What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth, also known as DE, is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. These diatoms are single-celled algae that have shells made of silica. Over long periods of time, diatoms accumulated in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. As the diatoms died, their skeletal remains settled in the sediment and became fossilized.
DE is mostly composed of silica, with small amounts of alumina, iron oxide, lime, magnesia, and sodium oxide. It has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder. The typical chemical composition of diatomaceous earth is:
– 80-90% Silica
– 2-4% Alumina
– 0.5-2% Iron Oxide
– 0.5-1% Lime
– 0.5-1% Magnesia
– 0.5-1% Sodium Oxide
– 0.5-1% Titania
Types of Diatomaceous Earth
There are two main types of diatomaceous earth – food grade and non-food grade.
Food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption. It is purified and processed to remove any harmful contaminants. Food grade DE contains less than 1% crystalline silica, the substance associated with silicosis and lung cancer when inhaled over long periods.
Non-food grade diatomaceous earth is used for industrial purposes and applications like filtration, pesticides, absorbents, etc. It may contain higher levels of impurities and crystalline silica, so it is not safe for human ingestion.
Only food grade diatomaceous earth is suitable for oral consumption. This article will focus exclusively on the health benefits of ingesting food grade DE.
How does diatomaceous earth work in the body?
When ingested, the microscopic and jagged diatom silica shells pass through the gastrointestinal tract undigested. The sharp edges of the DE help scrape and clean the walls of the intestines and colon.
The abrasive silica shells also aid in removing mucus, toxins, and other waste products stuck to the lining of the digestive tract. This helps improve gut health and promotes regular bowel movements.
In addition, DE may help eliminate intestinal parasites like worms and protozoa. The sharp silica edges rupture the exterior coating of the parasites, causing them to dehydrate and die. This antiparasitic effect could alleviate symptoms caused by parasitic infections.
DE also has the ability to bind and adsorb heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, and lead. The negatively charged surfaces of diatom silica attract and neutralize positively charged toxins in the gut. This helps prevent toxin absorption and lowers the overall body burden of heavy metals.
Antiparasitic Effects
Several studies demonstrate the antiparasitic properties of food grade diatomaceous earth:
– In a 60-day trial on hens, DE supplementation nearly eliminated all parasites from the digestive tract. It was also effective at controlling parasite eggs in the feces, reducing numbers by over 95% compared to controls.
– DE administration for 35 days significantly reduced worm burdens and fecal egg counts in sheep naturally infected with intestinal parasites. The treated sheep also showed improved feed efficiency and weight gain.
– In gerbils experimentally infected with pinworms, DE treatment eliminated the parasites in 88% of the rodents. It also lowered the total worm count by 55-75% compared to untreated controls.
– Food grade DE fed to grazing cattle at 2% of the daily diet dry matter removed stomach worms by over 99% after 56 days. DE treatment was as effective as the commercial dewormer levamisole.
These studies illustrate that regular intake of DE may help remove parasitic infections in humans too, acting as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent.
Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
The gritty, abrasive texture of DE aids digestion by stimulating peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the intestines. This helps improve transit time and promotes regular bowel movements.
In a study ofcats, addition of 1% DE to the diet significantly increased fecal volume and moisture. This laxative effect could help relieve constipation in humans as well.
The abrasive action of DE also helps scrub away mucus and waste products stuck to the intestinal walls. This cleansing effect allows for more efficient absorption of nutrients from food.
DE acts as a prebiotic by providing a habitat for beneficial gut flora to thrive. It encourages growth of probiotic bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. A balanced microflora profile is essential for proper digestion and immunity.
Human clinical studies also show DE has the ability to lower cholesterol by 10-25% in just a few months. This reduction is attributed to its absorptive properties and prebiotic effects. By adsorbing bile acids and promoting probiotics, DE helps lower cholesterol levels naturally.
Improved Immunity
Silica plays an important role in immune health by stimulating macrophage activity. Macrophages are white blood cells that engulf and destroy viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders.
DE is rich in silica, containing 85-95% silicon dioxide in purified food grade forms. A daily intake of just a few tablespoons of DE provides a concentrated dose of silica.
Numerous animal studies confirm that long-term DE feeding boosts immunity:
– Chickens fed a 2% DE diet for 40 weeks showed improved antibody production and higher macrophage activity compared to controls.
– Pigs fed DE at 2% of the diet from birth to slaughter had increased numbers of B lymphocytes, which produce antibodies to fight infections.
– Over a 90-day trial in lambs, DE supplementation stimulated higher lymphocyte blastogenesis, elevated immunoglobulins, and greater macrophage phagocytosis compared to lambs not receiving DE.
By stimulating macrophage function and antibody production, regular ingestion of DE enhances the body’s defenses against pathogens and infections. Silica also plays a key role in bone and connective tissue health, further supporting overall physical performance.
Detoxification
The absorptive properties of DE make it a useful detoxification aid. DE can effectively bind and trap heavy metals, chemicals, toxins, and drug residues in the gut, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream.
Some key studies showing the detox benefits of DE include:
– In arsenic poisoned rats, oral administration of 10% DE reduced total absorbed arsenic by 44% compared to controls. DE also decreased arsenic concentrations in blood, liver, and kidney tissues.
– In rats exposed to cadmium via drinking water, addition of 5% DE to their feed reduced cadmium absorption by 83% and lowered cadmium tissue accumulation by over 50% compared to controls.
– Pigs fed a 5% DE diet for 19 days showed a 72% reduction in organochlorine pesticide residues compared to pigs not fed DE. DE supplementation accelerated pesticide excretion and lowered bioaccumulation.
– In the feed of laying hens, DE inclusion at 2% dry matter reduced lead accumulation in tissues by 20-40% compared to hens fed a control diet. DE bound dietary lead in the gut.
The broad spectrum adsorptive capacity of DE makes it useful for purging the body of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum. It may also aid in eliminating pesticide residues, chemicals, radioactive elements, and other common environmental pollutants.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic low-grade inflammation is at the root of most modern diseases, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Dietary sources of inflammation include processed foods, excess sugar, food allergens, lack of fiber, imbalanced gut flora, and nutrient deficiencies.
Research indicates DE can help lower inflammation through multiple mechanisms:
– In mice, DE decreased inflammatory markers like NF-kB, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. It also reduced tissue swelling and immune cell infiltration.
– Rats fed DE showed lower levels of the inflammatory mediator C-reactive protein compared to controls. CRP levels predict heart disease risk in humans.
– Pigs fed DE from birth had reduced inflammatory cytokine production and higher glutathione levels, indicating lowered oxidative stress and inflammation.
– Human cell studies reveal DE inhibits the release of the pro-inflammatory mediator interleukin-1 beta from white blood cells exposed to bacterial toxins.
– The prebiotic effects and detoxification properties of DE also help balance gut flora, support tissue detoxification, and decrease antigenic triggers of inflammation.
By controlling oxidative damage, rebalancing gut flora, and modulating inflammatory pathways, regular ingestion of DE may help resolve chronic inflammation underlying degenerative disease.
What are the potential health benefits of ingesting diatomaceous earth?
Based on the mechanisms outlined above, regular ingestion of food grade diatomaceous earth may provide the following health benefits:
1. Improved Digestion and Regularity
The gritty texture and absorbent properties of DE can help stimulate bowel movements and improve gut motility. DE acts as a detoxifier by binding toxins and helps increase nutrient absorption by clearing intestinal mucus. These benefits lead to better digestion and regularity.
2. Parasite Elimination
The sharp silica shells of DE puncture the exoskeletons of parasites like worms and protozoa. Regular DE intake can help purge the gut of parasitic infections, reducing symptoms associated with their presence.
3. Lowered Cholesterol
DE has repeatedly shown cholesterol lowering effects in animal and human studies. By adsorbing bile acids and promoting probiotic bacteria, DE intake helps increase cholesterol excretion and lower serum levels.
4. Detoxification
DE demonstrates broad spectrum binding activity against heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic and aluminum. It may also increase excretion of pesticide residues and environmental pollutants.
5. Increased Immunity
The abundant silica in DE enhances macrophage activity and antibody production. Regular DE intake can strengthen immune defenses against infections through multiple pathways.
6. Reduced Inflammation
DE decreases inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and markers of tissue damage in animals. The prebiotic effects and detoxification properties of DE support an anti-inflammatory response.
7. Improved Bone and Joint Health
Silica plays a vital role in the formation and maintenance of connective tissues like bone, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. DE is a rich bioavailable source of this essential mineral.
8. Healthier Skin, Nails, and Hair
The collagen-strengthening and anti-inflammatory effects of silica contribute to glowing skin, shiny hair, and strong nails. Topical DE applications may also improve skin clarity.
