Kangana Ranaut's silver glass claim: Does it truly boost your immunity?

CLAIM:

Drinking from silver glass boosts immunity. 

 

FACT: 

There is no scientific evidence that drinking water from a silver glass boosts immunity; an expert we spoke to suggests that while silver has some antimicrobial properties, long-term or excessive intake can be harmful.

Boosting immunity is one of the most popular promises made by wellness hacks on the internet. From kitchen remedies to age-old Ayurvedic practices, social media is full of quick fixes that claim to strengthen your body’s defences. Now, an Instagram reel posted by the handle baatein_fitness_ki, which has 121K followers, suggests that drinking water from a silver glass can boost immunity.  

The video, which has already gained thousands of likes and shares, starts with a short clip featuring Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut sipping water from an old silver glass during a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra while promoting her film Emergency. In the clip, Ranaut explains that silver helps balance her pitta dosha and has cooling properties, making it an essential part of her Ayurvedic lifestyle.

The creator then goes on to cite this as evidence that "according to Ayurveda, just by changing the metal of your glass, you can have different health benefits." 

 

Does drinking from a silver glass boost immunity?

Scientific evidence around the health benefits of drinking from a silver glass is limited and inconclusive. However, a few studies provide some insights.  

A 2024 study investigated whether silver leaches into food and beverages when stored in silver plates or glasses. The findings showed that small quantities of silver do leach into traditional foods and drinks, meaning that consumers may ingest trace amounts of silver through regular use of silver utensils. 

However, this may not be a good thing. A study explains: “The complications of silver toxicity include dermatologic, cardiovascular, hematologic, hepatic, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and renal findings. The most common manifestation of excessive silver exposure is argyria, a condition characterised by bluish-gray skin discoloration. Argyria can be generalised, localised, or ocular. However, more severe manifestations of silver toxicity have been demonstrated." 

 

It goes on to warn that in a large enough dose, silver is acutely toxic. "An intravenous dose of about 50 mg of silver is considered fatal, leading to bone marrow, renal, and hepatic necrosis, hemorrhage, and pulmonary edema. Although silver is not considered carcinogenic, genotoxic effects have been reported. There are no known effective chelators for treating silver toxicity," it said. 

The study adds that although the exact antimicrobial mechanism of silver is not fully understood, several theories have been proposed. Silver’s antimicrobial activity is primarily associated with its biologically active ion form (Ag+). Researchers suggest that it works by inducing oxidative stress, interacting with cellular membranes, and disrupting essential cellular processes.

Another study on silver and copper vermiculites compared their antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The results suggested that both silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) exhibited antibacterial properties, but their effectiveness varied depending on the bacteria.

So should you be drinking from silver utensils or ingesting the metal?

It’s important to note that although silver is not listed as a nutrient in regulations, silver is consumed through various sources of dietary ingredients. Kaju katlis, barfis, and other Indian delicacies are often topped with silver foils.

It is traditional in many Indian cultures to feed babies with silver utensils. But is it really nutritious, or even safe? 

Dr Rajeshwari Panda, Head of the Dietetics Department at Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, explained: “There are two aspects to this—scientific and Ayurvedic. Ayurveda looks at silver differently, but when we talk scientifically, we need evidence and peer-reviewed research. As per current knowledge, drinking water from a silver glass does not directly boost immunity. Silver has some antimicrobial properties, which may help in wound care or surface disinfection, but there is no scientific proof that it strengthens the immune system. For real immune support, you need nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, protein, along with good gut health, proper sleep, and stress management.” 

She also pointed out that the FDA and NCCIH both warn against the use of colloidal silver products for immunity. According to her, “we do not need to depend on silver-infused water for immune health. A nutrient-rich diet, hydration, and a balanced lifestyle are the real science-backed ways to strengthen the immune system.” 

Dr Panda further cautioned that while occasional use of pure silver vessels is generally safe, chronic use or ingestion of colloidal silver can lead to toxicity, as silver particles may accumulate in the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. She advised that anyone considering the therapeutic use of silver should always consult a healthcare professional first. 

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.

 

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