Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Colloidal Silver for Athlete’s Foot and Other Topical Fungal Infections


Can colloidal silver help with stubborn topical fungal infections such as athlete’s foot? Well, according to these colloidal silver users, it sure can!
Hi, Steve Barwick here, for www.TheSilverEdge.com...
Topical fungal infections can be quite nasty and very frustrating.
Prescription anti-fungal drugs don’t always work.
And because of the potentially harmful side effects – such as liver damage -- not everybody with a fungal infection wants to use the prescription drugs.
Is there a safe, natural alternative? You bet there is!
In fact, in the recent study described in the article at the link above, colloidal silver even proved to be more effective than some of the most powerful prescription antifungal drugs!
But that shouldn’t be surprising. After all, Dr. Robert O. Becker, M.D., known as the father of electrically generated silver ions, demonstrated back in 1976 (in a study titled “Antifungal Properties of Electrically Generated Metallic Silver Ions”)…
…that silver has astonishing anti-fungal properties!
A Practical Method of Killing Athlete’s Foot Using Colloidal Silver!
My good online friend and fellow natural health journalist Tony Isaacs wrote a great article for NaturalNews.com covering seven different natural ways to heal athlete’s foot. One of those ways, of course, included colloidal silver.
Here’s what he said:
One sure-fire home remedy is to use a combination of apple cider vinegar, water, colloidal silver and moisturizer.
Soak your feet in one part white vinegar and four parts water for 20-30 minutes. Dry your feet and apply colloidal silver over the entire foot, being sure to get in between the toes.
Allow to air dry thoroughly and then apply a good moisturizer, such as the oil found in crushed garlic from the grocery store. Other good choices are tea tree oil, sesame oil and olive oil.
The combination of vinegar and colloidal silver kills the athlete's foot fungus and the moisturizer helps the skin heal.
Repeat the procedure twice daily and your athlete's foot should be gone in a matter of days. To prevent future outbreaks of athlete's foot, repeat the above remedy once each week.
Note: colloidal silver is optional, but it helps speed the remedy and makes it more effective.”
Does It Work?
I’ve heard from many readers that colloidal silver does indeed work wonders for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. In fact, in many cases, colloidal silver alone was all that was needed!
Here’s a testimonial from the Colloidal Silver Success Stories web site, from a man who uses colloidal silver to cure stubborn fungal infections in horse’s feet:
Colloidal Silver Works for My Athlete’s Foot, As Well as for Fungal Infections On My Horse’s Feet!
“I use the colloidal silver for many things.
I'm a farrier and I give it to customers for clearing up thrush in horse’s feet. It has controlled chronic infections in a number of horses I treat.
It’s been successful in treating summer itch which is a fungal infection that horses get in warmer weather.
I also use it myself for athlete’s foot, skin injuries, as a mouth wash, and just about any external injury.”
-- Philip S., Littlerock, CA
And here’s another testimonial from the Colloidal Silver Success Stories web site, from a woman who tends to get athlete’s foot often during the hot summer months. She wrote:
Cured of Athlete’s Foot By Soaking My Feet In Colloidal Silver!
“I often get athlete’s foot, especially in the summer when it’s hot and I have to wear shoes, for example to work in my flower garden.
I do go without shoes whenever I can or wear sandals. The athlete’s foot seems like it can strike overnight! I will even get blisters between my toes and the itching almost drives me crazy!

But since I have your
Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver Generator I can use as much silver as I want at a fraction of the cost.
So when these “attacks” happen, I use a glass 8x8 cake pan and put 2 cups of full strength colloidal silver in it. I then soak both my feet at the same time.
I wear a size 7 shoe and put the pan at an angle in front of me, it being a diamond shape not a square. My big toes are in the top point and my heels in the bottom point. They fit perfectly.

I soak them for at least 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening, after my shower.
Usually the first couple of soaks will relieve the itching, and within 2-3 days the blisters are healing nicely. I use the same silver for 2 soakings and then discard.”
-- J.K., Presque Isle, MI
Here are a couple more short testimonials, also from the Colloidal Silver Success Stories web site:
Colloidal Silver Healed My Athlete’s Foot, Bronchitis and Red Eye!
“My own experience has been phenomenal.
I had bronchitis for about 3 weeks when my Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver Generator arrived. I made a batch and started taking it.
Within two days I didn't have any bronchitis symptoms. I was only taking a teaspoon per day. I was amazed.
It also cleared up my red eye which occasionally happens, as well as my athlete’s foot!”
-- W.E. Quirein
Colloidal Silver Clears Up My Athlete’s Foot Immediately!
“I’m diabetic, which means cuts and scratches in the leg or feet are sometimes difficult to heal.
If I get a scratch or a cut on my legs, I rub colloidal silver up and down where the wound is. The silver heals the wound twice as fast.
I also use the colloidal silver for athlete's foot -- clears it up immediately.
I will not go anywhere without my machine.”
-- Mike T., Challis, ID
Spraying My Athlete’s Foot 3 Times Per Day With Colloidal Silver Healed It!
“I had athlete’s foot. Sprayed colloidal silver on my feet and it went away in a short time. I sprayed generously, 3 times per day.”

-- D.A. Lenz, MN
Colloidal Silver Cured My Boyfriend’s Athlete’s Foot For the First Time In Years!
“My boyfriend has cured his athlete’s foot for the first time in years. He also suffered from bleeding gums, also gone.
This stuff is magic and no wonder the selling of it has been banned in Europe. Why? Because it WORKS! And it can be made for cents by every individual.
This is NOT what the pharmaceutical industry wants. They want us sick and paying them to remain sick.”

-- Lucy J.

I Could Feel The Colloidal Silver Working On My Athlete’s Foot Immediately!
"Hi, I've used colloidal silver for about a year. It's cured my nail fungus, athlete’s foot, swimmers ear.
I've used it for sinus with success and many other problems. I have a generator and wouldn't be without it now.
The nail fungus was only on my big toe to one side. I trimmed that portion off, exposing the nail bed. I soaked my feet in a baking dish full of colloidal silver.
The athlete's foot problem was on the other foot, so it took care of both problems at the same time.
I could feel the colloidal silver working on the fungus toe almost immediately and continued this for about a week and half. It took a while for my nail to grow, now I can wear sandals again."

-- Susan A.
Colloidal Silver Resolves Athlete’s Foot for Postal Carrier!
“I said that I would write back and let you know how things have been going with my new Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver Generator.
I have to say, things are great and I know it’s working. I'm still trying it on different things but it has worked very well on some issues.
… I used it on my feet, since I’ve had athlete’s foot and I'm walking in my shoes all day long six days a week, as I am a postal carrier.
Again, problem was solved. No more itching. And my feet were getting very nasty during that time!”

-- Curt S.
Colloidal Silver Cured My Daughter’s Athlete Foot!
“My 25 yr old daughter had been treating a foot fungus with many different over-the-counter products, with no luck in clearing up the fungus.
She had suffered with the pain and itching for almost a month. I encouraged her to dab on some silver water. She did and immediately the itching stopped.
I sent her home with a small bottle. The next day she called me....she had applied it several times that day. The pain was gone and the deep redness had changed to a pale pink. In 3 days after first application.....fungus was gone!!
I am no longer skeptical about it.”
-- Nancy S., Topeka, KS
Colloidal Silver Cured Athlete’s Foot and Several Other Problems!
I have cured "athletes foot problems) and several other problems with the home made silver.
You people have a fantastic product. Thank you very much!”
-- Mike T., Idaho
Colloidal Silver Healed Nasty Fungal Infection That Even Lamisil Wouldn’t Cure!
“While trimming her toe nails one day my sister discovered a hole in the skin between her baby toe and the next toe, she could actually stick the end of a Q-tip into it. She hadn’t felt any pain from it so I guess that’s why it took so long to notice it.
She showed her doctor and he said to put some Lamisil Antifungal Cream on it several times a day. Janie applied the cream 3 to 4 times a day for 3 weeks with no results at all. The hole did not get any bigger but it also was not getting any better either. She was very discouraged.
I suggested she try using the Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver I had given her, which I made with my generator bought from The Silver Edge.
So she stopped using the cream and began only using the colloidal silver by putting a cotton ball between her 2 toes to hold them apart and then used a glass eye dropper to put drops in the hole.
Janie would let it air dry before removing the cotton, but if she was in a hurry she used the hair dryer to blow it dry.
She would do this whenever she thought about it throughout the day and being it was summer and warm out, it was quick and easy to do because of being able to wear open toed shoes and no socks to remove each time.
In addition to the topical applications, she also was drinking 1 ounce of the colloidal silver 3 times a day.
After just several days she could see the hole was definitely healing and beginning to close up. Soon after that it had completely healed and the problem has not returned.”
-- S. Glentz, MI
Colloidal Silver Heals Persistent Fungal Infections Of the Feet!
“I use the colloidal silver water to treat persistent fungus infections, dipping my feet in silver water for 15-20 minutes every day.

Also I take it to prevent developing stomach flu. In this case I drink a glass of silver water 1-2 times a day.

Thanks for your wonderful product!”


-- A.B. Houston, Texas
Used Colloidal Silver to Heal Fungal Infection on Clydesdale’s Legs!
My Clydesdale, Taz, got a type of fungus under his feathers on his legs.
This happens because the feathers -- hair -- is so long on Clydesdales legs that the hair creates a wet, dark, warm environment for microbes and other things like that to grow.
I would spray Colloidal Silver on his legs/feathers on day, and the next day the fungus was already healing.
During wet weather season I did this 1x per week. He never got fungus again on his legs.
-- Sherri
Chronic Toenail Fungus Doing Better After Spraying Colloidal Silver On It!
“Toenail fungus: A chronic problem for several years.
I have been to Podiatrist and had a RX for Penlac. It did nothing.
I then sprayed the silver on my toes daily before putting on my socks. The fungus is not completely gone, but in eight months my toenails have grown back in clean and clear!
I will keep using the silver daily.”
-- Dan F., Naples, FL
“I’ve had one of your Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver Generators for some time and my daughter has used colloidal silver on her fingernails that had some kind of fungus. The silver healed the fingers.”

-- George, Torrance, CA
“Impossible To Get Rid Of” Nail Fungus Cured With Colloidal Silver!
"Folks, if you've never tried it, this is just amazing stuff. Both my husband and I had toenail fungus, which we found impossible to get rid of—even with tea tree oil—but the colloidal silver did the trick! You could see the changes in just a couple of weeks.

We take an ounce or so orally whenever we think about it throughout the day and spray the silver water onto the affected area first thing in the morning and last thing at night or whenever else remember to do it.

We bought our
generator from http://thesilveredge.com, but there are other companies out there as well.
We have no piece of the action at this site, but we highly recommend it because of our results."
-- elfExpressionsEzine.com
Colloidal Silver “Really Clears Up Toenail Fungus Fast!”

"We have two of your 'Micro' machines and love them - as do our clients in our clinic.
We make up our own foot bath electrolytes to treat Peripheral Neuropathy - and colloidal silver makes up a healthy amount of said electrolytes. It really clears up toenail fungus fast!"

-- JDS, Chico Holistic Healthcare
“We bought our Micro-Particle generator back in November 2009 and have been using the product which has been helping to rid my feet and legs of a dark fungus.
I take two shot glasses three to four times a day.
I have made over 25 gallons since ...we got our unit.
All of the CS is given away to our friends and family. Sometimes they provide the jars and distilled water. Thank you again for all you are doing."

-- David S.
What the Experts Say About Colloidal Silver and Fungal Infections
Experts agree that colloidal silver and other silver-based antimicrobials are often astonishingly effective against fungal pathogens.
Here are just a few quotes from various experts attesting to the powerful healing qualities of colloidal silver against fungal pathogens:
"In addition to its antibacterial properties, silver is also being studied as an antifungal agent.
A study published in Mycoses in 2007 indicated that silver is effective against four fungi 'which cause major fungal infections in humans':
Trichophyton rubrum, Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, and Aspergillus flavus.
Silver has also been studied as an antiviral, and has been shown 'to prevent [certain viruses] from being infective.'"
-- S.M. Foran, Therapeutic Properties of Silver: an Historical and Technical Review
"Silver is taken up rapidly by fungus spores, so that germination can be completely inhibited after a contact time of 1 minute or less.
Only mercury( I) and (II), and to a lesser extent copper, offer serious competition."
-- Miller, Lawrence P., and McCallan, S.E.A. 1957. Toxic action of metal ions to fungus spores. Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 5(2), 116-122.
"Silver was similarly toxic to a range of [fungal] pathogens including Pythium aphanidermatum, Thielaviopsis basicola and Fusarium oxysporum f.spp.
Most zoospores of phytophthora spp were killed by Ag+ in the range 5-50 ppb, bursting at the higher concentrations...
Zoospore cysts and germlings showed the same sensitivity to silver. Oospores were mostly killed over the range 25-100 ppb...
…It is surprising that no silver-based fungicide has been developed."
-- Slade, S.J., and Pegg, G.F. 1993. The effect of silver and other metal ions on the in vitro growth of root-rotting Phytophthora and other fungal species. Annals of Applied Biology, 122, 233-251.
"Spherical silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) were synthesized and their antifungal effects on fungal pathogens of the skin were investigated.
Nano-Ag showed potent activity against clinical isolates and ATCC strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida species (IC80, 1-7 microg/ml).
The activity of nano-Ag was comparable to that of amphotericin B, but superior to that of fluconazole (amphotericin B IC80, 1-5 microg/ml; fluconazole IC80, 10- 30 microg/ml).
Additionally, we investigated their effects on the dimorphism of Candida albicans. The results showed nano-Ag exerted activity on the mycelia.
Thus, the present study indicates nano-Ag may have considerable antifungal activity, deserving further investigation for clinical applications."
-- J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2008 Aug;18(8):1482-4., Kim KJ, Sung WS, Moon SK, Choi JS, Kim JG, Lee DG. Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Scienes, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea.
“…the antifungal activity and its mechanism of silver, Nano-Ag specifically, was investigated.

Nano-Ag, in an IC80 range of 1-25 µg/ml, showed significant antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes and Candida species.
Toward all fungal strains, Nano-Ag exhibited similar activity with amphotericin B, showing IC80 values of 1-5 µg/ml, but more potent activity than fluconazole, showing IC80 values of 10-30 µg/ml.

…Many studies have shown the antimicrobial effects of Nano-Ag (Klasen, 2000; Russell & Hugo, 1994; Silver, 2003), but the effects of Nano-Ag against fungal pathogens of the skin, including clinical isolates of T. mentagrophytes and Candida species are mostly unknown.

The primary significance of this study is the observation that Nano-Ag can inhibit the growth of dermatophytes, which cause superficial fungal infections (Kim et al., 2008).
Nano-Ag also exhibited potent antifungal effects, probably through destruction of membrane integrity (Kim et al., 2009).

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to apply Nano-Ag successfully to dermatophytes and pathogenic fungal strains.
Secondly, the fact that preparation method of Nano-Ag described here is cost-effective is also of importance. Therefore, it can be expected that Nano-Ag may have potential as an anti-infective agent for human fungal diseases.”
-- The Silver Nanoparticle (Nano-Ag): a New Model for Antifungal Agents, Juneyoung Lee, Keuk-Jun Kim, Woo Sang Sung, Jong Guk Kim and Dong Gun Lee School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Republic of Korea
“In addition to being effective against fungi, this method of silver application has also been demonstrated to be efficacious against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
The results of the current study demonstrate the excellent in vitro performance of silver, particularly the nanocrystalline form, against a variety of common fungal pathogens.
The most remarkable aspect of the fungicidal experiments is that nanocrystalline silver appears to be effective against the resistant spores produced by some of these organisms."
-- Wright, J.B., et al. 1999. Efficacy of topical silver against fungal burn wound pathogens. American Journal of Infection Control, 27(4), 344-349.
“The present study demonstrated that anodic silver (Ag+) at low direct currents had inhibitory and fungicidal properties.
Broth dilution susceptibility tests were made on several species of Candida and one species of Torulopsis.
Growth in all isolates was inhibited by concentrations of electrically generated silver ions between 0.5 and 4.7 mg/ml, and silver exhibited fungicidal properties at concentrations as low as 1.9 ,ug/ml.
The inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of electrically generated silver ions are lower than those reported for other silver compounds.”
-- Antifungal Properties of Electrically Generated Metallic Ions, by Becker, Spadaro, Berger, Bierman, Chapin, published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Nov. 1976, p. 856-860
"Silver ions are bactericidal, antifungal, protozoicidal, and active against herpes simplex virus."
-- Russell, A.D., et al. 1994. Antimicrobial activity and action of silver. Progress in Medicinal Chemistry, 31, 351-370.
"Beginning in the 1970s, several independent researchers found that silver ions easily destroy Candida and other fungi.
But it wasn't until a pilot study during the mid- 1990s that included human patients suffering from terminal AIDS that medical researchers established solid evidence showing just how quick and effective silver ions can be in the treatment of Candida as well as HIV.
In this study, nine individuals who were near death were divided into two subgroups. One group suffered from HIV and a terrible Candida infection.
The other group suffered from both HIV and an extreme form of malnutrition (known as Wasting Syndrome).
The researchers found that in both groups the colloidal silver was capable of killing pathogens and purging the bloodstream of germ defenses in order to restore the immune system."
-- Dr. Jonathan Wright, M.D.
"Topically, it can be used to fight fungal infections of the skin or nails and to promote the healing of burns, wounds, cuts, rashes, and sunburn. It can be used on toothaches and mouth sores, as eye drops, and as a gargle to fight tooth decay and bad breath. It can also be used as sterilizer and can even be sprayed on air-conditioning filters and air ducts and vents to prevent germs from growing."
-- Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F Balch MD, pg 66
“I sincerely recommend that everyone have electrically generated colloidal silver in their home as an antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal agent."
-- Dr. Joseph Weissman, M.D. board certified immunologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California Medical School
"In contrast to medical antibiotics that can be used only against specific microbes, colloidal silver has a wide range of effectiveness, eliminating bacteria as well as viruses and fungi."
-- The Natural Way to Heal by Walter Last, pg 161
"Silver is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal anti-metabolite that disables specific enzymes that microorganisms use for respiration."
-- Rare Earths, Forbidden Cures by Joel D. Wallach, BS, DVM, ND and Ma Lan, MD, MS
"Many strains of pathogenic microbes, viruses, fungi, bacteria or any other single celled pathogen resistant to other antibiotics are killed on contact by colloidal silver, and are unable to mutate. However, it does not harm tissue-cell enzymes and friendly bacteria."
-- Ron Barnes, PhD., Pharmacist, Capital Drugs
"In recent decades, studies have revealed the biochemical reactions of ionic silver that result in the inactivation of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, spirochetes, viruses, etc. However, the broad use of silver as a powerful clinical tool is still in the future because its full range of activity remains to be elucidated."
-- Davies, Richard, and Etris, Samuel. 1997. The development and functions of silver in water purification and disease control. In Catalysis Today, 36, 107-114.
“Metallic silver and silver compounds are used widely in medical devices and health care products to provide antibacterial and antifungal action. Experience has shown that they are generally safe in use and effective in controlling pathogenic organisms.”
-- A.B.G. Lansdown, PHF, FRCPath, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
Ag-NP's have strong antifungal activity on Candida albicans, Candida globrato, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.”
-- Biometals, 24 September 2010, Antibiotic effect of silver nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus
"For all bacterial, fungal and viral attacks on plants, flowers and fruit, simply spray diluted colloidal silver on the leaves; also, add to water, mixing one tablespoon per liter.
I put silver in my hydroponic system to eradicate root rot.
A friend of mine grows very rare orchids; these are sold overseas for a large amount of money. He was getting a fungus growing on some of them and they became worthless. We came up with the idea that the silver might eradicate the fungus, as it does on humans and animals. So why not give it a try?
It worked and he is a very happy man. he has now put a spray system in and all his flowers are sprayed at regular intervals and have never had any trouble since."
-- Colloidal Silver: the Hidden Truths, by Dr. Keith F. Courtenay (U.L.C., USA)
“Ag(e) has also proved adept at killing various yeast/fungus species at very low Silver concentrations, including Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis, Torulopsis glabrata and Aspergillus niger.”
-- James South, MA, Biochemist
More About Colloidal Silver and Fungal Infections
While we’re on the subject of getting rid of fungal pathogens, here’s a great article you might want to read about a simple way to use colloidal silver to cure stubborn toenail fungus infections.
And for women who may suffer from Candida Yeast infections from time to time, here’s a short piece on how to use colloidal silver effectively to get rid of a Candida Yeast infection.
The bottom line is this:
The clinical studies show, and the experts agree that colloidal silver is a powerful and effective remedy for fungal infections of all sorts.
Yours for the safe, sane and responsible use of colloidal silver,
Steve Barwick, author
Helpful Links:
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 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.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Colloidal Silver, Scarlet Fever and Streptococcus Pyogenes – a New Plague Begins to Spread!


