Zeolites are volcanic minerals that have been exposed to alkaline conditions. Ancient lakes have historically transformed volcanic ash into a valuable mineral that was used for detoxification and topical application for thousands of years. However in recent times, the minerals are more often generated in a controlled laboratory environment.
The zeolite molecule itself has a honeycomb structure with a negative ionic charge, allowing it to attract and bind positively charged substances. This ionic charge is responsible for its strong chelation benefits
Source: Zeolite can be harvested from natural resources within volcanic rock, ash deposits, or within watercourse sediments. They can also be naturally grown in a lab
Benefits:
Detoxification: Due to its negative charge, zeolite binds positively charged heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminum, nickel, chromium, zinc and copper. Zeolites are not stored within body tissues; it collects heavy metals and is passed through the waterways, exiting the body with urinary excretion. It has been shown to increase overall antioxidant levels while decreasing substances like nitric oxide in the body. It actively counters oxidative stress as effectively as Vitamin E
Alkalizing Agent: Zeolite is naturally alkaline. Due to the acidic quality of toxic environmental chemicals and poor diets, zeolite acts as a necessary agent to balance overall body pH. It possesses alkalizing minerals including calcium, potassium and magnesium. As zeolite travels through the body’s waterways, it releases its own minerals in exchange for the heavy metals, increasing levels of essential minerals
Renal Function: In addition to alkalizing the body’s pH, zeolite positively aids the kidneys. Storage of heavy metals impairs overall kidney function. By chelating these heavy metals, the kidneys are decongested, allowing for better filtration and regulation
Immune Boosting: Zeolites have been proven to increase activity of T-cells and lymphocytes. As heavy metals are immunosuppressants, its chelation effects boosts overall immune defense
Antimicrobial Activity: Zeolite has been shown effective against anaerobic pathogens that create biofilms and overgrowth of Candida albicans. It is also known to be effective against a broad range of pathogens including C-Difficile, a bacterial infection that results in extreme digestive disruption, diarrhea, pain and fever. This ash does contain limited antiviral properties and may help reduce the expression of reoccurring viral infections including shingles and herpes
Glucose and Diabetes: Ingestion of zeolites help absorb glucose and aids in hyperglycemia, reducing excess sugars in the bloodstream
Improves Gut Function : It assists in the repair of excess gut permeability (leaky gut syndrome) and to relieves an irritable bowel, also known as IBS. When used in combination with butyrate (which is found in butter), clinoptilolite zeolite has been shown to increase pancreatic liver enzymes, improve intestinal villi and increase antioxidants in the gut. Zeolite also helps with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) induced gastritis
A study has shown that, predominantly in men, zeolite absorbs ethanol from ingested alcohol, helping mitigate the effects of drinking.
Risks: Due to its binding capabilities, it can diminish the efficacy of certain medications such as aspirin, Tylenol and the antibiotic Tetracycline. It can also absorb some nutrients in supplements and mitigate the efficacy of other medications. Practical wisdom indicates to use supplemental zeolite a few hours before or after taking medication and other supplements to ensure efficacy
The chelating benefits of zeolite can also deplete the body of valuable minerals when used frequently or consistently; it is recommended to use zeolite as a periodic remedial supplement for 3 weeks to 6 months
Natural zeolites are not safe if inhaled
Sustainability: Natural zeolites have been created with volcanic activity over millions of years, huge deposits are resourced and ethically sourced. The is no risk of depletion due to constant replenishing from continuous tectonic movement
Processing: After harvesting natural zeolite, it has to be properly “cleansed”. This is done in a variety of ways but due to natural zeolites attracting toxins in nature, they need to be cleansed before being There are dozens of different kinds of zeolites in nature. There are over 150 that can be created in the lab. The most common zeolite used for health is clinoptilolite
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22147334 - Clinoptilolite detoxifies lead
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427717/ - Chelation benefits
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15310086 - Effects on immunity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24196133 - Antimicrobial effects
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23435898 - Effects against anaerobic pathogens
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841535/ - Combined effect of Clinoptilolite and Butyrate
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25061329 - Study on benefits to NSAID induced gastritis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144244997000225?via%3Dihub - Moderation of glucose