When should i take bentonite clay

One study in rats found that ingesting a montmorillonite clay product helped reduce weight gain among those eating a high-fat diet. Although some traditional healing methods have used clay products for many years, there are better ways to lose weight.

Reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity levels are still the best choices. One review of the benefits of bentonite clay has suggested that the clay may help some people who have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.

This use of bentonite clay merits more research but shows promise. Some research suggests that adsorbent clays such as bentonite may help alleviate virus-related digestive issues, such as diarrhea. For example, rotavirus can cause severe diarrhea and spreads easily from person to person. One study found that an adsorbent clay called diosmectite helped stop rotavirus from replicating. Another study found that clay minerals adsorbed rotavirus in cows.

If diarrhea does not subside after treatment with clay products, a person should continue to drink plenty of fluids, try more common approaches to treating diarrhea , and contact their doctor. For virus-related mild diarrhea, take 1 tsp of bentonite clay mixed in water no more than twice per day.

If diarrhea persists, see a doctor. Bentonite clay was effective in treating diaper rash in one study. Another study had similar positive results. Mix a small amount of bentonite clay with water to make a paste and apply it directly to the rash. Alternatively, mix the clay with shea butter, coconut oil , or zinc oxide cream. Keep the mixture in a clean glass container with a plastic, silicone, or glass lid.

However, one study suggests that the clay can protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Excessive exposure to heavy metals such as lead can cause health problems. Avoiding exposure to lead and getting tested for lead exposure are the best ways to prevent lead poisoning. According to some research, bentonite clay may be helpful in removing some lead from the body. Bentonite clay has a negative charge, meaning that it can bind to positively charged metals such as lead.

One study found that bentonite clay was effective at removing lead from wastewater. Ask a doctor before giving bentonite clay to a child. If a doctor approves it, give half a teaspoon mixed well with water once per day.

High cholesterol is a leading cause of heart disease. High cholesterol causes fats to build up in the blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. A study in rats found that a bentonite clay product increased the amount of cholesterol excreted in their stool. People receiving treatment for high cholesterol should talk to their doctor before using bentonite clay or other natural remedies.

Bentonite clay should not replace medical treatment for high cholesterol or heart disease. Studies have not found serious side effects of using bentonite clay in recommended amounts. However, because it is a natural product, there is a risk of contamination. Bentonite clay comes from the earth, where it may collect heavy metals, pesticides, or other substances. The FDA do not regulate bentonite clay products. As such, it can be difficult to know whether the product contains only the ingredients on the label.

In fact, experts have found that some bentonite clay products may contain heavy metals. In , the FDA warned consumers not to use a certain type of bentonite clay due to it having high lead levels. If a person wants to use bentonite clay, they should look for a product labeled as safe for internal use from a reputable brand or source.

They may also wish to have a doctor check their blood lead levels to be sure that they are not exposed to lead from bentonite clay. Drink plenty of water throughout the day while using bentonite clay. This will help flush the clay from the digestive tract and prevent constipation. Before using bentonite clay or any natural remedy on the skin, do a skin test for allergies. Apply a small amount of the product to the area inside the elbow and wait for 24 hours.

If no reaction occurs, proceed with using the product. Bentonite clay is an ancient remedy that could hold promise as a treatment for various health conditions. It has a low risk of side effects when a person uses it in moderate amounts. Make sure to buy your Bentonite clay from a trusted source — unscrupulous sellers have been found to sell Bentonite clay products containing lead, a substance hazardous to human health.

As such, Bentonite clay may not be suitable for use by pregnant women, or children. In this week's episode of the Friday Five, Liz explores how we can all live well for longer and explores bio-hacking with Ed van Harmelen.

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Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Search for:. Gut Health. How should I use bentonite clay? What are the benefits of drinking bentonite clay? These can be used as improved delivery and slow-release systems of drugs for [ 13 ]:.

In the case of sildenafil, bentonite clay also helped mask its unpleasant taste [ 30 ]. Bentonite clay normally comes as a clay powder. You can prepare a paste simply by adding water until you achieve the desired, yogurt-like consistency. To make sure your clay is not too diluted, add water to the powder bit by bit, letting the clay soak it up gradually. Note: Bentonite clay might react with metal objects and lose effectiveness, although studies are lacking to confirm this claim.

To stay on the safe side, consumers and manufacturers often recommend using ceramic or glass bowls and plastic or wooden spoons. You can experiment with bentonite clay powder for external use at home almost endlessly.

Here are some ideas :. Before using this clay or any natural remedies on the skin, do a skin test for allergies. You can also take bentonite clay by mouth to remove toxins and help digestion. Users and manufacturers have established unofficial doses.

As a rule of thumb, dissolve 0. In this case, you want to be absolutely certain that you have food-grade clay. Bentonite clay supplements are also available in tablets and capsules. Finally, you can mix bentonite clay with water and give it to your pets to improve digestive issues or poisoning. The dose will depend on the size of the animal. However, we recommend consulting your veterinarian before giving your pets bentonite clay.

Bentonite clay 1. In contrast, excessive oral doses may cause nutrient deficits. A 3-year-old girl who was given adult doses and a cat that ate litter containing this clay developed severe potassium deficit with vomiting, constipation, sleepiness, and weakness [ 34 , 35 ].

Similarly, topical bentonite clay was generally safe in clinical trials. Only one person developed mild, temporary skin redness from a bentonite clay lotion [ 36 ]. High exposure to bentonite clay dust from mines and steel plants was associated with an increased incidence of respiratory diseases and cell damage in several studies.

However, its potentially toxic impurities quartz, kaolin, perlite could have contributed to these effects [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. A dental assistant had a severe corneal inflammation with reduced vision and sensitivity to light after a tooth-polishing paste with bentonite clay came in contact with her eye [ 41 ]. Bentonite clay may bind to some drugs, especially those positively charged, and prevent their transport into the bloodstream.

Some of these drugs include:. There are two main types of bentonite clay: sodium and calcium [ 3 ]:.