Scarlet Fever was a leading cause of death among children in the 19th century. The situation was so serious, homes in which victims of Scarlet Fever lived were quarantined by health authorities in order to help prevent its spread to the general public.

Now it appears Scarlet Fever is making a comeback in some countries such as China, where up to 21,000 cases have been reported in the past year alone!

And the bad news gets worse: An antibiotic-resistant strain of the pathogen responsible for Scarlet Fever has developed, prompting new fears at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that U.S. tourists traveling to China might bring the deadly new strain back with them.

Will colloidal silver help? The results of several clinical studies indicate silver-based antimicrobials are indeed very effective against this potentially deadly pathogen…

Hi, Steve Barwick here, for www.TheSilverEdge.com...

According to a recent article on Yahoo! Health, the highly infectious and potentially deadly disease, Scarlet Fever, is making a comeback that has health authorities quite concerned:

“Scarlet fever—the much-feared scourge of the past—is back, with an outbreak in Hong Kong that has killed two children and sickened hundreds.

More than 21,000 cases have also been reported in China so far this year, nearly quadruple the rate for the same period in 2010, while infections have tripled in Macau, prompting the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to issue a warning to travelers to China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

What makes the outbreak particularly alarming is that the strain infecting the region is 60 percent resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat it, compared to 10 to 30 percent resistance in previous strains, according to a microbiologist from Hong Kong University.”

According to the Macau Daily Times, the situation is quite serious, and is reaching epidemic proportions:

“Experts meanwhile warned that the epidemic sweeping through Hong Kong, Macau, and parts of China may worsen…The situation is rather serious at the moment…

…We are facing an epidemic because the bacterium that is causing scarlet fever is widely circulating in this region -- not only in Hong Kong but in mainland China and Macau."

According to health experts, at this point in time there has (thankfully!) been no similar surge of Scarlet Fever cases in the U.S.

But the Centers for Disease Control has issued an alert asking U.S. tourists visiting China to take precautions.

“Hong Kong scientists who isolated the bacteria in a six-year-old patient found a genetic mutation that may make the new strain more contagious than usual, which could explain the dramatic rise in cases in the affected region.”

Is the outbreak likely to spread to the US?

So far, there are no reports of any surge in scarlet fever cases in the US. Health authorities warn travelers to Hong Kong, China and Macau to wash their hands frequently and avoid crowded places that lack fresh air to reduce the risk of catching the disease.”

What Is Scarlet Fever?

According to Dr. Ron Kennedy, M.D., the same pathogen that causes strep throat – Streptococcus pyogenes -- also causes Scarlet Fever:
“Scarlet fever is a disease caused by infection with Group A streptococcal bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes) that occurs in a small proportion of people with strep throat.

The incubation period between contracting strep and the onset of scarlet fever is short, typically 72 hours but may range from 1 to 7 days.

Illness usually begins with a fever and sore throat and may be accompanied by chills, vomiting, abdominal pain and malaise.

The strep bacteria produces a toxin that causes a rash that appears 1 to 2 days after the onset of illness. The rash initially appears on the neck and chest, then spreads over the body. Typically the rash begins as small red macules which gradually become elevated.

The redness fades over a few days and the patient is left with a rough "sandpaper" feeling rash. While the rash is still red the patient may develop what are called Pastia's lines, bright red coloration of the creases under the arm and in the groin.

The rash usually lasts for 3 days. As the rash fades, desquamation (peeling) may occur around the finger tips, toes, and groin area.

The throat culture should be positive for group A Strep. There is a rapid antigen test (throat swab). 
Therapy is designed to treat the infection with antibiotics (usually penicillin) and relieve symptoms with analgesics, rest, and plenty of fluids.”
Is Colloidal Silver Effective Against Scarlet Fever?

