Calcium Bentonite Detox

Calcium bentonite, or bentonite clay, has been used by Native Americans for centuries to cleanse the body of internal and external toxins. Mined in and around Benton, Wyoming, the clay is sold in powder form alone or mixed in supplement formulas. You can buy calcium bentonite powder at your local health food store or online. To take calcium bentonite, mix the powder in water, and drink it on an empty stomach. There are no known health risks associated with the use of clay.

Benefits

• Because of its absorbent and adsorbent properties, bentonite clay draws toxins from the body through the skin and the digestive tract. Toxins, comprised of various impurities in the body, are absorbed into the clay as it passes through your intestines and colon. You can then rid yourself of them through elimination. Calcium bentonite has a negative ionic charge, which means it "magnetically" picks up positively charged matter, like bacteria, and takes it along for the ride outside your body. According to a 1961 study conducted by scientist Howard Lind, bentonite clay will kill staph and E. coli bacteria.

How to Use Clay

• Many people use bentonite externally to help draw toxins out of their skin through the pores. To do this, run a warm bath and add two cups of the clay powder. Soak until the water is no longer warm (at least 15 minutes), then either shower or run a fresh bath to rinse completely. Salons also use masks made of bentonite clay, aloe and water for deep facial cleansing.

  Bentonite clay is usually sold in powder form. To detoxify internally, mix a tablespoonful of clay in juice or water daily for an overall tonic. While the use of clay is considered safe, constipation and interference with drugs or supplements may occur. While the clay itself does not cause constipation, this can occur as a result of the amount of toxins you are eliminating. If constipation becomes a problem, use a psyllium husk product like Metamucil, with plenty of water to restore your elimination to normal.

  Because of its absorbent nature, clay can sometimes lessen the effectiveness of drugs and supplements. To avoid this, take clay on an empty stomach and well before you take your medications. After a few months of using calcium bentonite, your energy levels, skin tone and digestion should all be markedly improved.