3 Big Reasons for Eating Bentonite Clay (Seriously)

clay

Bentonite clay is food? Yup.

When Shailene Woodley recently revealed that she ingests clay for its supposed health benefits, it was like the whole world turned primal and sought out the ancient practice. But are these health benefits for real? The answer is yes, but of course, that doesn’t mean you should jump the gun and start gnawing on clay pots whenever the opportunity presents itself. Instead, ingest with caution and you may benefit greatly. Here are three major ways your body will thank you.

When you purchase dietary clay, go for bentonite clay – it is an edible, mineral-rich clay used for centuries to pull toxins from the intestinal walls and cleanse the colon. Bentonite clay is comprised of ash minerals and ocean water as well as potassium, calcium and sodium. When wet, bentonite clay expands like a sponge. It acts like a magnet in the body to attract toxins, absorb them, and carry them out of the body.

Sonne’s #7 is a well-known, trusted brand. I’ve personally used it myself and like it. All you have to do is mix about 1 tablespoon of it in a glass of water each morning and drink on an empty stomach. Later in the day, you can ingest another tablespoon, but this time undiluted. The directions may vary from brand to brand. Whatever clay you purchase for your own use, rest assured you’ll benefit in these three major ways:

1. Radiation Absorption

In 2006, the Radiation Protection Dosimetry published a study that showed that bentonite clay was able to break bond links, form hydrolyzed ions and redox reactions. It ultimately was able to reduce radiation-induced effects with increased dosage. A Duke University study determined bentonite clay to be effective in lowering high-energy gamma irradiation of adenine, which is an important organic molecule in the human body that forms DNA, RNA and ATP. Another study published in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2002, showed that irradiated adenine was able to recover faster in systems with clay than in those without clay.

2. Improved Digestion

Because bentonite clay is able to attract toxins and liquid and soak them up like a sponge, it allows them to exit the body efficiently. This is good for those who suffer from constipation or a sluggish bowel. Add some bentonite clay to your daily regimen and see how digestion flows thereafter.

3. Allergies Reduction

Because of its cleansing properties, bentonite clay is better known as the liver’s best friend. When the liver is overworked by toxins, it produces fewer antihistamines, which the body needs to fend off allergies. Luckily, this “cleansing” property extends to most other bodily ailments. When you detox, you repair all over!

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Photo Credit: Diana Robinson