The Many Benefits Colloidal Silver

By Ida Dorsey


Colloidal silver has been used for many years for many things. It is a suspension of tiny silver ( a greyish-white metal) particles in a liquid and the benefits colloidal silver are numerous. It has been marketed as everything from an antibiotic to a dietary supplement. Its popularity peaked at the beginning of the last century, and now, with the advancements we have made in modern medicine, it has become all but obsolete.

The National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not view it as being effective or safe in managing any condition or disease, and both have issued a caution against its usage. As a matter of fact, both of these agencies have taken measures against bodies which have been boasting of its usage in their produce. The FDA in 1999 issued a veto on any over the counter medications using salts made from the greyish-white metal.

There are severe side effects that are caused by silver, as it is not absorbed into the body, rather, it builds up, causing a condition known as Argyria, which causes discoloration of skin, eyes, nails and gums, giving them a bluish greyish color. This is made worse by exposure to sunlight, furthermore, it is permanent. It is no wonder that the FDA banned it. Other adverse effects include failure of internal organs, mainly kidneys, liver and nervous system. Another side effect is the interference with the body's absorption of medicines such as antibiotics, some thyroid medicines and some medicines that treat rheumatoid arthritis.

In spite all of these actions some companies are still marketing silver as their 'cure all'. This product is very fashionable among homeopaths. Its advocates are claiming that it is effectual against lots of diseases and many viruses and insist that it's not reactive with other drugs. In addition, they insist that it makes an effectual antibiotic, although scientific evidence is lacking to shore up this claim.

The drug is still used as a food supplement, as well as a treatment for emphysema and bronchitis. Other people who argue in favor of silver rely on it for treatment of certain skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. There have also been claims that it fights HIV and AIDS, plus a number of sexually transmitted infections.

As with anything, there are two sides to the story. Some people will stand by it and continue to use it and other similar products, and some will stand by the FDA and NCCAM's claims. Even though there is no scientific evidence to recommend this product, some will swear by it as a cure all.

It is true, that in the 1920s and 1930s, it was touted as a cure all, and that legacy has followed us today. It seems that the opposing sides - the supporters of the FDA and the proponents of colloidal silver- are on exact opposite ends of the spectrum. It's a big divide, and I doubt that gap will ever be closed.

It is important to sensitize people about the FDA ban and the potential side effects, yet those who believe in the product will continue to use it. In some people's mindset, this drug is a panacea, so the divided opinions will persist.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment