Bentonite clay is natural, unadulterated earthen clay that is native to the Fort Benton, Wyoming area. Clay has been used for many generations by the Native Americans to treat diseases and ailments. Bentonite clay has been used both externally and internally, and it is now commonly regarded in natural medicine as an effective detoxifying agent for the body.
How Does It Work?
Bentonite clay can be applied to the skin or taken internally. The clay’s negative charge attracts the positive charges of the toxins in the body. According to natural health professionals, the Bentonite clay then pulls the toxins–disease-causing bacteria, chemicals, parasites and pathogens-from the lining of the digestive tract into its mass and carries it out once it is washed from the skin or excreted from the body.
To help move the Bentonite clay along in the digestive tract, it is recommended in natural health to take it with Psyllium husk. This combination makes the P&B; shake used for colon cleansing and is often mixed with apple cider vinegar such as the Now apple cider vinegar and other ingredients to enhance the drink’s taste. The Psyllium husk works as an internal scrubber that agitates the walls of the digestive tract. It then stimulates peristalsis and pushes out the residual toxins, waste matter and mucus from the body.
Once the Bentonite clay pulls into itself all of the toxins and waste matter in the colon, the walls of the colon are claimed to regain their functionality. They are able to absorb minerals and nutrition from food more effectively now that the impeding blockage is cleared. The cleansed colon walls are also able to increase their normal function of cleansing toxins from the body on its own.
External Detox
Another natural health claim of Bentonite clay is that it has a toxin-attracting function even when applied externally. The clay is applied to the skin in a number of ways. It is used as facials, mud baths, spot treatments for skin ailments and full-body applications that allow the Bentonite clay to dry on the skin, followed by a soaking therapeutic bath to wash away the toxins with the clay.
Bentonite clay may help the body heal from ailments that affect the skin and digestive tract. Its therapies are claimed to help boost energy and increase absorption by removing harmful elements from the colon.
Concerns
Bentonite clay does not have any side effects according to natural health practitioners. When it is taken internally, the body does not absorb the clay. It does contain traces of aluminum, but this seems to remain within the clay without affecting the body.
A precaution is that Bentonite clay also pulls nutrients and normal flora bacteria as it cleanses, so it is important to not take it close to mealtimes. The body will also need to be replenished with water and nutrients, and probiotics should be taken to restore the normal flora of the gastrointestinal system.
Bentonite Clay and the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regards Bentonite clay as a food ingredient that is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). The FDA has not approved of Bentonite clay treatments for any ailments or conditions, internally nor externally, nor has it reviewed Bentonite clay’s effect on toxic removal and digestive health of the body. It is recommended to consult your health care provider before using Bentonite clay for any health-related condition.
– Colon Cleansing Zone
– Psyllium and Bentonite: A Colloidal Gel
– Bentonite Clay Ltd
Reference:
- Bentonite Clay Provides a Safe and Effective Detox www.naturalnews.com/025854_clay_detox_bentonite_clay.html
- Bentonite Clay For Ibs | Treatments, Benefits & Side Effects www.seacoastvitamins.com/topic.php?health=bentonite+clay+for+ibs
