Zeolite: The Ancient Mineral for Natural Detoxification
Research shows that this ancient volcanic mineral also supports the immune system and has anti-inflammatory as well as anti-tumor properties.
Zeolite comes from the Greek words “zeo,” meaning to boil, and “lithos,” meaning stone. Zeolites are a family of natural minerals formed over millions of years by the reaction between volcanic rock/ash and seawater. This chemical reaction creates a unique porous, honeycomb-like structure with a strong negative charge that can bind to positively charged toxins, like heavy metals, and remove them from the body via stool and urine.
Heavy metals with a positive charge include lead, aluminum, mercury, copper, cadmium, and nickel. Although aluminum is not heavy enough to be classified as a “heavy metal,” its toxicity leads to its inclusion on some lists of toxic heavy metals.
According to a review titled Zeolite Clinoptilolite: Therapeutic Virtues of an Ancient Mineral, published in Molecules in 2019, zeolite clinoptilolite “is an excellent detoxifying, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory agent.”
“At present, many positive effects are recognized due to the capacity of natural occurring zeolite clinoptilolite (ZC) to adsorb and therefore remove harmful substances like heavy metals, ammonia, or other small molecules in the gastrointestinal tract of humans.”
Industrial Applications for Zeolites
Because of their unique structure, zeolites are used in various industries as chelators, drying agents, and filters. They are used in commercial water management systems to remove heavy metals from the water supply and in airplanes to maintain oxygen supplies.
The most abundant and well-studied naturally occurring zeolite is clinoptilolite. This zeolite has unique ion-exchanging properties in water and, as a result, is used in various industries, including medical, industrial, and environmental, because it can sequester toxic pollutants from sewage and other liquid wastes.
Zeolites were even released into contaminated seawater after the Fukushima nuclear disaster to trap and cleanse radiation particles and were used to decontaminate water and the environment after Chernobyl.
Zeolite Clinoptilolite
Jeff Hoyt is a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, owner of Zeolite Labs, and provides education through his company, The Zeolite Coach. Choosing the correct one is crucial, he told The Epoch Times.
“Not all zeolite is the same. There are a lot of different types of zeolites that are naturally occurring, but they are all very different. And there are also synthetic and lab-grown forms of zeolite, which have different properties. So, when we’re talking about using zeolite for detoxification for human health, generally, the form of zeolite that we use is clinoptilolite. That’s the form of zeolite used in most human studies and proven to be safe and gentle on the body when used properly—and there are a number of reasons for that. So that’s the first thing to distinguish before using zeolite for detox”
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Toxicity and Contraindications
Zeolites can come from natural and synthetic sources, and each can undergo various processes that change how they work and their effectiveness. Some of this processing includes cleansing the zeolites of impurities and reducing their particle size, like micronization.
Natural zeolites come from the earth and contain naturally occurring metals. There have been some concerns that these metals can be absorbed by the body and lead to toxicity. However, the unique structure of zeolite—as long as its structure is intact—is not bioavailable and does not break down in the body. It simply moves through the body while attaching itself to toxic elements and is flushed out, removing them safely.
Important considerations when taking zeolites are listed below:
- Find zeolites purified and processed for human consumption to ensure their safety (not ones intended for industrial use.)
- Find a natural, purified clinoptilolite, as it is the type of zeolite that has been studied for human health.
- Zeolite powders generally contain a much higher dose than liquid zeolites, making them a better detox option.
- Use a high-quality product (you can request third-party testing for some extra peace of mind.)
- Ensure you are using the correct dosage.
- Work with a qualified practitioner who can help you with all of the above while supporting you through the detoxification process (this is vital!)
Final Thoughts
If you are interested in detoxing or improving your general health, zeolites are worth looking into. Just be sure to work with a qualified practitioner to help guide and support you through the process and ensure you use a quality product and the correct dose to maximize your results.
