Dangers of Colloidal Silver

In recent years, colloidal silver has earned a reputation for being a cure-all remedy. Many believe it enhances our immune systems, helps our bodies battle infection, and even treats cancer. But do supplements containing colloidal silver achieve all the ads claim? As it turns out, no research has found it to be effective, and it might even be dangerous. 

What Are the Risks of Colloidal Silver?

Colloidal silver consists of tiny silver particles suspended in a liquid carrier.  It's typically sold in the dietary supplement category, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). But although these products are readily available, the center cautions that consuming colloidal silver may endanger our health.

Dangers of colloidal silver products include:

• Argyria: This condition, which results from the accumulation over time of silver in our bodies, causes our skin to turn grey-blue. That permanent discoloration signifies an accumulation of silver in our bodies.
• Reduced Drug Absorption: Consuming products containing colloidal silver may cause our bodies to under-utilize certain medications. Examples of such drugs include thyroxine and some antibiotics. 
• Potentially Dangerous Side Effects: Taking large amounts of colloidal silver may result in dangerous symptoms like seizures and organ damage. 

Misleading Marketing

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ruling that over-the-counter (OTC) colloidal silver products are neither effective nor safe. Moreover, the FDA cautioned that ads claiming these supplements can treat various diseases lack scientific studies. 

For guidance with treating medical conditions and diseases, the NCCIH recommends consulting with a healthcare provider. In addition, before taking any new supplements,  the NCCIH urges that we check with our physicians first to make sure the product is a good fit for our personal health condition. It’s also important to talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential interactions with any medications we could be using. 

What Are Safe, Effective Colloidal Silver Alternatives?

While the claims of colloidal silver curing everything from colds to cancer aren’t true, alternative remedies do exist that might help our health. 

Here are some possible options to consider:

• Colds: Effective treatments for the common cold include frequently drinking warm liquids like water with honey or juice. Take time to rest. For stuffy noses, try over-the-counter saline nasal drops. As for that often-heard advice to sip chicken soup? A recent study showed that mom was right: Chicken soup may help respiratory tract ailments like colds.
• Immune System: As we grow older, we may increasingly desire to boost our immune system to minimize illness risk. Ways to strengthen our body's defenses against illness range from improving the quality and quantity of our sleep to consuming a healthy diet. Getting enough exercise may also help. Talk with your doctor before changing your diet or exercise. 
• Cancer: Supplementing cancer treatments prescribed by our doctors with alternative medicine may alleviate some symptoms. For example, if our medical team approves, we might consider trying a massage to ease anxiety, fatigue, and stress. Music therapy may alleviate nausea and pain, while yoga or relaxation techniques might improve sleep.

Although holistic remedies like colloidal silver may be tempting when we're fighting a health crisis, it’s important to remember the potential dangers of products not regulated by the FDA. Instead, simple solutions to alleviate symptoms while also relying on the advice of our physicians to guide us may be more effective and safer. Be sure to check with your doctor before trying any type of alternative medicine. 

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