Zeolite: What is it? What is it for?

with a crystalline and microporous structure.

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More precisely, the term zeolite - or in the plural "zeolites" - is used to indicate a family composed of a large number of minerals, of both natural and synthetic origin, which find application in numerous fields, from the petrochemical industry to the production of detergents , from "agriculture to" construction, from water softening to inorganic synthesis and scientific research.

In addition to these already numerous uses, the use of zeolite also has a certain reputation in the vast world of natural remedies, where it is used to purify the body from toxins, heavy metals, toxic and radioactive substances, even if the studies conducted on they are not sufficient to establish whether such applications are really useful and harmless.

In the course of the article, we will focus in particular on this last use of zeolite, paying particular attention to the efficacy and safety of use of this particular natural remedy.

that allow its use in numerous fields: industrial, chemical, biological, scientific research, etc. However, it should be noted that in the industrial, chemical and research fields, synthetic zeolites are used above all, which are more efficient than those natural and created to meet the specific needs of the area in which they will be used.

Curiosity

The name "zeolite" comes from the Greek ζέω - zeo, to boil - and λίθος - lithos, stone - and it means "boiling stone". This singular name was coined by the Swedish chemist and mineralogist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt after noting the release of water vapor following the heating of the mineral in question, generated by the evaporation of the water contained in the porous structure of the zeolite.

for the body and the digestive tract, in order to remove toxins, heavy metals, free radicals or other harmful substances that may have accumulated in the body.

In detail, within the aforementioned supplements, the mineral used is a zeolite of natural origin called clinoptilolite. It is present in these products in powdered form, or in capsules or tablets to be taken orally.

Clinoptilolite Zeolite for External Use

Clinoptilolite zeolite is also used externally, usually in powder form, to relieve the symptoms of skin diseases and disorders such as eczema, acne, dermatitis and psoriasis.

and healing, partially confirmed by some studies conducted in vitro and on animal models.

In addition to what has been said so far, according to its supporters, clinoptilolite zeolite would also be able to:

Exercise immunostimulating activities;
Exercise antioxidant activities (due to its presumed ability to absorb free radicals);
Counteracting fatigue;
Increase physical endurance;
Increase mental performance.

However, the activities reported in the bulleted list above do not seem to be plausible as there is a lack of scientific evidence on the matter.

Please Note

Many argue that the oral intake of clinoptilolite zeolite is able to increase the efficacy and reduce the side effects of anticancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, these alleged properties have not been confirmed and, on the contrary, there is a potential risk that the mineral in question will interfere with the absorption of the antineoplastic drugs administered to the patient.

For this reason, if you are undergoing chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy treatments, it is absolutely necessary to consult your doctor before taking clinoptilolite zeolite in any of its forms.

(produced following the normal metabolic processes that take place in the organism).

However, to detoxify the body, clinoptilolite zeolite is taken orally. Capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole with a significant amount of water (some manufacturers recommend a full glass of water - about 150 ml - for each capsule or swallowed tablet); while the clinoptilolite zeolite in powder form should be previously suspended in water and then drunk (also in this case, the quantity of water must be generous).

To relieve the symptoms of skin disorders and diseases - such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc. - Clinoptilolite zeolite is applied to the skin after creating a sort of paste by mixing a little pulverized mineral with small amounts of water.

As for the dosage, this is usually indicated on / in the package of the product you intend to use. In any case, use should only be made for short periods of time.

Please Note

Since the aforementioned applications of clinoptilolite zeolite have not been officially approved, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking or applying the aforementioned mineral in any form to the skin.

, Drinks or Other Substances

Given its absorbent, adsorbent and chelating properties, clinoptilolite zeolite is potentially able to hinder the absorption of any drug taken orally or applied to the skin in the same point where the mineral will be applied. For this reason , some manufacturers recommend taking clinoptilolite zeolite at least two hours after taking medications of any kind.

In addition to this, some manufacturers also advise against taking the mineral by mouth in conjunction with alcoholic beverages, coffee and acidic drinks, such as lemon, grapefruit or orange juice and pineapple juice.

, nausea and nervousness.

Did you know that ...

Several producers and supporters of the purifying abilities of clinoptilolite zeolite claim that the aforementioned side effects are attributable to the "detoxifying action of the mineral and the" mobilization "of the toxins it enacts. However, since this" statement seems to be devoid of any scientific basis, should undesirable effects occur after taking the mineral in question, it is necessary to stop using it and contact your doctor. In this regard, however, the invitation to consult this health professional is renewed BEFORE starting any treatment based on clinoptilolite zeolite.

Other side effects, the consequences of which can be serious if left untreated, are constipation and intestinal blockage. These are undesirable effects that occur especially when clinoptilolite zeolite is taken in excessive doses, for prolonged periods of time and / or if the intake is not accompanied by a correct intake of liquids. This is why it is always recommended to take the product with generous amounts of water and to maintain the right degree of hydration throughout the day and throughout the treatment period.

, in children, pregnant and breastfeeding.

Furthermore, although not specified by the sources consulted, it is plausible to believe that this product should not be taken in the presence of constipation or intestinal blockage.

At the same time, it is reasonable to think that the mineral should not be used if you are undergoing drug therapies of any kind, in order to avoid the onset of possible interactions or to face a reduction in the effectiveness of drug treatment.

In any case, given the limited information about the safety of use of zeolite, before using the mineral in question it is advisable to contact your doctor, even more so if you are suffering from ailments or pathologies and / or if you are carrying out particular treatments.

and products is absolutely effective and non-toxic, as it is not absorbed in the intestine. Although this last statement relating to intestinal absorption can be considered true, on the basis of the data collected so far it is not yet possible to state with absolute certainty that zeolite is free of any type of toxicity or danger.

On the other hand, it is also true that clinoptilolite zeolite has chelating, absorbent and adsorbing properties and that, therefore, once taken, it could in some way be able to bind and trap unwanted substances accumulated in its porosity. In spite of this, the problem lies in a lack of certain clinical evidence. In fact, at the moment the researches carried out to evaluate a potential therapeutic use of the aforementioned mineral have mostly been carried out in vitro or on animal models and - although they have produced encouraging results - they are unable to confirm the efficacy and safety of use of clinoptilolite zeolite in humans for the above applications.

, drugs or other molecules exploited in the therapeutic field. A pilot study conducted on animals, on the other hand, concluded that clinoptilolite zeolite - by virtue of its ion exchange abilities and its chelating properties - could potentially be exploited to reduce total cholesterol levels and LDL levels in dyslipidemic subjects.

Although the first results obtained seem to be rather encouraging, more in-depth research is still needed to establish whether clinoptilolite zeolite can in the future be used - effectively and safely - as a system for the delivery and release of drugs inside the human body or as a potential alternative therapy for dyslipidemias.