Guide To Understanding Colloidal Silver

Side Effects

The side effects of colloidal silver have been significantly documented. However, there is not enough information to predict them accurately. Research indicates that it can create or compound existing health issues. The effects seem to vary based on the shape and size of the silver particles, along with how concentrated they are. As there is no documented benefit, there are no medical guidelines for dosage. Exposure to silver is not necessarily toxic right away. In fact, the environment exposes individuals to tiny amounts of silver daily.

Silver can be found in the air, food, and drinking water. Environmental silver is considered safe. However, silver nanoparticles carry potential health risks, and health professionals have deemed purposefully ingesting colloidal silver unsafe. The biggest potential side effect is argyria. This is a permanent medical condition that causes the skin to turn bluish-gray because of the way silver particles build up in the skin and body. It is also possible that silver deposits will occur in the kidneys, intestines, liver, and other organ systems, which can impair function.

Learn about what medications this compound may interact with next.

Medication Interactions

Individuals must always check a list of medication interactions before taking any new dietary supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter medicines. In addition, if individuals start any new medications, they should tell their doctor about all the herbal supplements they take regularly. Multiple organizations have indicated that colloidal silver is unsafe when applied directly to the skin or taken by mouth. If individuals still decide to take this compound, they should be aware of potential medication interactions first.

When taken with antibiotics, colloidal silver may decrease the amount the body absorbs. At best, this decreases the antibiotic's effectiveness. At worst, it can cause an infection to become antibiotic-resistant. This compound can also decrease the amount of levothyroxine the body absorbs. Colloidal silver can harm the liver by creating silver deposits. Thus, an individual's risk of liver damage becomes much higher if they are also taking hepatotoxic drugs. These drugs can harm the liver as well.

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