Once in the body, bentonite is thought to bind to toxins in the digestive tract and inactivate them.
Bentonite clay absorbs water easily.
When consumed, it can help draw water into the intestines to improve digestion.
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When applied to the skin, it may also improveacne.
As such, there are no official recommendations for bentonite uses or dosages.
It also covers the potential risks associated with bentonite clay, along with who should not use it.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
These minerals may contribute to its healing properties.
It may be applied directly to the skin or consumed by mouth.
What Is Food Grade Bentonite Clay?
Risks of Bentonite Clay
Ingesting bentonite clay with plenty of water can help relieve constipation.
Be sure to drink ample water when consuming bentonite clay.
Pregnant or nursing women and older adults should avoid bentonite.
Bentonite should not be taken two hours before or after medication or nutritional supplements.
In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb.
In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances, such as metals, including lead.
Summary
Bentonite is a mineral-rich clay that comes from volcanic ash.
Its use in alternative medicine is widespread, but its benefits have yet to be proven in human studies.
Food-grade bentonite clay is generally recognized as safe by the FDA.
However, it should be ingested with lots of water to prevent intestinal obstruction or constipation.
It’s important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
If you’re considering using bentonite for any health purpose, be sure to consult your physician first.
Moosavi M.Bentonite clay as a natural remedy: A brief review.Iran J Public Health.
2017 Sep;46(9):11761183.
Abdel-Wahhab MA, Nada SA, Farag IM, et al.
Potential Protective Effect of HSCAS and Bentonite Against Dietary Aflatoxicosis in Rat: With Special Reference to Chromosomal Aberrations.
Nat Toxins.1998; 6:211-218.
Santurio JM, Mallmann CA, Rosa AP, et al.
Effect of Sodium Bentonite on the Performance and Blood Variables of Broiler Chickens Intoxicated With Aflatoxins.
