Prolonged Use of Bentonite Detox
Bentonite is an edible clay that is used to help detoxify the body. It acts as a laxative and also attracts toxins, flushing them from the system. Bentonite is often packaged with other natural laxatives such as psyllium husks and flax seeds, which add bulk to the stool.
Bentonite can also be applied to the skin to refine pores and remove impurities. The longer bentonite is used, the more toxins are removed from the body.
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Method
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Bentonite and other clays are usually included with other ingredients in many commercial detoxification formulas. It is important to follow the directions on the label when preparing bentonite for detoxification, especially if the preparation is to be mixed with water.
Clay baths can also be useful. Add two to three oz of clay to bathwater and soak, allowing the clay to draw impurities from the skin. Applying a clay poultice or mask is a popular way to cleanse any toxins from the face and body. Clay baths can be used several times per week.
While clay is safe for long term use, be aware that other ingredients in cleansing products may not be. Read the label on the package for more information on other ingredients that may be mixed with bentonite in a detox product.
Maintenance
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After the initial detox to remove built-up toxins and impurities, experts recommend continuing clay therapy indefinitely. The human body is constantly exposed to toxins in the air, food, and water as well as from naturally occurring bacteria. Using bentonite detox products and clay baths once or twice a month will keep levels low.
Prolonged use of bentonite can support optimum health.
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Safety
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Bentonite is used around the world, and the FDA has given it a "generally regarded as safe" classification. Bentonite powder can be harmful if inhaled or it gets into your eye, and the FDA grade only refers to using bentonite as a food additive.
Long-term use of clay baths are not harmful to the skin and they also shouldn't harm your plumbing, even after prolonged use. Therapeutic clay products should be flushed down the drain using plenty of water, and won't damage septic tanks.
The World Health Organization has found no adverse effects from long term bentonite use on the skin, and is currently studying the positive effect of bentonite compresses in treating a common, serious skin disease called buruli ulcer.
Studies
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A study on prolonged use of bentonite in mice found that there was slowed weight gain in mice fed a 10 percent bentonite diet, and mice with 50 percent bentonite diet had fatty livers. The World Health Organization published a paper summing up the findings as "there are no studies in humans of the effects of long-term oral exposure to clays ... one limited study on kaolin in experimental animals did not demonstrate important adverse long-term toxicity or carcinogenicity."
Side Effects
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Use of bentonite internally for colon detoxification can cause discomfort. It is important to mix bentonite powder thoroughly with water, and drink lots of fluids during a colon detox to help move the clay through the intestines.
While detoxing, secondary side effects such as headaches, muscle pain, joint stiffness or other feelings of illness can occur. These are caused by the toxins being released, not from the clay. Bentonite will attract these toxins and carry them out of the body. Secondary side effects will lessen the longer you use bentonite.
No serious side effects from prolonged use of bentonite have been reported.
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