While there have been no modern in vivo (i.e., human) laboratory clinical studies conducted on colloidal silver to determine whether or not it will heal Scarlet Fever…

…there have been a number of in vitro (i.e., test tube) studies demonstrating the effectiveness of silver-based antimicrobials against the pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes that causes both Scarlet Fever and strep throat.

According to a May 13, 1999 report signed by Brigham Young University microbiologist David A. Revelli and BYU Professor of Microbiology/Molecular Biology Dr. Ron W. Leavitt, Ph.D….

…a colloidal silver solution was able to kill four different strains of the Streptococcus pathogen, at surprisingly low concentrations, and including the strain that causes both Scarlet Fever and strep throat, Streptococcus pyogenes.

Here’s a brief synopsis of what the researchers discovered:

Streptococcus pyogenes (skin infections, upper respiratory infections (i.e. strep throat) impetigo, hospital-acquired infections, Scarlet Fever, etc.) inhibited and killed @ 1.25 ppm. 1/22/99 BYU Report.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumonia, meningitis, sinusitis, otitis media (ear infection) inhibited @ 2.5 ppm and killed @ 5 ppm. BYU Report.

Streptococcus faecalis (Urinary tract infections, endocarditis, wound infections, etc.) inhibited @ 2.5 ppm and killed @ 5 ppm. BYU Report.

Streptococcus mutans (A major cause dental plaque and tooth decay etc.) inhibited and killed @ 5 ppm. BYU Report.

Streptococcus gordonii (Tooth decay, also implicated in infective endocarditis-an infection of the heart valves) inhibited and killed @ 5 ppm. BYU Report.

As you can see, in in vitro testing, extremely low concentrations ranging between 1.25 ppm colloidal silver and 5 ppm colloidal silver were able to kill the Streptococcus pathogens tested…

…including Streptococcus pyogenes which was killed at only 1.25 ppm – an astonishingly low concentration of silver!

This is very good news, because the pathogen causing the current outbreak of Scarlet Fever in China appears to be resistant to antibiotic drugs, which means an alternative means of treatment for stubborn critical cases is going to be needed.

Is Colloidal Silver Effective Against Antibiotic-Resistant Strains?

In another in vitro clinical study titled, “Bactericidal Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria,” published in the World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (Volume 26, Number 4, 615-621, DOI: 10.1007/s11274-009-0211-3)…

…researchers tested the efficacy of silver nanoparticles against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains of Streptococcus pyogenes (the cause of Scarlet Fever) as well as four other bacterial strains including Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and E. coli.

The results?

According to the study authors:

“In our study, silver nanoparticles exerted a bactericidal effect against the six bacterial strains… there was no significant difference between the bactericidal effects of silver nanoparticles on drug-resistant and non-drug-resistant microorganisms.

the same nanosilver concentration inhibited 99.7% of erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes, 95.7% of ampicillin-resistant E. coli O157:H7 and 92.8% of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa.”

The researchers further concluded that silver nanoparticles exhibited bactericidal effect rather than merely bacteriostatic effect.

This is important news, because it means the use of silver nanoparticles is so effective against the drug-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes, it outright kills them rather than merely inhibiting their growth!

The researchers stated in their conclusion [italics and underlining are mine]:

“For all strains, the average ratio of the minimum bactericidal concentration to the minimum inhibitory concentration indicated that silver nanoparticles have a bactericidal rather than bacteriostatic effect on the tested bacteria.

In theory, a bactericidal agent is preferred clinically because bacterial killing should produce a faster resolution of the infection, improve clinical outcome, and reduce the likelihood of the emergence of resistance and the spread of infection.

If pathogens are killed rather than inhibited, resistance mutations that might otherwise emerge as the result of antibiotic pressure are eliminated…

The data presented here are novel in that they prove that silver nanoparticles are effective bactericidal agents regardless of the drug-resistance mechanisms that exist in multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, ampicillin-resistant E. coli O157:H7 and erythromycin-resistant S. pyogenes and show the importance of silver nanoparticles in the nosocomial and community environment.

Therefore, silver nanoparticles can be recommended as an effective broad-spectrum bactericidal agent.”

In short, silver-based antimicrobials represent a potentially powerful weapon in the fight against drug-resistant pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes.

What the Experts Say About Colloidal Silver and Streptococcus!

Since the early 1900’s various forms of silver-based antimicrobial substances have been tested against different strains of streptococcus, and found to be effective.

Here are just a few examples where medical experts and clinical researchers have attested to the efficacy of silver-based antimicrobials against various forms of the Streptococcus pathogen, including the “group A” Streptococcus pyogenes strain responsible for strep throat and Scarlet Fever:

“The author has shown antibacterial activity against four major pathogens namely MRSA, pseudomonas, group A streptococcus and E.coli in the laboratory.”

-- Noted South African Colloidal Silver Researcher Dr Peter J. Price, MBBCh (Rand), MMed (Clinical Pathology)

"Colloidal silver just might be the next germ-fighting wonder drug. And not just for the serious threats making headlines: It's also effective against bacterial infections like strep throat, viruses like the flu, and fungal infections like Candida."

