Does Bentonite Clay Detox The Liver?

What is bentonite clay?

Bentonite clay is a type of absorbent clay that is composed mostly of montmorillonite. It gets its name from Fort Benton, Wyoming, where large deposits of the clay can be found (1). Bentonite clay forms from the weathering of volcanic ash in sea water. Over time, the ash ages and transforms into a soft clay material rich in minerals like silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium (2).

The main component of bentonite clay is montmorillonite. This gives the clay the ability to absorb water and swell up to several times its dry size. The swelling action makes bentonite clay a very effective absorbent and binding agent (1). Chemically, bentonite clay contains a mix of hydrated aluminum silicates, sodium, calcium, and magnesium (2). The ion exchange capacity of the clay gives it a strong negative charge, which allows it to bind to positively charged toxins.

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentonite
(2) https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bentonite-clay-benefits

How does bentonite clay work?

Bentonite clay works through a few key mechanisms:

Absorption: Bentonite clay has a strong negative charge which allows it to bind to and absorb positively charged toxins and metals. The clay draws toxins, impurities, and heavy metals out of the body through the gastrointestinal tract.

Ion exchange: Bentonite clay contains high amounts of ions like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It can exchange its ions for toxins, absorbing the toxins and donating minerals to the body. This helps remove toxins and remineralize the body.

Binding: The clay is made up of tiny platelets that have negatively charged surfaces. These surfaces bind to toxins with positive charges, including pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals like mercury. By binding to these toxins, bentonite clay prevents their absorption and helps flush them out.

What are the proposed benefits of bentonite clay?

Bentonite clay is often promoted as having various health and detoxification benefits. Some of the main proposed benefits include:

Detoxification

Some advocates claim that bentonite clay can help remove toxins, heavy metals, and impurities from the body by binding to them in the digestive tract. Bentonite is believed to have a strong negative charge that bonds to the positive charge of toxins. However, according to WebMD, there is no scientific evidence that consuming bentonite has any detoxifying effect [1].

Skin benefits

Applying bentonite clay masks or creams to the skin is claimed to help improve skin health and appearance by absorbing oils and pulling out impurities from pores. Some research shows bentonite may have antibacterial effects that could benefit skin conditions like acne [2].

Digestive health

Some promoters of bentonite assert that it can help soothe digestive issues by binding to toxins and pathogens. However, evidence for this use is lacking. In fact, ingesting too much could cause constipation due to its absorbent nature [1].

Can bentonite clay detoxify the liver?

The liver is responsible for filtering toxins and waste from the blood. It breaks down and removes substances like medications, alcohol, and environmental toxins so they can be excreted from the body. Some claims state that bentonite clay can help absorb and remove toxins from the liver through a process called ion exchange.

Bentonite clay has a strong negative charge due to trace amounts of various minerals like aluminum and magnesium. This negative charge allows the clay to attract positively charged toxins like heavy metals. The toxins are absorbed onto the clay through ion exchange and can then be eliminated from the body (1).

Some preliminary research shows bentonite clay can bind to certain toxins like aflatoxin, a carcinogenic mold compound that targets the liver. One study in chickens found that bentonite clay reduced liver damage caused by aflatoxin exposure (2). However, there are no human studies examining whether bentonite clay specifically removes toxins from the liver or improves liver health.

While bentonite clay demonstrates an ion exchange capacity in lab studies, there is currently no evidence that taking bentonite clay supplements results in any detoxification effect in the human liver. More research is needed to determine if bentonite clay could protect liver health through toxin elimination.

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5632318/
(2) https://www.herbalone.com/blog/how-bentonite-powder-helps-your-liver-help-you-stay-healthy/

What does science say about bentonite clay for detox?

There are a limited number of studies on bentonite clay’s detoxification effects, and most of the research has been done in animals or in vitro. One study found that bentonite clay adsorbed aflatoxins in the digestive tracts of rats, reducing liver damage from the toxins (Moosavi, 2017). Another study showed bentonite clay adsorbed heavy metals like lead and mercury in cell cultures (MNT, 2020). However, human clinical trials are lacking.

While these preliminary studies are promising, they have limitations. Testing detoxification in animals and cells does not necessarily translate to effects in humans. The doses and exposure methods may also be very different from how humans ingest bentonite clay. Furthermore, the studies focus on a few specific toxins, while claims around bentonite clay involve general “detoxification.”

Overall, there is insufficient evidence to confirm bentonite clay’s detoxification effects in humans currently. More rigorous, large-scale human studies are needed to understand if bentonite clay detoxifies the liver or body as claimed. The mechanisms of how bentonite clay could remove toxins also require further research.

Are there any risks or side effects?

While bentonite clay is generally considered safe when used occasionally, there are some potential side effects and risks to be aware of:

Potential heavy metal toxicity

Some health experts warn that bentonite clay could potentially leach heavy metals from the body into the gastrointestinal tract. This could happen if the clay comes into contact with heavy metals accumulated in the body. More research is still needed on this risk (Source 1).

Drug interactions

Clay can bind to medications and prevent proper absorption. It’s best to take medications at least 2 hours before or after using bentonite clay. Check with your doctor if taking prescription medications (Source 2).

Constipation

Bentonite clay is very absorbent and could cause constipation if too much is consumed. It’s best to start with small doses and increase slowly to assess tolerance (Source 2).

How to use bentonite clay safely

When using bentonite clay topically, mix the powder with water to create a thick paste. Apply a thin layer to clean skin and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off. Start with once per week to test skin sensitivity. For acne-prone areas, leave on as a mask overnight. Always patch test on a small area first to check for allergic reactions.

To take bentonite clay internally, mix 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon with water or juice and drink once per day. Start with small doses and slowly increase over time. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Consult a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, as clay may reduce absorption.

Avoid using bentonite clay if you have sensitivities to other clays or minerals. Do not apply to open wounds or irritated skin. Discontinue use if any negative reactions occur like rash, itchiness, or redness. Do not inhale the powder directly due to risk of lung irritation. Children and elderly individuals should use caution.

Benefits of other detox methods

While bentonite clay may offer some benefits, there are other evidence-based ways to support liver health and function that do not carry the same risks.

Eating a diet rich in certain foods can help keep your liver healthy. Foods like garlic, grapefruit, green tea, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain antioxidants and compounds that help protect and detoxify the liver.¹

Regular exercise is also great for liver health, as it reduces inflammation and oxidative stress on the liver while improving insulin sensitivity.² Even modest amounts of exercise may protect the liver from damage.

Sauna therapy has also been shown to help eliminate toxins through sweating. One small study found using an infrared sauna helped improve liver function in people with chronic liver disease.³

While more research is still needed, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sauna use may be safer and more effective ways to support liver detoxification and health compared to bentonite clay.

The bottom line

To summarize, bentonite clay has become popular as a “detoxifying” supplement with claims to draw out toxins and cleanse organs like the liver. However, there is no scientific evidence that ingesting bentonite actually removes toxins or dangerous substances from the body. The liver and kidneys already efficiently filter and eliminate toxins without help from clay. While bentonite clay is generally safe in small doses, it can cause side effects. There are also risks if using it long-term or in excess.

When it comes to “detoxing” the liver, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol, exercising, and avoiding toxins are proven ways to keep the liver functioning optimally. Consulting your doctor for regular health checkups is also important. Bentonite clay supplementation may provide some benefits when used carefully, but there is no evidence it actively cleanses or detoxifies the liver as is often claimed.

References

Detoxification is a normal process that our bodies do continuously to eliminate toxins and waste products. The liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, lungs and skin all work together to ensure toxins are transformed into less harmful compounds and removed from the body.^[1]

[1] Harvard Health Publishing. Detoxification diets. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/detoxification-diets