Chronic Digestive Issues
★★★★★
I tried food-grade DE in the hope that it would deal with a chronic (30 yr) bowel complaint, for which the doctor had no remedy. It worked straight away.
Now I use just a couple of teaspoons a week mixed well in foods like hummus or mashed potato. It is practically tasteless and makes no difference to these foods. Sometimes I drink a spoonful shaken well in a little water.
I think it may be harmful if used dry or inhaled - so just don't do that!
DE and Amalgams
Can I use DE while having 6 amalgam fillings?
I know some people have commented on this but I realize that it's just people's opinions based on what they think is right. I've read every single post on DE on this site, but I haven't come across anyone who explicitly said they have amalgam fillings, they have used DE and have improved their health. So if there's anyone out there who has these toxic fillings and has also successfully used DE please can you respond to this post?
Please no posts telling me I need to get rid of these fillings. I know that better than anyone else and there's nothing more I want to do, but it's not cheap, especially since I need to go to someone who specializes in the removal of them and I can't afford it right now, but hopefully I will in a couple of years. I can't find anything on the internet on this topic and would appreciate any help. Thank you very much.
(Barton, NY)
01/25/2022
DE will not help you remediate amalgams from off gassing. Amalgam fillings continuously off gas 24/7. There is only one way to eliminate this as you are aware of. My advice would be to not chew gum, do not drink hot liquids, do not drink acidic liquids. Just the process of chewing encourages off gassing. With that said, you do need to eat and chew your food. If removal of the fillings is not possible just taking DE internally would help soak up some of the oxidation coming off them. Also, psyllium hulls or bentonite clay taken daily would offer some help in elimination. Just remember, as long as you have those fillings they are off gassing with every breath you take. I had my amalgams removed 18 years ago. It is expensive. Fortunately my dentist did my in quadrants so I would do one quadrant and then another a month or two later. Helped financially.
(Florida by way of the Bronx)
10/12/2022
★★★★★
Hi, I know you wrote this in 2021 but since it looks like no one else answered I decided to. I also have fillings from when I was a kid. I swear I never needed them. There was a lot of malpractice back in the day. Was told I needed the fillings and glasses as was told to almost every kid in my neighborhood and our parents trusted the doctors and never asked questions.
I was scouring around for information and found a few on the reviews on Amazon and blogs. One woman said that she uses it with 4 mercury fillings and she uses it as normal. Drinks it every day. Then I read one that said because they have fillings they use a straw to drink it.
I've done it both ways. Started just drinking it as quickly as possible in about 6 ounces of water. Now I use a straw. I'm still not at 1 tablespoon though. I'm going slowly. Just got to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
I wasn't drinking enough water throughout the day and was very dehydrated and had constipation as well. My large cup of coffee daily also contributed.
Used liquid IV a few times and slowly sipped on water throughout the day and it's gotten better. Also started on blackstrap molasses recently and that cured the constipation immediately lol. I'm anemic and am taking the BM and just ordered desiccated liver to help that.
Have you been on the DE since you posted your question? Is it going well?
(Colorado Springs)
09/21/2023
Hello! I also realize I'm responding quite late to the post. I've used DE for quite a few years now to help with the flea, springtails, spiders, and parasite problems. I work with animals for a living. I was curious as to how it was working out for you, because I am anemic as well. This is news to me about not taking it directly if you have Mercury in your fillings. Would you happen to know a specific website where I can find this information? Thank you!
DE and Amalgams
I read a post on here about someone saying do NOT use DE internally if you have Silver Fillings. I cannot seem to find any info on the internet and I am on my 2nd day of taking DE. Does anyone who has silver (amalgam) fillings use this? Or does anyone have any links or info to share about if this is safe or not? Thank you for your help. I am trying to use this to make myself better and do not want to hurt myself in the process. Thanks again!!
(Brooklyn, Ny)
12/30/2014
Hello, I have silver fillings and I noticed 2 months into taking DE my teeth have become very sensitive. I am not sure if the Diatomaceous Earth is breaking down the silver. I went to the dentist and I also have a cavity under 2 of my fillings. I don't know if it's the DE or just something that was going happen.
(Virginia)
01/02/2015
★★★★★
I had read somewhere that you need to remove mercury fillings before detoxing. The reason they stated was that the mercury was being taken from your teeth and distributed it into different parts of you body. This could be dangerous cuz it can be redistributed to sensitive areas in your brain and can cause more problems.
(Ia)
01/18/2015
I don't think I would take it internally if it's going to mess up your teeth.
(Oceanside, Ca By Way Of Bklyn)
02/27/2015
★★★★★
Yea, the solution is not to stop the DE but OMG, REMOVE the mercury from your teeth. For God's sake, look up the effects of these heavy metals in our bodies. We weren't made to have this crap in us. Go to a holistic dentist and let them remove that crap and install materials that our bodies can handle. Normally, big pharma, with their doctors and dentists are all schooled with the same mentality and that is to temporary find a solution to "fix the patient" with the least cost to them as possible. Have you not noticed that they are now putting wood in our food because it's fiber? Really, fiber? It's on record that it saves companies money and same with now putting ammonia in our meat to stop E. Coli which it does not. We need to wake up, research, and rid our bodies of these chemicals and start spending our money smart. Purchasing power is the way to fight back. Instead of constantly investing your money to Walmart because of saving a few books, spend a little more money to support hard working honest people and sacrifice some of your other life's luxuries to compensate for it. Maybe cut the cable bill and increase your grocery bill from crap to organic??? Peace and love and when you wake up... spread the word... and love: it's the Brooklyn way!!!
(New Zealand)
06/22/2015
You can absorb transdermally through baths or use dmso and avoid the teeth altogether!
(Waikato)
07/25/2016
That's only if you are using a chelator, e.g., dmsa/dmps or ala. DE is not a chelator as such
DE Contraindications
Hi, I want to know if Diatomaceous earth can be bad if someone has diverticulitis?
DE Contraindications
Does anyone have diabetes 2 & takes DE? Does your doctor approve? What benefits have you experienced?
DE Contraindications
If a person is allergic to shellfish could DE be a problem too?
(Houston, Tx)
05/14/2013
No, having a shellfish allergy won't be a problem with DE. I've taken it many times and I'm extremely allergic to shellfish.
DE Tips
★★★★★
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is one of the richest sources of silica around, at ~80%. In comparison, Horsetail has ~4% (often touted as the highest source), and bamboo stalk has ~28%.
Silica is important for bones, hair, teeth, nails, ligaments and especially the skin. Silica is best absorbed with acid (stomach acid works quite nicely) as silicon dioxide must first convert to orthosilicic acid before it can be utilised by the body. Silica will convert to orthosilicic acid when in contact with water.
If you are making your own toothpaste, face cream, toner, nail treatment or moisturiser you should consider adding a small amount of DE as it will be very beneficial and is absorbed by your skin.
To supplement your daily intake of silica, here is a method on adding DE to water that I got from - http://www.mountainmistbotanicals.com/info/Silica_Diatomaceous Earth vs Horsetail Grass.htm (I am not afilliated with this site whatsoever, but this article is a really, really good read. If you are interested in Silica, DE or Horsetail I strongly recommend it.)
"...add a spoon full of food grade DE to a gallon of water and allow the DE to settle to the bottom. This may take a few days initially. Pour the water you intend to drink from the top of the container, but be careful not to disturb the DE on the bottom of the container. Refill the container with water and allow it to settle out again. Keep repeating this process. A spoon full of DE should last several years if it is not poured off in the water."
This method of adding DE will work especially well if you have a water urn/dispenser that has a spigot (tap) slight above the bottom - you can put a touch of DE in the bottom and it should supplement your water without any problems.
Warnings:
- Diatomaceous Earth must be food grade if you are considering using it for yourself, as many other posts have mentioned.
- DE contains ~2-4% aluminium oxide, so if you are avoiding all aluminium then do not consume this as a supplement. It should be known that orthosilicic acid reduced aluminium uptake in digestion as well as increasing the excretion of aluminium through urine. The DE water method above uses a very small amount of silica over a long period that it will minimize your ingestion of aluminium.
- Vegans/vegetarians generally should find DE acceptable, as it consists of phytoplankton (algae) but it is important to be aware of this just in case.
(Victoria)
04/12/2024
How much is too much Diatomaceous earth in a day?
DE Tips
★★★★★
Diatomaceous Earth is completely safe to use, as long as it's human/food grade and NOT pool grade. Most garden stores sell it as well as a plethora of websites. My only suggestion is to not put it on your carpet. Some people have a lot of luck with this, it mostly just made my vacuum cleaner sound [permanently terrible. It still runs fine, there's just a terrible noise when it's running and I can't seem to figure out the real cause (I've taken it apart down to the motor). Also, it's not healthy to breathe in ANY dusts, so wear a mask and remove your pets until the dust settles. Otherwise it's okay for you AND your pets to consume, it's okay to put some on your pets coat (although use caution, it can dry them out). It is a natural dewormer and will rid your animals of every worm EXCEPT for heart-worms. You need about 1 tsp for cats and small dogs, 2 tsp for bigger dogs... 1 tbsp for humans. It really has a lot of benefits. I strongly urge you to research it. I've found the best remedy for fleas is this... Make sure you've found a successful treatment for your animals. I had to switch spot-on treatments because the one I had been using for years was no longer effective. Then you need to treat the infected areas.. Best method for me? Frequent vacuuming. 3-4 times a week, every day if you can manage it. Make sure you throw the bag out or empty the canister outside. I also recommend NOT bathing your animals in chemicals... If you feel it's necessary to bathe them, try to use something like the original Dawn soap, and make sure the first place you get wet and put soap is around the neck... Fleas will always try to travel up to escape... You should never put soap or lots of water on your pets face, so treat the neck FIRST and get it good and lathered. If you wouldn't use it yourself, you probably shouldn't use it on your animals.
Deeper Sleep, Fewer Trips to Bathroom
★★★★★
I started using Diatomaceous Earth a couple of weeks ago. Started with 1/4 teaspoon in a glass of water and now I am up to 1 teaspoon. I take a heaping teaspoon in half a cup of water and then drink another half a cup of water. I take it in the late afternoon.
I can't tell yet about my hair and nails growing more quickly like so many other people, but two benefits I can report right off the bat:
1. Deeper sleep
2. Fewer trips to the bathroom... from 2-3 typically down to 0-1. That's an improvement!
Side Effects
It definitely dries out my skin so I take omega three oil. Still need to work on drinking more water.
The other side effect is that my finger joints feel just a bit stiff. If I stop the DE, that stiffness goes away. Interesting. I am not sure why since DE is supposed to help with joints due to its silica content, right? Any thoughts on that? Thanks.
Dermatitis
★★★★☆
Thank you so much for this website! After searching the web for a cure to my decades-long battle with self-diagnosed eczema, I have found that diatomaceous earth has shown great promise! For years I've suffered from diagnosed neurodermatitis.
My skin would errupt in red spots that would itch almost nonstop, bleed, scab over, spread a bit and continue this pattern. The cycle would usually end with another trip to yet another dermatologist for stronger and stronger steroid medications (usually topical creams, but too often oral meds also).
Eventually the rash would turn from red to brown and begin to dry up leaving a very dark brown large area of discoloration. This would take months to clear up with the help of retin-a creams.
After searching Earth Clinic's site for more natural cures, I found several entries noting 100% pure diatomaceousearth to cure fungal infections. I had about 2.5 pound of this stuff on hand and decided to try it. Well, the reviews suggested ingesting it. I'd done that in the past when dealing with other issues. This time I was trying Borax and baking soda as suggested by Ted and didn't want to mix it up too much.
So, I tried applying the de topically, straight from the bag. It's a fine powder just like talc. It immediately soothed the itch, and after a few hours the redness had decres by 50%.
The eczema rash on my face has dissappeared!! My facial acne is history. The eczema is still on my neck but it is undercontrol and when I am diligent and apply it several times daily, it will go away. The dark blotches remain, and this is where I got into trouble last week, I began applying the retin-a much too soon and irritated my skin and the redness itch and rash returned. I'm back on the mend using the earth and will wait about one month after healed again before using the retin-a.
I hope this helps.
Six
Detox
| 5 star (5) | 50% | |
 (5) |
50% |
★★★★★
DE will give you detox/die-off symptoms. Go lower with your dose until it becomes tolerable then slowly increase. I went 1 tsp right off the bat and I thought I was poisoned. Not true- just too much detox at once. I've been on DE for a week and now I'm at 1/3-1/2 tsp. While there are some detox effects, they're becoming less every day. Perhaps the antibiotic you're taking is also contributing to the way you feel. Not sure if it's recommended to take all of that together. Best of luck.
(UK)
12/11/2023
You simply MUST NOT INHALE THIS STUFF!
IT IS NOT TALC - IT WILL CRUSH YOUR LUNGS!
I am all for DE, zeolite and bentonite but, for the first two - DO NOT INHALE! It doesn't come back out, and it is alien to your lungs.
I treat mine at arms-length until I can get it into water and, even then, it's fine enough to launch a dust cloud off of the water. Same with zeolite.
Get them into water, avoid that dust, then do as you might.
(Dublin OH)
12/11/2023
If you're using food grade diatomaceous earth, for anything, wear a mask! Then you won't breathe it in! In the warmer months, I use it at my door entrances and near the baseboards on the floor to control spiders and beetles. So, before I fill its plastic dispenser with the DE, I put on a mask, and plastic gloves and wear long sleeves so I don't get any of the DE on my skin or breathe it in. I put the bag of DE in the kitchen sink and scoop out what I need with the dispenser. After filling the dispenser, any DE that spills out is in the sink, and I can simply wash it down the drain. Then I throw out the mask and the gloves, takeoff the shirt and put it immediately into the washing machine to launder. Simple.
(Dublin OH)
12/12/2023
Another important suggestion, when preparing food grade DE for use: along with wearing a mask and gloves and long sleeves, wear glasses or protective goggles so the DE doesn't get into your eyes!
Detox
Started taking DE in morning (about1/8 teaspoon) and did not increase at all.Three days in I had nausea, headache and lower back ache which I understand is normal but then on 4th morning I had really cloudy urine with small amount of blood in it so I stopped. Anyone heard of this happening? Any advise or comments appreciated. Thanks.
R: I once tried D.E. orally and experienced ulcerative colitis, so from your report, it appears that you have some "leaky gut" issues which is allowing those sharp Silica mineral fractions to go directly into the bloodstream where they are cutting into the kidneys.
For now take Slippery Elm or Marshmallow to restore Kidneys.
Likely culprit is either Parasite infestation or candida infection or both in the gut. Once these pathogens are removed your intestines should heal back to normal.
I now add D.E. with other minerals for daily footbath and experience the benefits of Silica this way.
(Nevada)
07/07/2016
Typical detox reaction from parasite die off. Drink plenty of water and stop taking DE for a few days.
Steve: From my recollection, you have made many good post here, but I must disagree with you on "typical" die-off reaction, as it appears maybe "possible". I have had much experience with paras & die-off of all sorts but nothing as severe as these reported side-effects.
(Ten Mile, Tn.)
07/09/2016
HI U Timh,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, the whole world is saying that you must have food grade DE. We buy DE from the co-op in 50 # bags that is destined for livestock. It says food grade on the bag. DE is mined directly and I think without any other processing. So what is the process to get mined DE into this so-called food grade condition?
We also buy our MSM from the farm co-op that is 100% pure. It was made for horses, but it's hard to get bettern 100% pure. Bentonite clay is mined. How do you get food grade clay? It just is or it is not. You can't make it so.
In freshman chemistry we had to make the compound, salt peter. I spread some on a few cookies. All know how this compound affects men. I was SJS because my roommate came in that night and naturally ate my cookies. He got sick as a dog. That taught me a lesson especially the next day when he put a knife to my neck and told me to never do that again. My lab made compound was definitely not food grade. Tex was about 6' 4'' and brought that to my attention.
=========ORH=========
There seems to be some confusion about food grade DE and industrial or pool filter DE. The pool filter DE is exposed to high temperature in the manufacturing process which alters it considerably, converting it to crystalline silica and making it not fit for human consumption and it is very important that people realize that fact as it will harm you if consumed and that is why I asked the question in the first place, to make sure,
Sarah, was actually using FGDE as opposed to pool DE or the DE that also has a pesticide in it. I have a bag of the pesticide type DE and it has a very distinctive smell to it........kind of like the smell of moth balls, but milder. In any case, a little safety here can go a long way! Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is what you should look for.
Here is a link that gives a detailed discussion on the difference between pool grade and food grade. Definitely worth reading for people who are considering consuming DE.
http://www.absorbentproductsltd.com/food-grade-diatomaceous-earth-vs-pool-grade.html
Here is an important quote from the link:
Crystalline silica is very dangerous and can be harmful to the health of humans and animals. For this reason, Pool Grade diatomaceous earth should NOT be used for any purpose other than filtration.
Art
I forgot to mention that "Feed Grade DE", not "Food Grade DE" can have more heavy metal in it.
Another quote from that previous link:
What is the difference between food chemical codex grade (food grade) and feed grade diatomaceous earth?
Although these two types are very similar there is one very important distinction between them. Food Chemical Codex Grade (commonly referred to as “Food Grade") DE must meet certain specifications regarding heavy metal content. To be considered Food Grade, the diatomaceous earth must not contain more than 10mg/kg of arsenic and no more than 10mg/kg of lead.
Art
(Wales)
08/17/2021
★★★★★
Re: Cloudy Urine from Diatomaceous Earth
Cloudy urine may actually be a good thing. Many think that urine should always be clear, however when the kidneys are filtering properly, there should be fluid also coming out of the lymphatic system that may well contain expelled white blood cells & other detritus. That helps to keep the lymphatic system clear & flowing which is good. If the urine is cloudy it may just mean the body is detoxing correctly.
And small amounts of blood in the urine is not necessarily bad either. It may just be rogue blood cells being expelled from the lymph, or even a bit of blood triggered as parasites detach. Obviously, if it's a lot & doesn't stop & it or other issues get worse then the DE would need to be stopped & further investigation done.
I just wanted to highlight that these may simply be, like other issues we may be spooked by, such as nausea, headaches, odd pains, fatigue, etc, temporary detoxification symptoms.
Detox
Hi. I am hoping somebody can give me some advise or share their experience of taking diatomaceous earth please. I've been taking 1 heaped teaspoon a day and some days 2 heaped teaspoons to help detox for about 6 weeks. I had the same initial symptoms that are frequently mentioned in the first week. Headaches and a runny nose and then my tongue got a yellow coating which I still have but it is clearing up. I was fine except for noticing a few strange things that I cannot be sure about when I went to the toilet. Until this last week when I've become quite worried. It started with back pain during the night and then I had a slightly painful tingling prickly feeling on the palms of my hands and the souls of my feet which lasted a couple of days, now my joints are painful mainly in my fingers, wrists and knees. This is worrying me but I don't want to stop taking the DE if it is a harmless side effect of my body detoxing.
I should add that I considered myself to be in good health before I started taking DE but decided to do a detox as I changed to a vegan diet about 5 months ago.
Thank you so much in advance, Sarah
S: This is a good example of "too much of a good thing". It is not wise to consider D.E. an end all for detoxification as there are many types of detoxification.
Anyway, you have gone beyond the daily limit of D.E. and so need to switch to other detox protocols. What exactly are you detoxing from, or just general detox???
For removing heavy metals, and environmental pollutants consider Detox Foot Spa and/or Detox Foot Pads. Steam Room Sweating or Saunas are good detox methods, as well as Mineral Baths. along with any of the above, there are herbs that hasten the removal of toxins in the body; one in particular is Dr Christopher's "Red Clover Combination", and maybe rotate with "Seaweed Complex".
You can easily replace the D.E. with Bentonite Clay as a gentle and effective chelator. Activated Charcoal is also used to remove toxins in the gut.
(Somewhere, Europe)
05/24/2016
Sarah, maybe you are detoxed already and don't need any more?
Sarah,
Are you sure it is " food grade" DE? There is non food grade which is used for pool filters and is toxic. There is another type that has added pesticide for insect control and obviously should not be taken by humans.
Art
(Wales)
08/17/2021
I know it's been some time since this comment was posted but joint pains may well be part of the DE detoxification.
Over time calcium deposits around the body inappropriately. We don't always notice it until it's built up enough to trigger arthritis, etc. Silica is apparently part of the nutrients that are necessary to ‘orchestrate' calcium into the bones & teeth, etc, so it may be that the silica in the DE is pulling the inappropriate calcium deposits out of the joint tissue for transfer into the bones or anywhere else it's needed, which may trigger temporary pain.
Detox
I just started diatamaceous earth food grade 2 days ago and I'm experiencing slight headaches, muscle soreness in my shoulders, a little nausea, weak, had heart palpitations earlier.. I'm taking an antibiotic augmenting and cranberry supplement pills and probiotics so maybe diatamaceous earth causing me to feel kinda like under the weather head hurts, feel like it's starting to get stuffy ..I don't really know for sure..Anybody on here have those effects when they first started on it? If so how long did they last..
Detox
★★★★★
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi,
I started DE about 3 weeks ago. The first 2 weeks I felt fine, no side-effects, no apparent die-off, felt actually a bit better in ways. But into the 3rd week, I started becoming Dehydrated, constipated, gut aches, etc... I took one day off, drank a ton of water, started up again, two days later my bowels are doing fine, but now I have major gut tightness, not really bloated as much as just feeling VERY tight. After this afternoon's dose I felt ill/maliase, etc...
Can it take a couple of weeks to start having die-off symptoms? I've been doing other detox treatments, and probably don't have as much heavy metals and toxic to clean out as some people do which is why maybe I didn't have an initial reaction, but I do have a parasite, and possibly SIBO which I'm hoping DE will take care of.
I usually take 1tsp 2x per day. Cheers.
