Colloidal Silver: What You Need to Know

If you are anything like me and feel drawn to the more natural remedies and solutions to maintaining wellness, you may have heard about a ‘miracle’ product known as Colloidal Silver. If you start going down this rabbit hole, you’ll probably come across thousands of personal testimonials about colloidal silver helping people with practically every disease you’ve heard about. You will also likely find some well-known health sites warning consumers about safety concerns. In most cases, these sources quote a statement made by the FDA in 1999 which claims that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of colloidal silver. This vast array of contradictory information on the topic can confuse even the most savvy natural health enthusiast, so below you will find a compilation of evidence based information to use as a starting point for your personal research. 

What is Colloidal Silver?
Colloidal silver is a liquid solution created using electrolysis to suspend pure, metallic elemental silver (in groups of particles 15 atoms or fewer, each with a positive electric charge) attached to simple protein molecules, in distilled water. Colloids of silver should stay suspended, rather than sinking to the bottom, as the electric charge is stronger than gravity. Good quality colloidal silver should therefore not require shaking before use, or be dark in color. 

Clear or pale yellow colloidal silver is the best as the particle size affects the colour of the solution and the larger particles produce a darker coloured liquid, and aren't easily absorbed by the body. Many consider colloidal silver an antiseptic and not an antibiotic because it kills more than bacteria, it also destroys viruses and eliminates fungal infections. 

History of Use 
Humans have been using colloidal silver for somewhere between 2-3,000 years. Before the invention of antibacterial soap, colloidal silver was used as a disinfectant. It is still most commonly used to kill bacteria. So far, bacteria that are resistant to silver haven’t developed, while colloidal silver can destroy antibiotic-resistant pathogens, even the dreaded MRSA.

Silver is effective at both preventing and combating bacterial illnesses and infections because it does not corrode. In ancient times silver was used in wound dressings and it was frequently used for the same purposes in America following the Civil War. It is also why churches use silver chalices in Communion to stop disease spreading through the congregation. Silver fell out of favor with the advent of regulated synthesized medications but has become popular again along with lifestyle trends that promote natural organic food. 

Colloidal silver creates an environment that makes it impossible for pathogens to survive and multiply.

Science
Scientific studies have shown that pure silver quickly kills bacteria. It even kills the super-bacteria that evolve after conventional disinfecting agents kill the weak strains of bacteria. Silver acts as a catalyst and disables an enzyme that facilitates actions inside cells. It is not consumed in the process so it is available to keep working again and again. The enzyme silver destroys is required by anaerobic bacteria, viruses, yeast and molds. (Unfriendly bacteria tend to be anaerobic and friendly bacteria aerobic). This is the action that destroys pathogens. It stops them from using the body's own cells as vehicles for replication.

Since it is not designed to combat a specific pathogen but rather works against the very nature of their life cycles, it can be an effective preventative agent against all illnesses caused by all pathogens including future mutations. There is no known disease-causing organism that can live in the presence of even minute traces of colloidal silver. It is also noted that silver has never reacted dangerously with other medications. Laboratory tests show that anaerobic bacteria, virus, and fungus organisms are all killed within minutes of contact. Parasites are also killed whilst still in their egg stage. Colloidal Silver is effective against infections, colds, influenza, fermentation and parasitic infestations. While employed at UCLA Medical School in the 1980s, Larry C. Ford, MD, documented over 650 different disease-causing pathogens that were destroyed in minutes when exposed to small amounts of silver.     

Another interesting property of Colloidal Silver is its potential as a treatment for HIV and AIDS. These claims have not been recognized by the medical community but research shows an undeniable lengthening of survival rates in some AIDS patients who swear by colloidal silver. 
The same mechanism that hinders the replication of pathogens also seems to prevent the body from developing cancer. Cancerous tumors form when the cells’ internal regulators stop working, and the cells divide at a rate that outstrips the body's need for them. Colloidal silver actually recalibrates cells' rates of division.

When colloidal silver is used for broad-spectrum viral and bacterial prevention, it may cure other seemingly unrelated ailments. People who have sustained severe burns can use colloidal silver to promote healthy cell growth and fend off infections. It reduces the appearance of acne that is bacterial in origin. It helps maintain a healthy digestive environment and it maximizes the amount of nutrients that the body is able to extract from food. Colloidal silver makes it impossible for parasites to flourish and lay their eggs. Colloidal Silver is also effective as a digestive aid when taken with meals as it stops fermentation of food in the stomach and intestines. Fermentation can occur if food sits there for too long and this can lead gas, bloating, pain, indigestion and reflux, so taking silver can help avoid all these unpleasant symptoms which a lot of people suffer with after meals. Silver has also been known to destroy water-borne parasites and to filter out impurities.

How It Works (to recap)
According to a report written by Richard Davies and Samuel Etris of The Silver Institute in a 1996, there are three primary ways that colloidal silver can help heal the body: 

Catalytic Oxidation: Silver naturally holds onto oxygen molecules, which readily react with the sulfhydral (H) groups that surround bacterial and viruses. In turn, this helps block the life-preserving cellular process known as cellular respiration, which is defined as “the set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products.” 

Reaction with Bacterial Cell Membranes: Silver ions can attach to bacteria cell membranes directly and produce the same respiration-blocking effect.

Binding with DNA: Shown to literally enter bacteria DNA, up to 12% of silver has been detected in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to one source, “While it remains unclear exactly how the silver binds to the DNA without destroying the hydrogen bonds holding the lattice together, it nevertheless prevents the DNA from unwinding, an essential step for cellular replication to occur.” 