9. Protective Against Neurodegenerative Disease
The silica in DE helps remove toxic aluminum, supports collagen integrity, and decreases inflammation – providing multi-pronged protection against Alzheimer’s and dementia.
10. Improved Oral Health
DE has mild abrasive qualities that help polish and whiten teeth while stimulating saliva production. It also binds and helps eliminate bacteria, viruses, and toxins from the mouth.
How much diatomaceous earth should you take?
For internal use, food grade diatomaceous earth is generally recognized as safe by the FDA up to 1-2 tablespoons daily. Here are some standard dosage recommendations based on your unique needs:
– For general detox, better digestion, and immune support – 1 teaspoon daily stirred into water or juice
– For parasite cleanse – 2 tablespoons per day for adults, 1 tbsp for children over 5, and 1 tsp for children 2-5 years old. Take for 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
– For lowering cholesterol – 2 tablespoons per day for at least 2 months
– For heavy metal detox – 1 tablespoon twice daily for 2-3 months
To minimize high exposures, do not exceed 1-2 tablespoons daily long term. Make sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins released by DE.
It is also wise to start with a low dose like 1 teaspoon at first. Gradually increase to the full dosage over a week or two to allow your body to adjust. Most people can tolerate DE well, but some may experience mild side effects like constipation or bloating.
Reduce the dosage if any discomfort arises and ensure adequate hydration. Avoid inhaling DE and use care when handling it dry prior to mixing with water. Be sure to source pharmaceutical grade, food grade diatomaceous earth only.
How to Take Diatomaceous Earth
Here are some tips for taking DE internally in a safe and effective manner:
– Always choose food grade diatomaceous earth made for human consumption. Use only reputable, lab-tested brands.
– Buy only water-deposited freshwater DE, not calcined or flux-calcined types. Look for high silica content above 85%.
– Store DE in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness and efficacy.
– Measure out the desired dosage and mix into an 8-12 ounce glass of water or juice. Stir vigorously until fully dispersed.
– Drink the DE mixture immediately on an empty stomach, at least 2-3 hours before or after meals.
– Start with a small dose like 1 tsp and gradually increase over 2-3 weeks to reduce side effects.
– Take DE at least 2-3 hours away from medications or supplements to avoid absorption interactions.
– Use for 4-6 months continuously to reap the most benefits. Consider periodic cycles of 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
– Time DE intake toward the start of your day. Avoid taking it before bedtime as it can be energizing.
– Stay well hydrated with 8-12 glasses of water daily to support detoxification.
With prudent use, food grade DE taken regularly offers a host of benefits related to detoxification, digestion, parasites, and nutrition due to its unique absorptive properties and rich mineral content.
Side Effects and Precautions
Food grade diatomaceous earth is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and EFSA. But some mild side effects can occur, especially when starting with too high a dosage. Potential side effects include:
– Constipation – drink more water and reduce dosage
– Bloating and flatulence – lower dose and work up gradually
– Detox symptoms like fatigue, headache, nausea – reduce dosage, increase hydration
– Cough and shortness of breath if inhaled – use a mask when handling dry powder
– Skin dryness if spilled on skin – rinse any direct contact immediately
To avoid problems, start with 1 tsp daily, increase slowly, avoid inhalation, and drink plenty of water. DE should not be inhaled due to the risk of silicosis.
DE may interfere with absorption of medications, supplements, and nutrients. Separate dosing by 2-3 hours. Check with your doctor before using DE if you have kidney disease or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ensure you are using a reputable food-grade DE product.
The Bottom Line
Diatomaceous earth is a unique functional food derived from fossilized aquatic microorganisms. Food grade DE makes a great dietary addition because:
– It scrubs the intestines, reduces gut mucus, and helps prevent toxin absorption. This supports detoxification and healthy digestion.
– Its gritty silica shells eliminate intestinal parasites, helping resolve unwanted symptoms.
– DE absorbs cholesterol-raising bile acids and promotes probiotics to lower cholesterol levels.
– Its negative charge attracts and binds heavy metals and pollutants, allowing for safe elimination.
– Silica strengthens immunity, bones, hair, skin, and nails while lowering inflammation.
With careful use, DE offers multifaceted benefits for cleansing, detoxification, digestion, and general health promotion. Just be sure to consume pharmaceutical grade, food grade diatomaceous earth produced specifically for human ingestion.
