Bentonite Clay FAQs

In your study of bentonite clay and its uses both internally and externally, you have most likely come up with many questions for which you need answers. The following list of common questions and answers is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather introductory. These questions and answers will build your confidence in clay's ability to help your body, and will make you more eager to consume clay. You can find more answers by doing further research online, in books, and through trying it out yourself.

What Is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is a type of clay that typically comes from layers of volcanic ash, and is used internally and externally for detoxification and for support of health in general.

How Does Bentonite Clay Remove Toxins?
Clay is highly negatively charged, and most toxins are positively charged. Thus, clay removes harmful chemicals and toxins by literally attracting, or "pulling" them to itself. At that point, the body is not able to utilize the toxin filled clay molecules, and so it flushes it out of the body. The result? Toxins are removed in an efficient, unobtrusive way. 
​Click here to learn more about how clay removes toxins.

Is It Safe To Consume Clay?
Not all types of clay are safe to consume. Specifically, sodium and calcium bentonite are usually safe to consume. However, you should only consume clay that is labeled as "intended for internal use" or something to that effect. Assuming you choose the correct type of clay, clay is not only safe to consume; it is recommended that you consume it for its toxin-pulling capabilities.

When Should I Not Consume Clay?
You should not consume clay when you are taking medications or antibiotics. If you must take your medications, consume clay several hours before and/or after taking the medications, because clay usually removes those medications from the body.

Does Clay Cause Side Effects?
Bodily reactions to consuming clay are usually due to detoxification symptoms caused by clay's immense ability to pull toxins from the body. So although consuming clay itself does not usually have any side effects, you may experience effects in your body during the process of detoxification. For more details, learn about possible clay side effects.

How Much Clay Should I Consume?
The average person can benefit greatly from clay's detoxifying power by consuming about a teaspoon of clay in a glass of water, once or twice a day. Some people may be able to handle more than that, but it's best to start slow and let your body get rid of its toxins gradually. Remember that clay is very potent and powerful.

How Can I Use Clay Externally?
You can make a paste and apply it to your hair, your face, or your skin. You can also relax in a clay bath, or put together a foot detox bath. You can also make a toothpaste out of clay and use it to brush your teeth.

Is Consuming Clay A New Idea?
Not at all. It has been discovered that cultures throughout the ages have used clay in many different ways, including consuming it. Some people groups in Africa still consume clay to this day.

Should I Be Concerned About Aluminum Content In Clay?
No, because the aluminum in clay is connected to the entire clay particle, and it does not separate. So when toxins stick to the clay molecules (of which aluminum is a part), the body simply expels the whole clay particle, which includes the toxins and the aluminum. So your body does not actually store up or use the aluminum in any way. It passes through.

Can Clay Absorb Nutrients And Other Good Things From The Body?
Amazingly, no. Toxins, many of which are man-made, are positively charged, and so are attracted to clay, which is negatively charged. Minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that the body needs, are not attracted to clay. When introduced to those good nutrients, clay simply ignores them and goes on it merry way.

Where Can I Buy Edible Clay?
Some health food stores sell clay, although it's important to make sure you choose clay that is labeled as being "for internal use," if you plan to consume it. There are plenty of trustworthy sites online that sell clay, too. Keep in mind that there are many different types of clays that are used industrially and even externally (facial creams, lotions, etc.) that should not be consumed. For more help deciding where to buy bentonite clay, click here.

What's The Difference Between Sodium And Calcium Bentonite Clay?
Sodium bentonite clay expands when in contact with liquid, so it is most commonly used in industrial and external applications, but sometimes internally as well.

​Calcium bentonite clay is most commonly used internally, but can also be used externally by applying it to the skin or mixing it in water to prepare a clay bath. For more details, read about the differences between sodium and calcium bentonite clay.

How Can I Prepare Bentonite Clay For Consumption?
I suggest hydrating clay ahead of time, to save yourself time and effort. For example, mix 4 teaspoons of clay powder with 4 cups of water, shake vigorously, and let sit overnight or for a few hours.

This allows the clay to become hydrated. When you're ready, pour yourself a glass of clay water (according to above proportions, a half cup or a full cup is a good quantity for most people - that contains a half to a whole teaspoon of clay). Watch the video below to learn more...


Further Reading

• Where To Buy Bentonite Clay - online or locally?
• How Bentonite Clay Removes Toxins - a look at mechanical detoxification
• Bentonite Clay Side Effects - a few possible reactions to be aware of
• Foot Detox With Bentonite Clay - how to prepare a foot detox bath
• Bentonite Clay Detox Bath - how to prepare a full body detox bath
• Sodium vs Calcium Bentonite Clay - how they differ, and which to use
• Clay For Acne - how to use clay to treat acne and sooth the skin naturally
• Bentonite Clay For Hair - why you should treat your scalp and hair with clay
• Buy Bentonite Clay - a trusted source of consumable clay