What is bentonite clay?
Bentonite clay is a type of clay derived from volcanic ash. It is composed predominantly of montmorillonite, a smectite mineral that has unusual swelling properties. When mixed with water, bentonite clay forms a thick gel due to the attraction of water to the montmorillonite’s surface. This viscous, colloidal gel contains a negative electrical charge that gives bentonite the ability to bind to positively charged toxins, heavy metals and other impurities. For this reason, bentonite clay has been used medicinally for centuries as both an internal and external detoxification agent.
Is bentonite clay safe to ingest?
When used occasionally in small amounts, bentonite clay is likely safe for most adults. However, potential side effects can include:
– Constipation: Since bentonite clay absorbs water, it can lead to dehydration and constipation when taken in large amounts. It may also absorbs nutrients from food.
– Bloating and flatulence: Some people report feeling bloated or gassy after ingesting bentonite clay.
– Nutrient deficiencies: Bentonite clay can prevent the absorption of certain medications and nutrients, leading to deficiencies over time.
– Birth defects: Bentonite clay is not considered safe for pregnant women because it may prevent the absorption of folate and other prenatal vitamins.
– Drug interactions: Bentonite clay may interact with medications like digoxin, lithium, and certain antibiotics if taken at the same time.
So while occasional use of bentonite clay is likely safe for most people, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions with medications. Certain populations like pregnant women and those taking certain drugs should avoid ingesting bentonite clay.
What are the purported health benefits of ingesting bentonite clay?
Proponents claim that ingesting bentonite clay provides a number of health benefits by binding to toxins and removing them from the body. Some of the purported benefits include:
– Detoxification: Bentonite clay is claimed to help remove heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as other toxins. This may support overall detoxification.
– Digestion: By absorbing water and toxins, bentonite clay is claimed to help with digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas.
– Weight loss: Some claim bentonite clay helps promote weight loss by removing toxins, decreasing appetite and improving metabolism. However, there’s limited evidence to support these claims.
– Immune function: Bentonite clay is said to help bind and eliminate pathogens from the gut that can impair immune function. However, this has not been proven scientifically.
– Inflammation: Some evidence suggests bentonite clay may have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing gut permeability and absorbing inflammatory compounds. More research is needed.
– Skin health: Applied topically, bentonite clay may help treat skin conditions like acne, eczema and insect bites due to its absorbent properties. However, benefits from ingesting it are unproven.
While these potential health benefits are promising, most have not been substantiated in human clinical trials yet. More high-quality research is needed.
How does bentonite clay work in the body?
Bentonite clay works through a process called adsorption, whereby molecules bind to its surface. A few ways bentonite clay is believed to work after ingestion include:
– **Binding toxins** – Once ingested, bentonite clay adheres to toxins, heavy metals, chemicals, and other impurities in the gut. This helps prevent their absorption and eliminate them from the body.
– **Altering gut flora** – Bentonite clay may help remove pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites from the gut while supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
– **Absorbing water** – The clay absorbs water and swells in the stomach and intestinal tract. This may have a laxative effect while also promoting elimination of waste and toxins.
– **Stimulating bile** – Bentonite clay is believed to stimulate bile production, which in turn may help flush toxins from the liver and body.
– **Suppressing appetite** – By absorbing water and expanding in the stomach, bentonite clay creates a feeling of fullness that may suppress appetite.
However, these mechanisms of action have not been definitively proven. More clinical studies are needed to understand how bentonite clay works in the human body after ingestion.
What does the research say about the safety and efficacy of ingesting bentonite clay?
Despite its long history of traditional use, there is currently limited scientific research on the safety and efficacy of ingesting bentonite clay. However, a few noteworthy studies have found:
– In rats, bentonite clay helped mitigate aflatoxin-induced liver injury by binding to and preventing the absorption of mycotoxins (1).
– In a small human study, calcium-fortified bentonite clay was found to be an effective treatment for diarrhea in young children by rehydrating the body and absorbing toxins (2).
– Bentonite clay was found to adsorb various bacterial toxins and plant metabolites, suggesting it may help remove toxins from the body (3).
– When applied topically on the skin, bentonite clay has been found to effectively treat mild infections, insect bites, poison ivy, and skin inflammation (4).
While initial research is promising, high-quality clinical trials in humans are still lacking to substantiate the safe and effective ingestion of bentonite clay. Future research will help clarify appropriate dosing, potential side effects, and interactions with medications.
How much bentonite clay should you ingest?
There are currently no established daily intakes or standardized dosing guidelines for bentonite clay. However, most health authorities suggest limiting intake and using caution:
– The FDA recommends ingesting no more than 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 grams) of bentonite clay per day for adults (5).
– Natural health proponents often recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon (approximately 2.5 grams) once or twice per day, ideally on an empty stomach.
– Increase very gradually to assess tolerance. Do not exceed 1 teaspoon per day without medical supervision.
– Take plenty of water to stay hydrated and consider pairing with probiotics to support gut flora.
– Do not drink within 1-2 hours of medications or supplements, as the clay may reduce their absorption.
Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and anyone with a medical condition should avoid ingesting bentonite clay unless approved by a doctor. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking bentonite clay supplements.
Key takeaways on bentonite clay dosage:
| Population | Suggested Dosage |
| Healthy adults | 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon (2.5–5 grams) per day |
| Children & elderly | Not recommended |
| Pregnant & breastfeeding women | Not recommended |
What are the side effects of ingesting bentonite clay?
Some potential side effects of ingesting bentonite clay may include:
– Constipation – Since it absorbs water, bentonite clay may cause dehydration and constipation when taken in excess. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
– Bloating & flatulence – Bentonite clay may provoke a laxative effect, causing abdominal bloating, gas and cramping in some individuals.
– Nausea & vomiting – Ingesting too much bentonite clay could lead to nausea and vomiting.
– Nutrient deficiencies – Taken long-term, bentonite clay could result in deficiencies in iron, zinc, calcium, copper and folic acid.
– Birth defects – Pregnant women should not ingest bentonite clay as it may bind to folate and other vitamins.
– Drug interactions – Bentonite may bind to certain medications and prevent their absorption if taken together.
– Kidney problems – Rarely, accumulated buildup of bentonite clay in the body can cause kidney stones and other renal problems.
To reduce the risk of side effects, start with small doses like 1/2 teaspoon and increase slowly. Also, avoid taking within 2 hours of food, medications or supplements. Seek medical advice before use if pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medication.
How to take bentonite clay safely
If you wish to try supplementing with bentonite clay, some tips to reduce the risk of side effects include:
– Start with small doses like 1/2 teaspoon once per day and gradually increase if tolerated. Do not exceed 1 teaspoon daily.
– Take on an empty stomach at least 2 hours before or after food and medications.
– Mix the clay thoroughly in 8-12 ounces of water to avoid choking. Allow to fully dissolve before drinking.
– Stay very well hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day.
– Take probiotic supplements to maintain healthy gut flora since clay can bind to bacteria.
– Do not take within 2 hours of vitamins, minerals or prescription medications it may bind to.
– Be aware of laxative effects like bloating or diarrhea and reduce dosage if they occur.
– Avoid long term use and take breaks periodically to assess tolerance.
– Pregnant or nursing mothers, children and the elderly should not ingest bentonite clay supplements.
Always check with your healthcare provider before taking bentonite clay if you have any medical condition or take any medications to avoid complications. Introduce bentonite clay gradually and discontinue use if any intolerable side effects occur.
Conclusion
Bentonite clay is a unique substance with a long history of traditional use as an internal and external detoxifier and healing remedy. Preliminary research suggests it may have some beneficial properties when used occasionally by healthy adults, such as binding toxins and providing laxative relief. However, bentonite clay may also pose some potential risks like constipation, nutrient deficiencies, and medication interactions, especially when taken in excess.
While the limited evidence is promising, higher quality clinical studies in humans are still needed to better evaluate the safety and efficacy of ingesting bentonite clay. As with any supplement, it’s best to start with small doses and remain under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner. Certain populations like pregnant women, children, and anyone with medical conditions should avoid ingesting bentonite clay unless approved by a doctor. Further research will help determine appropriate dosing guidelines and potential applicability of bentonite clay supplementation.