Assessing the Safety of Colloidal Silver Usage
Consuming colloidal silver as a health remedy is strongly discouraged, warns the Cleveland Clinic and functional medicine specialist Melissa Young, MD. This solution of silver particles in a liquid base, while seeming harmless, can cause considerable harm when ingested.
Colloidal silver, evidently, is not a viable option for treating any disease or condition, as asserted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The organization strongly advises against taking colloidal silver internally under any circumstances due to potential side effects.
Some of these side effects include a bluish-gray discoloration of the skin, eyes, internal organs, nails, and gums - a condition called argyria. This discoloration is usually irreversible and is more pronounced in sun-exposed areas. Moreover, colloidal silver can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications like antibiotics and thyroid drugs.
Additionally, colloidal silver can contain contaminants that may be toxic. Studies have shown that silver can negatively impact kidney and liver function and potentially damage the central nervous system.
In 1999, the FDA declared that over-the-counter drug products containing colloidal silver or silver salts are not generally recognized as safe and effective. The organization has taken action against companies peddling deceptive claims about the benefits of colloidal silver products.
Despite its long history as a health remedy dating back to 1500 BC in China, colloidal silver's appeal waned with the advent of effective antibiotics. Today, questionable marketing tactics surrounding colloidal silver often exaggerate its potential to eliminate internal toxins and boost the immune system. It has been touted as a cure for a wide range of health issues, including cancer, COVID-19, diabetes, HIV, Lyme disease, and the common cold.
Perhaps there is some merit to using colloidal silver externally, given its antimicrobial properties. It may help treat minor skin infections, irritations, and burns, even appearing in certain bandages and dressings. However, if the affected area shows signs of redness or inflammation after using colloidal silver, it's best to stop using it and seek medical attention.
Healthcare professionals advise against ingesting colloidal silver due to the lack of substantial scientific evidence supporting its benefits, the potential for toxicity, and the risk of organ damage and argyria. Rather than relying on colloidal silver for its supposed health benefits, it's always wise to consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.
- Colloidal silver, despite claims about boosting mental health and enhancing overall health-and-wellness, is strongly discouraged for internal consumption due to potential side effects, contaminants, and the risk of causing health issues.
- Ingesting colloidal silver can disrupt the effectiveness of therapies-and-treatments, such as antibiotics and thyroid drugs, and may lead to severe adverse effects like argyria, a condition causing a bluish-gray discoloration of skin, eyes, internal organs, and more.
- While the antimicrobial properties of colloidal silver may make it useful for treating minor skin infections, irritations, and burns, it's essential to cease use if the area shows signs of redness or inflammation and seek medical advice promptly.
- Instead of relying on colloidal silver supplements for its supposed health benefits, it's always advisable to consult a healthcare provider for accurate nutrition guidance and the appropriate therapies-and-treatments.
