(NaturalNews) While it may seem counterintuitive for someone who adheres to a clean lifestyle to ingest dirt on a daily basis, age-old cultures, as well as our current day scientific community, have found the practice to be one of the healthiest habits you can adopt. But it’s not just any dirt — specific types of clay prove to be most beneficial. Where to begin?
Dr. Edward F. Group III, founder of the Global Healing Center, recommends a high-quality zeolite or bentonite clay for increasing immunity, cleansing the colon, promoting healthy bacteria in the gut and detoxification of heavy metals. Additionally, research published in the Journal of Molecular Medicine discovered that finely ground zeolite clinoptilolite holds promise as an effective anti-cancer compound.
Why be worried about heavy metals?
Environmental heavy metals are an unfortunate reality in modern life. A byproduct of industry and energy production, we are saturated with these toxins. Found in our drinking water, food supply and the air we breathe, heavy metals are impossible to avoid. Below are four of the most prevalent.
Cadmium – An exceptionally toxic metal, cadmium is found in many soils and rocks as well as coal and mineral fertilizers. Cadmium is used in batteries, pigments, plastics and metal coatings. Long-term exposure can damage the kidneys, lungs and bones.
Mercury – Coal-burning power plants are the largest source of mercury emissions in the United States. Once in the soil and water, microorganisms convert the compound to methylmercury — a bioaccumulating toxin that affects the nervous system, lungs, cardiovascular system and kidneys. Effects on the brain include memory problems, irritability, shyness, changes in vision or hearing and tremors.
Aluminum – Found in an array of personal products, from antiperspirants to cosmetics, as well as baking powders, foodstuffs, antacids, drinking water and pharmaceuticals, exposure to aluminum is difficult to dodge. This heavy metal is considered a neurotoxin and has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Lead – Due to the burning of fossil fuels, along with mining and manufacturing, lead is a pervasive environmental toxin. Sources of exposure include water pipes in older homes, paint, contaminated soil, household dust, lead crystal, cosmetics, toys, drinking water and lead-glazed pottery. It’s a suspected human carcinogen, and contact with high levels severely damages the brain and kidneys, ultimately causing death.
How edible clays detoxify the body
Fortunately, we don’t need to be at the mercy of heavy metals. Zeolite in particular has been hailed as a healing miracle for removing stubborn toxic metals from the system. As with all clays, zeolite contains negatively charged molecules. However, zeolite is unique in its honeycomb structure. When zeolite passes through the digestive tract, positively charged toxins (like heavy metals) are attracted to the zeolite molecules. Ions are exchanged, and the molecules are bound together, thereby “locking” toxins into the clay, which are then safely removed from the body without risk of reabsorption.
It’s easy to incorporate healing clays into your daily routine. A teaspoon or two — taken away from meals and mixed with a full glass of water — is the general recommendation for daily, long-term use. Also remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Safety concerns
Controversy surrounds clays, as a majority contain aluminum, mercury, lead and/or cadmium. However, powdered clays are typically insoluble, and any contaminants that remain after purification are held tightly within the structure of the molecules. Zeolite itself is an aluminum-based mineral yet doesn’t pose a toxicity concern. Be that as it may, it’s always wise to source from reputable suppliers who test for purity and sell only food-grade edible clays.
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