Bentonite Clay
An absorbent volcanic clay that binds positively-charged toxins, heavy metals, and bacteria in the gut.
Strong for aflatoxin binding (veterinary / agricultural data). Limited human clinical evidence for IBS-D, mycotoxin exposure, heavy metals. Effects: days to weeks.
Bentonite (montmorillonite) is a clay formed from weathered volcanic ash. Its layered structure carries a strong negative charge that attracts positively-charged ions — heavy metals, toxins, certain bacterial toxins, aflatoxins. Used in animal feed industries for mycotoxin binding and increasingly in human protocols for detoxification, IBS-D, and acute diarrheal illness. Like activated charcoal, it binds other compounds — separate from medications and supplements.
- Form
- Food-grade calcium bentonite clay (Aztec Healing Clay, Living Clay). Mix with water — never use metal utensils (the clay binds metal ions, including from the spoon).
- Dose
- 0.5–2 tsp powder in water 1–2x daily, away from meals.
- Timing
- Away from food, medications, and supplements (separate by 2 hours).
- Schedule
- Short-term protocols (1–4 weeks). Not for continuous long-term use.
- Side effects
- Constipation (drink lots of water). Mineral depletion with chronic use. Quality matters — contaminated clays can themselves contain heavy metals.
- Interactions
- Same as activated charcoal — binds many oral medications and supplements. Separate by 2+ hours.
- Contraindications
- Bowel obstruction. With critical oral medications (timing). Pregnancy (limited safety data; avoid).
- Lab markers
- Not standard.
- Food sources
- Not in everyday food.
Pairs with
Activated charcoal, zeolite (binder rotation). Chlorella (heavy metal protocols).
within Minerals