Bentonite clay occupies an important place among natural alternatives for internal and external health care. This mineral compound is bestowed with powers ranging from detoxification to improving appearance skin, hair and teeth.
Researchers are still investigating the effects of the element. However, several studies anticipate the positive reactions associated with the consumption and topical use of bentonite clay.
How does the blend work and what advantages does it offer? Find out by reading.
What is bentonite clay and what are its properties?
Bentonite is a clay belonging to the mineral group of smectite. Formed after the decomposition of volcanic ash and its main components are montmorillonite or hydrated aluminum, magnesium, iron and calcium silicate.
According to the Bulletin of the General Directorate of Mining Development, clay is classified into sodium and calcium, based on the predominant cation and expansion capacity. In the case of sodium, the uses are in the industrial field.
For his part, calcium bentonite (BC) is an ingredient for pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations in topical and oral presentations. This substance has the ability to quickly absorb water and remain in the digestive tract; hence its link with certain benefits for the body.
How To Consume Bentonite Clay?
Some people consume it in dietary supplements, as clay works as a natural source of nutrients and the body assimilates its minerals and vitamins quickly. The intake is in capsules or powder diluted in water.
Strictly, it must be prescribed by a doctor, whereas many experts do not condone the use of montmorillonite for more than one continuous month. As for the doses, it is necessary that they correspond to food grade.
In such a scenario, it is recommended to test the product several times a week and wait for possible skin reactions. If everything proceeds normally, following the instructions, it means that the formula is suitable for your dermis.
Benefits of bentonite clay for the health and beauty of the body
Having clarified that there are 2 types of bentonite, we will expand the benefits offered by BC. Due to its feel-good characteristics, some people call it “healing clay”. In addition to pills, you find the substance in pastes, ointments, and masks.
It is economical and environmentally friendly. Its antibacterial, cleansing and detoxifying properties stand out.
1. Cleaning the hair
With the montmorillonite and other extracts make good balms and styling creams, optimal for hydrating the hair and eliminating frizzy. It is credited with qualities in terms of hair growth, shine, dandruff elimination and prevention of scalp infections.
In stores, you can find hair products that include bentonite clay. But you can prepare a hair mask at home by combining the following ingredients:
- Waterfall.
- ½ cup BC.
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- ½ tablespoon of castor oil.
- ½ tablespoon of almond oil.
- 6 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
After combining these substances into a paste, wait 2 minutes to rest and apply it to damp hairfrom roots to ends. Wrap your hair in a plastic cap, wait 20 minutes and finally rinse with shampoo. If you deem it convenient, close with a little conditioner.
2. Improve skin health
Bentonite clay works as an antibiotic in topical applications. Thanks to this ability, it relieves skin infections, such as some dermatitis.
Also in the cosmetic industry there is clay It is used as a regulatory ingredient in the production of sebum. Using BC face masks, you help depigment acne blemishes, cleanse pores and minimize breakouts.
Another way to reap the skin benefits of BC is through clay baths. How do you prepare them?
- Mix ¼ cup of bentonite powder with 1 cup of bath salts in a tub of warm water.
- Add drops of the essential oil of your choice.
- Bathe from head to toe.
3. Lose weight
Laboratory investigations have revealed this products with bentonite clay intervened in favor of weight reduction among people who followed a high-fat diet. However, the magazine Scientific reports delimits that although the use of BC is an ally to lose weight, calories should be moderated and physical activity levels should be increased.
The observation is because controlled human research to strengthen the link is still lacking. For now, it is pertinent that nutrition is supplemented with montmorillonite they include alkaline foods, probiotics, and prebiotics.
4. Take care of your dental health
The mouth is sensitive to bacteria and other harmful external factors. Thanks to its antibacterial action, Bentonite clay is often used in the manufacture of toothpastes and mouthwashes.
5. It’s deodorant
The BC works by making bad smells disappear, especially from the armpits. A combination of the mineral with orange, lemon or tea tree oil brings incredible results.
It also removes residue left by conventional deodorants. The latter contain a lot of aluminum, as well as other remedies that prevent sweating. Bentonite pastes neutralize heavy metalsrestoring healthy pH and providing an attractive aroma.
6. Support respiratory health
Adenoviruses that cause respiratory infections would be blocked with bentonite clay. While further exploration of this candidate is needed, progress is encouraging. Likewise, it would exert positive effects when toxic herbicides are inhaled.
7. Protects from sunlight
THE montmorillonite It is considered a sunscreen material, sunscreens that have a specific proportion of this mineral absorb the highest level of ultraviolet (UV) light, such as mentions an article of Journal of Physics and Biomedical Engineering.
8. It is ideal for digestion
bentonite clay liquid or powder It is related to blocking chemicals that cause digestive problems. Some BC medications are prescribed to cleanse the colon.
In fact, a study published by the journal Therapeutic and food pharmacology analysed the performance of montmorillonite in people with irritable bowel syndrome. The results showed improvements in abdominal discomfort and pain in those who took the clay. Likewise, the sample indicated a significant reduction in symptoms.
In the same order, clay is linked to the neutralizing effects of acids and antiparasitics, to the elimination of nausea and vomiting. These reactions have to do with the protection this element offers to the lining of the intestine.
9. Positively involved in cancer research
BC is a promising compound to aid in cancer treatment. This was reported by a laboratory study which found the paralysis of a cell line that affects the central nervous system (glioblastoma); in addition to the increase in SKLU-1 cells, typical of lung adenocarcinoma.
After analyzing the role of various types of bentonite, the experts detected that both metabolic growth arrest of high-grade gliomas and SKLU-1 proliferation are clay surface-mediated reactions.
In favor, another experimental work highlighted by the Journal of Applied Toxicology, that implies clay montmorillonite, reflection the production of oxidative stress in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), without affecting the DNA. This process can lead to the death of cancer cells.
Are there any side effects from using bentonite clay?
The use and consumption of bentonite clay has no adverse effects, provided it is under the supervision of a doctor and respects the prescribed quantities. As a precaution, it would be advisable to take it with enough water and respect the deadlines, i.e. not exceed the time of intake more than prescribed.
Pregnant and lactating women should avoid medicinal clay supplements and creams made by specific brands, which they fall back on warnings issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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