What is the difference between Diatomaceous Earth vs Bentonite Clay?

For the last few years, I’ve heard a lot about eating dirt or clay. Seemed like a strange thing to do but when you are into natural health, you’ll (sometimes) try just about anything just to see what it is about! I’ve used both bentonite clay and Diatomaceous earth and I’ve noticed that even though they are both dirt-like, they definitely have different uses and benefits.

First up….

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (henceforth known as DE) is a powder that is made up of single-celled organisms that has fossilized in lake beds over a long period of time (think thousands of years!).

DE is almost pure silica. Silica is the most common mineral found in the crust of the earth. For our health, we need silica for bone, arteries, cartilage, collagen, and tendon health. It helps to get deep into the tissues to eliminate stored toxins in our cells so it is very important for detoxification (especially heavy metals like aluminum, mercury and uranium!). Silica also has a role in heart health, energy production, and tissue healing.

Most warn not to inhale the DE, because it is a very fine powder and like any dust it can be bad for your lungs (especially to sensitive people).

Many people started reporting that it can clog up the kidneys, and for this reason I don’t recommend it. I know plenty of people that just do fine on it, but it is worth knowing the possible kidney issues that can arise. A few have now reported blockages in the colon as well. At the end of the day, we’re all responsible for the decisions we make when it comes to health. My top SAFE choices for silica instead of DE are Nettle and oatstraw herbal infusions. 

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay (most popular brand is Redmond’s) is often called a “healing” or “living” clay. This type of clay has been used for centuries, but it’s only becoming popular again because it’s a huge part of the health trend going on now (which is good- we want more people to care about their health!).

Bentonite clay is made from ash of volcanoes- how cool is that?! This makes it an extremely mineral rich substance, which is amazing for our mineral-depleted bodies. Whereas DE is pretty much just silica, bentonite has many different minerals: magnesium, manganese, silica, iodine, calcium, and more. These minerals are capable of pulling out metals and other toxins from the body, and helps to re-mineralize as it passes through! Sounds like a much better alternative than conventional chelation drugs that pull everything out of the body, no?

Benefits of Bentonite:

• Helps detoxification of heavy metals, parasites, and other toxins
• Can help replenish much-needed minerals in the body
• Can be used externally for various purposes: detox baths, face masks, or even as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis
• Very helpful for detox from vaccines (for both humans and pets)
• Helps a variety of digestive disorders: IBS, constipation, and imbalanced gut flora
• Helps eliminate underlying viruses and bacteria
• Read about more benefits here!

When I was using Bentonite, I would make up a big batch of it. I love the directions from Living Clay on how to do this- they even have videos! Whether you choose to make one serving at a time or to make up the liquid clay, start slowly! Try 1/2 tsp and work up to 1-2 teaspoons. Or if you don’t want the mess of making it yourself, check out this liquid bentonite here (and you can use my code SASSY for 10% off).

The only concerns from some people about bentonite are the amounts of lead and aluminum that is has. Redmond’s has a long statement on the lead issue that certainly makes sense. The fact that clay has been used for so long, with so many amazing benefits is proof enough to me about its safety. This is why nature gives us so many choices when it comes to remedies- there are plenty of other things to choose from if you are not comfortable with the clay!

Kristin

Welcome to Sassy Holistics! My name is Kristin, and I'm a Holistic Health Coach. I've been on the path to help people achieve better health using whole food nutrition, mineral balancing, and holistic healing principles for almost 7 years now.

The body is a whole and we must treat it as such! I have my Bachelor of Science in Natural Health Sciences, certificates in Herbal Studies from Herbal Academy, and I am constantly learning more about health to help my clients and followers.

My goal is to help you unleash your own inner healer! You already hold the power to heal inside you. My role is as a guide to help you realize this potential.