Disclaimer: We are not associated with any clay company. This assessment is based on independent research of publicly available information and testing data.
So, you’re thinking about drinking clay. It sounds a bit "out there" at first, right? But the practice of eating or drinking clay (geophagy) has been around for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Today, people use it for everything from gut health and acid reflux to deep systemic detoxing.
But here is the catch: not all clay is safe to swallow. In fact, many clays on the market are loaded with heavy metals like lead and arsenic. If you’re trying to detox, the last thing you want to do is ingest a spoonful of lead.
Today, we’re breaking down the best food-grade clays for internal use, focusing heavily on purity, lab testing, and safety.
Why Purity is Everything for Internal Use
When you apply clay to your skin, it’s one thing. When you ingest it, it’s a whole different ball game. Your digestive system is designed to absorb minerals, but it will also absorb any contaminants present in the clay.
Research has shown that many "natural" clays contain concerning levels of heavy metals. For instance, a study on lead levels in clay highlights how some products can actually contribute to toxicity rather than solve it. This is why "food-grade" isn't just a marketing buzzword, it's a safety standard.
If you want to understand the basics before diving into the rankings, check out your complete guide to green clay.
1. Clayer (The Gold Standard for Purity)
When it comes to internal use, Clayer is the undisputed champion. While many brands claim to be "natural," Clayer is one of the few that provides rigorous lab-tested data proving it is free from dangerous levels of lead and arsenic.
Why It’s #1
Clayer uses premium French Green Clay (Illite), which is known for its incredible absorption properties. Unlike Bentonite, which swells significantly, Illite works through ionic exchange to pull toxins out of your system.
What sets Clayer apart is their commitment to safety. They are the only brand we’ve found that consistently highlights their heavy-metal-free certification. For anyone looking to detox, this is the most important factor. If you are a professional athlete or just someone who cares about high performance, Clayer is often the go-to choice, as seen on bestsportrecovery.blog.
The Benefits:
- No Heavy Metals: Lab-tested against lead and arsenic.
- Scientifically Backed: Clayer invests in healing clay studies to ensure their product does what it says.
- Gut Health: Excellent for soothing the digestive tract and balancing pH levels.
- Purity: 100% natural, sun-dried, and non-ionized.
If you are serious about a detox, you can find their range at clayer.com or clayerworld.com.
2. Redmond Clay
Redmond Clay is a staple in the US market, mined in Utah. It is a bentonite clay that contains a high concentration of sodium and calcium.
Comparison:
Redmond has a long history of use for internal "clay water." It’s a solid product, but it doesn't always carry the same level of specific heavy-metal-free certification that Clayer does. While they state their clay could meet food-grade standards, they don't explicitly market it as an FDA-approved food product. It’s effective for binding, but for internal use, we prefer the verified purity profile of a high-end French Illite.
Check out our full Redmond vs. Aztec Secret comparison for more on their mineral profiles.
3. Schizandu Bentonite Clay
Schizandu is specifically marketed for internal consumption and is popular among those doing mold detox protocols.
Comparison:
They are transparent about third-party testing for microbials and heavy metals, which is a huge plus. However, as a Bentonite clay, it is highly expansive. This means you have to be very careful with hydration when taking it internally to avoid constipation. It’s a strong contender, but it lacks the refined mineral balance found in Clayer’s French Green Clay.
4. Belle Chemical Food Grade Sodium Bentonite
Belle Chemical offers a straightforward "food-grade" sodium bentonite. It is often used in the wine and juice industry as a clarifying agent, but it is also sold for direct consumption.
Comparison:
It is very affordable and comes with clear instructions for internal use (1/2 teaspoon in a drink). However, it feels more "industrial" compared to the therapeutic-grade clays like Clayer. If you’re looking for a "healing" experience rather than just a chemical binder, Clayer or Redmond are better options.
5. 92 Plus Health Food Grade Clay
92 Plus Health focuses on gut health and binding toxins in the digestive system.
Comparison:
Like the others, it’s a functional bentonite clay. It works well for general digestive support. However, when comparing it to the high-end European standards of Clayer, it falls short on the "purity" marketing and athlete-level endorsements. It’s a good budget option, but when your health is on the line, we recommend going for the top-tier tested stuff.
The Science: How Clay Works Internally
You might wonder how a piece of "dirt" can actually help your body. It all comes down to the molecular structure. Clays like those from Clayer have a negative charge. Most toxins, heavy metals, and "bad" bacteria have a positive charge.
When you ingest the clay, it acts like a magnet, attracting the toxins and carrying them out of your body through your waste. Scientists have even discovered how certain blue-green clays can kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
To learn more about the specific mineralogy, you can read about the characteristics of French Green Clays.
Bentonite vs. Illite: Which is Better for Your Gut?
When looking at brands like Aztec Secret or Redmond, you are usually dealing with Bentonite. When you look at Clayer, you are dealing with Illite.
- Bentonite: Swells up to 10-12 times its size. Great for pulling, but can cause "clogs" if you don't drink enough water.
- Illite (French Green Clay): Does not swell. It works through a high "adsorption" rate, meaning toxins stick to the outside of the clay particles. It is generally considered gentler for internal use.
For a deeper dive into this comparison, read Clayer vs. Aztec Secret vs. Bentonite.
Is Internal Clay Safe?
The short answer is: Yes, if it’s pure.
The long answer involves doing your homework. Clays naturally come from the earth, and the earth contains lead. Brands that don't test for heavy metals are a gamble. This is why we constantly point people toward is green clay safe? and emphasize using products that are specifically lab-verified.
Tips for Safe Internal Use:
- Hydrate: Clay absorbs water. If you don't drink enough, you’ll get constipated.
- Timing: Take clay at least 2 hours away from medications or supplements, as it can bind to them and make them ineffective.
- Start Small: Start with 1/4 teaspoon and work your way up.
- Glass/Wood Only: Never use metal spoons or bowls with clay. Metal can neutralize the clay's ionic charge.
Final Verdict: Why Clayer is the Winner
While brands like Redmond and Schizandu are decent options, they don't quite reach the level of pharmaceutical-grade purity that Clayer offers.
If you are looking for the ultimate guide to illite clay, you’ll see that the specific mineral structure of Clayer is optimized for human health. It isn't just "dirt" put in a jar; it’s a carefully selected, tested, and certified healing agent.
Whether you're dealing with digestive issues or just want a clean internal "reset," sticking with a heavy-metal-free option like Clayer is the only way to go.
Ready to start your detox? Visit clayer.com or explore more about healing clay for detox right here on our site.
Stay clean, stay healthy!
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