What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a chalk-like substance that is composed of fossilized diatoms that have formed together into silica deposits. The silica deposits are grounded into a fine powder called diatomaceous earth.
There are two different grades of diatomaceous earth; food grade and pool grade.
- Food grade diatomaceous earth is safe to use for the home, yards, and animals to name a few.
- Pool grade diatomaceous earth is altered by high heat and is only safe to use in pools.
Be sure to buy 
It is most commonly used as a natural insecticide and is great to use on your furry friends to get rid of fleas.
How Do I Use Diatomaceous Earth?
There are many uses for diatomaceous earth. In fact, it is one of the most used ingredients in my 
Here are just a few natural solutions that are featured in my book:
- Scouring Powder
- Carpet Stain Remover
- Carpet Deodorizer
- Refrigerator Deodorizer
- Trash Can Deodorizer
- Car Deodorizer
- Eliminate Asian Lady Bettles
- Eliminate Cockroaches
- Eliminate Fleas
- Eliminate Ants
- Eliminate Bed Bugs
- Eliminate Hornets & Wasps
- Eliminate Mice
- Natural Garden Pesticide
- All Natural Lice Treatment
Now that is a wide variety, isn’t it? And this list just names a few…there are so many more uses for diatomaceous earth.
You can get a free preview of my book here and also sample some of my solutions: Take a Look Inside – 23 Natural Solutions That You Can Try Out TODAY!
But before you start browsing around, go ahead and
Diatomaceous Earth Should NEVER Be Ingested!
Now I know diatomaceous earth is kind of a trendy ingredient these days.
More and more people are ingesting diatomaceous earth and I’m not sure that is such a good idea.
After reading Anthony William’s book 
If you’re using diatomaceous earth products, beware. They’re really, really, really a problem with the immune system. They’re touted as being good for the immune system. They’re touted as being good for the intestinal tract. People are consuming this. Uh-uh, not a good idea at all whatsoever. I don’t care if you haven’t felt a negative impact yet, you have to be cautious.
What this does, it’s like diatomite. It’s a soft rock. It becomes like a white powder. It tenaciously binds to the inside lining of your intestinal tract and it suffocates the intestinal tract. That sounds kind of spooky, right?
What that does is it stop absorption is micronutrient trace minerals. If you continue to use these diatomaceous earth products and you internalize them, you’re taking them internally, you will become deficient in so many vitamins and minerals, everything that it says it does and do.
Not to mention, if you’re a sensitive person with colitis, Crohn’s, IBS, spastic colon, peristaltic action issues, everything, anything in the digestive arena, you don’t want to be ingesting diatomaceous earth. I’m just going to say it right here. You can read more of Anthony’s damaging health fads report here.
I personally do not feel that enough research has been done to ingest this ingredient, so for that reason, I’d recommend not ingesting it. If you are dead set on taking diatomaceous earth internally, please talk to a qualified physician about the possible side effects.
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I use diatomaceous earth in my home to ward off cockroaches and silverfish. It works great and doesn’t affect my cats!
So many uses, right Jeff! We don’t have as much of a silverfish problem here (Florida) but I hear they can be quite a nuisance! Glad to hear that diatomaceous earth works well with those little buggers too!
How do you use it to ward off the bugs?
I would like to try D E but after reading the reports re never ingest D E I am concerned for health reasons, can you let me know if in your opinion those reports have any credibility.
The author sounds good and knowedgable stating benefits and uses of De then falters and fumbles. Clearly we have our own homework ahead of our lives and future lives will benefit from our experience now. I would suggest mixing with colloidal silver and food grade h2o2.
John,
The author of this article is basing her opinion on Mr. Anthony William’s spiritual beliefs that claim to have a special supernatural connection to the human body! He has no medical training Or a practice license! And raving about salary juice based on what he thinks is good not based on medical knowledge or rigorous clinical trials. You always have to look into who’s voicing his opinion and their credentials. This article is based on a fortune teller’s opinion!! I hope that helps.
I’ve taken it internally for years with no problems, I add it to my smoothies and it does wonders for your skin. You can find pros and cons of everything, it’s called food grade for a reason. Research it and if it resonates with you, try it!
Can I ask you what its done for your skin? My skin is aging real early with wrinkles and not being plump.
Yes indeed, I’ve taken it now for a few years. I’m always regular, skin is glowing, nails are long, hard and beautiful, my hair has a thicker texture. I drank a tsp mixed with a 8oz water every morning, some days with a smoothie. It’s absolutely a Grade “A” Food product in my home.
I took it for years too but first thing in the morning without food. It may flush out nutrients like coffee of tea so you’re suppose to take it an hour before eating
I agree, and saying that diatomaceous earth “binds” to the intestine…I don’t believe this, it does just the opposite; too many people have tried DE with great results for purging the intestine, myself included, over the past 5 years, with only good results. I find this article really lacking in all respects.
Well said, I have researched all medical websites and as of today there are no known side effects nor does DE interact with any medications, my mother had arthritis so bad in her fingers and hands she couldn’t even make a fist, she had knots on top of knots on her knuckles DE ten days on…ten days off …for 90 days her hands have almost went back to normal, her memory has improved too, parasites are in everyones body and they wreak havoc on the brain and body, DE is an all safe detox for everything!
I’ve been taking 3 tablespoons daily for about 4 years now and it’s night and day differences with my arthritis. I was ready for a wheelchair and instead am back up and hiking. Every time I’ve run out or opted to stop taking it to test if it’s really the thing that’s helping, within a few weeks I can’t flex my hands without wanting to weep from the pain. Knees, feet, much of my back and neck, I am riddled with arthritis.
I find so many of these anti DE consumption articles to be based on opinion and usually saying, “There’s no medical proof yet so don’t try it.” I would love to be part of a study to put this to rest. I see a pain specialist and have been on (and am currently on) many medications that simply cannot mask the pain of arthritis, not even narcotics. They help a bit but they simply mask pain- they can’t make my joints move more smoothly. And again, I would absolutely love to be a part of that study because I want to know HOW it works. All l know if that it absolutely does work for arthritis.
At 45, having taken it nightly for many years now, I can attest that my intestines are not blocked, nor am I having issues absorbing nutrients. I know this as I regularly have bloodwork done due to my other medical issues (arthritis is just a side effect of having Ehlers Danlos, as is being hyperadrenergic, having mast cell activation disorder, disc degeneration, cervical cranial instability, etc etc).
My options for arthritic medication is limited to narcotics and immunosuppressants, due to decades of ulcers from taking anti-inflammatory medication so often in earlier years. Personally I would far rather try diatomaceous earth than take a medication that suppresses my immune system, which is why I started taking it years ago.
It’s truly wonderful to be able to walk again. I suspect I’ll still need surgery in my foot because it had already fused so much before starting DE but it’s absolutely worth trying in my (admittedly quite biased) opinion.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I try to take it 10 days on and 10 days off….I”m only at 1 tsp when I do. I don’t see that it has helped with hair loss- I hear so much about that….but my main reason for taking it is because I have ULCERS in my stomach and my small intestine and grade A esophogealititis or something dealing with esophagus.
Just curious- have you ever been tested for Lyme disease? Your symptoms/ailments sound like many I’ve come across during my extensive research of Lyme.
Hi Joanne! My
Name is Allison, I have struggled with pain for over 15 years. Doctors believe it’s Eds & possibly psoriatic arthritis… are use activated charcoal and been tonight clay every night to help with my inflammation and gut inflammation- would you be willing to chat w me via email? I would love to chat about what you go through & what helps & doesn’t… my email is [email protected]
Thank you 🙏🏻
Joanne Truitt, you may want to check out LindaEmmanuel.com and listen to all her info. In addition, 9010us.com, which will a little out of the box, but it sounds like you’ve gone through enough to be open to it. Finally I think everyone should be listening to Dana Ashlie on youtube, and if that’s eventually scrubbed, just find her on Brighteon.com. I hope you find answers and live an amazing life full of energy, laughter, love, and true connection with those you love.
I wished you were the one writing this article! I have been ingesting it for over a year. I am 61 and my bowls and joints, hair and nails are much better. I believe it is called silica. Do your research people.
Thank you for this comment about the knots on the knuckles. I have wondered if there is anything that would help.
Have you also tried DE for knots in your knuckles? If so, I’d like to know how it went
I would agree with this comment. The example just points out his opinions about DE. It doesn’t show real evidence that what he says is true. If you really want to know do the research and that should point you to the truth.
What you’re saying is so true!! Thank you
This is the worst cited article I have ever read. With a headline like that I expected to read studies of adverse reactions rather than a quack like the self professed/no medical training whatsoever “medical medium”. If he is so worried about nutrient deficiency he should not be touting a celery juice diet. I have had patients get very sick and end up in the hospital for following his advice. The author of this article should do a LITTLE BIT more research before perpetuating misinformation on the internet.
I use it for garden pests specifically because of it’s razor sharp composition. Internally, I would be leary because of the sensitive nature of internal mucous membranes. Common sense tells me it’s not a good idea.
Well that would come from the Drug and Food Administration because this is put into our food the foods we buy from the store so we already ingest DE
The FDA classifies DE as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for human ingestion. There have been some studies you can find via google.
Ive been consuming this for over 6 years and my health has improved drastically . people making claims against it have absolutely no knowledge of what they are talking about they are repeating what theyve heard or read from someone else. Big pharma wants to lay down a paper trail of damaging reports because it works and helps many individuals and when you dont need to cover up symptoms with a pill sold by big pharma then it puts a dent in their ever growing pocketbooks
I think big Pharma puts the untruths about DE out there. They don’t want people off drugs and medicine. Makes sense as they would not profit as much if people went to natural cures.
I have always had yeast infections from the minute I got off a period to the next. I also had terrible stomach problems since I was a child. May be a coincidence, but after I stopped eating Gluten and started taking Diatomaceous Earth, both symptoms are gone. It’s been about 15 years now, I’m 52, and my colonoscopy was all good except Diverticulosis (my brother and other family members have Diverticulitis). There was no sign of buildup in my intestines and all my labs are good. It has not helped at all with my hair, nails, or colesterol though. Since yeast is too many bugs in your system, I think that this is perfect for that problem. Wish more research was done, but I wanted to give my account on DE, food grade.
Same here ZOE!
I also have diverticulosis….and I’ve done DE with no improvement on my hair or nails-don’t know of cholesterol …. but I will continue to take it…I might even go up to 1 TBSPN daily.
thanks for sharing!!
Keep researching natural healings-WE come from the earth, so it’s only NATURAL THAT we would be HEALED from the earth…
Huggsss
Zoe Mortensen SAID: I have always had yeast infections from the minute I got off a period to the next. I also had terrible stomach problems since I was a child. May be a coincidence, but after I stopped eating Gluten and started taking Diatomaceous Earth, both symptoms are gone. It’s been about 15 years now, I’m 52, and my colonoscopy was all good except Diverticulosis (my brother and other family members have Diverticulitis). There was no sign of buildup in my intestines and all my labs are good. It has not helped at all with my hair, nails, or colesterol though. Since yeast is too many bugs in your system, I think that this is perfect for that problem. Wish more research was done, but I wanted to give my account on DE, food grade.
Try doing some research on Borax and that may help you as well. It gets rid of candida. I have been doing exactly what the website, the borax conspiracy, said to do now for 2 months and my yeast overgrowth is completely gone. (I make a borax solution of 500mls water and 5 grams of borax…then you take 1 tsp of the mixture 2-3 times a day and work up to a certain level. I am on 3 Tbsp 2-3 times a day) Now I will be adding DE as well to my routine, but borax helped a lot! Just don’t take borax directly, make the solution first! Check out the website, the borax conspiracy.
Anthony Williams quoted in this post uses poor grammar and doesn’t cite even an anecdotal account of any negative effects. This has no credibility. The FDA classifies DE as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for human ingestion. There are some studies on its use which can be found via a google search.
I am concerned regarding reports that D E should not be ingested,can you tell me if there is any danger to health .
I fed food grade DE to my petskunk everyday …he lived to be a super duper senior. I have taken it in the past and will start soon again and will feed it to my dogs & horses.yourAHfoolishPeople
I can tell just by the way he writes that Anthony William isn’t too bright. What makes him the authority on DE? He doesn’t say why not to injest it, just that it’s very, very bad..
Yes, it does say why not. It blocks intake of trace minerals and binds to wall of the intestine. Read it again.
He also has no medical background
Yes, he did not support his theory with any science based article.
His claims are pure rubbish. Diatomaceous earth can’t bind to the walls of the intestines. It’s an exfoliant, basically cleaning the intestinal walls. This is why it works so well to “clear you out”. By its very properties it wouldn’t have a binding affect. That claim has me almost without words. As for interfering with absorption, that’s also untrue. A healthier digestive system will absorb vitamins and minerals MORE effectively. For example, one thing DE does is rid the body of parasites and yeast overgrowth. If you have a tapeworm in your intestines, that is guaranteed interfering with your absorption of nutrients. The eradication of said tapeworm by DE only improves the situation. That’s just one example. As long as you’re using food grade DE – and using it properly (meaning within the directed dosing guidelines and methods) – this isn’t a substance that worsens absorption of nutrients. Now, people with chronic health conditions ALWAYS have special circumstances, so someone who already has absorption difficulties shouldn’t be using something like this without ongoing supervision by a doctor, but that goes for any medical intervention…. And that still doesn’t make this person’s claims true.
Jen, we have an issue here in Orange Ca. With very small Asain mosquitoes.
Do you think ingesting D.E. would help to repel them?
Diatomaceous earth does not repel insects. It kills them. It shreds their bodies apart. But they would have to walk through the dust or have it sprinkled on them. Most mosquitoes, I think like water. I’m not sure if the stuff would work when it it wet.
I have taken it for a whole now. It cleans the colan, detoxes, and is a great way to absorb minerals. If you have food poisoning of a stomach bug.. it helps clear it up faster than going to a doctor. People have been taking it for years. It doesn’t take minerals from you.. it gives minerals and can help your skin, nails and hair. It has also helped heal lungs as it seems to help clean them out and get them working better. It has helped my eyes. I heard of it doing this and have taken much more regularly the last month. I had my eyes checked yesterday, and my prescription in my right eye has just gone from a +2 to a
+ 1.75 and I lost the astigmatism that I have had for years.
My nails are much stronger too.
I actually have tried diatomaceous earth for 3 weeks everyday and I regret it . I have ruined my gut . My nails got vertical lines on them and my hands are extremely dry and cracking , I never had it like this and my nails have been beautiful before and now Iam suffering trying to heal my gut . I think the DE ripped off the mucus from my colon . I also got a huge headache and UTI after this . And yes I bought the food grade one in my local health store .
Alina what are you doing now to heal your gut? My husband had the same problem with the DE. You said it ripped off the mucus from your colon. Wondering if this is why my husband is having these issues. I agree with you Alina it is not good for some people. People need to be aware.
Your reaction to DE if parasite die off. Parasite eggs hatch during full moon. The de disturbs them or kills them. You must use more than a month along with a colon cleanse or bath to rid the toxins. Your reaction is called herxheimer reaction. The more parasites and yeast you have the worse the reaction. It won’t tear your organs. I’ve used it for years
Hi Alina.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I am considering ingesting DE so appreciated your comment. Still assessing all comments.
Everyone is individual and you obviously have specific individual health conditions also. eg. someone with a stomach ulcer will have a different experience and shouldn’t do certain things.
I think your nails is a good clue or sign.
I am not a Dr but the western world has western society health issues.
Fortunately, I studied clinical biochemistry.
Check your Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Calcium daily intake.
Are you getting enough strong sunlight each day on your skin?
Are you indoors a lot?
It sounds like pre-rickets and you may not be getting enough sunlight, Vitamin D or calcium. (or something is not working!)
Perhaps supplement with Vit D and C. ( i prefer to eat an orange)
Of course, if you have serious gut issues…you may not be absorbing the food you eat.
Goto a Dr and see if they can give you a vitamin shot to bypass the gut.
Keep a food diary. Then see a dietitian or naturopath with it.
After a decade…I realised my gut was reacting badly to some dairy!
It took me 10 years to nail it down for me.
So I cut out cows milk and that helped my gut settle.
…If you try that, make sure you replace the calcium with other sources.
eg…soy milk, oat milk, oats, etc….
Who knows what is the cause of half this stuff?
Roundup?
Intensive farming?
5G and mobile phones?
Hope this helps you?
I have been taking it on and off for years and it may depend on the company you are buying from. Its tricky because they all say food grade, 100% pure but we know there our bogus companies out there. Depending on your medical issues you may feel some side effects because it is working to fix what you have so I seriously would give it at least 2 months or as someone said 6 weeks before you give up on it.
I totally agree with Jen and everything she says about DE! I have found many great things about DE on how it is good for you. Diatomaceous earth can’t bind to the walls of the intestines. It’s basically cleaning the intestinal walls. A healthier digestive system will absorb vitamins and minerals MORE effectively. I feel great using it! My energy, stronger nails and hair! I joints also don’t hurt like they once did! I also use it in my garden and for my cats!
I have done alot of research before using! I think you should do more research!
I have done my research Tracy, why don’t we just agree to disagree.
We have all been ingesting DE for years, because it has been used in the food and farming industry for years. It has been and is being used, for example, to prevent clumping, and stickiness for gummy candies and to help keep grains fresh in grain bins. “The Food & Drug Administration lists diatomaceous earth as “Generally Recognized as Safe”. “Food grade” diatomaceous earth products are purified and safe. They may be used in foods and as anti-caking materials in animal feed, or as clarifier’s for wine and beer.” So, it’s already in most individual’s bodies but not enough to get the benefits they could by consuming more. Just saying.
Hi Jen, I ‘ve been taking food grade DE for years. It has made my hair thicker and stronger. However, with aging and medications I’m taking at 65, I am experiencing dry mouth and mucous membranes. Do you think DE could also be contributing to this newer problem? Thanks for your input.
How do you use it for your hair? Do you wash your hair with it or take it orally?
DIANA. I am first researching DE. Have never taken it. I am 75 and have been experiencing dry mouth for the last few years as have several friends in the older age category. I think it comes with the terrain.
Diana: you HAVE to take DE with LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER. That’s how it destroys insects, it dries them up! So, it sounds like you simply need to take a lot more water with the DE. I will also suggest the websites I suggested to someone else, since you said you’re on medications. LIndaEmmanuel.com, 9010us.com, oh, and I had forgotten, LiveLongerLabs.com – the most amazing products there, and Dana Ashlie (just look her up). Also, I drink this shake every day, and it’s amazing: Blend (with a good blender), small chunk of Ginger root, a smaller chunk of Turmeric root, juice of 1 lime (not lime juice, an actual lime – everything natural, raw, fresh, and organic if possible), small handful of wild blueberries, several sprigs of parsley, some coconut milk or cream (or actual coconut), a chunk of Aloe Vera (you HAVE to rinse it – look it up), a little of raw honey and/or stevia for sweetness, Moringa powder, 1/4 inch slice off a beet (yes, raw), and beet leaves, and if you like the consistency, some avocado. Like I said, you need a good blender 🙂 Add a little filtered water, or almond milk, or quality greek yogurt (no sugar, plain, with the good bacteria – if you eat dairy), and top it off with several ice cubes. Do NOT add sugar, and although at first you’ll need more honey or stevia so it tastes yummy, lower that every time until it’s very minimal use of it. It actually tastes good, and if you look up all the ingredients and how good they are for your body and health, it’s crazy good!! This is anti-inflamatory, pro stem-cell, lots of vitamin C, pro-healthy blood pressure, etc., etc..
I concur. I have used food grade Diatomaceous earth with livestock and with patients and on myself with great success. It is especially successful in binding mold …. and on another note even helps with cellulite and gives you the eyelashes of a camel. Some of MM ideologies , I have found to be very useful and insightful. Other contributions I have found to make patients much much worse. Diatomaceous earth has restored the lives of many I know…. so this is an example of the latter.
Thank you! Because I firmly it’s a wonderful and works excellent when I do my detox.
I meant to say I firmly believe
My concern is that as a fine silica it can be airborn and cause lung damage . The very reason that it is so affective for so many uses is that it cuts with sharp glasslike structure. in fact glass is made by melting silica. If the body cannot digest or soften these edges you have tiny glass particals that may cut your lung cells and intestinal villia….since I am a sculptor and have to use powderd sliica in the ceramic shell that receives the molten bronze I have seen VERY strong warnings on the bag about inhalation of these fine airborn silica particles. It actually can enter air upon high temps that I have to use and be invisible! A msk is a MUST so it says and outside ventilation. Like asbestos the body cannot dissolve it. Internaly I’m sure the body washes it away with the bad guys but in lungs I am skeptical. Be careful use your own mind to determine since it is not spoken of as so many other things arnt till it is too late.. Like ROUNDUP that early statements said it was unharmful to humans just weeds. I used my own mind to questionn it. I looked how it works .. then I avoided it on what I found. Thirty years later the truth is out. I don’t have to worry though because I thought about it myself and made a judgment based on what I found. This diatomaceous earth is the same . I like it I use it but be ware. DONT breath it! they will say it thirty years later no doubt.
I have inhaled it I am only reading this now. I am so very sick. My lungs hurt. I am having a hard time breathing I used a “puffer.” maybe 6-7 loads.i also apologize for my writing but I am looking for ANSWERS!!! I have no medical care have been to the hospital and transferred to another only to be sent away. No energy whatsoever, numbness for over a week now PLEASE HELP!!!
Maggie, and anyone else having problems with DE- how much water are you drinking along with the DE? You cannot expect results without upping your water intake. Pharmaceuticals are destroying our ability to understand the way our bodies work, especially when it comes to digestion. Imagine being covered in sticky, greasy, flour (what we eat) and someone hands you a scrubber (DE) and says “ok, wash up!” And they spray you a couple times with a misting bottle – enough to get you damp and cause everything to congeal all over your body – and that’s it. You wouldn’t be clean! In fact, you’d probably be even worse off than before! It’s true for your insides as well (fact: saliva in your both breaks down your food more than any other part of your digestive tract. It’s not magically getting liquefied in your body unless you add liquid!! Please chew thoroughly and please drink more water so your body can work! If you pee all the time, you are not drinking enough water. More water = less trips to the bathroom once you’re actually hydrated).
*mouth,not both
Roundup was made by Monsanto for profit. Do some research on Monsanto and you will quickly understand. Thank goodness they are finally gone and the buyer, Bayer, is paying for their treachery. Diatomitaceous earth is a natural substance.
It actually does the opposite, increasing your bodies ability to absorb minerals your body needs. There are numerous studies to document this use of food grade de. Dont beleive everything you read here.
Can you link me please?
Well said, I have researched all medical websites and as of today there are no known side effects nor does DE interact with any medications, my mother had arthritis so bad in her fingers and hands she couldn’t even make a fist, she had knots on top of knots on her knuckles DE ten days on…ten days off …for 90 days her hands have almost went back to normal, her memory has improved too, parasites are in everyones body and they wreak havoc on the brain and body, DE is an all safe detox for everything!
it itself is full of good minerals.. a real health booster – I love DE
I agree, I have ingested food grade Diatomaceous earth for several years now, and I believe it has helped my immune system. I have Candida from being a Vegetarian several years ago, and I would have it daily.
I ingest it. I had a terrible problem of insomnia, anxiety attacks, bloating and headaches while breastfeeding my baby after I had lost about 40 lbs over the course of a couple months. I started taking DE and all the symptoms disappeared within 2 weeks. I had dealt with those symptoms for a couple weeks and researched a lot about DE from personal testimonies and holistic doctors and nutritionists. I’m glad I took it. I still take it occasionally when symptoms start to arise again. The key is not to take it when ingesting food, vitamins, or medicines. It is best to wait a couple hours to make sure the DE doesn’t take out the good nutrients you ingest.
I use DE all around – for me, for my pets, for the yard/house.
I put it in my Coke every day – makes it all fizzy – and it helps
me feel better.
After giving my older cat de he threw up small sand like specs. He also has very thin poop
any suggestions please?
You may have given the cat too much, especially if it is the first time. Even when people consume it, they are only to consume maybe a teaspoon or so to start. A cat is way smaller than a human, so they probably only need maybe an 8th of a teaspoon in their food. I know a lot of people are saying they believe it is dangerous for humans to consume, but many veterinarians and farmers have given it to their animals for years with great results; you just have to know how much to give for a particular animal, and how often.
Small sand specs sounds like parasite eggs… Better out than in
Jen, we have an issue here in Orange Ca. With very small Asain mosquitoes.
Do you think ingesting D.E. would help to repel them?
It has nothing in it to repel them. I’ve consumed 3 tablespoons a day for maybe 5 years now (it helps tremendously with my arthritis pain) and even on that amount mosquitoes find me absolutely delicious. Your best bet is to be freshly showered (there’s something in our sweat that attracts them), and not breathing heavily (the carbon monoxide we exhale attracts them also).
When I go for hikes in our swampy forests here I just make sure I’m well covered and then wrap a light summer scarf across my mouth so that it helps disperse each time I exhale instead of it being a cloud of breath that they can be attracted to.
If you need to do yard work, if you can, keep spraying yourself down or jump into a pool if you have one. You obviously can’t minimize the amount that you exhale but continuously washing the sweat off of you will help you to not attract them.
As an aside I have tried a whole lot of botanical essential oil type mosquito repellents and none of them seem to work terribly well. I’m down to using a DEET product or rinsing off regularly. Mosquitoes hide beneath plants during the heat of the day so the more you disturb plants (including grass) the more likely you are to kick up mosquitoes! It’s why yard work can be so awful, it shakes them loose and up into the air.
Obviously there is a difference between pool grade DE and food grade. However, if the food grade DE works in the body as the pool grade works in pool systems I could understand the problem with consuming it. I worked at a pool for a few summers including cleaning out the pool filtration system. They add DE to the water to help catch the pool pollutants (like dirt, hair, leaves). It is extremely effective in clumping to pollutants and was tricky to remove from the fabric filters (part of the cleaning process was to spray water on the filters to wash the polluted DE down the drain before adding fresh water and DE to the system). I think it sounds feasible that it could attach itself to nutrients and a person should consult medical professionals before and during use.
I’m not convinced that the DE is the sole reason some have had worsening/new symptoms. I’d love to hear from someone who’s willing to subject themselves to scrutiny by giving specifics as to before and after DE usage, i.e. general health info, symptoms, how/when DE consumed (w/ or w/o meals? with enough (in oz/L per day) of water/liquid, dosage (initial to end) activity level/lifestyle/life events-good or bad—stress?), etc. I recognize this sounds like an informal study that may warrant scientific research & controls. However, I believe much can be gleaned by those of us that need specific examples and more info. and those who’ve not had a net benefit might gain insight as to results. So long as we’re intent & focused on learning and exchanging information/opinion as such, I believe the exchange won’t enter the realm of the offensive/defensive. I’d love to have respected authorities’ definitive/exhaustive research on the matter, but sometimes an informal series of question/answer can lead to informed risk-taking.
I’m happy to do this, Linda. I’ve been taking it for about five years.
This article is hilarious and that “doctor” talked alot but said nothing what so ever. “It gets stuck to intestine walls” what? Show us a picture or at least care to explain a bit more on the topic how that happens?
He just used common fear inducing commentry without a shred of evidence so that people wont profit from naturally existing helpful ingredients. Discard this whole article and give it a go. Of course keep it moderate and simple.
I have eaten diatomaceous earth food grade for years. I use to just mix it in a smoothie or my coffee but now I just eat it on my cereal. I give it to my dogs because they’re always catching rabbits and rats. It keeps the intestinal worms from taking over.
For me, I never have any pooping problems, my hair is very soft, thick and healthy. People don’t believe I’m 53. I’m told all the time how young I look. I’ve had no serious health issues. No medications I have to take. And I smoked cigarettes for 35yrs. I quit a little over a year ago. I use to have alot of adult acne, but very little since eating diatomaceous daily.
When you 1st start eating it your acne will get worse at 1st until it cleans the toxins out. But then it gets better.
My daughter gets UTI ‘s a lot, but not when she faithfully eats the diatomaceous. My roommate has constipation problems and when nothing else seems to do the trick he comes and asks me to make him what we call a poop shake….. banana milk shake with diatomaceous earth food grade.
I just started taking it 3 days ago, let’s see how it goes, how long can I start seeing results? For hair, weight loss , face?
It works great if you maintain proper hydration. If you don’t drink enough water while taking DE you will surely see constipation, dry skin, etc…
Is it harmful to someone with celiac disease?
Not sure, if you want to try it, i suggest starting with a very small dose. You really need to concentrate on healing your leaky gut. I know a lot can be done in cases like yours with proper diet. I would consult a naturopathic doctor first.
The title is irritating. This is all your opinion and you definitely SHOULD NOT tell us what we SHOULD NOT do.
I’m not telling you to do anything and yes, this is my website where I share my beliefs. That’s why it’s my website. You are free to read my content and it is okay if you don’t agree with everything I say.
I’ve used DE for 7 years and I live it. It work better than anything I’ve tried to clean me out. Also pysillium husk activated charcoal bentonite clay works too. You can’t listen to people if you know you used something and it works for you you can’t listen to everybody. I am into all homeopathic medicines herbs and teas.
Hello, I am curious as to how DE works if you ingest it — as a gardener, I’ve learned that DE applied to soil/plants does not work once it gets wet, so I’m confused. Can someone please clarify?
I have been ingesting DE for many years and like it. I mix it with some Apple Cider Vinegar first to activate it and then put it in my smoothie. I have no health problems. I am 52 now. I have recommended DE to all my clients too. They have had great results. It is a collagen booster. Great for hair skin nails joints bones and improving digestion.
The guy you quoted used no scientific studys or references. If you look it up on ncmbi you find it lowers cholesterol extremely. Like any supplement its not a one size fit all but I do not know that eventually it will be included in a pharmaceutical.
D.E. is great I take a tablespoon in 8 ounces of water every morning along with pure collagen peptides powder in my coffee. I’m 35 with 3 young kids and feel like I am in my early 20s.
I plan on using it in my garden, but I’m worried it will end up in my food and I have gut issues already. I’ve been trying to find any actual evidence that it either helps or harms the gut and and I’m finding plenty of opinion but nothing on actual studies done, not even on animals. Nobody’s referencing anything, they’re just pointing to the next site and that one has an opinion that points to the next site… none of them end in a reference to a science journal article. Anyone have some actual proof or a keyword for a starting point on pubmed? Thanks!
This healthline article sources several peer reviewed documents: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-diatomaceous-earth
What I gather is that it doesn’t supplement your diet in any way. Though it is super effective at pest control and keeping dry foods dry in a completely non-toxic way.
That’s why I think this article is so harmful! Diatomaceous earth is an excellent tool to keep pests off our food and increase its shelf life with no side effects!
For the past year I’ve been taking half a teaspoon of DE in a large glass of water most mornings on an empty stomach and an hour or more before breakfast. I do this as part of the Root Cause Protocol which thousands of people worldwide follow with great results.
I tried the MM’s celery juicing thing (to restore stomach acid levels) before the RCP but after 6 weeks of daily morning celery juice I started to experience constant nausea and painful stomach cramps straight after drinking it. It took a week after stopping the celery juice for my stomach to come right and after a break I tried it again but same problems arose. I re-tried several times but it was no good. I’m now quite dubious about MM’s recommendations, they don’t work for everyone. He’s lost credibility with me.
Dipshit
exactly…, DE…greaT stuff, use it correctly.
They let anyone post BS on the internet…..
that is the truth,,,this article is total nonsense ..
Bought some food grade off amazon, and totally regret it.
Not only did it make my stomach ache. I feel I’m having a histamine reaction. the back of my throat feels like the lining is being ripped off. I consumed it without doing any research, just some people on youtube saying it’s natural and your body loves silica.
None of these sellers tell anyone to not inhale the dust, with is similar to ASBESTOS.
You’re basically consuming ground up glass. That’s the truth. Sharp glass that is ripping up your system, your organs, as well as all the “worms”. I’d rather have the worms. I feel awful. I would like to find a way to detox the diatomaceous earth. 100% regret it. government should either do some clinical trials with this on humans, or outlaw it for human consumption.
..you are am Imbecile…no need to respond further to a nitwit like you!!!
Bob, I am sincerely sorry that you suffered so much from consuming it without researching what you were taking and knowing to never inhale it. If you can find the places that suggested it to you I would recommend commenting there as clearly they aren’t giving that information out and they ought to. I’ve consumed it for about five years now and whenever anyone asked me about it is the VERY first thing I say to them- do not inhale it! 2nd- make sure it’s food grade. 3rd- start on a very small dose, usually 1/8 of a teaspoon for a week or two at least before doubling that.
I understand why you’re upset as it is incredibly irritating to the lungs and throat when dry, but please don’t say it should be outlawed simply because you didn’t know that when so many of us rely on it. Without diatomaceous earth the only thing I could use for my arthritis at this point would be immunosuppressants and they would destroy my immune system. Please, please point your ire at the people that deserve it- the ones who told you about it without any of the warnings. It was incredibly irresponsible of them.
I’m a nutritionist and just wanted to add that food grade DE is already abundantly found in many things we already eat. It’s used as an additive and flowing agent in some supplements. DE will add minerals to your body and not cause mineral deficiencies. Like most things it’s about balance and not overdoing it. I believe food grade DE is safe to ingest when used properly and not over used. Start slow, take it for 2 weeks on then 2 weeks off. Inhaling DE is another thing, you want to avoid inhaling it because it can cause lung problems, which is luckily reversible most of the time. So, don’t inhale DE.
I love DE! We take the food grade internally. Silica is required for rebuilding collagen. It helps give you a glow because it helps carry blood cells to carry more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Within one week, my teens acne cleared up significantly. It is a natural anti-inflammatory. After 6 months, my dad’s hair went from silver back to strawberry blond. With all due respect, to the Medical Medium, celery is one of the worst produce for pesticides even if after it has been juiced.
I first took Diatomaceous Earth about 5 years ago for several weeks and felt like I had more energy, I even liked the taste and looked forward to my daily drink. However I developed Gastritis while taking it, so I immediately stopped. I couldn’t stomach anything for several days and have had really bad indegestion every day all day ever since, however I had been diagnosed with Gerd a couple of years before ( but it was all chest pain before and no indegestion). I imagined my Gerd would of gotten worse anyway and was hoping it was just a coincidence that it happened when it did, so I decided to try it again a couple of months ago. After 4 or 5 days my stomach started rattling around non stop (which is how the Gastritis started last time ) and I had to stop taking it. I guess it’s just not for me. I’ve seen some claims of it healing Gastritis and other digestive issues, but it just seems to irritate mine and make them worse. I’ve read far more positive reviews than negative and would still recommend it to someone without preexisting digestive issues or Gerd.
Out of all the different uses, can anyone tell me if this stuff can be used to purify fruit juice (by adding to boiling juice, in order to bring out impurities – but of course Not ingested) ?
Blasphemy, the “medical practitioner” you quoted cites no studies, no evidence, not even logic. His conclusion isnt even logical let alone scientific, and im willing to bet money he’s clueless about the real studies published on DE. I was a huge skeptic of the stuff and thought it was BS for the longest time (thanks in part to your article), until i actually tried it and it literally cured my vision problems, my malnutrition issues and much more. I was scared of this substance but after taking it i see now that fear was unfounded. at least try it befote writing this presumptious… article- no offense intended.. its true though,
What ‘doc’ doesn’t mention is that DE actually only coats things it has a magnetic affinity for, like parasites, which have a distinctively different electric charge than say good bacteria.
If you dont believe me, put a tbsp of DE in a glass of water and then let it settle for an hour. No matter what, it will always magnetically rearrange itself into the same pattern on the bottom of the glass, a perfectly level torroidal shape. Incredible. Ive never seen another substance do such a thing.
Im a huge skeptic of pretty much everything woowoo, but this stuff is the real deal, i mean that from my heart. if magic exists, it is Diatomaceous Earth,
William is best known as the “Medical Medium”. He is a New York Times bestselling author who has published 5 books. … According to the legal disclaimers on his site as well as on his Goop articles, William has no certifications of scientific or medical training. And in my opinion he has a “really, relimited vocabulary 🤣
This blog about What is Diatomaceous Earth and Why You Should NEVER Ingest It?.
has helped me enormously, is a very good topic. What product helped me lose weight, I recommend you see here: https://s96.me/fit (or click on the name).
Kiss you All!
“It tenaciously binds to the inside lining of your intestinal tract and it suffocates the intestinal tract.” – Absolutely wrong, zero science to back this in any way whatsoever. Mixing DE with water requires INSANELY high amounts to have it approach anywhere near a “suffocating” consistency.
“What that does is it stop absorption is micronutrient trace minerals.” – Absolutely wrong, DE is, in fact, loaded with trace minerals and easily absorbed. All science shows that silicon does NOT build up in the body.
Keep up the scare tactics, wackadoos. Try science sometime.
I’m gonna be 65 March 25th, 2020 and I’ve been drinking FOOD GRADE DE SINCE JANUARY 23RD 2017 to detox and improve my immune system. I barely had symptoms of a flu early 2017 and recently two days ago and continue to take take FOOD GRADE DE AND DRINK AT LEAST 3 glasses of water throughout the day. I’m almost back to 100% since two days ago. I also sent info to the CDC/CNN/FOX/DELCO TIMES EDITOR AND THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER with no response. Whoever wrote the article is partially correct for you should not take calcined grade DE//FOOD GRADE DE IS UNCALCINED AND WILL USUALLY SAY LESS THAN 2 or 3 percent crystalline. FOOD GRADE DE IS AMORPHOUS and should only be consumed into the body with liquid by mouth and drinking at least three cups of water a day. MAKE SURE WITH YOUR DOCTOR THAT IT WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH ANY MEDICINE//over and out, DIA TOM
Empirical evidence is king. Experiment. Listen to your body not the words of others. Trust your intuition and instincts. We’ve been trained to believe we are much MUCH less than we actually are. We are amazing. We are the apex of creation. Stop believing the lie.
Hello
Thank you for usefull article regarding Diatomaceous earth, we also found it very important for human health. Please keep us updated with more usefull informations.
Best Regards
Mazyar
This article is completely misleading.
The most important fact that is NOT mentioned in this article is that there are *two different forms* of diatomaceous Earth. The one labelled “food grade” is extremely healthful. The one not labelled “food grade” should never be ingested and can indeed do harm.
Food grade diatomaceous Earth helps your digestive tract in myriad ways, and has been used successfully for many years by many people. It is indeed an asset for those with digestive ills.
But never ever ingest any diatomaceous Earth that is not labelled “food grade”! It is not meant to be eaten by humans.
My husband tried it and had several serious seizures right afterward- he does have epilepsy due to brain trauma. He did not have a seizure in a long time before this, AND he never had more than one in a day. THis was 3 horrid ones, in a few short hours. He was very incoherant for a few minutes after, which he usually goes back to normal right away.
Just wanted to make sure people knew that it can interfere with meds., and just to be cautious.
I personally have had no trouble with it (except that sorry to be graphic, but the toilet clogs with #2 when I’m using D.E.) OTher than that, I feel great from it.
the lack of any kind of research is astounding and to say things on a health website is not responsible. site something! while DE may or may not be good for anytihg internally for humans. this “blocking” the gut is silly and 100% made up in some naturopaths mind no doubt or maybe a chiro. Anyway, DE is used ALOT in farming pigs infact, who absorb nutrients like us.. if a farmer noticed he had to supplement more by using said product they would not use it esp if caused noticible SIGNIFICANT changes that blocked nutrietn uptake as they want to get them fat as possible fast! I am assuming it is mixed in much higher rates then folks are eating it. major concerns would be heavy metal content as oceans lakes etc concentrate heavy metals radioactive ones aswell esp in muddy bottoms that concentrate for 100s of thousands of years where these are mined.