Colloidal Silver Uses and Warnings
Is colloidal silver use safe? The benefits of colloidal silver are still under investigation but this promising component can be helpful in promoting health. The health claims are without scientific support, making them somewhat questionable. Understanding colloidal silver as it relates to health is a great first step in determining if this element is right for your needs.

The claims made by proponents of colloidal silver are extreme, offering relief from a number of ailments as well as immunity support. People have taken the substance to treat or prevent:
• AIDS
• Cancer
• Shingles
• Flu
• Pneumonia
Each of these is a serious condition that requires medical attention. It is important to forgo unsubstantiated remedies if they interfere with proper medical care.
Lacking Scientific Backing
Silver is a familiar material in the health industry. The metal is used for dental fillings and it is an effective ingredient for disinfecting water. However, there appears to be no real function of colloidal silver within the human body. Having no function translates into having no reason to ingest the metal.
Beware of any suggestion that a deficiency of silver in the body can lead to illness. Since the silver does not seem to have any function, there is no level that would be considered deficient. It is impossible to have too little of something that your body does not use.
But what about colloidal silver as an infection-fighting element? There appears to be no scientific backing for this claim, either. Studies have failed to offer tests that result in the silver killing off any organisms that may cause illness.
Administering Colloidal Silver
There are a few ways to use colloidal silver but most take the silver in capsules. The product comes in a few different forms including intravenous, sprays and topical solutions. Some people make their own products using colloidal silver generators.
Colloidal Silver Side Effects
The side effects can be troublesome. The silver seems to have no function in the body but this does not mean that it has no effect. Too much sliver in the body can lead to discoloration in the nails, skin, teeth and deep tissues, called argyria. Argyria is not treatable and there is no cure for the condition. The blue discoloration does not go away over time.
Other possible side effects include:
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Skin irritation
• Neurological problems
• Kidney problems
Silvadine
Colloidal silver should not be confused with Silver sulfadiazine, which is a topical treatment for burns. Silvadine is an effective treatment for burns that has minor side effects. This treatment is safe and commonly used to speed up the healing process.
The notion of using silver to ward off illness seems promising. However, there is not enough evidence to warrant using colloidal silver to prevent or treat any illness. In addition, the component can interfere with some medications, causing greater health risks. There are many other alternative and complementary approaches that can help improve immune system function without danger.
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Eric Cho. August 9th, 2009
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