Bentonite Clay

Bentonite Clay Geophagy is the practice of intentionally consuming soil. It is common in some parts of the world. Usually, people would consume some specific kind of soil for health benefits or even in an effort to manage certain disease conditions. In some conditions, humans are more attracted to consuming clays like in pregnancy and childhood. However, researchers have now started to understand the benefits of such practices. However, there is still a need for further studies.¹

Bentonite is an unusual clay with widespread industrial use, and it is also used for various health benefits. It is aluminium phyllosilicate rich clay with excellent absorbent properties. Bentonite Clay is used in parts of Europe and Asia to manage multiple health conditions. It is generally mixed with water to form a paste and used both externally (applied topically on the skin) and internally.²

Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay

Below are some of the well-known benefits of Bentonite Clay:

Body Detoxification

Bentonite Clay is a potent detoxifying clay. It is especially good at absorbing negatively charged toxins. Studies in animals show that two weeks of consumption of Bentonite Clay could considerably reduce the faecal secretion of toxins. Bentonite Clay may also bind with certain environmental toxins and therefore help protect the liver and kidney. Some studies show that it may also help reduce unwanted effects of pesticide ingestion. Bentonite Clay may be used even to manage poisoning with certain substances. Its ingestion may be especially good for managing heavy metal toxicity. Studies show that Bentonite Clay can absorb heavy metals like lead quite effectively. Bentonite Clay can be used to prevent absorption of toxins or maybe just used for general detoxification of the body from time to time.²^,³
Skin Health

Clay-based face masks are used globally. User experience and studies show that such face masks have potent anti-sebum activity. Therefore, their application has been found to be especially good for oily skin and for the prevention of acne. Additionally, studies show that use of Bentonite Clay on the skin may help reduce the severity of skin irritation, dermatitis caused by environmental toxins and allergens. Further, adding Bentonite Clay to sun lotions may improve their ability to protect skin from the harmful effects of sunrays.²^,⁴
Gastrointestinal Health

Using Bentonite Clay is not just good at absorbing toxins, it can also hold good levels of water, in some instances almost 12 times its volume. Although managing diarrhea severity has been one of the traditional uses of Bentonite Clay, this fact seems to have been forgotten in current times. Since Bentonite Clay can hold large amounts of water and absorb toxins, it’s use may help reduce gastric irritation and also help with constipation. Its use is thought to be quite good for those living with irritable bowel syndrome.²^,⁵
Antibacterial

It is quite probable that many of the health benefits of Bentonite Clay may be due to its ability to suppress bacterial growth and bind with toxins. Additionally, some data is emerging that using Bentonite Clay may modulate local immune responses.²

Side Effects of Bentonite Clay

Consuming Bentonite Clay would rarely cause any side effects. Nonetheless, it is worth remembering that there have been no toxicological studies regarding its prolonged use. However, there are some reports that Bentonite Clay may bind with certain electrolytes, especially when ingested in high amounts and therefore this could cause electrolyte disbalance. In addition, there are reports of it contributing to hypokalaemia, or deficiency of potassium in the bloodstream.²

Properties

Anti-Bacterial²^,³
Constipation²^,⁵
Diarrhea²^,⁵
Immune Booster²
Kidney Support²^,³
Liver Health²^,⁵
Skin Issues²
Toxin Removal¹^,²

References: