Colloidal Silver: Harmful or Helpful?

Colloidal sliver is a product made of very small silver particles, the same metal that is used in jewelry, dental fillings and similar items. These small silver particles are then mixed in a liquid base to make colloidal silver. Numerous manufacturers of colloidal silver products claim that this product has many medicinal uses and can clear up infections, fight cancer, cure HIV or AIDS, boost the immune system and even get rid of certain eye ailments. Just by searching the internet, you can find various different colloidal silver manufacturers, all of who claim that their colloidal silver products work wonders. There are also just as many customers that swear by the power of colloidal silver, many who have been using certain silver products for extended periods of time. Although many people swear by colloidal silver, others wonder if it really works. If so, are there any risks that should be taken into consideration regarding this product?

After carefully researching several forms of colloidal silver, this product has been determined to be unsafe as well as ineffective. There has been no evidence to prove that colloidal silver has the ability to improve any of the above ailments, nor any other conditions. In addition, unlike what many companies and consumers claim, colloidal silver is not a necessary mineral, and it is best that it not be consumed for medicinal purposes. One potential danger of colloidal silver is that it can build up in the body, resulting in a bluish-gray discoloration of the skin referred to as argyria. While argyria doesn't pose any serious health risks, the condition is not reversible, even after the silver is no longer taken, so it can permanently alter a person's appearance and skin color.

Repeatedly ingesting colloidal silver products or even using it topically can also lead to other, more serious issues besides argyria. These conditions include kidney damage, skin irritation, as well as seizures and other neurological problems. Oftentimes once these conditions occur as a result of excessive colloidal silver use, like argyria, they are not reversible. Due to the fact that these potentially serious side-effects have the possibly to occur in anyone who uses colloidal silver excessively, it's best not to use the product at all since it has not been determined how much colloidal silver is so much that it leads to these dangerous conditions. Furthermore, colloidal silver has the potential to interact negatively with certain medications. These medications include: penicillamine, quinolones, tetracycline and thyroxine medications.

Although colloidal silver is sold on numerous websites and in local health food stores, it has been proven not to be either safe or effective. Despite the fact that many people swear by this product, colloidal silver has been the culprit behind several potentially serious conditions and should be avoided. So for people who may be looking for a product to naturally fight infections and boost the immune system, colloidal silver certainly isn't the right product. There are many safe and effective natural immune system boosters available, and anyone interested in finding one should contact a licensed naturopath or herbalist.

Reference

Mayo Clinic Colloidal Silver Page - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colloidal-silver/AN01682