A supplement that I use regularly in my day-to-day, especially when my clients present problems such as excess of mercury (something much more common and serious than what we’re used to believe), high levels of histamine, osteoporosis, a suspicion of intestinal permeability, allergies, heartburn, or live in areas with high environmental pollution, is the zeolite.
Most of them are surprised and ask me about this supplement. Unlike other more well-known as the omega-3 or vitamin D, few people have heard of the zeolite. Precisely because of this general lack of awareness and its great potential for the health, I have decided to dedicate an article.
As always, let’s start at the beginning.
What is Zeolite?
The zeolite clinoptilolite is a natural mineral that is formed from volcanic rocks, when the lava comes in contact with the water, generating a porous material. It is mainly composed of two elements: aluminum and silicon, which combine to create three-dimensional structures similar to small building blocks, forming those characteristic ‘holes’. Thanks to this structure so particular, the zeolite is able to capture certain substances, such as water or harmful compounds, within their pores, acting as a sponge “smart” at a microscopic level.
There are several types of zeolites, but the most relevant to human health is clinoptilolite, due to two main characteristics: 1) it is highly stable in acidic media (as the stomach) and 2) is more porous, which gives it a higher absorption capacity.
Mechanism of action: the Ability of ion-exchange and absorption.
The pores in the structure of the zeolite-containing ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, which can be exchanged for other ions, toxic present in the environment, such as heavy metals or ammonia. That is to say, the zeolite traps the harmful elements, and, in turn, releases that are beneficial. For example, if you come in contact with mercury, the retains and releases calcium.
This ion exchange capacity is what makes it so useful, since it acts as a ‘molecular sieve‘, filtering harmful substances and keeping them trapped in your pores. Once these toxins are retained in the zeolite, this is not absorbed by the body; it simply passes through the gastrointestinal tract and is removed along with the feces. In this way, the toxins are not reabsorbed, helping to detoxify the body safely.
Clinoptilolite has a great affinity for capturing toxic substances, such as ammonia (a waste product of protein metabolism), and heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which are highly toxic to the body. These heavy metals are conducive to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, infertility, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, depression, and a global acceleration of aging due to damage to systemic cause.
Benefits to human health of the Zeolite
Detoxification
As we have mentioned, the zeolite helps remove toxins from the body by trapping it in its pores harmful substances, such as heavy metals, ammonia, mycotoxins, pesticides and radioactive materials present in the intestine, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. It has also been shown that it can decrease the absorption of ethanol, reducing the levels of alcohol in the blood. This ability to detoxify the body and protect the vital organs is their main function and one of its greatest benefits for human health.
Immune system and anti-Inflammatory Effect
The zeolite can also have a positive impact on the immune system, possibly through its interaction with the “M cells” of the lymphoid tissue associated with the gut (GALT). These cells are responsible for detecting foreign substances and help the body to defend itself.
In addition, it can act as a “superantigen”, by stimulating the production of IgA, an antibody type key in the protection of the intestine against bacteria and viruses, and in the regulation of the inflammatory response in this area.
Antioxidant Effects
It acts as an antioxidant to the capture file free (ROS: molecules which at high levels cause cell damage and accelerate the aging) and increase the activity of certain enzymes that fight, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH), which helps to protect the body from oxidative stress.
Bone Health
There are studies that suggest that the zeolite could be beneficial for bone health, especially in the treatment of osteoporosis. It has been observed that can help to increase the bone mineral density of the free silicon soluble, a mineral that is important for the formation of bones, something as well as the cement that binds the bricks of a building.
Food allergies and Food Intolerances
The zeolite can help to relieve the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever, vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, neurodermatitis, contact eczema, urticaria, and asthma. In addition to everything mentioned in the previous paragraphs, this beneficial effect may be due to its ability to strengthen the intestinal wall, preventing the syndrome, leaky gut and causing the intestine to be a barrier stronger against the passage of allergens and toxins into the bloodstream.
You can also join the histamine present in the food or produced by the body, preventing its absorption, reducing its effects and easing symptoms of conditions such as histaminosis (intolerance to histamine by excessive accumulation).
Restore the balance of the intestinal microbiota
Can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and reduce others, such as E. coli that can cause diarrhea.
It is also effective against bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO)
Neutralize the stomach acid
You can help to neutralize excess stomach acid, relieving the symptoms of heartburn.
Relief of tension after therapy with antibiotics or chemotherapy
Can adsorb and remove the residues of drugs and toxins generated during the therapies.
Impact on the shaft gut-brain and potential neurological benefits
It could also have effects on the brain through the so-called ‘axis gut-brain’. To improve gut health and reduce inflammation, could positively influence the mental well-being, and cognitive, improve sleep , and reduce stress, although more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Safety and side Effects
General Safety
The zeolite clinoptilolite is generally safe for human consumption when used properly. Due to its high chemical stability, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) considers that the oral consumption of this type of zeolite does not represent a potential risk and has demonstrated its non-toxicity.In fact, in some countries of the European Union, has been approved as a medical device according to directive 93/42/EEC, which means that it complies with high standards of quality and safety.
Potential side effects and precautions
However, some people may experience mild side effects such as constipation, especially if not consuming enough water during use. It is advisable to make sure you stay well hydrated to avoid this problem. In addition, people with pre-existing medical conditions, like kidney or liver problems, or pregnant women, should consult a health professional before taking clinoptilolite, since in these cases I believe that there have been no studies of sufficient.
Effects on Minerals
There is concern that the zeolite, due to its ion exchange capacity, can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals in the intestine, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, or copper.
Some clinical trials have evaluated whether the consumption of clinoptilolite could affect the levels of these minerals in the blood, but until now has not found conclusive evidence that interferes significantly with their absorption. Yes it has been seen that, in a study of 4 years, the levels of sodium and calcium remained below the reference values for the second, third and fourth year, but it is believed that this decrease is far from being something negative, it could be related to the process of bone remodeling, where these minerals are incorporated into the bone.
Anyway, for people who plan to use zeolite in the long term, we must be careful to perform regular checks on the levels of minerals in the blood by analysis of blood and to make regular breaks in your use.
Supplementation
Types of Zeolite
It is essential to make sure to use zeolite clinoptilolite of high quality and from reliable sources. Not all zeolites are available in the market have the same purity, and clinoptilolite, in particular, must comply with strict quality controls to ensure that it is safe and effective.
There are more than 80 types of zeolites in nature, with a variety of structures, but the most studied and effective for medical applications, is the Clinoptilolite in its way “micronized TMA”
Micronization is a process in which the ore is reduced to extremely small particles. In this process, the clinoptilolite passed by a mill special that generates collisions at high speed. These collisions, break up the particles of the mineral fragments much smaller, which increases the contact surface of the zeolite and, therefore, their ability to interact with harmful substances.
TMA means ‘Tribo-Mechanically Activated’. To activate tribomecánicamente the zeolite during the micronization process, it not only makes it smaller, but it is also electrically charged particle, which increases their ability to attract and retain toxins such as heavy metals or ammonia.
Quality Control
Clinoptilolite of quality must go through strict production processes, where you control the purity and the safety of the final product. To be used as a supplement for the health, it is crucial that does not contain heavy metals or other impurities that can damage the body. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for products that have been tested and certified by independent laboratories to ensure that they meet the quality standards.
I usually recommend this zeolite is the most fine (from 0.3-2 µm) in the market and is micronized MAT three times, and as an alternative, this other.
Dose
The dose of clinoptilolite may vary depending on the purpose of their use and the way in which it is consumed (powder, capsules, etc). Generally, it is recommended that a daily dose of 1 to 3 grams of clinoptilolite powder, dissolved in water. It is always advisable to consult a health professional to adjust the dose to individual needs, especially in cases of pre-existing medical conditions.
Due to the concern of the possible (though not proven) interference in some minerals, I always recommend rest for one season of your supplementation and use it intermittently.
Some studies consulted:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6515299
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01350/full
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1535370220968752
