Bentonite Clay: The Benefits & Dangers

Bentonite is heralded for its internal cleansing properties. This all-
natural clay has been used to help individuals afflicted with several 
different symptoms of constipation (such as bloating and gas) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. As a result, Bentonite clay has become a popular ingredient of many detoxification programs.

The Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay

When taken internally, Bentonite clay may provide multiple health benefits:

• Helps detoxify the liver

• Helps cleanse the colon
• Helps boost the amount of bacterial balance in the digestive tract
• Helps boost your immune system

• Improves nutrient assimilation by the digestive system

This unique clay has very powerful adsorptive and absorptive properties. While the words may sound similar, they involve completely different processes.

Adsorption — The molecules comprising bentonite clay are negatively charged. The molecules of toxins, harmful bacteria, and other disease-causing agents are positively charged. As the Bentonite clay traverses the colon, the negative ions attract the toxic, positive ions and bond to them. Ions on the outer edges of both molecules swap sides, causing an exchange reaction which electrically “satisfies” the molecules. The two molecules are thus bound together and the clay molecule literally absorbs the toxic molecule.

Absorption — Bentonite clay possesses only seventeen minerals. Chemically speaking, the fewer minerals found in a clay, the higher its potential for absorption of other substances. The clay acts as a sponge as it absorbs the molecules that were initially exchanged and bonded in the adsorption process. The clay molecule takes the toxin molecule bonded to its exterior and assimilates it internally. Your body can then expel the toxin-filled clay molecules via normal bowel movements.

The Health Dangers of Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay should not be taken if you are pregnant, a senior citizen, or for at least two hours after taking other medications or nutritional supplements. It is possible for you to become constipated if you consume too much bentonite clay or not drink enough water with it in your system.

There are no known side effects are associated with ingesting pure organic sources of this healing clay in the recommended amounts. However, Bentonite clay has not been subject to a longitudinal clinical study focusing on its physiological effects in humans. While generally assumed as safe, it’s always best to consult a qualified health care practitioner before taking bentonite clay, or any new supplement.

Other Uses of Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay can be beneficial to your body because when it comes in contact with water, it absorbs it and swells up. It is because of this unique ability, that geotech and civil engineers use this clay while drilling for oil. Another common use of bentonite is to line the bottom and sides of empty landfills, so the toxic sludge that accumulates will not leak out of that area, or enter into that communities ground water. If you own a cat, look on the bag of kitty litter. Most likely, bentonite clay will be an ingredient. Because it absorbs liquid, such as cat urine, it is also a great addition to kitty liter.