6 Things You Must Know About Colloidal Silver

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Posted: 13 Sep 2014 08:00 AM PDT

Colloidal silver has been used for centuries as a natural approach to detoxification, and studies continue to also show colloidal silver outperforms many mainstream methods used against harmful organisms. ^[1] With so many cases of antibiotic resistance, it's no wonder why colloidal silver has become extremely popular in recent years. Consumers should know, however, that not all silver products are created equal. Here are 6 things you must know about colloidal silver to protect yourself and ensure the best results:

1. Parts Per Million (PPM) Doesn't Really Matter

When it comes to colloidal silver, don't get caught up in how many parts per millions — or PPM — a solution has. While important, what's really important is the particle size. Smaller particles can move safely through the body, and they are also more bioavailable. When choosing a colloidal silver product, look for one with particle sizes less than .005 microns. Another way to tell if silver particles are too large is to examine the color of the solution. A dark or murky-colored solution usually indicates large silver particles, not to mention other impurities.

2. Colloidal Silver Should be Clear

A quality colloidal solution should appear clear or display a vibrant golden-yellow color. Other colors indicate additional chemical additives. Darker-colored solutions occur as a result of the presence of stabilizers, additives, salts, or proteins. These compounds are often used in many silver products to suspend larger silver particles. Products which need refrigeration or require shaking or those that develop a foam likely contain additional chemical impurities.

3. Silver Won't Upset Beneficial Intestinal Organisms

Unlike antibiotics which wipeout both the "bad" and the "good" organisms present in the intestinal tract, silver maintains a balance of intestinal microorganisms. Silver absorbs quickly in the upper GI tract, and little gets through to cause problems for the beneficial bacteria in the small intestine and colon.

4. Does Colloidal Silver Turn Your Skin Blue?

Occasionally you may hear of an individual who develops argyria, a condition that develops when silver protein ingestion or inhalation causes a blueing of the skin. While this may be true in some cases, pure hydrosol colloidal silver without additives, proteins, or salts — in small amounts — does not cause this condition. It is true that impure silver compounds promoted as colloidal silver, such as silver salts, can cause skin discoloration, especially if it is consumed in excess amounts. ^[2] This is why it's imperative to obtain the purest solution available.

5. Purity Matters

Colloidal silver isn't just a solution of silver and water; it's a silver solution where the silver particles are suspended in water and have an electrical charge. This type of solution requires pure, clean water. It also requires equipment necessary to create and maintain a constant charge.

Many colloidal silver home brew kits include salts or other compounds to use during the brewing process. This creates silver salts which are large silver particles and require additives to suspend the silver in the solution. Products like this do not offer the same effect as real colloidal silver. The chances of argyria also increase with the consumption of these products.

6. What To Look For to Find the Best Colloidal Silver

Not all colloidal silver products are created alike. When evaluating a product, look for the following:

Higher than 20 PPM. While PPM generally does not determine the quality of a solution, higher than 20 PPM indicates the presence of a stabilizer or other protein.
Mild Silver Proteins. If a product indicates protein, often found in concentrations between 12 – 500 ppm, the silver is bound to a protein molecule as a means of suspension. A solution like this may be clear to amber in appearance. Proteins can cause silver to get stuck in the skin, possibly contributing to argyria.
Silver Salts. This type of silver does contain the positive electrical charge, but it's bound to larger salt molecules which can get lodged in the skin. These solutions may appear transparent.
Powdered Silver. Products containing powdered silver contain silver dust, completely different from colloidal silver. The amount of silver per solution varies as does the quality and effectiveness. This type of silver frequently appears in salves and creams, and it can also be deposited in water. Products like these are not consistently safe.
Colloidal Silver. The safest silver which provides the greatest protection against harmful organisms is colloidal silver created with the High Voltage AC method. This produces the highest-quality colloidal silver product.

Do you take colloidal silver? Why, or why not? Please leave us your answer in the comment section to let us know your thoughts on this product!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM