Saturday, March 1, 2014

Does Colloidal Silver Boost Immunity?

 Learn more about the many healing, immune-boosting and infection-fighting qualities of colloidal silver at www.TheSilverEdge.com
While there’s no disputing the fact that colloidal silver kills infectious microbes, proponents of colloidal silver – including numerous cutting edge medical doctors and clinical researchers – claim colloidal silver also boosts immune system function in the human body. 

But is there any science behind the contention that colloidal silver improves overall health by boosting immunity?  The surprising answer is “Yes!”  And it’s been available for over 100 years.  Here’s what you need to know…

Hi, Steve Barwick here, for TheSilverEdge.com

The FDA and other medical bureaucrats claim there’s no functional use whatsoever for silver in the human body.

And they claim silver has no effect whatsoever on the human immune system.  This claim is parroted by virtually all orthodox medical practitioners.

But independent clinical researchers, cutting edge health practitioners and experienced colloidal silver users tend to disagree with those contentions, considering them to be the FDA's way of keeping people herded towards pharmaceutical drugs rather than natural substances for all of their health-related issues. 

What the Experts Say

In just a moment, we’ll take a look at over 100 year’s worth of solid medical evidence documenting the astonishing immune-boosting and overall healing benefits of colloidal silver. 

But first, let’s take a quick look at some key quotes from medical and clinical research experts who reference, to one degree or another, the surprisingly beneficial effects of colloidal silver on the human immune system. 

For example, Dr. Kent Holtorf, of the Holtorf Medical Group, says silver may be a natural component of the human immune system:

“There is evidence that silver is a natural critical component of our immune system and that low tissue levels associated with a dietary deficiency may result in a relatively weakened immune system, making one more prone to infection. (3,4,5)”

In other words, people with abnormally low silver levels in their body may be more susceptible to infection and disease.

Indeed, according to Dr. Robert O. Becker, M.D., author of the best-selling book, The Body Electric (who conducted ground-breaking research into silver and healing at Syracuse Medical University), the lower one’s bodily silver levels are, the more sickness and disease one is likely to have.

He wrote:

“While analyzing hair samples and questioning the parties involved, I noticed the correlation between low silver levels and sickness.

People who showed low silver levels in their hair analysis were frequently sick. They seemed to have innumerable colds, flu, fevers, and various other sicknesses.

I believe that a silver deficiency may be the key to the improper function of the immune system."

Harvard-educated Dr. Jonathan Wright, M.D., of the famous Tahoma Clinic in Washington State, seems to agree. 

He stated in a recent article, “Stop Supergerms in Their Tracks with One Powerful Silver Bullet,” that colloidal silver aids immunity by increasing the ability of specialized immune system cells to fight germs: 

“In 1909, the Journal of the American Medical Association was the first medical journal to point out that colloidal silver could actually increase our immune cells' phagocytic index.

In the past few years, more studies have shown that silver ions greatly enhance the essential second part of the phagocytic index -- the part where the germ is digested by our immune cells.

This is brought about because silver ions increase the "digesting juices" (what you know as hydrogen peroxide) of these immune cells."

We’ll examine the science behind Dr. Wright’s statement in just a moment.  But first, a few more expert quotes on the subject:

As the famous Dr. Joel D. Wallach, BS, DVM, ND and Ma Lan, MD, MSb, author of Rare Earths, Forbidden Cures has stated:

“Silver has been employed in human health care and in the search for immortality since the days of the Chinese alchemist 8,000 years ago.

Many feel that silver is in fact an essential element, not because it is required for an enzyme system, but rather as a systemic disinfectant and immune system support."

And according to clinical researcher V. Edwards-Jones, writing in Letters in Applied Microbiology, in an article titled, “The benefits of silver in hygiene, personal care and healthcare,” silver appears to help modulate the immune system in two ways:

"Silver has been used for centuries as an antimicrobial agent to reduce bioburden and prevent infection…

…Increasing evidence of improved antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles of silver and possible dual immunomodulatory effects are exciting."

We’ll examine some of those immunomodulatory effects in just a moment. But first, one last expert quote:

As Dr. Ron Surowitz, DO, head of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, has stated:

“…It's interesting how many of my patients improve with the use of Colloidal Silver.  It enhances the immune system where other antibiotics cause yeast overgrowth...”

So in spite of the FDA’s agenda-based stance that silver has no effect whatsoever on human immunity or improved bodily function, it’s relatively clear that many cutting edge medical doctors and clinical researchers believe the evidence points otherwise. 

Known for Over 100 Years

Indeed, while silver’s ability to kill pathogens upon direct contact is for the most prt undisputed, the clinical evidence on behalf of colloidal silver’s beneficial effects on the immune system is thought to be weaker.  But in reality, it is much stronger than it might appear at first glance. 

So strong, in fact, that the medical bureaucrats in charge of the FDA should collectively blush at their erroneous proclamations against silver, since silver's ability to aid the immune system and related bodily functions has been well documented for more than 100 years.

As I wrote in The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual (548 pages; Life & Health Research Group; Copyright 2014): 

“In 1909, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that electrically generated silver ions increased white blood cell production.

As noted earlier, white blood cells are critical factors in human immunity, aiding the body in the destruction of cancer cells, viruses, bacteria, and other invaders.

In 1939, researchers Hill and Pillsbury made similar findings, demonstrating an increase in white blood cells after silver usage [see: Hill, WR, D Pillsbury, Argyria: The Pharmacology of Silver, The Williams & Wilkins Company, Baltimore, 1939; p. 48.]

And over fifty years later, researchers Remes and Williams found that silver ions appear to 'prime' white blood cells to go on the offense against a variety of biological insults [see Remes, A, Williams, DF, Neutrophil Polarization and Immunoelectrophoresis Assays in the Study of Complement Activation by Biomaterials, Biomaterials, Aug 1991; 12(6):607-13.]

Furthermore, in 1919 Dr. H. Bechold, writing in his groundbreaking book of the era, Colloids in Biology and Medicine, cited evidence that silver ions increased both red and white blood cell counts.

And in their clinical study Argyria - The Pharmacology of Silver (Williams & Wilkins, 1939), researchers W. Hill & D. Pillsbury reported that 16 rabbits were injected with silver of arsphenamine at intervals from three to seven days. A majority of the rabbits showed a gradual increase in oxygen-carrying hemoglobin and red blood cells during the experiment.

In more recent studies conducted in the 1970's, such as Treatment of Orthopedic Infections with Electrically Generated Silver Ions by Dr. Robert O. Becker, M.D., it is reported that silver ions give a healthy boost to human blood cell production.

All of this is important, because white blood cells are the defenders of the human body, and red blood cells carry life-giving oxygen to all tissues and organs. So silver apparently aids in immune defense by increasing white blood cell production.  And it aids in the support of life itself by boosting oxygen-rich red blood cells production.

This may be related to the fact that silver is a "transitional element" giving it the ability to form complex ions. This attribute gives silver the potential to interact beneficially on a cellular level in the same way as other complex ions such as vitamin B-12, chlorophyll, and heme (iron), a component of red blood cells.

Finally, in the 1980's researchers Berger, Marino and Spadaro confirmed previous research demonstrating that electrically generated silver ions boost human blood cell production.

These findings lead to the obvious conclusion that while low white blood cell counts open the door to serious immune system risks, and low red blood cell counts lead to oxygen starvation of the body's tissues and organs, electrically generated silver ions may help successfully counter these risks by stimulating both white and red blood cell production."

 -- The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual, 548-pges; Barwick, Steve; Life & Health Research Group, LLC; Copyright 2014 

I’d be remiss if I failed to mention that way back in 1929 silver was also found to stimulate and optimize an entirely separate line of defense within our immune system called the reticulo-endothelial system (RES). [See Fabroni, M, Haematologica, 1929]. 

What’s the reticulo-endothelial system?  According to WiseGeek.com:

“The reticuloendothelial system (RES) is an essential component of the immune system, comprised of phagocytic cells located in different organs of the human body.

Phagocytic cells are capable of engulfing substances, such as bacteria and viruses, rendering them incapable of causing harm to the body.

They also ingest abnormal cells and old cells, thus clearing the body of their harmful presence.” 

In other words, researchers found that silver helps stimulate and optimize the ability of the body’s RES system to track down and engulf foreign invaders including bacteria and viruses, as well as to help clear the body of abnormal cells.

Finally, according to Dr. John W. Apsley, of Natural Immunogenics, “Silver ions appear to improve the ‘senses’ of white blood cells.” 

As Apsley points out, early researchers observed that administration of ionic silver seemed to enhance the Opsonic Index (i.e., the specialized “skill set” of white blood cells in immunity) as well as the Phagocytic Index (i.e., the tracking, mobilization, recognition, and surveillance abilities of specialized white blood cells, whose job it is to identify, track down and destroy foreign invaders).

In other words, the presence of silver ions made white blood cells far more efficient and effective at their jobs, thus dramatically boosting immunity.

In fact, in animal research conducted at the time, this added up to a cumulative enhancement of the immune system resulting in a 24% increase in the effectiveness of the immune system.*

[*See Ferreyrolles, P, “Colloidal Metals in Therapeutics,” The Medical Magazine, Selected Papers: Royal Society of Medicine, circa 1910; p. 705.; Duhamel, BG, “Electric Metallic Colloids and Their Therapeutic Applications,” The Lancet, Jan 13, 1912; p. 29-30; Remes, A, Williams, DF, “Neutrophil Polarization and Immunoelectrophoresis Assays in the Study of Complement Activation by Biomaterials,” Biomaterials, Aug 1991; 12(6):607-13; Fabroni, M, Haematologica, 1929; 10:89-92. In: Hill, WR, D Pillsbury, Argyria: The Pharmacology of Silver, The Williams & Wilkins Company, Baltimore, 1939; p. 48.]

To sum up, colloidal silver appears to help boost immunity by:

·       Stimulating the body’s production of white blood cells.

·       Increasing oxygenation to the organs and tissues of the body by increasing red blood cell production.

·       Optimally stimulating the body’s reticulo-endothelial system (RES) so that phagocytic cells throughout the body more effectively and efficiently clear out foreign invaders, toxins and abnormal cells.

·       Improving the Opsonic Index and Phagocytic Index of white blood cells, meaning increasing their efficiency and effectiveness, resulting in a 24% improvement in immunite system response in animal studies.

Pretty impressive, yes?  Well, there’s more.  Lot’s more…

Stimulating Immune System Functions

Indeed, researchers have also discovered that colloidal silver can directly stimulate certain highly specialized immune system functions, such as mast cell production. 

For example, as I documented in The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual:

“One recent study (2002) conducted by researchers in the department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the department of Molecular Cell Immunology and Allergology, at the Advanced Medical Research Center, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, discovered that silver ions activated mast cells (i.e., mastocytes). 

Quoting the report: ‘These findings indicate that silver activates mast cells by bypassing the early signaling events required for the induction of calcium influx.

Our data strongly suggests the existence of an alternative pathway bypassing the early signaling events in mast cell activation and indicates that silver may be useful for analyses of such alternative mechanisms’.

[*From page 90 of The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual, Life & Health Research Group, 548-pages. Copyright 2014.]

This is a very important finding! 

Mast cells are similar to white blood cells, which are a crucial component of the immune system. 

While excessive stimulation of mast cells is prominent in allergic responses, normal activation of mast cells is intimately involved in wound healing and defense against pathogens. 

Destroying microbial invaders by activating mast cells before they colonize key areas of the body is therefore crucial to human health.  And silver appears to do exactly that!

Researchers say silver also performs other vital functions in the human body, including stimulating the body's all-important lymphatic system, which is a crucial part of immune system function in that it helps the body filter out toxins from the circulatory system.

Aiding the Lymphatic System

According to Dr. Stephen West, DL, PMD, son of Dr. C. Samuel West, DN, ND, renowned chemist and internationally recognized lymphologist:

Silver ions stimulate the lymphatic system by cleaning out the dead cells and bringing oxygen to the healthy cells.”

You see, much like the mineral iron, silver has the capacity to carry nascent oxygen throughout the human body. As revealed in chapter 10 of the Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual:

"Not only do silver ions have proven antimicrobial properties to fight the fungi and bacteria growth in the lymph fluid, silver ions also carry nascent oxygen on their surface.

When the silver comes into contact with a microorganism, this oxygen is released in what you might think of as an “oxygen burst.”

This can aid the lymphatic system in two ways;

1) extra oxygen helps restore the natural pH of the lymph fluid and

2) oxygen helps oxidize toxic waste products. 

Any leftover oxygen would eventually be picked up by the hemoglobin in red blood cells and thus becomes available for other oxygen-dependent needs in the body such as cellular respiration."

This ability of silver ions to carry nascent oxygen into the tissues of the body, particularly into the lymphatic system which is a critical component of the human immune system, demonstrates another of its many important benefits to immune system function.

According to Wikipedia.com, “Lymphatic organs play an important part in the immune system… Lymphoid tissue associated with the lymphatic system is concerned with immune functions in defending the body against infections and the spread of tumors.”

By cleaning out dead cells, destroying toxins and bringing oxygen into healthy lymph cells, silver thereby aids the function and effectiveness of the entire lymphatic system which promotes increased immunity.

Giving the Immune System a Rest

Your immune system, of course, is your body’s primary defense against pathogenic microorganisms. 

And experts point out that one of the most profound ways colloidal silver supports the immune system is simply by killing pathogens, which in turn gives an over-worked immune system a bit of a rest. 

Researchers refer to this as “reducing the bioburden” on the human body. In other words, when colloidal silver kills pathogens it aids the immune system – indirectly, but quite dramatically -- by taking some of the load off it, thereby giving it time to re-charge.

After all, it’s been well-documented that when the immune system becomes overburdened by infection and disease, immune system function can become over-worked and slow to a crawl. 

Experts say colloidal silver ‘picks up the slack’ so to speak, by killing off pathogens that are over-burdening and stressing the immune system and slowing it down. 

This includes many different types of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other single-celled microorganisms such as protozoal parasites.

Not only does colloidal silver help reduce the bioburden on the human body, it also helps reduce what some researchers refer to as the “Total Body Burden.”  This refers to the cumulative burden on the body of both infectious microorganisms and toxins. 

Since colloidal silver not only kills pathogens, but also helps cleanse the lymphatic system and triggers the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) to send phagocytic cells throughout the body to engulf and eliminate toxins and other unwanted substances, it provides a “one-two punch” that can bring dramatic relief to an over-burdened immune system.

Reducing Excessive Cytokine Expression and Inflammation…

As impressive as all of that is, there’s still yet more

In yet another clinical study, researchers demonstrated that silver nanoparticles have the ability to reduce cytokine expression, and thus reduce excessive inflammation that often gets in the way of healing. 

This is important news, because cytokines are signaling molecules in the body that tell the immune system to send white blood cells and other infection-fighters to the site of infection.  This causes mild inflammation, which is a normal part of healing. 

But in cases of chronic infection or serious wound trauma, the pro-inflammatory effects of cytokine expression can get “stuck,” resulting in excessive unwanted inflammation that actually becomes a roadblock to the healing process.

Some researchers refer to this as becoming “stuck in an inflammatory cytokine cycle,” or in more serious cases, experiencing a “cytokine storm.”

But researchers have demonstrated that in such cases, antimicrobial silver has a modulating (or calming) effect on cytokine expression, resulting in both reduced inflammation and increased healing.

According to the study authors, "It has been shown in vivo that silver nanoparticles act to decrease inflammation through cytokine modulation."

What’s more, the study authors concluded, “These experimental data suggest that nano-silver could be used to treat immunologic and inflammatory diseases.” 

So once again, silver’s positive effects on immune system function have been clinically documented.  Here’s an excerpt from an article summarizing the results of the study:

Silver has for centuries been used to treat and prevent infection, and its wound-healing properties are well known…

…But the new research...indicates that silver goes further than this and modifies cytokines – the enzymes involved in cell growth and movement – leading to reduced inflammation and an increased rate of healing.”

In even another clinical study, researchers documented once again that antimicrobial silver promotes wound healing not just by reducing microbial burden in the wound, but also by reducing wound inflammation through modulation of cytokine expression.

According to the study authors:

“We investigated the wound-healing properties of silver nanoparticles in an animal model and found that rapid healing and improved cosmetic appearance occur in a dose-dependent manner.

Furthermore, through quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, and proteomic studies, we showed that silver nanoparticles exert positive effects through their antimicrobial properties, reduction in wound inflammation, and modulation of fibrogenic cytokines.” 

In short, antimicrobial silver was demonstrated to accelerate wound healing by reducing the microbial burden at the wound site, and by reducing inflammation at the wound site through the modulation of (i.e., calming action upon) excessive cytokines production.

Once again, we see cytokine modulation and reduction of inflammation as key responses by the body to the presence of antimicrobial silver. 

Finally, in an overview of clinical studies titled “Silver Nanoparticles Interactions with the Immune System:  Implications for Health and Disease,” conducted by researchers from two separate universities in Seville, Spain, the researchers once again found that silver nanoparticles strongly inhibited excessive cytokine production, and reduced the pro-inflammatory effects that can block healing.

According to the study authors, "It has been shown in vivo that silver NPs act to decrease inflammation through cytokine modulation."

The implication, of course, being that silver nanoparticles may one day play a key medical role in decreasing inflammation in chronic infections, wounds and other inflammatory medical conditions.

Why the medical bureaucrats at the FDA act like they don’t know about these studies is beyond me. 

Excessive cytokine production and the resulting stubborn inflammation is usually a result of immune system overreaction to chronic infection or serious wound trauma. It almost always impedes healing.

The fact that antimicrobial silver works to calm this immune system overreaction, thereby promoting speedier healing, means it has immunomodulatory effects that are extremely beneficial.

Silver Protects Cells from Alcohol Toxicity

Silver not only aids immune system function by stimulating positive aspects of immunity (such as white blood cell production, function and efficiency) and modulating, or down-regulating negative aspects (such as excessive cytokine expression and resulting inflammation), research demonstrates it also helps protects cells from the negative effect of toxins.

For example, in an article at this link, you'll learn that researchers from the Department of Cell Biology, Immunology and Neurosciences of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Barcelona have discovered that very small quantities of silver atoms can protect human cells against damage caused by ethanol alcohol.

According to the article:

“‘The results of the study show that these clusters of small numbers of silver atoms catalyze ethanol oxidation at similar concentrations to those found in the blood of alcoholics and at values of membrane potential and pH that are compatible with those exhibited by mammalian cells,’ explains Gustavo Egea, a professor with the Department of Cell Biology, Immunology and Neurosciences of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Barcelona.”

In other words, silver seems to neutralize the damage to cells caused by ethanol alcohol. Again, according to the article:

“Alcohol has particularly harmful effects on nerve cells, and in the specific case of astrocytes it induces programmed cell-death and an alteration of the actin cytoskeleton.

Following application of the silver nanoparticles to ethanol-exposed cells, the actin cytoskeleton shows marked improvements and cell-death does not occur.

‘So, the harmful effect of ethanol on astrocytes is mitigated by the silver nanoparticles, which act as a cytoprotective agent,’ explains Javier Selva, a lecturer with the Department of Cell Biology, Immunology and Neuroscience and first author of the paper.”

Of course, the term "cytoprotective agent" means the silver protects the cells. Isn’t that amazing? 

Not only does silver kill pathogens, boost immunity, reduce inflammation through cytokine modulation and stimulate wound healing, it also protects cells from toxins like alcohol.

But, of course, the medical bureaucrats in the FDA continue to insist silver is of no benefit whatsoever to the human body, and performs no beneficial functions therein.

The article concludes:

“The authors have also found that the [silver] nanoparticles prevent alterations induced by other primary alcohols such as methanol and butanol…

So, silver can help protect cells from damage caused by other primary alcohols, as well as ethanol.

This new discovery regarding the protective effects of silver on cells exposed to excessive amounts of alcohol may one day even help in mitigating the serious disabilities in babies affected by fetal alchohol syndrome…

…a disease that develops in some unborn babies when the mother consumes excessive levels of alcohol and which leads to a range of severe neurological disorders."

It’s almost enough to make you ask, is there no end to the positive healing and protective benefits of antimicrobial silver? 

Silver Quenches Free Radical Activity

No end, indeed.

For example, on page 235 of the Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual, a recent medical study is revealed that demonstrates silver's incredible ability to quench free radical activity in brain cell cultures. 

The study, published in the International Journal of Nueroscience in March 2007, is titled “Effect of Colloidal Silver Against the Cytotoxicity of Hydrogen Peroxide and Naphthazarin on Primary Cultured Cortical Astrocytes.” 

The study revealed that colloidal silver actually protects brain cell cultures against chemically-induced free radical activity. 

Of course, free radical activity has been linked by researchers to coronary artery disease, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and a host of other chronic degenerative conditions. 

Indeed, the free radical theory of aging states that many of the ravages of aging are actually brought about by the debilitating effects of excessive free radical activity on the cells and tissues of the human body. 

As respected drug and nutritional supplement formulator George Foss stated regarding this eye-opening new study:

"Keep in mind that if colloidal silver quenches excessive free radical activity in brain cells, as this new study appears to demonstrate, then it would likely do so in other cells in other parts of the human body as well. 

So this newly published research actually has tremendous beneficial ramifications for all of us."

Foss was right.  In fact, in July 2010 a completely different research team demonstrated that application of antimicrobial silver also reduces excessive free radical activity in lung cell cultures. 

So now we have clinical researchers demonstrating the beneficial, cell-protective effects of antimicrobial silver against free radical activity in both brain cell cultures and lung cell cultures.

Like cytokine expression, free radicals are actually utilized by the human immune system for the healing of infections.  But when free radicals are produced in excess in the body they can become particularly destructive to cells and tissues, often damaging them upon contact. 

In their study, published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine, titled “Attenuation of Allergic Airway Inflammation and Hyperresponsiveness in a Murine Model of Asthma by Silver Nanoparticles,” the researchers demonstrated that silver nanoparticles “show cytoprotective activities” against the free radical damage caused by reactive oxygen species (i.e., ROS).

Again, “cytoprotective” means cell protective.  In other words, silver protected the cultured lung cells from the free radical activity of ROS induced by the researchers during the course of the study. 

According to the researchers, when mice were forced to inhale a chemical called ovalbumin which produces an extreme allergic inflammatory response similar to asthma in the body’s airways, application of silver nanoparticles afterwards “significantly reduced” the airway inflammation. 

Not only that, but the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels resulting from the inhalation of the trigger chemical “were decreased by the application of silver nanoparticles.” 

As the researchers stated:

“These results indicate that silver nanoparticles may attenuate antigen-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
 
…To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the antioxidative effects of silver nanoparticles

…In summary, although further studies are needed, our study suggests that oxidative stress is an important determinant of allergic airway disease and that silver nanoparticles attenuated oxidative stress in the murine asthma model. 

Also, by administration of silver nanoparticles, Th2 inflammation, which is one of the main asthma-inducing immune factors, was significantly decreased

We suggest that silver nanoparticles may be useful as a therapeutic strategy through their properties as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.”

So once again we see that antimicrobial silver not only reduces the excessive inflammation that can impede healing (in this case, in lung cell tissues), but also acts as a potent and effective antioxidant agent against excessive free radical activity, thereby helping protect against cellular damage.

Relieves Blood Clotting

In yet another clinical study, this time an animal study involving mice, scientists have demonstrated that small amounts of nanosilver can reduce blood clots by as much as 40%.

As the study authors stated, "Nanosilver appears to possess dual significant properties critically helpful to the health of mankind -- antibacterial and antiplatelet -- which together can have unique utilities, for example in coronary stents."

In other words, nanosilver can prevent infections from taking place in coronary patients who may have stents implanted in their arteries, and it may also keep the blood platelets from clotting up and clogging the arteries leading to the heart.

Stated the researchers, “Our findings further suggest that these nanoparticles do not confer any lytic [i.e., cell-damaging – ED] effect on platelets and thus hold potential to be promoted as antiplatelet/antithrombotic agents after careful evaluation of toxic effects.”

In other words, there was no cell damage from the use of the silver, though they recommend further research to establish proper dosage levels to avoid any potential toxicity. 

The researchers concluded, “If confirmed, these results may represent a breakthrough in the treatment and prevention of blood clots, giving patients a natural alternative to aspirin and anticoagulant drugs, some of which have caused serious side effects such as bleeding.”

This is actually a very fascinating study, because researchers at Rice University later discovered an “unexpected link” between blood clotting and human immune system response. 

They discovered that interrelated proteins – including a key clotting protein called von Willebrand factor (VWF) and about a dozen other proteins involved in the body’s innate immune system function – were directly linked to each other.    

In other words, clotting is part of the human immune response. 
As researchers in another related study published in the Journal of the American Society of Hematology, titled “Coagulation and Innate Immune Responses:  Can We View Them Separately?” have stated:

In human biology, we traditionally view the hemostatic [i.e., blood-clotting] pathways and those regulating innate immune responses to infections and tissue damage as entirely separate entities.

But are they? The last couple of decades have revealed a remarkable degree of interplay between these systems, and the linking cellular and molecular mechanisms are rapidly being delineated.

In this review, we present some of the major points of intersection between coagulation and innate immunity.”

In short, blood clotting appears to be directly related to the body’s innate immune response.  This is not at all surprising when you consider the protective effects of blood clotting, for example, on wounds, which includes closing up the wounds and forming a protective barrier against infectious microorganisms.

But like excessive cytokine expression, excessive inflammation and excessive free radical activity, excessive blood clotting in the human body can have serious consequences including heart attack and strokes.

And of course, as per the original study discussed above, antimicrobial silver appears to be beneficial when excessive blood clotting takes place, reducing it by as much as 40%. 

While the mechanism for this remarkable feat is not yet known, and clearly needs more study before silver can be used effectively and safely to reduce excessive blood clotting, it is reminiscent of the fact that silver also helps reduce excessive cytokine expression and excessive inflammation, as well as excessive free radical activity – all of which are intimately tied one way or another to human immune system function. 

The Bottom Line...

As you can see, far from being of no use to the human body (as the FDA and other medical bureaucrats constantly declare), silver is widely known to aid not only immunity but many other important and interrelated biological functions. 

Based on the clinical research and anecdotal evidence – both current and going back over 100 years – the healing and immune-boosting qualities of antimicrobial silver include:

·       Stimulates white blood cell production, thus boosting the body’s ability to attack cancers, pathogenic microorganisms and harmful foreign invaders.

·       'Primes' white blood cells to go on the offense against a variety of biological insults

·       Stimulates red blood cell production, thus boosting life-giving oxygenation of the body’s cells, tissues and organs.

