The Many Benefits of Bentonite Clay You Didn’t Know You Needed!
Ever thought about adding clay to your diet? It might sound unusual, but the many benefits of bentonite clay have been gaining attention for its potential health benefits. This natural substance, formed from volcanic ash, has been used for centuries in various cultures for its healing properties. Today, more people are discovering the many benefits of bentonite clay by incorporating it into their daily routines to boost their health.
Claims about the benefits of bentonite clay include better digestive health and detoxification. This versatile substance can be used both internally and externally. In this blog post, we’ll look at the benefits of bentonite clay, including gut health, detoxification, and skin care. By the end, you’ll see why bentonite clay might be a great addition to your health toolkit.
First, why does bentonite clay work the way it does?
The Science Behind Bentonite Clay
Chemical Structure
Bentonite clay is more than just dirt—it’s a fascinating substance with unique properties. It comes from volcanic ash and is mostly made of something called montmorillonite, a type of sedimentary rock. There are deposits throughout the world, but one of the largest is in Fort Benton, Wyoming. When mixed with water, an electric charge is created. Bentonite Clay also has the ability to pull excess hydrogen from the body’s cells and replace it with oxygen.
Absorption Powers: How the Many Benefits of Bentonite Clay Work
Bentonite clay’s real magic comes from its impressive absorption capabilities. This isn’t just about soaking up water – bentonite clay has a high cation exchange capacity. In simpler terms, this means the clay, which carries a negative charge, can attract positively charged ions like magnesium, sodium, and potassium. This property gives bentonite its power to adsorb – or attract to its surface – various substances, including oils, bacteria, and even toxins.
Mineral Content
You might be surprised to learn that bentonite clay is more than just clay – it’s full of minerals. It contains silicon, iron oxides, small amounts of magnesium, potassium, and calcium, and trace minerals like copper and zinc. These minerals contribute to the clay’s potential health benefits. For instance, the presence of calcium and magnesium might explain some of its soothing properties when used on skin irritations.
Bentonite Clay for Digestive Health
When it comes to digestive health, there are many benefits of bentonite clay. This natural substance can help with various digestive issues, from constipation to more complex conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Relieving Constipation
If constipation has you feeling stuck, bentonite clay might offer a natural option. Its absorbent properties can help regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive function. However, proper hydration is key when using bentonite clay. You need to hydrate very well when consuming it. The clay’s absorbent nature pulls in water and adds bulk to the gut. This can lead to constipation or intestinal obstruction if you don’t stay well-hydrated.
Clay for IBS?
Some people dealing with IBS have used bentonite clay with positive results. In a study involving IBS sufferers, taking 3 grams of bentonite three times daily for eight weeks showed benefits. While it didn’t significantly improve pain or discomfort for all IBS types, it did help modulate bowel habits in those with constipation-predominant IBS. This suggests that bentonite clay might be particularly beneficial for certain types of IBS.
Balancing Gut Bacteria
Bentonite clay has shown potential in fighting harmful bacteria and viruses in the gut. In one study using cows, scientists found that bentonite clay molecules are bound to bovine rotavirus and coronavirus, two major viruses that cause gastroenteritis. While more research is needed on human subjects, these findings suggest that bentonite clay could help protect your gut from harmful pathogens.
Remember, while bentonite clay shows promise, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine.
Detoxification and Cleansing with Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay has gained attention for its potential detoxifying properties. Its unique structure and composition make it an effective tool for cleansing your body of various toxins and harmful substances.
Removing Heavy Metals
One of the standout benefits of bentonite clay is its reported ability to help remove heavy metals from the body, like lead, cadmium, and copper. The benefits of bentonite clay may include reducing levels of these metals in the body. Heavy metals can disrupt the Nervous System, along with the body’s mineral balance. Bentonite clay has shown promise in reducing the levels of these metals in the studies linked below.
- In pigs, feeding bentonite for 100 days led to reduced lead concentrations in blood, brain, liver, bone, kidney, and hair.
- For sheep, dietary supplements of bentonite decreased copper bioavailability.
- In fish, bentonite clay helped reverse cadmium-induced oxidative damage in the liver and kidney.
Binding to Toxins
Bentonite clay’s detoxifying power comes from its ability to bind to various toxins in your body. This binding process, known as adsorption, allows the clay to attract and remove harmful substances:
- It can bind to aflatoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain molds. This study shows that bentonite clay can reduce aflatoxin levels in foods such as milk.
- Bentonite clay has also demonstrated the capacity to absorb pesticides and herbicides, potentially reducing their harmful effects.
Supporting Liver Function
Your liver is constantly working to detoxify your body, and bentonite clay can help lighten the load. By binding to aflatoxins, bentonite clay can help protect your liver from damage. In animal studies, adding bentonite to aflatoxin-contaminated diets partially restored liver function.
By incorporating bentonite clay into your wellness routine, you may be able to enhance your body’s natural detox processes.
Topical Uses of Bentonite Clay
Skin Healing Properties
Another benefit of bentonite clay is its application in skin care. Its unique ability to produce an electrical charge when mixed with water makes it excellent for drawing out toxins and oxygenating your skin. This natural substance can be a game-changer for various skin conditions. If you’re dealing with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin rashes, bentonite clay might provide relief. It’s also shown promise in healing skin lesions and ulcers.
For sun protection, bentonite clay has you covered. When mixed with sunscreens, it can help shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation.
Acne and Blemishes
If you’re battling acne, bentonite clay could be your new best friend. Its extraordinary absorbent power helps control excess oil, which can be a root cause of acne. By absorbing extra oil and preventing dirt and bacteria from clinging to your skin, bentonite clay may reduce the chances of breakouts.
For those with oily or acne-prone skin, using a bentonite clay mask regularly can work wonders. It not only absorbs excess grease but also helps clear up acne and reduce shine. The clay’s anti-inflammatory properties can calm inflamed skin and soothe acne.
DIY Face Mask Recipe-Harnessing the Many Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Healthy Skin
Creating your own bentonite clay mask is simple and effective. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
- Mix 3 tablespoons of bentonite clay with 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and honey. Optional: add one drop of tea tree oil.
- Add a teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar (optional) and water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Some manufacturers suggest wooden utensils when working with clay to maintain its effectiveness. This is because minerals like aluminum or iron may alter the properties of the clay.
Bentonite clay is a versatile and natural way to support overall well-being. Its unique structure and properties make it a powerful tool for digestive health, detoxification, and skincare. Whether you’re dealing with gut issues, looking to detox, or simply want to try a natural approach to skincare, bentonite clay has something to offer.
The many benefits of bentonite clay include its versatility. From its unique structure to its absorption properties and mineral content, bentonite clay offers a natural solution for various health and wellness applications.
DISCLAIMER: These services are designed for educational purposes only and are not intended to serve as medical advice. The information provided on this site and in reports should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem or need medical attention, you should consult your healthcare provider.
