(NaturalNews) Bentonite, an edible, mineral-rich clay, has been used for centuries to draw toxins away from intestinal walls while cleansing the colon. Another use for bentonite clay, which is very timely considering the recent natural and the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, is adsorption of radiation. Not only does bentonite clay adsorb radiation from nuclear fallout, it also adsorbs any kind of radiation.
How Bentonite Clay Works
Bentonite clay is sometimes referred to as "green" healing clay. It is created naturally from the combination of volcanic ash minerals called montmorillonite and ocean water. Depending on the source, bentonite clay is loaded with naturally occurring minerals such as potassium, calcium, and sodium. When bentonite gets wet, it expands, much like a sponge does.
However, rather than absorbing toxins the way a sponge might, bentonite clay works more like a magnet. This process is called adsorption, which is spelled with the letter "d." Bentonite clay adsorbs because it carries both negative and positive charges on its surfaces and edges. Toxins are attracted to the bentonite like magnets, bond to the chemicals in the clay, and are carried out of the body in the small spaces created when the clay is wet.
Bentonite Clay Proven Scientifically To Trap Radioactive Ions
According to a 2006 study published in Radiation Protection Dosimetry, which was performed by a team of scientists led by V. Correcher and entitled "Thermal Stability of the Thermoluminescence Trap Structure of Bentonite,"
bentonite clay was studied because of its known capabilities to break bond links, form hydrolyzed ions, and redox reactions. The study documented the "exponential distribution of trapped electrons."
In another scientific study, bentonite
clay was tested to determine its efficacy in reducing high-energy gamma irradiation of adenine. According to chemists at Duke University, adenine is one of the most important organic molecules found in the human body. Adenine is an integral part of human DNA, RNA, and ATP. In this study, published in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2002, irradiated adenine recovered much quicker in systems containing clay than in those which did not contain clay. Results showed that bentonite clay acts as a surface protector against
radiation of adenine.
Other Traditional Uses For Bentonite Clay
Taken orally, bentonite clay is used to detoxify the digestive system, eliminate intestinal parasites, strengthen the immune system, and fight free radicals. It also helps remove heavy metals from the body and assists in the process of liver detoxification. Used externally, bentonite clay is often a main ingredient in compresses, clay packs, and facial masks.
Sources:
Eyeton's Earth.org, "Bentonite and Healing Clays As Used In Alternative and Natural Medicine"
http://www.eytonsearth.org/general-uses-clay.phpPubMed.gov, "Thermal Stability of the Thermoluminescence Trap Structure of Bentonite," Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2006:119(1-4):176-9. Epub 2006 May 30. V. Correcher, et al.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16735568Chem Duke University, "Adenine"
http://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/Exobiology/adenine.htmlPubMed.gov, "Behavior of Adenine in Na-montmorillonite Exposed to Gamma Radiation: Implications to Chemical Evolution Studies," Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2002 Jul:48(5):525-8. A. Guzman, et al.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12146708About the author
Donna Rae is a freelance writer, blogger, and herbalist. She owns Donna Rae Online Writing Services (
ANCHOR TEXT) , niche writing regularly in the alternative health care and education industries. Donna also owns Donna Rae At Home.com, a college prep home education website, and Bluebonnet Natural Healing Therapies.com
ANCHOR TEXT, a blog site dedicated to educating people new to using herbs and natural methods to improve health.
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