·       Enhances the Opsonic Index (i.e., the specialized “skill set” of white blood cells) as well as the Phagocytic Index (i.e., the tracking, mobilization, recognition, and surveillance abilities of specialized white blood cells), resulting in a 24% increase in immune system function.

·       Cleanses and oxygenates the lymphatic system, a key component of the body’s immune system.

·       Stimulates the reticulo-endothelial system (RES), which allows the body to more effectively purge itself of harmful wastes and toxins, particularly in the lymphatic system.

·       Reduces the body’s “total body burden” by killing off excessive levels of pathogens and simultaneously stimulating the cleanup of toxins, thus taking some of the load off the immune system and giving it time to recharge. 

·       Activates mast cells for increased immunity and defense against pathogens in key areas of the body.

·       Reduces excessive cytokine expression, thereby helping stop the inflammatory cascade often associated with poor healing outcomes in chronic infection and severe wound trauma.

·       Protects cells from alcohol toxicity (and likely from other toxic substances, as well).

·       Acts as a potent antioxidant against excessive ROS free radical production and the resulting cell damage.

·       Reduces excessive blood clotting by up to 40% (in preliminary animal studies).

While the mechanisms for all of these immune-related activities are not fully understood, it is nevertheless remarkable that a single natural substance like antimicrobial silver can have so many potentially beneficial properties, both in stimulating and improving overall immunity, as well as in modulating over-expression of certain immune-related functions such as excessive inflammation, excessive free radical activity and even excessive blood clotting. 

Learn More...

To learn more about the astonishing benefits of colloidal silver, be sure and get a copy of the newly updated, 548-page version of the Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual, and read it from cover to cover.

I promise, once you've done so you'll be able to see through the lies and distortions of the anti-silver medical bureaucrats. And you'll know how to answer their spurious charges against antimicrobial silver. They'll never again be able to pull the wool over your eyes.

But more importantly, you’ll learn how just a few pennies worth of colloidal silver can save you from literally thousands of dollars in doctor’s bills.  And you’ll discover how to use colloidal silver safely and effectively for numerous conditions.

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Sure, they can ban the sale of colloidal silver in health food stores or through online sources, as they’ve frequently threatened to do.  Or, they can simply shut down your favorite colloidal silver vendor for some spurious reason, as they’ve done in several instances in the past.

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Or read this article titled “7 Reasons to Make Your Own Colloidal Silver.” 

Finally, be sure to get a copy of my FREE 30-page Colloidal Silver Safe Dosage Report, which explains how to calculate your maximum safe daily dosage of colloidal silver, based on your body weight and the concentration of colloidal silver you’re using.  Just click the link above to have the report sent directly to your email box.

Meanwhile, I’ll be back next week with another great article on colloidal silver….

Yours for the safe, sane and responsible use of colloidal silver,


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Important Note and Disclaimer:  The contents of this Ezine have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Information conveyed herein is from sources deemed to be accurate and reliable, but no guarantee can be made in regards to the accuracy and reliability thereof.  The author, Steve Barwick, is a natural health journalist with over 30 years of experience writing professionally about natural health topics.  He is not a doctor.  Therefore, nothing stated in this Ezine should be construed as prescriptive in nature, nor is any part of this Ezine meant to be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.  Nothing reported herein is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  The author is simply reporting in journalistic fashion what he has learned during the past 17 years of journalistic research into colloidal silver and its usage.  Therefore, the information and data presented should be considered for informational purposes only, and approached with caution.  Readers should verify for themselves, and to their own satisfaction, from other knowledgeable sources such as their doctor, the accuracy and reliability of all reports, ideas, conclusions, comments and opinions stated herein.  All important health care decisions should be made under the guidance and direction of a legitimate, knowledgeable and experienced health care professional.  Readers are solely responsible for their choices.  The author and publisher disclaim responsibility and/or liability for any loss or hardship that may be incurred as a result of the use or application of any information included in this Ezine. 


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