How to Use 
People who use colloidal silver tend to develop their own ways of maximizing its function. People who suffer from conjunctivitis sometimes drop it directly into their eyes several times every day. Throat problems are treated by gargling colloidal silver. The most common way to ingest it is to mix three or four drops into a large glass of water. Silver can also be administered to the nasal passages via a nasal spray or by adding a few drops to a neti pot. Nebulizers are also useful for targeting lung infections and pulmonary problems where direct contact is needed via the lungs. 

Side Effects... or not?
All of these positive claims considered, colloidal silver is still ignored by the medical community at large. Scientifically speaking, the human body has no essential need for silver. Someone who is overzealous in his consumption may experience a buildup of the metal in his organs. The most common negative side effect of colloidal silver is a condition called Argyria. It causes the skin and eyes to permanently become gray but it does not otherwise affect one's health. The basic reason for any colloidal silver efficacy and safety controversy is that the medical establishment and the pharmaceutical industry (Big Pharma) see colloidal silver as a financial threat$$$.

The blue grandpa “smurf” photos of Paul Karason’s Argyria (an almost permanent blue skin disease) have made major rounds in the mainstream media per the agenda of anti-colloidal silver propagandists. What the media fails to mention, however, is that Paul made his own crude large particle colloidal silver and drank at least a pint and up to quart a day for years! The normal dosage is 1 teaspooon, one to three times daily, depending on the severity of infection. 

Another disinformation campaign saturating mainstream media is that silver accumulates in the kidneys and creates a toxicity. This would only happen if the kidneys are already defective, and even then the accumulation factor has not been actually established or proven. 

While you may have been cautioned against using colloidal silver, know that colloidal silver benefits are tried and true. There are NO known side affects to taking colloidal silver when following the suggested manufacturers use.
Silver is known to be:
Anti-bacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-viral
Anti-fungal
Treats wounds & burns
Promotes skin health

Common Medicinal Uses

Common cold: the first signs of symptoms from this viral infection – Itchy feeling in the back of the mouth, sneezing, etc., spray the back of the mouth and under the tongue every 2 hours if possible. Alternatively, gargle with approximately one teaspoon -5 ml Colloidal Silver 5-6 times a day and swallow. Large amounts of Vitamin C (2-4 grams) are often recommended. Drink plenty of pure water.

Intestinal problems: Because Colloidal Silver is quickly absorbed when taken normally as in a maintenance dose, it does not reach the large intestine. A different approach is therefore necessary.Irritable Bowel, Diverticulitis, Food Poisoning, Flu, conditions leading to diarrhoea where the offending pathogen is in the gut:A single, one-off, 7 oz. dose mixed with 1 quartl of pure chlorine-free water taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and bladder followed by liying down for 20 minutes, should give fast relief from the worst symptoms. Because intestinal flora balance may be affected, it is usually recommended to replenish by taking live culture yoghurt or similar products. Drinking plenty of pure water is important.

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Intestinal Worms / Internal Parasites: Taking Colloidal Silver regularly can act as a preventative measure. The small parasitic worms lay eggs to reproduce. In this state, they are vulnerable to the effects of Colloidal Silver, essentially preventing the eggs from hatching.

Bladder infections and Urinary tract: Many favourable reports suggest Colloidal Silver taken as for “general internal cleansing” to be successful especially for bladder infections cystitis and urinary tract problems. For serious infections, 7 oz. taken as detailed under “Irritable Bowel” section above, may be used.

Athlete’s foot fungal infection: After washing and thoroughly drying the foot:Spray the affected area, leave 5 minutes and dry gently.Alternatively, a small wad of cotton wool can be soaked in colloidal silver and placed in between the toes for a few minutes if this is the only affected area. A small amount may be sprayed inside the shoes.

External applications: Cuts, Grazes, Burns, Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, Skin conditions like Psoriasis and Eczema benefit from frequent application. Colloidal Silver does not sting and has powerful antiseptic, disinfectant and germicidal properties. It has also been shown to promote wound healing.

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Eye Infections: Mild Eye infections like “Pink Eye” are reputed to respond well to Colloidal Silver. A few drops applied at night and in the morning have been shown to quickly clear up the problem.

Yeast Infections generally respond well to Colloidal Silver.  In the last few years, Candida has received much attention and is thought to sometimes be the precursor to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, M.E., T.A.T. (Tired All the Time Syndrome) and some infections.Candidaisis (Candida) caused by a proliferation of a yeast Candida Albicans, is a serious condition often resulting in many different symtoms and problems. Colloidal Silver has been used successfully as part of the strict dietry and herbal regimen used by Natural Therapists.

The information presented in this blog post is a compilation of research from various sources. I am neither the primary researcher nor original author of the conclusions presented within the preceding material. This information has obviously not been approved by the FDA and is for educational purposes only. Links to original content can be found below. Images are from google images. 

Resources:
http://draxe.com/colloidal-silver-benefits/
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-colloidal-silver.html
http://beforeitsnews.com/health/2012/10/astonishing-health-benefits-of-colloidal-silver-2453948.html
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-779-colloidal%20silver.aspx?activeingredientid=779&activeingredientname=colloidal%20silver
http://naturalsociety.com/colloidal-silver-health-benefits-truth/
http://www.naturalnews.com/038579_colloidal_silver_healing_water.html
http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/the_colorful_history_of_colloidal_silver_other_silver_compounds/