Bentonite

WHAT IS BENTONITE?

Bentonite, also known as Montmorillonite clay, is an absorbent clay composed of ash taken from volcanoes. The clay is dried, filtered, and sold in several different forms, including as a facial clay mask, in ointments, and hair treatments. If formulated as “food grade,” Bentonite can also used internally for multiple indications including to optimize digestion, to stimulate detoxification (including that of chemicals and heavy metals in the gut, as well as a range of toxins that can contribute to liver damage and unhealthy cell growth), as well as to support respiratory function, boost immunity, and promote weight loss. Bentonite is also frequently used for Candida.

Those following a Candida diet to treat candidiasis (yeast overgrowth), will eventually have a build-up of candida yeast debris in the form of endotoxins, some of which are carcinogenic, and can have severe health consequences. This is known as a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Fortunately, bentonite can help. Indeed, once ingested, the negatively charged ions in bentonite bind to positively charged yeast toxins and remove them from the body so they can no longer pose a threat to health. This explains why bentonite is so frequently included in a comprehensive candidiasis protocol along with diet and supplements.

BENEFITS of BENTONITE

• Evacuates Toxins (Including Candida) & Heavy Metals from the Body
• Promotes Skin Healing
• Stimulates Detoxification
• Supports Digestive & Respiratory Functions
  
  

WHO NEEDS BENTONITE?

Bentonite clay may be recommended for topical use to deeply cleanse the skin, flush out toxins, and absorb dirt and oil, as well as soothe the skin, relieve dermatitis, and manage eczema and other skin conditions. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, bentonite may also be recommended to balance oil production, prevent acne breakouts, and fight allergic skin reactions (especially reactions to cosmetics, creams, etc.).

Orally, bentonite may be recommended for any number of reasons, the most common being detoxification and digestive support, to improve weight loss, bolster immunity, and well as to treat candidiasis.

BENTONITE - POTENCIES, FORMS & FORMATS

Bentonite clay can be purchased in powder form for either topical or oral use, as well as in capsules and drinkable liquid form.

When mixing up powdered bentonite clay, you should always use a nonreactive bowl and spoon – meaning ones made of another material than metal (think of glass, wood, or plastic), to prevent the charge in bentonite from reacting with the metal, and in turn, mitigating its effects.

As far as dosing goes, for internal use, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily is what is typically recommended, though most experts suggest that bentonite clay should not be consumed long term. Typically it’s recommended to use for up to four weeks at a time. In topical use (including on hair), bentonite clay may be used regularly several times per week.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON BENTONITE

While bentonite clay is generally considered safe when used as indicated, consumers should pay attention to the product they select. Buy from a reputable brand and look for one that features 100% pure, raw, clean, and natural smelling clay (often referred to as “Living Clay”).

Why is 100% pure bentonite clay best? Well, pure bentonite clay can absorb 7 to 10 times its weight in water, and swell up to 18 times its dry volume. This is what gives bentonite its unique ability to pull toxins and other impurities in. On the flip side, this quality also makes pure bentonite difficult to mix into water, thus, many companies choose to add calcium to their blend to facilitate blending. Unfortunately, this hinders bentonite's adsorption capacities. As such, 100% pure is best for both oral and topical applications. If ingesting, make sure the formula is "food grade" as not all bentonite supplements are.

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