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.

In addition to being banned by the FDA, this greyish-white metal has serious side effects. The precious metal is not absorbed in to your body, it builds up. This build up can cause a serious side effect called argyria, which gives you a bluish or greyish colour of the skin, eyes, nails, and gums. It is permanent and exacerbated by sunlight. Other side effects include kidney, liver and nervous system failure. It can also interfere with the body's absorption of drugs, including antibiotics, certain thyroid medicines, and certain rheumatoid arthritis medications.

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.

There are always two sides to any claims. Some people stand firm and believe in the efficacy of this product and other similar ones, continuing to use them while others adhere to the FDA and NCCAM's warning. Despite that there's no scientific proof to endorse this drug, some people believe that it cures everything.

It is correct, that during the 1920s and 1930s, this product was flaunted as the wonder cure for all plus that this legacy has pursued humans even today. It appears that the antagonistic sides - the product's proponents and FDA supporters are on opposite ends of the field. This is a huge gap and it's doubtful if this big gap will get closed ever.

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:



0 comments :