Colloidal silver and the flu

Whenever flu is the topic of an e-Alert (as it was several times recently) I always receive a comment or two about the use of colloidal silver (CS) to prevent illnesses or shorten their duration.

Last week an HSI member named William sent me a couple of colloidal silver testimonials, and he wrote: “Jenny, colloidal silver is my alternative to flu vaccine.”

I’m sure that many members are probably aware of the controversies surrounding colloidal silver, a treatment that
consists of submicroscopic metallic silver particles finely dispersed in water, which is taken orally to prevent infections.

Research conducted by Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., has found that bacteria have an enzyme system that is disrupted by the presence of silver ions, causing the organism to die. Before the advent of pharmaceutical antibiotics in the 1940’s, colloidal silver was a commonly used antibacterial agent. Today, however, it’s considered controversial, primarily because there is no known use for the silver ion in human biochemistry.

But the flu is a viral infection, not bacterial. So is it possible that a bacteria-fighting treatment like colloidal
silver could help against the flu?

I asked HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., about this and he pointed out that viral infections compromise the immune system, creating an opportunity for “superinfection” by bacteria. He said, “Other than cost, I can’t think of a reason not to consider using colloidal silver. The party line about argyria (a bluish discoloration of the skin caused by too much silver in the body) is not an issue in the doses used by clinicians.”

Some people use colloidal silver on a daily basis as a preventive measure, but in a recent eTips e-letter, Dr. Wright suggested that its use be limited to “combating episodes of acute infection and that it not be used continuously.” As for dosage, Dr. Wright recommends adult doses of “1 tablespoon of colloidal silver at a 40 ppm (parts per million) concentration at the first signs of any infection and 1-2 teaspoons three to four times daily until the infection is gone. Then stop!”

And for the most favorable results, you’ll do best to try colloidal silver under the guidance of a physician who’s
familiar with its use.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute