Green Clay: Benefits, Dosage, Contra-Indications
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Super Food
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Diarrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
The effectiveness of clay, particularly diosmectite, in treating acute diarrhea has been demonstrated by several clinical studies. A meta-analysis of 14 trials involving 2209 children showed that in addition to rehydration therapy, a dose of 3 g of smectite, administered three times a day, reduces the duration of diarrhea caused by infections like rotavirus by about 24 hours.
Posologie
Oral route
3 - 9 g
Diosmectite
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
In the context of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), clay shows promising results depending on the predominant types of symptoms. In patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS, diosmectite, at a dose of 3 grams three times a day for 8 weeks, significantly improves pain, discomfort, and bloating compared to a placebo. In contrast, in patients with constipation-predominant IBS, beidellitic montmorillonite, also administered at a dose of 3 grams three times a day over the same duration, is effective in relieving abdominal pain, but not the frequency of stools.
Posologie
Oral route
3 - 9 g
Diosmectite
Detoxification ✪✪✪✪✪
In naturopathy, clay, particularly dioctahedral smectite and green illite clay, is prized for its detoxifying properties thanks to its adsorption and ion-exchange capabilities. It acts as a real "toxin magnet," capable of binding heavy metals, chemical residues, and microbial toxins in the digestive system, promoting their natural elimination by the body. In a detoxification course, clay is often consumed in the form of an aqueous suspension, starting with small doses to accustom the digestive system. However, internal use of clay must be supervised by a qualified therapist to avoid side effects, such as constipation or mineral imbalances, especially during prolonged treatment.
Posologie
Oral route
3 - 9 g
powder
Properties
Depurative
Clay stands out for its remarkable purifying properties due to its mineral-rich composition, like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and its ion-exchange capabilities. This mechanism allows it to absorb and neutralize toxic substances, such as heavy metals like mercury, aflatoxins, and other toxins. For example, it has been demonstrated that clay can remove up to 81% of microcystins-LR, liver toxins, from water, suggesting a potential role in water purification. In case of ingestion, this adsorption capacity can also target toxins circulating in the digestive system, limiting their absorption by the body. This makes clay a valuable tool in purifying treatments, although these uses require supervision to avoid potential electrolyte imbalances or undesirable interactions.
Usages associés
Gastroprotective
Clay, notably montmorillonite, plays a gastroprotective role by strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing inflammation of the mucosa. Studies show that taking 3 g twice a day can improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier, particularly in children with intestinal permeability. This mechanism relies on the adsorption of mucosal glycoproteins by the clay, forming a protective layer on the intestinal mucosa. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and absorbent properties allow it to decrease irritations of the digestive wall and absorb harmful or irritating substances, offering a solution in the treatment of digestive disorders such as diarrhea or gastric irritations. However, prolonged use may lead to side effects, such as hypokalemia or iron deficiency.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult: 1.5 g - 12 g
Short-term oral use: - Dioctahedral smectite (diosmectite): Up to 12 grams per day, in divided doses, used for courses up to 35 days, appears safe. - Calcium montmorillonite (NovaSil): 1.5-3 grams per day, safe up to 3 months. - Calcium aluminosilicate: 4 grams per day, up to 6 weeks. Long-term oral use: Prolonged ingestion is potentially dangerous, associated with risks of potassium deficiencies (hypokalemia), iron malabsorption, anemia, and lead poisoning. Topical use: A cream containing 3 grams of smectite and 10 mL of iodized glycerin, applied 4 times a day, has been used safely for 5 days.
Child from 3 years old: 0.75 g - 1.5 g
Short-term oral use: - Montmorillonite (NovaSil): 0.75-1.5 grams per day, up to 2 weeks, for children aged 3 to 9 years.
Interactions
Médicaments
Cimetidine: moderate interaction
Taking clay at the same time as cimetidine could reduce its absorption, decreasing the treatment's effectiveness. It is advised to space out the doses to avoid a negative interaction.
Chloroquine: weak interaction
In vitro data indicates that clay could reduce the bioavailability of quinine by about 30%, which could compromise the effectiveness of quinine-based antimalarial or antipyretic treatment. It is recommended to avoid simultaneous intake.
Precautions
Pregnant Women: avoid
Potentially risky use, associated with increased cases of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and/or edema.
Breastfeeding Women: avoid
Reliable data is lacking, it is preferable to avoid use.
