The most common concern about supplementing with colloidal silver is whether or not it will cause a skin condition called Argyria. Really the only negative association made to silver supplementation this condition. Argyria is an extremely rare occurrence where silver collects in the tissue under the skin causing a blue or grayish tint. Even then, the effects of this condition are not life threatening, just cosmetically altering and unappealing. It is possible that the heavy use of some gelatinous colloidal silver products may cause Argyria. There are deliberately exaggerated and misleading claims against colloidal silver products in general designed to scare people away from this relatively economical and effective product. An FDA Talk Paper references silver ingredients and silver salts that include silver proteins, mild silver protein, strong silver protein, silver chloride, and silver iodide. They correctly claim that the use of these gelatinous silver solutions have resulted in cases of Argyria. We too believe that these gelatinous/protein, saline, and nitrate-based products may be conducive to developing Argyria. There very few cases, which are cited repetitively in anti-silver propaganda. One is a lady who presumably developed Argyria in the 1950s from taking large amounts of silver nitrate (not silver in de-ionized water) over a long period of time; another is a man who reportedly consumed large quantities for a prolonged time of a product he made in tap water with salt. There are many people who have supplemented with silver in de-ionized water for years, using many times the suggested serving, who have not experienced any ill effects or blue skin. Some people may worry about the possibility of having an allergic reaction to colloidal silver or gold. A small number of people may be allergic to various metals, which may be indicated by a light rash and/or itching. If you cannot wear silver or gold jewelry because of an allergy, it may be best not to supplement with them either. Another common concern is whether colloidal silver can make you feel ill. When first starting silver supplementation, one may experience a minor "crisis" of not feeling well, similar to a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. When toxins accumulate in the blood stream from terminated microorganisms, it may cause one to feel mildly ill and sometimes feverish. A die-off of bacteria in the colon may also result in some initial diarrhea, but the use of smaller servings to start with may be a more comfortable way to pass through this temporary discomfort. Higher water consumption away from your colloidal silver intake, may also lessen the duration of this discomfort, which generally goes away within hours or a day or two. Another final concern people usually have is regarding how the colloidal silver will act towards good bacteria or flora. Colloidal silver does not discriminate between good and bad bacteria. It can potentially destroy all bacteria it comes into contact with. This is why it is recommended that anyone choosing to take more than the suggested serving of colloidal silver for extended periods of time should supplement with acidophilus (http://www.utopiasilver.com/products/supplements/super-acidophilus.htm) or live culture yogurt an hour or so afterwards. This will re-supply the digestive system with the good bacteria needed for optimum food digestion and nutrient absorption in the colon. |
