Bentonite Clay Benefits and Side Effects

Bentonite clay is a natural mineral that has been used for centuries to detoxify the body, remove toxins, and improve skin health. It’s also used in many cosmetics, including toothpaste and facial masks.

Bentonite clay is a type of clay that can be used for many purposes. Its benefits include removing toxins from the body, detoxifying, and healing wounds. The side effects are usually mild, but some people have reported experiencing diarrhea or an upset stomach.

While bentonite clay has been used for centuries throughout the globe to promote improved health and fend off illnesses, most people in the United States and Europe are just now becoming aware of it.

What is the purpose of bentonite clay? Bentonite clay (BC), also known as calcium bentonite clay or Montmorillonite clay, is becoming more popular as a wellness trend among those seeking to organically enhance the health of their skin, cleanse their bodies, and improve digestion.

BC is known as “healing clay” in different cultures because it cleanses various areas of the body. You may get the advantages of bentonite clay by consuming it orally (drinking and eating it) as well as applying it topically on your skin and hair.

What Is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay is a volcanic ash-based substance. The clay is sun-dried, filtered, and then professionally marketed as face clay masks, ointments/pastes, and hair treatments, among other things.

It produces a thick paste when combined with water.

BC is an aluminum phyllosilicate clay that absorbs water. The most significant known source of BC is near Fort Benton, Montana, which is home to many volcanoes.

The clay’s name comes from the location where most of the supply is being collected today.

The alternative term for bentonite clay is Montmorillonite clay, which comes from Montmorillon in France, where it was initially found.

Today, the clay is mainly mined in the United States, France, and Italy. The commercial name for the clay is “Bentonite,” although most people use the terms Montmorillonite and Bentonite clay interchangeably to refer to the same thing.

Bentonite clay has a long history of use as a traditional therapeutic technique for illness prevention. According to reports, several conventional civilizations in the Andes, Central Africa, and Australia have used and eaten volcanic clays in various ways for millennia.

It’s easy to understand why the clay has been a popular and cost-effective method of “detoxing” the body for so long since it’s accessible and doesn’t need any contemporary processing.

What are some of the advantages of bentonite clay? These include the following, as further described below:

• Skin problems are being treated.
• Assisting in the detoxification process
• Defending yourself against bacterial illnesses
• Helping the digestion and respiratory systems
• promoting dental health
• Providing nutrition
• This may aid in weight reduction.
• and more

How Does It Work?

Bentonite clay is beneficial to your health in several ways:

• First, it aids in the removal of poisons and heavy metals.
• It contains antibacterial characteristics and fights disease-causing organisms like E. coli and the virus that causes staph infection.
• It is high in a variety of nutrients. Calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron, and potassium are just a few minerals found in bentonite clay.
• It nourishes skin and hair by regulating oil production, eliminating dead skin cells, cleaning blocked pores, and combating germs.

BC may help to decrease the harmful effects of toxins we come into contact with on a daily basis, such as those released by paint, cleaning products, markers, construction materials, low-quality unpurified water, and even pesticides.

• Due to its chemical makeup, BC basically “seeks” poisons in the body to bond with. Then it works as a magnet and a sponge, absorbing toxic chemicals and removing them from the body.
• Bentonite clay contains negatively charged molecules in its native form. Positively charged molecules make up the majority of poisons and heavy metals. This enables the two to readily bond together and remain together while the poison is being removed.
• Mercury, cadmium, lead, and benzene is often referred to as “heavy metal poisons.” BC can help eliminate foods, toxins, chemicals, and pollutants from the stomach, skin, and mouth after binding. It’s also used to decrease the number of contaminants in the food supply and animal feed.

Because clay is a natural source of essential dietary minerals, some individuals opt to use BC as a supplement. When vitamins and minerals are taken into the body, either as a drink or by eating the clay, they are absorbed similarly to accessories.

Bentonite Calcium vs. Bentonite Sodium

Bentonite clays come in two varieties. While calcium bentonite is utilized both inside and externally on the body, sodium bentonite has more excellent industrial applications.

Natural sealants include sodium bentonite clay, seal roadways, lagoons, landfills, and ponds. It swells 15–18 times its dry size when mixed with water, making it an excellent “hole stopper.”

It’s also inexpensive and good for the environment since it’s free of chemicals, additives, and poisons. But unfortunately, Wyoming is where it’s most frequently mined.

Other minerals, sand, and silt filtered out are present in both kinds of bentonites. On the other hand, calcium bentonite is non-swelling bentonite and does not serve the same industrial objectives.

Top 12 Uses and Benefits

1. Promotes the health of the skin 

The following are some of the skin benefits of bentonite clay:

BC may bind to germs and toxins when mixed with water and applied to the skin as a clay mask. It may aid in the removal of these chemicals from the skin’s surface and inside pores, thus reducing outbreaks.

BC may also help soothe skin diseases, including diaper rash and contact dermatitis, because of the clay’s unique ability to serve as an antibiotic therapy when applied topically.

Buruli ulcers are a “flesh-eating” illness caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium ulcerans, common in third-world nations. Topical use of bentonite clay has even been proven to help cure Buruli ulcers.

2. Helps with Digestion

Bentonite clay aids digestion by eliminating toxins, compounds that cause digestive discomfort, and heavy metals from the stomach. However, research has also demonstrated that bentonite clay may bind to particular toxins in the regular diet, such as “aflatoxins,” often found on poorly kept food items.

An overabundance of aflatoxins, if left unchecked, may cause liver damage and possibly the development of some malignancies.

Scientists discovered that bentonite clay molecules bonded to bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus, two main viruses that cause gastroenteritis (also known as stomach flu in humans), in a cow research. Both of these viruses may be found in human beings in different forms.

BC helps to relieve a variety of digestive issues by neutralizing bacteria in the stomach and killing viruses. Some individuals use bentonite clay to assist with nausea and vomiting (especially in pregnant women), constipation, and IBS.

The way bentonite likely prevents the lining of your intestines from allowing toxins through, which would otherwise lead to leaky gut, is why individuals experience comfort in these circumstances. This impact has only been seen in animals so far, but it may potentially apply to humans.

BC may also be beneficial to your pets. For example, it is safe for pets to eat at home, and it works in the same manner to relieve nausea and vomiting in pets.

3. May help you lose weight

When combined with a balanced diet that Whenkaline foods, natural detox beverages, and probiotics/prebiotics, Bentonite clay has been shown in certain studies to help healthy men bentonite clay lose weight over a 21-day period. Overall, the individuals’ total cholesterol levels improved.

Because of the uncontrolled nature of this research, it’s impossible to say how much bentonite clay had a role in the weight reduction seen thus these findings should be interpreted with care. So far, no controlled human trials have been conducted to demonstrate this advantage.

However, a 2016 rat study looked at the effect of BC on weight reduction and found that the supplement was linked to weight loss and lower cholesterol.

4. Aids in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland

BC has been shown to absorb specific thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in mouse tests, resulting in hyperthyroidism relief. Although the trial has not yet been replicated in humans, this finding indicates that bentonite may help individuals maintain their thyroid levels in check.

5. In a lab setting, it inhibits the growth of two cancer cell lines

A lab research published in 2016 showed that bentonite clay inhibited the development of cancer cell line U251, a human cancer cell identified in glioblastoma, a kind of central nerve cancer. When another cell line was exposed to the chemical, however, it grew bigger.

According to the researchers, the explanation for this, according to growth and swelling, the reason for this is that it may be helpful against certain tumors (such as glioblastomas), but not others.

In another lab experiment, bentonite clay caused Caco-2 cells to die, a colon cancer cell line. The clay caused a lot of oxidative stress in the cancer cells in this research, but it didn’t harm the DNA.

6. Increases Immunity by Killing Bacteria and Viruses

BC is effective in killing germs that are hazardous to humans. “Results suggest that certain mineral compounds have inherent, heat-stable antibacterial characteristics, which may offer an affordable treatment against many human bacterial infections,” according to a research published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

More study is required, but the findings of previous studies seem to be encouraging in terms of how the clay may be utilized to treat these gut-related diseases. Bentonite clay helps your immune system by keeping the gut wall healthy, in addition to eliminating these kinds of infections and viruses.

