2452: Calcium Bentonite Clay on Natural Minerals Detoxification, Dermatitis Treatment & Skin Inflammation

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Episode 2452:

Dr. Neal addresses Hannah's inquiry about calcium bentonite clay, offering an in-depth exploration of its historical uses, potential health benefits, and concerns. Highlighting its natural mineral composition and applications in both traditional and modern contexts, he emphasizes caution due to possible impurities and the lack of research on proper dosages, alongside the FDA's warning against its use due to potential lead poisoning. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended before considering bentonite clay for any health-related purpose.

Quotes to ponder:

"Based on the research so far, using bentonite clay for certain purposes, like on the skin, is very promising."

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[00:00.000 --> 00:30.000] The love of fairy event is on at Whole Foods Market, with deals on delicious desires through February 14th, the floral departments in full bloom. So look for savings on double dozen bunches of roses. In the meat and seafood departments, save on animal welfare-certified New York strip steaks and sustainable wild-caught lobster tails to make the night sizzle. Gifts from the wellness and beauty department are always a nice touch. And you have to grab those chocolate dipped strawberries. Make Whole Foods Market your Valentine's Day destination. [00:30.000 --> 01:00.000] Have you ever noticed how a calm mind can really set the stage for a good night's sleep? That's the idea behind our new podcast, Good Sleep. Greg, our host from Optimal Relationships Daily, is here to help ease you into a peaceful night's rest with some positive affirmations. And these affirmations aren't just comforting. They can help ease anxiety and nurture positive thoughts, setting you up for true good sleep. So, press play on Good Sleep tonight because of good tomorrow. [01:00.000 --> 01:09.000] It starts with a good night's sleep. Just search for Good Sleep in your podcast app and be sure to pick the one from Optimal Living Daily. [02:00.000 --> 02:11.000] I am trying to improve my health as part of my New Year's goals. I was recommended to try consuming calcium bentonite clay from a friend. What are your thoughts on this product? [02:11.000 --> 02:19.000] Thank you for taking the time to send in your question, Hannah. And I so appreciate your kind words. I'm so glad you find this show helpful. [02:19.000 --> 02:29.000] Now, since you are likely a regular listener, you know that I like to start at the beginning. So, instead of answering your question right away, I like to provide some background first. [02:29.000 --> 02:42.000] With that, let's begin. What is calcium bentonite clay anyways? It is actually a form of clay, you know, the same stuff we played with as kids or used in art class. [02:42.000 --> 02:57.000] Clay is a natural product found in the ground. The reason this form of clay has the name bentonite is because it was named after a place that has a plentiful supply of this specific type of clay, Fort Benton in Wyoming. [02:57.000 --> 03:10.000] Now, why does it have the word calcium as part of the name? Well, this form of clay is not always referred to by its full name, calcium bentonite clay. It's often just called bentonite clay, regardless. [03:10.000 --> 03:19.000] Adding calcium to its name just reminds us that, sure enough, this clay has some calcium in it. It actually has a bunch of other minerals in it too. [03:20.000 --> 03:29.000] These are all found naturally since these minerals are found naturally in the earth. Minerals like iron, zinc, and copper can also be found in bentonite clay. [03:29.000 --> 03:38.000] So, what's it used for? Supposedly bentonite clay has been used for thousands of years. Some have been known to actually eat it. [03:38.000 --> 03:42.000] The clay would usually be mixed with some water before being consumed, of course. [03:43.000 --> 03:54.000] It was believed that by eating clay, it would help relieve things like diarrhea and even treat excess gas. Today, some still eat it because it's believed to reduce toxins in the body. [03:54.000 --> 04:04.000] Bentonite clay has also been used on the skin to treat acne or recover from skin infections. Either way, it has been believed to have some medicinal properties. [04:05.000 --> 04:17.000] Today, we find bentonite clay most often in its powdered form in makeup products. Some companies may also use it as an additive in products like shampoos, toothpastes, supplements, and lotions. [04:17.000 --> 04:24.000] And interestingly, bentonite clay is also found in cat litter because it helps prevent the litter from clumping together. [04:24.000 --> 04:31.000] So, does it have any health benefits? It was believed that bentonite clay could help remove toxins