Many products we use today contain silver nanoparticles, which are known for their natural antimicrobial properties. Humans recognized this quality centuries ago and have since used it to kill bacteria and disease. Although this practice lost popularity after World War II with the invention of modern antibiotics, in recent years it has made a comeback. Researchers and health enthusiasts alike are rediscovering the health benefits of incorporating small amounts of silver nanoparticles into everyday items. Whether it's socks, plates, bandaids, or water purification systems, the silver integrated into these products acts as an effective disinfectant.
Silver Through the Ages
The earliest medical use of silver dates back to 335 BC, with ancient civilizations utilizing it for water disinfection and storage. Ancient Greek, Roman, and Asiatic societies incorporated silver into domestic products such as plates and pitchers. Wealthy Europeans of the Middle Ages favored silver cutlery and dinnerware, a practice which may have contributed to their protection against certain diseases. In the 1880s, Americans traveling West also recognized silver's benefits, placing silver coins in their water barrels to prevent algae and bacterial growth.
How Silver Boosts Your Health
Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties
Many goods - including socks, deodorant, and medical equipment - contain silver nanoparticles. This is due to the material's antimicrobial properties. Researchers have found that silver can kill bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses using three distinct methods:
Binding to Cell Walls: Silver ions bind to the bacterial cell wall, blocking the transport of substances in and out of the cell.
Disrupting Energy Production: Silver ions enter the cell and block the functions of the respiratory system, destroying the bacteria's energy production.
Inhibiting DNA Replication: Silver ions bind to the bacterial cell's DNA to inhibit cell division and stop replication.
As silver nanoparticles kill bacteria at the source, they also work as an efficient antibacterial. Dermatologists often treat conditions related to bacterial colonization, such as body odors, acne outbreaks, eczema, and rash, with silver.
Wound Healing
For centuries, humans have known that silver kills harmful microbes. As a result, silver has been used in wound care for many years. Doctors historically placed silver wire in wounds to prevent and manage infection or used silver salts to clean wounds.
Recently, researchers have developed silver-infused wound dressings, which provide a more convenient and efficient approach to wound care. The new silver dressings reduce wound bioburden, treat local infection, and prevent the spread of infection throughout the body.
Silver-based dressings are especially beneficial in the treatment of burns. When applied to a burn wound, the dressing will release silver ions, which act as a barrier against contamination. During this time, the silver-infused dressing absorbs the exudate. While they do not speed up healing, these dressings create an ideal healing environment that stimulates tissue repair.
Water Purification
Throughout history, various cultures used silver for water purification, often creating silver storage vessels to ensure the continuous disinfection of their water. Although we might not use silver containers to disinfect our water today, the use of silver nanoparticles remains a viable method for water purification, and for many reasons.
Firstly, silver nanoparticles are cost-effective. Only a tiny amount of silver is needed to purify a large quantity of water. Unlike other water purification methods, such as chlorination, silver nanoparticles have no odor, therefore making the purified water more appealing to consumers. Silver is also resistant to corrosion and oxidation, so it does not leave harmful byproducts after the purification process.
Where to Buy Colloidal Silver
While you may not be able to find a small bottle of silver nanoparticles, a bottle of colloidal silver can typically be found at your local grocery shop, such as at our great partners, Alive Whole Foods. Colloidal silver works in the same way as silver nanoparticles. The only difference is that colloidal silver is easier to find for at-home use.
How to Use Colloidal Silver at Home
Colloidal silver makes a great asset to anyone's first aid kit. You can easily apply a spritz or two to an open wound to help prevent infection. However, like any antibiotic, colloidal silver should not be overused. Frequent exposure to colloidal silver may lead bacteria and other harmful microbes to develop resistance.
Companies that incorporate colloidal silver into their products have done their research. They know the correct amount of silver to apply to bandages, socks, and water filters that will make their products most effective while ensuring they remain beneficial to your health.
Conclusion
Silver's antimicrobial properties have been recognized since ancient times. As an effective disinfectant, silver can kill over 650 types of bacteria and viruses, making it a valuable resource for preventing infections in wounds, purifying contaminated water, and more. You can find colloidal silver for at-home use in local shops. When used properly, silver nanoparticles prove to be a beneficial addition to anyone's daily life.
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