Zeolite: everything you need to know before using the chelating mineral that cleanses the body of heavy metals

Zeolite is a mineral known above all for its chelating and detoxifying properties. But when is it useful to take it? And in what doses?

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Zeolite is a mineral known above all for its chelating and detoxifying properties. But when is it useful to take it? And in what doses?

Also known as "the scavenger of the organism", zeolite is a mineral of volcanic origin appreciated in particular for its microporous structure which gives it the ability to capture harmful substances that circulate in our body in order to favor their disposal through the organs emunctors.

Index

Zeolite, properties and benefits

Zeolite, taken internally but also used externally, offers several benefits:

Absorbs toxins, heavy metals and pesticides: this mineral, thanks to its negatively charged crystalline structure, absorbs cations, or substances that have a positive charge, including toxins and heavy metals.
It is not metabolized by the body: It is important to underline that zeolite is not only non-toxic but it is not even absorbed by the intestine and therefore the body expels it together with all that it has been able to capture thanks to the chemical reactions it produces.
Antioxidant: Zeolite has antioxidant qualities, therefore it helps our body to counteract the action of free radicals responsible for cellular aging.
Increase physical endurance: taking zeolite allows you to decrease the sense of fatigue, reduce the attic acid, promote concentration and increase the body's resistance to physical stress. This is why it is a very popular supplement for athletes and also recommended for students facing exams.
Acts on anxiety and depression: there are those who note the beneficial effects of this mineral also on anxiety and depression in cases where these are caused by the presence in the body of too many heavy metals, pesticides or toxins.
Helps in case of dermatological problems: external applications of zeolite may be recommended for those suffering from dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin problems.
It is rich in minerals: as already mentioned, the zeolite is not absorbed but in exchange for the heavy metals, toxins and pesticides it captures it is able to release useful substances to the body including various mineral salts (potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.)
Helps the immune system: thanks to its purifying work and the substances it contains, zeolite is a natural immunostimulating remedy.
It supports during anticancer treatments: there are those who also use zeolite in conjunction with the best known cures for the treatment of cancer (chemo and radiotherapy). On the one hand this mineral would be able to enhance its activity, on the other hand it would also weaken the cancer cells.

Zeolite: everything you need to know before using the chelating mineral that cleanses the body of heavy metals

Photo: Intech Open

How to use zeolite and in what doses

Zeolite can be used both internally and externally. It exists in the form of powder or tablets, designed for different uses.

Depending on the reason why you choose to take this mineral, the doses vary, in the preventive phase, for example, you can take just the tip of a teaspoon of powder twice a day before main meals.

If, on the other hand, the purpose is detoxify the body from heavy metals and toxins of various kinds, the often recommended dose increases to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, always before main meals. The capsules usually contain the amount equivalent to a teaspoon and therefore are taken equally 3 times a day.

A fundamental thing to know when taking zeolite is that it must always be accompanied by plenty of water. Among the side effects of this mineral there is in fact the absorbing power even towards the liquids contained in our body, if you do not follow this advice it is easy to find yourself struggling with constipation problems.

external useInstead, zeolite can be applied together with a little water and gently massaged on the areas of the skin affected by dermatological problems such as psoriasis, erythema, acne, etc.

Zeolite has no major contraindications other than the fact that it can bring about some side effects due to the detoxification work it performs in our body. The unwelcome symptoms that may occur are: headache, nausea, nervousness. As already mentioned, always remember to drink plenty of water and avoid this remedy if you take any type of medication (always ask your doctor for advice first).

Zeolite, where to find it

Zeolite, both in powder and in capsules, is available in pharmacies, herbalists, food and natural health stores and online shops.

Other uses of zeolite

The particular structure of zeolite (indeed of zeolites, there are in fact hundreds of them) makes it useful for other purposes as well, for example in the treatment of very hard water (i.e. rich in calcium and magnesium ions), in this case the liquid is conveyed through a column filled with sodium-containing zeolites. Zeolite traps calcium and magnesium ions and releases sodium ions in their place, so the water becomes softer but richer in sodium. Many everyday laundry and dishwasher detergents also contain zeolite to remove calcium and magnesium and soften the water so they work more effectively.

Another very common and daily use of zeolite is the one that sees it as the protagonist in the control of odors, for example in the litter of pets. The porous crystalline structure of zeolite helps to trap unwanted liquids and odor molecules.

Finally, there are those who have invented a heat pump powered by zeolite and water, an original but effective way to heat our homes in a completely ecological way.

Side effects of zeolite

In clinical studies to date, zeolite has not caused significant side effects, but human and animal studies have revealed that it can cause inflammation and lung damage if inhaled.

Because zeolite binds heavy metals and other toxins, some people have expressed concern about potential poisoning from contaminated supplements. However, zeolite has a high affinity for those toxins and keeps them trapped under all conditions.

Unfortunately, there are still no studies confirming the safety of zeolite in children, pregnant or lactating women for which its use is not recommended.

IMPORTANT: Only some types of natural zeolite are suitable for human consumption: others, such as erionite, can also be carcinogenic.

A curiosity about zeolite

Thanks to its absorbent and chelating properties, this mineral was also used to help people affected by nuclear radiation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, then in Chernobyl and finally to try to improve the situation of the seas following the Fukushima disaster.

You may also be interested in other remedies to cleanse heavy metals: