Psyllium and Bentonite Colon Cleanse

Bentonite clay has cleansing properties that have made it useful for ridding the body of toxins. It is applied to the skin to release impurities as a clay face or body mask. It can also be added to bath water to treat and relieve skin problems. However, bentonite clay isn't just a detox for the external part of the body. It can be used internally with psyllium to clean and improve the colon.

History

• Bentonite clay was used to preserve mummies by the Egyptians. It has also been used throughout history for both internal and external purification. Previously, bentonite had been called Taylorite after William Taylor made the clay commercial for the first time in 1888. It has also been used through England under other names. Over 70 percent of bentonite comes from Wyoming, which makes the United States the largest producer of the clay. The clay is typically mixed with psyllium to make a shake because the plant fiber aids the clays movement through the digestive system.

Psyllium

• Psyllium is a plant fiber that comes from the Plantago ovata or plaintain plant. It is used as a natural laxative. The fiber helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the body when it is taken. Psyllium must be taken with large amounts of water. During its use it is recommended that you drink a full eight glasses of water a day. It is used along with clay to help push the clay out of the system. A dose 30 minutes before breakfast and after dinner is most common. You should not use it more than twice a day because of its laxative effects.

Bentonite

• Bentonite is a clay that forms from volcanic ash. Its color can be gray, yellow, cream, olive green, red, brown, purple or blue. It is most commonly found in the great plains of North America. It originally gets the name bentonite from Fort Benton, Wyoming, where the clay was identified. When is mixed with water and taken internally, it helps to remove toxins from your digestive system. The clay passes through your system without being digested, while pulling toxins along with it.

Cancer

• Psyllium and wheat bran were found to offer protection from colon cancer caused by high fat and low calcium diets, according to a study published in the November 30, 1993, issue of Cancer Letters. When wheat bran and psyllium were used in combination, they showed even more protective effects. Studies have been mixed in regard to the association between high-fiber diets and colon cancer, according to an overview pointed out by the University of Maryland Medical Center. High-fiber diets also do not appear to prevent cancer from recurring in the colon.

Warnings

• Psyllium and Bentonite can cause problems if you have bowel abnormalities or had recent bowel surgery. It can result in the obstruction of your intestines. Also, obstructions can happen if you do not take enough water with the psyllium. Psyllium also reduces the effectiveness of drugs like lithium and antibiotics. In general, they should not be taken within the two-hour period after taking any drugs. Bentonite clay absorbs vitamins and minerals along with the toxins, which should be replenished after an hour of taking a dose.