The gut microbiota houses a large portion of the immune system, and when the gut wall is damaged, toxins are more likely to leak into the circulation and cause severe issues. The body is better equipped to defend itself by preserving the gut wall and reducing the number of pesticides, poisons, germs, and chemicals that may enter the blood.

7. May help with your respiratory health

Human adenovirus is one virus that, at least in the lab, finds a match in bentonite clay. While these viruses are not usually fatal, they may cause respiratory infections, especially hazardous for babies and people with weakened immune systems.

There is no presently recognized therapy for these viral infections. However, it’s conceivable that bentonite clay may be a contender for further study.

Paraquat poisoning in humans is likely to be effectively treated with bentonite clay.

Paraquat is a hazardous pesticide that is difficult to come by in the United States. However, if it is eaten or breathed in, it may induce a condition known as paraquat lung.

Bentonite, like Fuller’s earth, seems to be a potentially strong agent against the harm paraquat may produce, according to some studies.

8. Aids in the improvement of tooth and gum health

When it comes to dangerous outside “invaders” like germs and poisons, the mouth is one of the most vulnerable regions of the body.

Bentonite clay binds to harmful chemicals in the mouth, such as those found around the teeth, on the tongue, and the gums, and aids in their removal before you ingest them and get ill. BC has been utilized in natural toothpastes and even combined with water and used as a daily rinse because to its antibacterial qualities.

9. Fluoride 

Bentonite clay has been studied as a method to remove some of the harmful fluoride present in tap water, which has been related to severe illnesses, including diabetes, thyroid malfunction, and brain damage.

BC has been proven to enhance the quality of tap water when coupled with magnesium, which suggests that it may be used as a broad, cost-effective water filtration technique in the future.

10. May be used as a substitute for baby powder

Bentonite clay, like conventional powders, may be applied to any part of a baby’s skin that is itchy, red, or in need of soothing. It’s also highly mild and cleanses the body naturally.

According to one research, bentonite has a quicker healing effect than calendula and is more efficient in treating infantile diaper dermatitis. It may also shorten the time for wounds to heal, even when prescribed antibiotics aren’t working.

11. Assists in hair cleansing

According to anecdotal evidence, bentonite clay is used for hair conditioning and style because its minerals assist to hydrate, soften, and defrizz hair, particularly curly hair. It may also promote hair development, make hair shinier, decrease dandruff, and protect the scalp from infections.

12. It has deodorizing properties

BC can help eliminate smells from different surfaces (and your body!) since it is a natural cleaner and bacteria-killer. It’s particularly effective when used with cleaning products like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, arrowroot flour, and essential oils like lemon, orange, or tea tree.

How to Use

You may utilize BC at home by buying bentonite clay powder to create DIY skin masks.

What is the color of natural bentonite clay? Bentonite clay is usually gray or cream in appearance rather than brilliant white, which indicates that it has gone wrong.

The clay should also be odorless and have no discernible flavor.

Always use a “nonreactive bowl” while making BC mixes, meaning one made of wood, plastic, or glass. This prevents BC’s charge from interacting with the metal of the bowl or spoon, changing its effects.

How frequently should bentonite clay be used?

Internally, take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon once a day, on any day of the week. The majority of specialists advise against using BC for more than four weeks in a row.

For optimum results, apply BC on your skin (or hair) multiple times each week after evaluating your skin’s response.

When is the best time to take BC?

Do not take bentonite within an hour after eating for the most significant effects. It’s also best to avoid taking it within two hours of taking any medicines or supplements since it may interfere with them.

Bentonite clay is a skin-friendly clay.

• Combine BC, rosewater, apple cider vinegar, castor oil, sweet almond oil or jojoba oil, and lavender essential oil to make a bentonite clay mask for your face. Form a thick paste and set it aside for a few minutes. Then, apply the clay directly to your skin, paying particular attention to blemishes, red areas, irritations, and scars. Allow the clay to dry completely (approximately 20 minutes) before rinsing it with warm water. For optimum results, do this once or twice a week.
• Apply a concentrated quantity of the clay directly to the scrape or insect bite, cover with a bandage or gauze, and let it on for two hours before rinsing it off.
• Apply a tiny quantity of the clay straight to the skin as an alternative to baby powder and let it on for several minutes before wiping/rinsing it away.
• Apply some to your underarms to create a natural deodorant.

Hair mask made with bentonite clay

• 12 cup bentonite clay, 6 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 12 tablespoons castor oil, and 12 tablespoons almond oil, plus a small quantity of water
• Mix all of the ingredients well, then set aside for a few minutes.
• Apply from root to tip to damp hair, then wrap up and cover with a shower cap.
• Allow 20 minutes for the mask to soak in before washing thoroughly with a bit of quantity of shampoo and water.
• After that, condition and style as usual.

Clay bath with bentonite

• Swelling and inflammation may be reduced and soothed by adding BC to your bath.
• Add 14 cups of clay to your bath and rub it onto your skin. Alternatively, you may dissolve the clay in the water and soak it in for as long as you want, then thoroughly rinse your skin with clean water.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your oral health, try Googling BC

• Gargle the clay in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute with some water, much as a mouthwash.
• After that, spit the clay out and rinse your mouth with water.

Drinking bentonite clay and taking bentonite clay capsules

• If you’re going to consume bentonite clay by mouth (eating or drinking it), follow these instructions: As many days of the week as you’d like, drink 1/2 to 1 teaspoon once a day. Mix the clay with water in a container with a cover, ideally one that can be shaken to dissolve the clay. Then consume it as soon as possible.
• Make careful you only consume food-grade bentonite clay.
• BC pills are also available at a supplement and health food shops. Make sure you follow the directions to the letter.

Providing BC to your animals

• To assist with symptoms like vomiting, you may add bentonite clay to your pet’s water.
• Mix one-fourth cup of clay or less in their water until it dissolves; they should not taste anything or even realize it’s there, but they should feel better immediately.

Side Effects and Risks

What risks should you be aware of while using bentonite clay? While BC is usually safe when used properly, considerable care should be taken while utilizing it in terms of both amount and kind.

• Although BC is excellent for oily skin, if you have extremely dry, sensitive, or aging skin, you should use a more gentle clay you should use a more gentle clay.
• Some bentonite called and other heavy metals should not be consumed, particularly by children and pregnant women. According to at least one account, a juvenile child had acute hypokalemia (low potassium) after being administered significant quantities of bentonite clay both orally and rectally.
• Because these goods seem to contain dangerous amounts of lead, the FDA has advised customers not to buy “Bentonite Me Baby” by Alikay Naturals or “Best Bentonite Clay” by Best Bentonite due to a possible lead poisoning risk.
• Be wary of any “bentonite clay detox” or diet items since BC should not be consumed in significant amounts due to the way it swells in the body. In addition, Bentonite clay’s side effects may include interruption of regular digestion and difficulties with nutrient absorption if consumed in excess.

Last Thoughts

• What is bentonite clay, and how does it work? It’s a naturally occurring substance made from volcanic ash. It’s used to treat a variety of ailments ranging from the skin to the digestive system.
• BC has the potential to combat infections, enhance skin, dental, and hair health, and increase immunity and digestion.
• If you decide to ingest bentonite clay, be sure to do so in tiny amounts and only from reputable sources. Also, stop taking the product if you suffer any bentonite clay adverse effects, such as skin rashes or stomach problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does bentonite have any side effects?

A: Bentonite is a clay material that has been used in many industries. For example, it has been used for centuries to make soap, and it can also be used as an industrial abrasive. Some people may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after ingesting bentonite.

Can bentonite clay be harmful?

A: Bentonite clay is a type of clay found in many different kinds of products, including cosmetics. It has been used for centuries because it is believed to have detoxifying properties, especially when ingested. However, the FDA disapproves of bentonite clay for internal use and warns against using it because of its potential to cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

What does bentonite clay do for you?

A: Bentonite clay is a type of clay that is used to absorb and remove toxins from the body. It can also be used as a detoxifying agent for the skin, hair, and nails.