Difference between revisions of "Bismuth"

Revision as of 01:47, 5 June 2020

Bismuth is derived from the German language and means “white mass.” It is a naturally occurring and stable heavy metal and about 86 percent as dense as lead, but much less toxic, which is why alloys of bismuth are now used as replacements for products that have traditionally been made from lead, such as buckshot.

Special Precautions and Side Effects of Bismuth

• Although the half-life of bismuth is generally short for most of your tissues, it can accumulate in your kidneys and liver with long-term use, causing toxicity symptoms and reduced function according to “Human Biochemistry and Disease” by Gerald Litwack. Too much bismuth leads to a dark colored tongue, black deposits within the gums of your mouth and black stools, which are similar symptoms to lead poisoning. Skin and respiratory irritation can also occur following exposure.

Health Benefits and Uses of Bismuth

• Bismuth compounds were once used to treat syphilis, but are now better known as gastrointestinal remedies.
• Bibrocathol is another bismuth compound used to treat infections of the eye. Devrom contains bismuth and is used to reduce odor in the bowels.
• Bismuth is effective in influenza cases, especially during viral infectious states of the otolaryngology. It is most often recommended in sore throats, pharyngitis and laryngitis but also in stomach aches and gastrointestinal diseases. It combines anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory analgesic properties. This is why it is recommended in winter periods, especially since it also has very valuable immunostimulatory effects against aggressive external agents.

References