Side effects of bentonite clay [Reader’s Story]

Hello! Linsy here at LTYG is ready to answer another reader question this week about the side effects of using bentonite clay!

I look forward to your great questions. Your comments and questions will also help other LTYG readers who may be experiencing similar issues or have similar questions. So thank you very much!

Since I published my blog about folders, I've received a lot of questions about them. For many of you, using binders is a completely new topic, so I like to go a little deeper as I personally find binders incredibly useful for my own detoxification.

Side effects of using bentonite clay

Some readers have used folders but had problems – for example, one of our readers, “F”, recently shared his experience with me:

“The last time I tried bentonite clay, I was fasting with my husband and the clay was too strong. The company was very good; they told me to stop immediately because my digestive system was already compromised from the Crohn's diagnosis and the two resections I've had…so I'm staying away from BC. I've never tried activated charcoal…wondering if the results will be similar?”

I'm glad “F” shared this because some people have side effects and reactions to bentonite, just like with wild oregano oil (WOO) or other healing methods, since our bodies are so different and can tolerate different things.

So in today's blog I'm going to talk about bentonite clay and some of the options available if you can't tolerate it.

Dear reader, I want to say how much I appreciate your healing journey and all your efforts. You have been proactive in your healing efforts and I find that amazing.

We get frustrated when we think something will work, but it doesn't! But you listened to your body and stopped taking it – that's step number 1!

Listen and observe your body and then fulfill what it needs!

Bentonite clay: practical application tips

When it comes to bentonite clay, here are some tips if you're new to using it or are having trouble using it!

Tip #1: Start slow and low.

You may have heard me mention this before in relation to probiotics and anti-pathogens, but this really applies to everything! This is especially true for antipathogens and binders – start with a low dose as these eliminate toxins, which puts a lot of strain on your body!

The recommended dosage on the bottle or the one that worked for one of us may be way too high for you.

In this case, there's nothing wrong with starting as low as possible. For example, ¼ teaspoon of powdered probiotic, and work your way up!

In order for the binding agents to work effectively, you will have to take a higher dose at some point. BUT the body sometimes needs slow processes to adapt.

Tip #2: Drink more water!

In our reader's case, it was a fast – so water intake may or may not have been the problem here. But for the sake of all other readers, I would like to reiterate this reminder.

In order for binders to do their job, there must be a lot of WATER!

Otherwise they won't be able to work and won't pull properly, which can cause them to get stuck. Therefore, to be on the safe side, drink as much water as possible at the time of taking the binder and follow the instructions on the product.

It is recommended to take binding agents and anti-pathogens on an empty stomach. 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after meals, medications and supplements.

Tip #3: Consider biofilm disruption.

What are biofilms?

In short, we kill the bad bacteria in our system, biochemicals and mycotoxins are released. That's why HERX reactions or severe reactions can occur after following all of these protocols!

Binders can absorb the expressed toxins and thus actually help with the symptoms of the HERX reaction. However, this pulling can still have an impact on people and their bodies!

It may relieve the HERX, but it may still feel powerful because the mixture contains many toxins. So there could be a “reaction” as everything is pulled out and flushed out.

Tip #4: Listen and learn from your body.

Here is an interesting outlook for each protocol/treatment:

What worked for you before may not work the same way now! A personal example I have for you is an experience I had using bentonite clay. I used it frequently while healing from my severe ulcerative colitis, but when I tried it years later I had a negative reaction!

My body told me you don't need this right now.

Maybe I could try it again in the future, but at that moment my body didn't want bentonite! So it's really just about listening and learning.

When I had this side effect from bentonite, I was quite surprised as I had done so well with it before!

A number of things could have happened, but I still set my mindset and respected my body.

Alternatives to bentonite clay

For the times when bentonite clay didn't work for me, I used activated charcoal + mucous membrane remedy. This was often gentler on my gastrointestinal tract. And I found and used a great product that has mucous membrane healers attached – which also helps with binding!

I call the attachments mucous membrane healers because the product contains aloe vera, silica and apple pectin. So for me, this product was literally a life saver!

Since it comes in capsule form, it's super easy to use, even on the go. It contains activated carbon and zeolite clay as well as other mucous membrane binding agents and healing agents.

Always listen to your gut feeling

*But always talk to your doctor about this folder before use or about any new supplements/protocols before trying!

It is called a toxin and biofilm remover, but I have also used it in difficult treatments such as mold infections because this binder not only helps remove things but also normalizes some systems in the body that are affected by these toxins.

This really is a complete SPECTRUM backpack, which means this little guy can really help with many scenarios, but also means he can pack a hard punch. Therefore, you need to handle such things carefully and know what you are doing. Ask a doctor or arrange an appointment with me to discuss the further support offered 🙂

I am currently working on a blog post with information on using this binder along with an infrared sauna to avoid a HERX reaction. So keep an eye out for it in the coming weeks!

If you have a problem with bentonite clay or are generally sensitive, this product can be a game-changer for you! It was the only thing that really helped bring down the HERX when I couldn't tolerate the bentonite – plus it's Jini approved!

I have taken up to 3 capsules at a time to relieve a severe HERX reaction after antipathogens. Of course, read the bottle instructions and listen to your own body – I'm just sharing what worked for me, what I did with the help of a trainer, and my extreme reactions. As with all binders, make sure you drink enough water and seek help!

To our reader “F” and everyone reading along: I hope you gained something from the information I shared today!

Please continue to ask me questions – I'm happy to share my experiences with you and help you in any way I can. As always, have fun healing – and always listen to your gut feeling!

Helpful resources: