boron is poisonous. We can reassure you. In order to actually cause poisoning with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, you would have to consume more than 100 mg of boron per day, which is quite unlikely in view of this quantity.
Boron promotes bone health
Boron is essential for the health of our bones and joints. In naturopathy, it has long been considered an important trace element for building and maintaining bone structure and is used, among other things, in the therapy of osteoporosis.
But why is that so? Quite simply, boron promotes the activity and proliferation of bone-forming cells. It controls the mineralisation of the bones by influencing the regulation of the bone-forming nutrients calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, as well as the hormones testosterone and oestrogen, which are important for bone formation.
Boron reduces the excretion of calcium and magnesium in the kidneys, while at the same time improving absorption from the intestines and incorporation into the bones. Since boron acts on magnesium, which converts vitamin D into its active form, boron also has an influence on our vitamin D levels. In addition, it inhibits an enzyme that breaks down vitamin D.
Boron regulates the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen
Boron also plays a key role in regulating the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen. When boron is taken, testosterone levels rise in men and oestrogen levels rise in women. The latter comes into play especially during and after menopause, when oestrogen is in short supply in the body. Since falling oestrogen levels are considered one of the main causes of bone loss in post-menopausal women, regular intake of boron can help increase bone density and thus reduce the risk of osteoporosis. However, women on hormone replacement therapy or anti-hormone therapy should consult with their therapist before supplementing with boron.
Boron regulates inflammation
Chronic inflammation is considered the cause of many complaints and diseases. By neutralising free radicals and inhibiting typical inflammatory markers, boron can slow down inflammatory processes in the body. Thus, for example, in the case of active arthrosis or arthritis, the progression of the disease can be effectively inhibited and complaints alleviated.
But boron can also have a positive effect on other diseases that are associated with inflammation, such as rheumatism, psoriasis or neurodermatitis.
Boron can have a positive effect on allergies
An undersupply of boron can lead to an increased incidence of allergies, including hay fever and allergic skin diseases. Therefore, allergy sufferers in particular should ensure a sufficient supply of boron.
Other Effects of Boron:
- Regulates acid-base balance (boron is alkaline)
- Supports the parathyroid glands
- Improves electrical activity in the brain, improving cognitive performance and short- and long-term memory
- Strengthens vision and balance
- Protects against pesticide-induced oxidative stress and heavy metal toxicity
- Has a strong disinfectant effect (especially on fungi and microorganisms)
- reduces the penetration of toxins and other harmful substances into the body
- promotes muscle growth
- Activates the pineal gland
For Whom Is Boron Suitable?
Boron is generally well tolerated and quickly absorbed by our bodies. In healthy people, excess boron is excreted in the urine after three to four days, so that no accumulation or storage can occur in the body.
Children, pregnant women and people with kidney disease or impaired kidney function, on the other hand, should pay more attention to the boron contained in dietary supplements. While small amounts of boron as e.g. in our VitalBASE® are generally harmless for these groups of people and can be excreted, the consumption of higher daily doses of boron as e.g. in Active H® varies from case to case. But please don’t worry: We won’t leave you alone and will help you to find your individual amount as well as the suitable vital product.
