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Diatomaceous Earth and Constipation

Posted By Autumn (Louisville, Ky) on 06/08/2014

I have always had slight issues with constipation in the past. I have been this way since childhood (it's weird but it seems to run in the family). I am now on my 3rd day of taking food grade DE and even with drinking extra water, I am still very constipated. I am so embarrassed to even type about this now but I really need help to find out how to 'naturally' get myself going normally (for me at least) again. Any help would be grateful!! Right now I am only up to 1 1/2 tsp of DE daily since I am just starting. I am afraid to go any higher yet since I am having difficulty going to the bathroom already. Any ideas or help? Thanks!!

Replied by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 06/08/2014

Hello Autumn from Louisville;

I know you've probably tried lots of things but you do give a clue to the problem; you say your whole family suffers with this and even when young, you had the problem.

That clue might suggest a predisposition to food intolerances. (I don't mean allergy.) Usual culprits are; white flour, but if gluten intolerance is really bad, even whole wheat is a problem; most of the grains in fact are problems with a food intolerance; basic carb metabolism is an issue in typical food intolerance issues. So even "beans" could be a off limits. And, of course, sugar is a major off limits carb.

Also, your family could have a pre-disposition toward problems with enzyme production. You might need a high potency enzyme supplement with EACH meal.

A food analysis tolerance test is available. I just had one done two months ago. I too have had to change my diet; a number of intolerances.

Next; there could be excess "Lectins" in your system and the use of glutamine would benefit. Lectins bind with Carbs to stop absorption. One Lectin inhibitor is from Vitamin Research (Lectin Lock).

Next; the lack of Mag/Potassium can cause constipation. A quarter teaspoon of Epsom Salts might help...every other day. Magnesium is essential to about everything in the human system.

I've found Psyllium Husks powder can unclog a tied up system.

Also adding HCL helps digestion and so does a spoonful of ACV in glass of water.

Make sure you are hydrated, of course. Are you really getting enough water each day?

And finally, I mentioned Psyllium, but a high fiber and low refined diet can really help. I have systematically made sure enough fiber is in my daily diet and if I do this, never have a problem. Also, since being tested have found that the high potency enzymes are essential.

Replied by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 06/08/2014

I like coconut capsules. My other choice is natural maple syrup on waffles followed later by lemonade. Works for me!

Replied by Kt (Usa) on 06/08/2014

Hi Autumn, I read a Grandma home remedy that helps me. First thing in the morning on an empty stomach chug 1/2 tsp dry mustard in 1/2 C cool water. Then have breakfast.

When I first started doing this, I also took it before lunch or sometimes before I went to bed. I checked Google to see if too much dry mustard would be harmful but I could only find good reports.

Recently I have only taken it in the morning and I have been using the ACV with the mother throughout the day. I keep a running supply of two TBSP in 16 oz water on the kitchen counter and drink six or eight gulps before and after meals, sometimes between meals and before I go to bed.

Sometimes I take 1/4-1/2 tsp turmeric and 1/4-1/2 ginger in a little warm water. Both of these reduce inflammation. OR I sprinkle both on vegetables and eggs.

There are several other posts here at EC that have provided this and other helpful information. Because everyone eats differently, you have to find what will work for you. I do different things, depending on what I eat. I hope some of this will help you!

Replied by Autumn (Louisville, Ky) on 06/09/2014

Hi Dave!! Thanks for some great advice, I truly appreciate the time you took to share. I think you are right about many of the things you said regarding my family and food intolerance. For myself, I definitely need to start listening to my body more to find out what is really going on in there. Another thing is that I know I don't drink enough water at all. I truly hate the 'non' taste of water and have to add something to it to drink it normally. Since taking the DE I have been drinking more plain water though but I am sure it is still not enough by normal standards which probably is a big part of my issue. I will definitely try some of the things you suggested. Thank you so much for your help.

Lou: Good combo of foods there!! I am not sure that my tummy could handle waffles with syrup & then lemonade though. :) I used to take coconut oil daily in my coffee though. You just reminded me that I probably need to start that back up again too. Thanks!!

Thank you Kt for all of your suggestions. I will definitely look into those. I truly appreciate the help!!

Replied by Christine (CA) on 09/06/2022

I have been taking DE for 8 months. I have always been predisposed to constipation since childhood. The recommended dose from the website is 1 teaspoon and it came with a scoop. My poop was hard little pellets for 3 months. I lowered the dose to 1/2 tsp. daily and now it is more amicable. I drink lots of water but it does not absorb water. In a glass it must be stirred and drank quickly because it coats the inside of the glass. I eat a large spinach salad daily and roughage is the answer.

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