Video Transcript:
Hi everyone. Welcome back to our channel.
While navigating the realm of nutrition supplements you may have encountered colloidal silver, this substance has been the topic of both historical significance as well as modern day debate.
Supporters claim that it is beneficial in helping to treat infections and diseases while others caution against it
Due to its potential risks, the supplement has piqued interest due to the rise in antibiotic resistance and the desire for more natural remedies.
In today's video, I will review the history of colloidal silver, what it is, what the possible benefits are, and what the research says about its safety.
Hi, I'm Katie Bailey. I'm a registered dietician at Flusso Nutrients where we provide supplement education and professional quality supplement options for you to make the world of nutrition supplements a little bit easier to navigate.
As always, make sure you check with your main nutrition literate healthcare provider before starting anything new. As we can't know your full medical history to make a personalized recommendation. So without further ado, let's jump into today's topic.
History of Colloidal Silver
Historically, colloidal silver was used to treat infections and illnesses before the era of antibiotics due to its antimicrobial properties.
When antibiotics were discovered in the early 20th century, colloidal silver was abandoned as antibiotics were thought to be more effective.
Colloidal silver has been gaining popularity since the 1990s, especially in the alternative menaced realm where they're being used to treat bacterial viral and fungal infections.
Today it's used as either an oral supplement or used topically on the skin.
So what is colloidal silver?
Well, it's a suspension of tiny silver particles, and a fluid, usually distilled water.
The particle size is important as it needs to be small enough to remain in, suspended in the liquid, but large enough to reflect light, and that's what gives its shimmering appearance.
The concentration of silver in the solution can vary, and that is going to lead to different potencies and uses.
Silver ions are released from the particles, and this is considered to be the part of the colloidal silver that gives it its antimicrobial properties, and it's important to remember that not all colloidal silver products are created equal.
The production of the solution, the purity of the water and the size of the particles are all going to affect the quality and the efficacy of the final product.
Long before colloidal silver entered the picture, silver compounds were utilized in the medical field for their antimicrobial properties.
There are silver infused dressings and creams to help with wound healing and preventing infection.
They've also been woven into catheters and breathing tubes in order to reduce the risk of infection there as well.
Colloidal Silver Benefits vs. Risks
Some researchers believe that colloidal silver can positively interact with our immune system providing support against pathogens, and the theory here is that the silver particles attach to the bacterial cell wall disrupting their function and leading to cell death.
Now, other studies have observed silver's ability to inactivate certain enzymes that bacteria viruses and fungi need for survival, and this suggests the potential for silver to bolster the body's defenses against microbial threats.
So research into colloidal silver has mixed results with some studies indicating possible benefits while others highlight potential risks.
There are in vitro studies that have found that it can be beneficial in killing bacteria, viruses and fungi, but there is a lack of human studies to support this.
Colloidal Silver Safety
One of the primary safety concerns is something called Algeria, which is a condition where the skin is blue or gray discoloration due to excessive silver accumulation.
Studies have also found the potential for silver to interact with certain medications or affect the absorption of drugs like antibiotics or thyroid medication, and there is some evidence that it may cause kidney, liver, or nervous system problems.
Colloidal Silver + FDA's Stance
I did want to also mention the FDA's stance on the subject.
The FDA does not recognize colloidal silver as a safe or effective treatment for any condition, and it's not approved as a dietary supplement.
Colloidal silver is approved for topical application, though for skin infections, skin wounds, and the treatment of burns.
Immune System Nutrients
I also wanted to mention that there are many other things you can do as well to help improve infections and wounds and promote your immune system.
Nutrients that are important for healing and boosting your immune system are going to be vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium.
You want to eat a whole foods minimally processed diet that's full of healthy fats and proteins and complex carbohydrates.
Support the immune system with fermented foods and probiotics, and then lastly, practice stress management and get adequate sleep, which can all help aid in healing.
Colloidal Silver Safety - In Summary
Now, it's important to keep in mind that the research on colloidal silver is limited and the safety and the efficacy of its use is still an ongoing debate in the medical community.
Although historical use and some studies have suggest potential benefits like antimicrobial properties and immune support, the scientific community has yet to come to a consensus on its overall safety.
Remember, quality and dosage are important factors to consider, so I would highly recommend working with a healthcare professional if you are thinking of trying a colloidal silver supplement.
If you're considering using a supplement as with this supplement or as with any supplement, it's important to do so with awareness consulting with a healthcare professional, and then also understanding both the benefits versus the risks of using it.
Okay, so that's it for today's topic. If you liked this video, please hit the like button and subscribe for more nutrition videos.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions regarding colloidal silver.
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All right, thanks for watching. I'll see you next time.
Bye.
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