-- Dr. Jonathan Wright, MD, of the famous Tahoma Clinic in Seattle, WA

“Silver in the colloidal state is highly germicidal, quite harmless to humans and absolutely non-toxic…All virus, fungus, bacterium, streptococcus, staphylococcus, and other pathogenic organisms are killed in three or four minutes upon contact. There are no side effects whatsoever from the highest concentrations.”

-- Dr. Henry Crooks, quoted by Alfred B. Searle in Use of Colloids in Health and Disease, 1910

“...Staphylococcus pyogenes, various Streptococci, and other pathogenic organisms are all killed in three or four minutes; in fact, no microbe is known that is not killed by this colloid in laboratory experiments in six minutes…”

-- Alfred B. Searles, Use of Colloids in Health & Disease, 1910

“The writer found that guinea-pigs and rabbits survive the opening of the peritoneal cavity and infection of the peritoneum with staphylococci, streptococci or diphtheria bacilli if a few pieces of metallic silver are introduced simultaneously, but die if this is omitted.”

-- The Medical Review, Volume 3, Page 38, January-December, 1900

“This 'colloidal silver' is almost entirely soluble in water and albuminous fluids, and apparently hinders the development of and destroys certain pathogenic germs, viz., staphylo and streptococci, to such an extent as to very often effect a rapid and absolutely surprising cure in recent cases, and also in chronic ones, such as slow sepsis and furunculosis, where secondary changes of vital organs, such as abscesses, or gangrene, have not occurred.”

-- Albany Medical Annals, Volume 21, No. 1, January, 1900

As you can see, the effectiveness of silver-based antimicrobials against Streptococcus pathogens – including Streptococcus pyogenes, the cause of strep throat and Scarlet Fever -- is nothing new.
Clinically, silver in various forms has been found to be effective against various strains of Streptococcus from the early 1900’s to the present time.

Colloidal Silver Success Stories!

Since Streptococcus pyogenes is the cause of both strep throat and Scarlet Fever, I thought it interesting to include some real-life colloidal silver success stories demonstrating the effectiveness of colloidal silver against this pathogen.

These testimonials are from the Colloidal Silver Success Stories web site:

Saved My Son’s Arm From Cellulitis (Strep) Infection!

“I have two fascinating experiences to tell you about. The first one is about my son. He had gotten a cellulitis infection caused by strep [i.e., Streptococcus] in his finger.

He was treated by medical doctors, but lost the finger to prevent the infection from taking his arm.

Not much longer after that he got cellulitis again. This time I took matters into my own hands and treated him myself.

Each night for 5 nights I drove to his house and wrapped his hand and arm in colloidal silver-soaked gauze, wrapped it with plastic wrap and sealed it with Gentle Paper tape.

Each morning he would remove the wrap to allow air to get to the area. That procedure stopped the strep infection and saved his arm.”

-- Joyce M., AR

Cured My Wife’s Strep Throat Infection!

“My wife had pneumonia once, and colloidal silver alone made her well. Another time she had strep throat, and colloidal silver was what took it away. We no longer use other antibiotics...no need.”

-- M.K., OR

Works Instantly on Strep Throat!

"Whenever we use the micro-particle silver, it really works! It works waaaay better than the old fashioned silver solution! The micro-particle silver works almost instantly on strep throat, flying pig flu, cough, lung issues, near pnuemonia....high fever....We've had almost universal instant problem solving with it.”

-- Kathy W., KS

Began Healing Strep Throat in Just One Day!

"I am an elementary school secretary and right now strep throat is rampant there. Several days ago, I knew I was coming down with it, red sore throat with blisters, swollen glands.

Had some 30ppm CS from the health food store, put two dropper fulls in a bit of water, swished, gargled and swallowed it. The next day, my throat... was almost completely better!”

-- Dianne M.

Healed a Nasty Case of Strep In Just 3 Days!

"One of our earliest experiences with colloidal silver was when our then-16 year old son Ron came home from school with a red, inflamed throat that had huge white pus pockets.

His doctor took a throat culture and diagnosed it as strep throat. He gave us a prescription of some kind of penicillin derivative.

But we took Ron home, made a batch of colloidal silver, and had him drink 6 ounces of our homemade colloidal silver and gargle with an ounce every hour.

By the next day the pus pockets were nearly gone, and the inflammation was in retreat. Three days later he was fine. We never did have to give him the antibiotics."

-- S.B., CA

Again, the above anecdotal accounts, expert quotes and in vitro (i.e., test tube) clinical studies do not prove that colloidal silver will be effective in stopping Scarlet Fever, because no in vivo (i.e., in the human body) studies have yet been conducted.

But they do demonstrate the fact that silver-based antimicrobials are indeed effective against the Streptococcus pyogenes pathogen behind this deadly infectious disease – including the antibiotic-resistant strains.

Should this dread disease of old spread from China to the U.S., there is certainly enough clinical evidence available to warrant researchers to do additional studies on colloidal silver and other silver-based antimicrobials, for the sake of protecting the public!