from the body. [04:31.000 --> 04:40.000] How? Well, studies performed in animals found that bentonite clay helped bind to some toxins and helped the body get rid of them. [04:40.000 --> 04:44.000] But an unfortunate side effect of this was liver damage. [04:44.000 --> 04:54.000] As far as relieving gastrointestinal upset, one study found that consuming bentonite clay could help improve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. [04:54.000 --> 05:00.000] But most health professionals agree that we need more than one published study before recommending it for this purpose. [05:00.000 --> 05:06.000] This is because there is the potential for clay to get stuck in our intestines and create a blockage. [05:06.000 --> 05:15.000] And if the clay hasn't been removed of impurities and we consume it, we may get exposed to lead, mercury, and even arsenic. [05:15.000 --> 05:18.000] All of these are toxic to the body. [05:18.000 --> 05:22.000] So, the most promising use of bentonite clay is on the skin. [05:22.000 --> 05:28.000] It seems that bentonite clay helps reduce skin inflammation and the growth of harmful bacteria. [05:28.000 --> 05:37.000] So far, studies have shown that applying bentonite clay to the skin may help reduce symptoms of dermatitis, which is a type of skin rash. [05:37.000 --> 05:44.000] It may also help reduce the risk of skin infections and reactions to exposure to poison ivy. [05:44.000 --> 05:46.000] So, where does that leave us? [05:46.000 --> 05:53.000] Based on the research so far, using bentonite clay for certain purposes, like on the skin, is very promising. [05:53.000 --> 06:02.000] The problem with recommending bentonite clay, even for skin health, is we don't know the right dosage, meaning how much and how often should it be used? [06:02.000 --> 06:07.000] Will it be effective for the specific issue that someone is experiencing? [06:07.000 --> 06:12.000] And again, finding a version of bentonite clay that's free of impurities is important. [06:12.000 --> 06:22.000] In fact, in 2016, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, released a warning statement to not use bentonite clay because of potential lead poisoning. [06:22.000 --> 06:32.000] So, while it's not very exciting advice, my recommendation would be to speak to your health care provider before using bentonite clay for any purpose. [06:32.000 --> 06:42.000] If someone is considering using it on their skin, a dermatologist, a medical doctor that specializes in treating skin, hair and nails, would be the best person to talk to. [06:42.000 --> 06:47.000] But as far as consuming it, I would stay away from that for now. [06:47.000 --> 06:54.000] When you're hiring, it feels amazing to finally close out a job search. 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[07:43.000 --> 07:54.000] Just go to Indeed.com slash health right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast, Indeed.com slash health. [07:54.000 --> 07:59.000] Terms and conditions apply. Need to hire? You need Indeed. [07:59.000 --> 08:08.000] The love affair event is on at Whole Foods Market with deals on delicious desires through February 14th, the floral departments in full bloom. [08:08.000 --> 08:19.000] So look for savings on double dozen bunches of roses. In the Need and Seafood departments, save on animal welfare certified New York strip steaks and sustainable wild caught lobster tails to make the night sizzle. [08:19.000 --> 08:23.000] Gifts from the wellness and beauty department are always a nice touch. [08:23.000 --> 08:30.000] And you have to grab those chocolate dipped strawberries. Make Whole Foods Market your Valentine's Day destination. [08:30.000 --> 08:35.000] Thank you again for the question, Hannah. Answering your questions is my favorite part of the show. [08:35.000 --> 08:45.000] And if you want to send in a question, remember, you'll get a physical copy of our workbook mailed to you if you're in the U.S. and as long as we still have some available. [08:45.000 --> 08:57.000] You can email your question to health at oldpodcast.com or if you want your voice played on the show, come by oldpodcast.com slash ask. [08:57.000 --> 09:05.000] You can record your question straight from your computer's microphone. You can even play back your message and do retakes before sending it in. [09:05.000 --> 09:22.000] You can also call in your question. The number is 161. I love OHD. That's 1-614-568-3643. Thank you again so much for sending in your questions. [09:22.000 --> 09:29.000] Alright, that's another Q&A edition of Optimal Health Daily. Thank you so much for listening every day and all the way through. [09:29.000 --> 09:35.000] I hope you have a great start to your weekend and I'll see you back here tomorrow, where your optimal life awaits. Transcription results written to '/home/forge/transcribe3.sonicengage.com/releases/20240210005758' directory