What is Colloidal Silver?
What is Colloidal Silver?
Colloidal Silver is a liquid solution with many tiny particles of silver suspended in it. There is no exact requirement or consistency in the size or number of particles but they are generally too tiny to be seen with the naked eye. While often very popular in the alternative medicine world it can also have some health risks when used inappropriately.
Colloidal Silver, like many things in the alternative medicine world, was much more widely used before antibiotics were available for more specific and specialized treatment. While less specific, and therefor potentially much less effective, it did anecdotally seem to have a wide range of uses where it was able to provide some antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic effects both internally and topically. It is important to note that anything able to create a positive effect can also have negative and harmful side effects. Colloidal silver is not exempt from this and should be used with caution under the direction of a medical professional.
Does colloidal silver have any potential dangers?
A few commonly known side effects of colloidal silver (and like anything often more prominent if too much is used) include interacting with various medications, poisoning, organ damage, anemia, and argyria in which a permanent sliver/blue tint appears in the eyes and skin despite not being visible in the actual liquid. It is important to remember that while very small the silver particles may build up in your body over time and cause problems.
Since there is no governing body or regulations/testing required there is also no easy way to confidently confirm that a product boasting the properties of colloidal silver actually contains the concentration of particles that it claims to. There is no evidence to support the safe or effective use of ingesting silver. There is some evidence to suggest that it does have beneficial antimicrobial properties outside the body though and is therefor sometimes found in bandages and topicals. Additionally, if you have any specific health concerns or are pregnant or breast feeding the risks can be substantial and should be evaluated by a health professional before trying any products that involve colloidal silver.
Let’s sum it up…
Overall, while it comes with some definite risks Colloidal silver is an interesting solution that many people seem to love and boast the benefits of. As with any medical concern it is important to discuss with your healthcare professional before trying any new treatments, but used carefully and appropriately with their approval it may be worth a shot.
For more information on Colloidal Silver check out the following websites:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/colloidal-silver
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324793.php
https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/is-colloidal-silver-helpful-for-any-conditions/colloidal_silver/
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