is eating multani mitti harmful - #24691
I am kinda worried because my friend said she read somewhere that is eating multani mitti harmful, but I really don’t know what to believe. Like, I've been using it for my skin for a while, and I even tried some homemade remedies mixing it with yogurt and honey. My skin has improved a ton, but then I started thinking... what if is eating multani mitti harmful? Just last week, I made this face mask and accidentally got some in my mouth! It wasn’t a lot, but I couldn’t help but freak out. Does it have toxins or something? I mean, I didn’t feel sick or anything but I read somewhere that ingesting clay can lead to all sorts of issues. My cousin said her friend went to a doc because she thought eating multani mitti was causing her stomach pain. Ugh, now I’m just second-guessing myself. I’ve also read some benefits about it, other people say there are benefits to consuming it, which is super confusing. Just wanted to know if is eating multani mitti harmful and if I should be concerned about this or what signs to look out for if I've accidentally ingested it. Thanks for any advice!
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Doctors' responses
Eating multani mitti, also known as Fuller’s earth, can definitely be harmful. This clay is known for its absorbent properties, which is great for external skin applications, but not ideal for consumption. There are no nutritional benefits to eating multani mitti and it can lead to various health problems. Upon ingestion, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation, possible obstruction in severe cases, and lead to mineral imbalances due to its ability to bind with nutrients, preventing their absorption. If you’ve accidentally consumed a small amount, you might not experience any immediate symptoms because it depends on the quantity. However, continuous ingestion might lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, or even intestinal blockage, especially if it’s a significant amount over time. You mentioned you didn’t feel sick, which is good, but it’s important to recognize signs of distress if they appear later. If you experience ongoing stomach pain, nausea, or changes in bowel habits, it’s best to get evaluated by a doctor. Your cousin’s friend’s experience should be a cautionary tale. As for the idea of purported benefits, it’s mostly anecdotal and lacks scientific backing. The human digestive system does not process multani mitti in a way that would confer any health advantage. For now, stick to using it for your skincare routines where it’s shown to be beneficial, but steer clear of eating it. Eating clay is not advisable for health, and if you’re looking for dietary supplements or skin care that promotes internal health benefits, consulting a healthcare professional would be wise.
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