As more information becomes available, I’ll report it on the Colloidal Silver Secrets Community on Facebook. Meanwhile, I remain…

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

Helpful Links:

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 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.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Antimicrobial Silver and Food Products


With the recent outbreaks of deadly E. coli and MRSA in foods, why isn’t antimicrobial silver being used more often in food-related products such as food storage containers, food wrapping products and food processing equipment?
Hi, Steve Barwick here, for www.TheSilverEdge.com...
In recent weeks we’ve seen massive outbreaks of E. coli food poisoning throughout Europe, and now in the United States too.
In Europe, nearly 3,000 have been sickened by the latest outbreak, and 30 people are dead.
Here in the U.S., 13 cases of E. coli infection, with one death so far this past week.
What’s more, recent studies have demonstrated that nearly 50% of all U.S. meat is contaminated with MRSA, the drug-resistant strain of staph that now kills more people in the U.S. than AIDS.
Yet, here in the U.S. and around the world, the environmental bureaucrats are doing everything in their power to stop the use of silver-based antimicrobials in food-related products and food processing equipment…
…even though incorporating silver into food-related products would dramatically reduce food-borne illness and disease, and save millions of lives globally!
Many companies have wanted to use nanosilver, for example, as a coating on food processing equipment to keep bacterial counts down, or in food storage products to prevent food spoilage and dramatically reduce bacterial contamination.
But they have met nothing but resistance from the environmentalists.
There is even a silver-impregnated butcher paper for wrapping meat, which would prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens on meat products.
But the environmentalists have been trying to stop that product from coming to market, too.
EPA Regulations Now Prevent the Public From Knowing About Silver-Based Products
There have been a small handful of food-related products utilizing antimicrobial silver that have actually made it to market.
For example, some small plastic food storage containers now have silver imbedded in the plastic, which keeps germs from spreading too quickly in the food stored in these containers.
Some of these silver-impregnated plastic food storage containers were sold by the well-known company, Sharper Image.
But Sharper Image quit carrying these products because of new regulations from the EPA preventing them from mentioning the antimicrobial silver in the product without registering them with the EPA and having to perform millions of dollars worth of environmental impact studies first to prove the products are "safe for the environment."
(Here’s where to get these nano-silver impregnated food storage containers, before they’re taken off the market completely.)
Daewoo Corporation, from Korea, has also come out with a refrigerator that utilizes silver-impregnation on all inside contact surfaces, in order to reduce food spoilage and bacterial contamination. But the product isn't selling well in the U.S. due to all of the negative publicity from the environmentalists, and the new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
It's ridiculous, of course, but these are the kinds of roadblocks innovative companies trying to use silver in food-related products to help prevent food-borne illness and disease are running up against.
Worldwide Blockade Against Silver In Food Products
The same thing is happening worldwide. For example, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has recently ruled that there's "no place for nanosilver in consumer products such as foods."
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is essentially the German equivalent of our Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency rolled into one. This German institute is also heavily influenced by environmentalists.
In my recent article explaining the environmental blockade against the use of silver-based antimicrobials in food products, I decimate the contention that silver is dangerous to the environment and therefore should not be used in food, food storage, or food processing.
For many decades now silver has been safely used in family and public swimming pools here in the United States and around the world.
It has also been used extensively in spas and hot tubs...in prescription medicines like Silvadene cream...and it is also sold as an oral nutritional supplement in the form of colloidal silver to tens of millions of people across North America annually.
Indeed, in Mexico a colloidal silver product called Microdyne is the #1 selling product for decontaminating water and preventing water-borne bacteria from causing bowel infections and diarrhea.
Yet problems with these silver-based products are extremely rare even though they are used extensively by millions of people. And uncountable cases of illness and disease are prevented or quickly healed, thanks largely to the use of antimicrobial silver in these arenas.
Unfortunately, the environmentalists are fighting tooth and nail to prevent silver from being used in foods, food storage, food wrapping or food processing.
Even though tens of millions of people are sickened every year by food-borne pathogens, hundreds of thousands of lives are lost, and billions of dollars in unnecessary health and medical costs are incurred...
...the environmentalists doggedly cling to the mistaken notion that silver might somehow harm the very environment it comes from in the first place – even to the point of making up wild and unsubstantiated charges against silver in order to scare the public away from using it.
It's a sad situation. But that's where things stand right now.
Using Colloidal Silver to Protect Your Family Against Food-Borne Illness and Disease
In the meantime, you can be proactive by using colloidal silver to spray your store bought fruits and vegetables before storing them in the fridge.
Many people even use a simple colloidal silver-based fruit and vegetable wash, which you can make quickly and easily out of common kitchen products.
You can also spray colloidal silver onto your kitchen cutting boards, countertops, sinks, faucets and handles, etc. to help prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens that can cause serious illness and disease.
(Spray bottles for colloidal silver can be found at some of the sources listed in the article at this link.)
And of course, at the first sign of tummy troubles, many people start using colloidal silver orally, right away, to nip the potential food poisoning in the bud.
In a future issue, I’ll write more extensively on this topic of antimicrobial silver and food. Until then, I remain...
Yours for the safe, sane and responsible use of colloidal silver,
Steve Barwick, author
Helpful Links:
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 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.