What is zeolite?
Zeolite is a large family of alumino-silicates. It is a natural occurring crystalline mineral formed over millions of years ago when volcanic ash fell into shallow, alkaline, brackish lakes. It has a unique micro-porous molecular structure and looks like a honeycomb sponge. The microscopic openings, called cages, have natural strong negative charge. These cages have the ability to remove and trap positively charged damaging toxins, chemicals and heavy metals.
There are 46 known naturally occurring zeolites. The one with the most research done is Clinoptilolite. They are sheet type zeolites with rounded edge and scientific research over a long period of time indicated that they cause no internal damage if they are ingested. Our body is not able to break them down as they have the hardness just below sapphire and diamond on the Mohr scale of hardness. So they will just travel around the body, picked up the nasties and leave through the body elimination system.
Zeolite Clinoptilolite
Sub-micronised zeolite Clinoptilolite are produced from natural ore. It means that they have much larger surface areas to better absorb as many positively charged particles as possible. Once the zeolite ore is mined, it is crushed and then processed down to the required size. During the production process, it is important to prevent any contaminants infiltrating the process so as to maintain the raw ore's organic purity. The zeolite is then activated that is cleansed using natural solutions to wash out pre-existing particles. Some manufacturers fill the zeolite with minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium during this process for cation exchange during detoxing - gives a "good" ion when the zeolite takes in a "bad" one.
Benefits
Heavy metal poisoning is caused by the accumulation of certain metals in the body due to exposure through food, water, industrial chemicals, or other sources. Chronic exposure to lower levels of heavy metals may cause symptoms that develop over time which may include: headache, weakness, tiredness, muscle pain, and joint pain. True heavy metal poisoning is rare, and it can be difficult to diagnose.
One of the obvious benefits of zeolite Clinoptilolite is that it helps remove heavy metals and positively-charged toxins and Volatile Organic Compounds including: Aluminum, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Radioactive Metals, Nitrosamines, Bisphenol-A, Toulene, Benzene, Pesticides, Herbicides. As heavy metals and toxins are removed, the body can function at an optimal level leading to improved focus and clarity and improved energy levels.
Supplementing with zeolite Clinoptilolite may help improve gut health. This zeolite has been shown to reduce toxic effects of aflatoxins and increase antioxidant activity of peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). It is also able to detox ammonia which is the waste created by protein metabolism and improve the integrity of intestinal barrier.
Detoxification of heavy metal will improve the effectiveness of the immune system since heavy metals suppress it. Evidence further suggests that zeolite Clinoptilolite can also bolster and regulate the immune system by specifically increasing T-cell activity and increasing the number of macrophages in the body—two cells essential for a healthy immune function.
Zeolite Clinoptilolite can help reduce stress, sooth the mind and improve sleep. In the pharmacological field, there are so many treatments which have beneficial effects but their underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. And this is one of those that is still puzzling to researchers till date.
Recent studies have established a possible link between gut microbiome and the chronic neurological disorder Alzheimer disease. Several studies have shown that abnormal gut microbiome due to an unhealthy lifestyle could accelerate the progression of Alzheimer disease while maintaining gut homeostasis and integrity is more effective in delaying the disease development. In this regards, zeolite Clinoptilolite could represent a good alternative for Alzheimer patients as they possess detoxifying, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and gut-protective properties. It has also land itself for further research as a potential supplement to prevent such neurological disorder.