Are there any dangers of bentonite clay? What are these dangers? What are the undesirable effects? Contra-indications? Drug interactions? Can I drink bentonite clay when I am pregnant? Can you give bentonite clay to a baby? What about hypertension? Kidney disease? What precautions should be taken when taking a clay cure? And finally, what are the benefits of a bentonite clay cure?
I. What is bentonite clay?
The term bentonite clay refers to a type of clay that comes from the ashes of volcanoes. This is why this clay is largely composed of montmorillonite.
Rich in various minerals, bentonite is a high-quality clay, which comes in the form of a fine powder with a color ranging from light green to beige. Bentonite clay is not supposed to have a particular fragrance.
II. How Does Bentonite Clay Work?
Drinking bentonite clay is a way to absorb its minerals. Bentonite clay is rich in manganese, iron, and other trace elements.
Once in the body, it helps to effectively eliminate toxins from the blood.
The absorption of bentonite clay is also a way to clean the body. Antibacterial and anti-infectious, it fights against bacteria.
Moreover, it is extremely absorbent, which makes it an ideal food in case of diarrhea.
In cases of intestinal problems, drinking bentonite clay can also be very useful. Due to the many virtues mentioned above, bentonite clay is a natural stomach bandage.
III. Are There Any Dangers of Bentonite Clay?
1. The Undesirable Effects
Bentonite clay is a natural compound that brings a lot to the human body. But its consumption can also be dangerous if certain rules are not respected.
Indeed, if consumed too much, clay can cause intestinal disorders, such as intestinal occlusions. This is linked to the absorption capacity of this earth, which can lead to more or less severe constipation.
On the other hand, clay can also cause diarrhea and gastric pain.
Clay is also a food that is often associated with pica.
In these cases, the uncontrolled craving for clay can have serious consequences. It can lead to severe anemia, with all that this implies.
Too much clay can indeed reduce the iron in the body, which is absorbed by bentonite clay.
This is why it is important to respect a strict dosage when drinking bentonite clay.
2. Contra-indications
There are some contraindications to the consumption of bentonite clay.
First, it is not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure.
Although it is widely consumed in Africa and even in Asia, bentonite clay is not recommended for pregnant women. The risk of anemia incurred with this food can put them at risk.
It is also a product not recommended, for the same reasons, for nursing mothers and young children (under 3 years old).
In cases of intestinal obstruction, even if healed, it is better to abstain from taking bentonite clay.
3. Drug Interactions
Bentonite clay has absorbing properties. These are very useful in certain cases, but not when one is under medication.
Because of its absorbent properties, bentonite clay can neutralize previously consumed medications.
Also, if you want to take it while you are under medication, you must allow a certain amount of time to pass.
It is important to give the medication time to diffuse in the body before drinking bentonite clay. For this, you should seek the advice of a doctor.
4. Side Effects of Eating Clay During Pregnancy
As mentioned above, in many cultures clay (or one of its variants) is consumed by pregnant women.
They use it against nausea in particular.
But drinking or consuming bentonite clay during pregnancy is contraindicated.
It has been proven that clay interferes with the ingestion of iron. Pregnant women are already a part of the population most in-demand for this mineral.
Adding bentonite clay to their diet can aggravate an already existing anemia. And the consequences of serious anemia in a pregnant woman can be dramatic. Not only for the latter but also for the child to be born.
5. Clay for Baby
Despite its virtues, drinking bentonite clay is not recommended for babies.
Whether it is bentonite clay milk or bentonite clay water, giving clay to an infant can be very dangerous.
The organism of the latter is still fragile, it is better to abstain and not to run risks.
6. Bentonite Clay and Hypertension
It is generally not at all advisable to take bentonite clay when suffering from hypertension.
Remember that high blood pressure is a disease linked to the very strong pressure of the blood in the veins. It can lead to various cardiac problems.
Already, if you take medication against hypertension, clay can prevent them from acting.
Moreover, bentonite clay is capable of enriching the blood and, by the same token, increasing blood pressure.
You must therefore take precautions if you want to take clay and are hypertensive. Consult your doctor beforehand.
7. Does Bentonite Clay Affect Kidneys?
For those already suffering from kidney failure, taking bentonite clay is not ideal. Because it can bind potassium, bentonite clay can cause severe hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia is a level of potassium in the blood below the norm. It is a symptom often found in cases of renal failure.
If the clay is useful as a preventive measure for the health of the organs, it is dangerous in a case of proven renal insufficiency.
8. Bentonite Clay and Risk of Lead Ingestion
Clay is extremely mineral-rich earth, containing quantities of lead.
The risk of lead poisoning is real during the consumption of clay.
This is why in 2019, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) established some restrictions. These were related to several clay-based medicines.
The risk of intoxication is even greater when the bentonite clay is not of good quality.
The quality of bentonite clay depends on the area where it was extracted. Extremely absorbent, bentonite clay drains the elements from the environment where it is.
It is therefore essential to be sure of the origin of the bentonite clay you are to consume.
If it comes from an intoxicated environment, then you risk poisoning yourself by drinking it.
IV. Different Uses of Bentonite Clay
# Digestion
Bentonite clay is used for digestive problems such as constipation, acid reflux, and bloating.
To do this, drink a glass of clay water in the morning on an empty stomach, one hour before your meal. Because of possible drug interactions, talk to your doctor before taking bentonite.
# Skin Health
Bentonite is a beauty ally, as it can be used on the face in case of blackheads on the skin.
All you have to do is make a mask by mixing a tablespoon of clay with water.
# Hair
If you have oily hair, use the clay paste as a hair mask on your hair, putting it strand by strand.
For 10 to 15 minutes, let this mask sit, and then wash your hair with warm water and mild shampoo.
# Teeth
For natural toothpaste, moisten your toothbrush and dip it in bentonite clay. Wash your teeth with it. Bentonite is a natural toothpaste that eliminates bacteria and by its abrasive side, fights against dental plaque.
V. Precautions for Using Clay
Certain precautions must be taken to drink bentonite clay safely.
It is important to watch over the quality of the bentonite clay that you decide to consume.
Another precaution is to strictly follow the dosage. The risks and dangers of bentonite clay are often linked to its over-consumption.
Start your cure by being attentive to its effects. During your consumption of bentonite clay, combine it with the absorption of large quantities of water. This will help you avoid constipation.
You can even, during this period, enrich your diet with oils. This can also be helpful.
If you develop stomach problems, stop taking the clay. Drink a lot of water until these manifestations pass.
VI. Benefits of using bentonite clay
Many people drink bentonite clay as a cure, which can last up to 21 days.
The bentonite clay cure helps to detoxify the body as a whole.
It is also useful to eliminate toxins, and drinking clay can even help in cases of poisoning.
Its richness in minerals allows remineralization of the body and improves the immune system.
VII. Other Questions About Dangers of Bentonite Clay
1. Best Bentonite Clay (sodium and calcium?)
There are two types of bentonite. The first one is rich in sodium and is used in civil engineering because it can absorb several times its mass in water. For this reason, this bentonite is used in boreholes for example.
The second type of bentonite is rich in calcium. It is this clay that is used for digestive problems and body health.
2. Kaolin Clay Vs Bentonite Clay
Kaolin clay is derived from the alteration of aluminum silicate minerals, while bentonite clay is derived from volcanic ash that has been mixed with water.
This clay also has great health and beauty properties. Kaolin is a better exfoliant, while bentonite is better for oily skin.
3. Why Does the FDA Warns Consumers About Using Clay?
The use of clay should be done as part of a cure. The FDA warns consumers that clay can cause constipation and even intestinal obstruction.
Kaolin, on the other hand, often leads to addiction. Moreover, in the long run, the consumption of kaolin can cause iron-deficiency anemia. In pregnant women who take it, it can cause premature deliveries.
4. Can Bentonite Clay Cause Cancer?
Bentonite clay is not considered a carcinogen. In fact, the opposite is true, as studies have been conducted on the properties of this clay for the healing of cancer.
But as a preventive measure against breast cancer, bentonite clay is used. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of bentonite with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 4 drops of coriander EO and 4 drops of rosemary EO.
Put this paste on your armpits for 15 minutes before rinsing. During the application, drink a lot of water. The clay will absorb the toxins.
5. Does All Bentonite Clay Contain Lead?
It is indeed common for clays to contain lead. This is one of the reasons why authorities warn clay consumers.
Nevertheless, it is all a question of quantity. By buying from a serious structure, you will be assured of having quality clay, with a low lead content, which will not affect your body and your health. The most important thing is that bentonite clay does not come from a polluted place.
6. Is Bentonite Bad to Breathe in?
Bentonite can become airborne, especially when used in clumping cat litter.
Some studies have found it to be dangerous if breathed frequently. The fine particles released by some litter can cause respiratory problems over time.
7. Does Bentonite Clay Remove Heavy Metals from the Body?
Clay has the ability to exchange ions, and thus absorb heavy metals, such as mercury chloride.
Bentonite is used in various animals. In pigs and farm animals, bentonite clay reduces excess lead and helps the health of these animals.
8.- Do You Take Bentonite Clay on an Empty Stomach?
The consumption of bentonite clay in clay water is best done on an empty stomach. This allows the clay to protect the body and cleanse it of bacteria.
Be sure to take your clay water in the morning, at least thirty minutes before your meal. The night before, pour a teaspoon of clay into a glass and put water in it. Let it sit overnight and the next morning, drink the water that has been left over.
9. Does Bentonite Clay Damage Tooth Enamel?
Although the abrasive side of bentonite clay allows it to remove plaque, it is also a risk for tooth enamel. Over time, bentonite clay can alter tooth enamel. It is important not to overuse it.
10. Does Bentonite Clay Expire?
Clay in its raw form cannot go out of date. But if it has been mixed to make a mask or poultice, it cannot be used indefinitely in this form.
Useful Links:
Clay – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Drinking mud: Natural remedy or health hazard?
Risks of respiratory disease in the heavy clay industry
Bentonite Clay for Joint Pain [Benefits & Use]
Bentonite Clay for Frizzy Hair [Benefits & Recipes]
