Niagara Gazette

Features

Related Photos

  • Catherine Stack, RN, DO

    cathy stack mug.jpg
July 8, 2011

Natural Health: The benefits of colloidal silver

By Catherine Stack Niagara Gazette

NIAGARA FALLS — I’ll try to remain politically correct as I explain the benefits and uses of my favorite “have on hand” supplements, colloidal silver. The FDA has not approved its use and in some instances it is illegal to make claims to the benefits of this effective supplement.

Long before antibiotics became the gold standard for treating infection, colloidal silver was used as a very effective germicide. It was commonly used in eye preparations, skin diseases and even gonorrhea. Ancient Egyptians are said to have placed water, wine and vinegar in sliver bottles to prevent spoiling.  Even Hippocrates wrote of the healing properties of silver. Silver even gained regulatory approval in the early 1900s as an antimicrobial agent.

Currently, silver sulfadiazine cream is a very effective anti-bacterial agent in the treatment of burns and is used in most medical institutions. Many hospitals incorporate the use of wound dressings, catheters and endotracheal tubes that contain silver for the anti-infective properties. Topical applications of colloidal silver have been beneficial in treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.

Although the FDA has not given approval for its use, the application in natural or alternative medicine is remarkable and should be noted. Unfortunately, colloidal silver was given an unfair rap in 2007 when Paul Karason hit the news as the “man who turned blue” from applying and taking massive amounts of colloidal silver. The condition is called argyria, a silver-blue casting of the skin that is irreversible. The news scared many individuals from considering this beneficial supplement but it failed to mention the fact that he was making the silver solution himself in a concentration that is never recommended.

In August 1999, the FDA banned colloidal silver sellers from claiming any therapeutic or preventative use for the product, stating that it was being marketed for numerous diseases without evidence of safety or effectiveness.  It currently has the status of a dietary supplement in the US — so that’s how I’ll use it and now I’ll tell you why you should keep this “supplement” on hand.

Many studies seem to reflect that colloidal silver use has been proven to be useful against many different infections and is toxic against all species of fungi, bacteria, protozoa, parasites and certain viruses. The great news is it does not destroy the healthy bacteria in your body as many antibiotics do — leaving you susceptible to yeast and fungal infections. As a matter of fact, colloidal silver is one of my first line remedies in helping individuals who suffer from chronic yeast infections in addition to using high quality probiotics. 

I have also seen impressive results in individuals suffering from upper respiratory infections. That stubborn case of bronchitis that just won’t go away after trying different antibiotics is dramatically improved within a few short days.  Colitis, diverticulitis, mono, chronic fatigue syndrome and even the common cold have benefited from the use of silver solutions. I typically work with a 10ppm solution — which will NEVER turn you blue yet is a very effective dose. 

If you are concerned with safe dosing in using colloidal silver I would recommend silversafety.org. It is my “supplement” of choice when it comes to infections of any kind. It has even been successful in treating H1N1. 

As you can tell, I am an advocate. Most of all, I do not want you to fear something that may be very beneficial and is very safe in treating many infectious illnesses and conditions.  

Catherine Stack is a doctor of naturopathy and certified nurse midwife. Her practice is located at Journey II Health in Niagara Falls. She can be reached at 298-8603 or at her website at journeyiihealth.com.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Features
Featured Ads
House Ads
AP Video
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium 50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Seasonal Content
Opinion
House Ads
Night & Day
Twitter News
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Front page
Helium debate
Helium