Microscopic view of ancient unicellular algae remains (called Diatoms) with hard shells made of silica
Hi there, dear friends :D
This is going to be my longest and most exciting article to date!
Three weeks ago, I stumbled onto the amazing diverse health benefits of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) while reading up on Oil Pulling. I was so impressed by the wonders of what DE could do for humans that I spent everyday reading up as much as I could find on its testimonials.
I had to look for testimonials from people through blogs and forums because Food Grade DE is more commonly used for livestock and bugs control, and there were hardly any scientific research to back up its benefits on humans – mainly because it is Nature’s natural occurring element and it is not a potential drug that pharmaceutical companies can fund the studies to patent DE and make money out of it.
Because DE is of food grade and safe to give to animals for removing internal parasites and worms, people had also considered it safe to ingest DE for parasitic and worm elimination but in the process, they inadvertently discovered many beneficial side effects on their health and bodies!!
* Please note that I am not selling DE and that I am not being paid to write about it here, but I am just sharing with you what I found out about this latest health remedy. Those of you that follow my blog would know by now that I am always very keen to pick up, research and test out natural health remedies.
Last year, I wrote about “On A Quest To Reduce My Husband’s Dependency for High Blood Pressure/Cholesterol/Blood Sugar/ Uric Acid Medication” but unfortunately, my quest didn’t really work out for my husband because I was giving him too many herbal teas to drink and most importantly, my husband didn’t give up his junk and fatty foods and drinks!
But good news!! After having just ingested Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth for 2 weeks, my family doctor reduced my husband’s high blood pressure medication! Instead of taking both Norvasc and Micardis daily, he now needs only to take Micardis – thanks to DE, his blood pressure readings of around 115/75 to 122/80 are really healthy and stable!! Our doctor is monitoring the progess of my husband’s medication reduction and next month, my husband’s blood tests due then will reveal the status of his cholesterol, blood sugar and uric acid levels. :D
Not only did my husband’s blood pressure improved drastically, I also experienced the same! My blood pressure which usually hovered around 140/90 (except for that time when I was doing Lajin stretching, my blood pressure was lower around 125/82) even dropped as low as 106/72 after just one week of taking DE! Now, my daily readings range between 125/75 and 116/72 – I am so glad I need not go on any medication that my doctor was trying to put me on! Phew! :D
But what I most happy among the wonderful effects I got from the DE was my receding hairline corners at my forehead temples have now filled up with baby hairs! My usual baby fine, limp hair is now so much thicker and for the first time last week to attend a wedding dinner, I didn’t even need to use any hair styling products to give my hair good shape….my hair looks good on its own now! Wow!
Okay….this is going to be a lengthy post because I have so many praises to sing about DE, and so, I will lay them out in point form below. If you or you know anyone who are on medication or statin drugs or are suffering from joint/arthritic pains or have bald spots/receding hairline, go through the notes below for more information. I will post the links to where I got my information from as well as relate my family’s personal experiences there.
Then, do all the research that you need before deciding whether you are going to try ingesting DE or not…
Do read also ===> Human DE Use Testimonials - I had enjoyed reading them many times over! LOL!
** Caution! Please ingest only FRESH WATER FOOD GRADE AMORPHOUS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (DE) !!
What is Diatomaceous Earth (DE) ?
Diatomaceous earth refers to a naturally-formed sedimentary mineral coming from the remains of what were once oceanic unicellular shells and algae known as diatoms. Diatoms, the ocean’s “spiny honeycombs,” are over 30 million years old, and were formed when these microscopic algae-like plants died and remained compounded in the earth’s surface as skeletal remains. These organisms, much like a mollusc emits lime-carbonate, had the ability to emit silica. Scientists refer to these clay-like, chalky remains as diatomite. When we mine the earth, we discover these remains in the form of a thick white siliceous powder.
Food grade diatomaceous earth offers important benefits, particularly related to the fact that it is composed of approximately 85% amorphous silica. Silica is such a necessary component for the health of our tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and bones. It is also needed for the health and strength of our skin, teeth and nails. It even contributes to the health of almost all of our vital organs, including the heart, liver and lungs.
(Source – Global Healing Center)
Food GradeAmorphous DE is naturally occurring and is safe for human and animal consumption, whereas Crystalline DE has been heated at high temperatures and used many in filtration processes, e.g. in swimming pools, or in manufacturing, and therefore, Crystalline DE is poisonous to take!
How does Diatomaceous Earth (DE) work in our body?
Diatomaceous Earth -magnified 7000 times
DE under the microscope looks like cylinders that are full of holes. This cylinder has a very strong negative charge. As these millions of cylinders move through the stomach and digestive tract, they attract and absorb fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticides, drug residues, E.coli, and heavy metals. These are trapped inside the cylinder and passed out of the body. In addition, any larger parasites that happen to be in the stomach or digestive tract are “cut up” and killed by the sharp edges of the Diatomaceous Earth.
All of these activities result in a much healthier body with less sickness. We often hear the phrase “I just feel better” with our Diatomaceous Earth users. This better feeling comes from all the “junk” being removed from the body and by giving the immune system the “jump start” it needs.
(Source – Earthworks Health)
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I will now list below the health benefits of DE, but they are not listed according to priority because different people may need DE for various reasons. To concentrate on the effects of DE, my family stopped taking all health supplements and herbal teas, while I had stopped doing Lajin and Guasha therapies, and stopped applying my Progesterone Cream.
*** DE dosages, healing crises and tips will be described towards the end of this page.
1) Increased energy levels
We felt our energy levels greatly improved within 2 hours after consuming DE, even from Day 1. I refrained from drinking coffee and tea and the energy from DE was good enough to keep me alert and active to carry out my chores all day. So, I take my DE first thing in the morning, on empty stomach….before I brush my teeth.
At the beginning, when I took DE in the evening, I could stay up later into the night but nowadays (I have been on DE for 3 weeks when this article was written), I can fall asleep easily whenever I want to.
2) Insomnia gone! Good, deep, rejuvenating sleep now!
Being perimenopausal, it has been difficult for me to fall asleep, to maintain a continuous sleep, and to sleep deeply. Often, I would fall asleep for 2 hours and then wake up at 2am or 3am and not being able to go back to sleep – result? Tiredness and crankiness the next day for me!
After taking DE, I now sleep like a log and like a baby through the night. Even when I had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I can go back to sleep happily!
As a result of good sleep, I now wake up with mental alertness, motivation, and feel fully rejuvenated and with energy. Good nightly sleep + DE = Stable Energy Levels!
3) Stomach bloatedness, indigestion, persistent hunger gone – Parasites & Worms Eliminated?
Am I glad I stumbled onto DE when I was suffering from prolonged stomach bloatedness and I felt hungry all the time! While I thought the excessive hunger was due to improved body metabolism, there was a nagging fear behind my head that intestinal parasites and worms may be to blamed, seeing as how I always felt bloated and I looked like 6 months pregnant! Also, I always worried that my love for sushi and sashimi may have contributed to some parasites and worms forming in my body, after watching a documentary on Discovery Channel called “Monsters In You.”
However, my stomach bloatedness was gone soon after the first time I took 1 tablespoon of DE! Even the persistent hunger and stomach wind was all gone! Yippee! I would like to think that all those scary parasites and worms were being killed and eliminated by DE. So, perhaps, I was merely “feeding the parasites and worms” when I was being made to feel hungry all the time? That’s food for thought! **shiver** …**goosebumps**
The DE kills the parasites and worms by “cutting” them up with their sharp edges…so, by the time we pass out the parasites and worms, they are already dead. One way to know we are passing them out is when we have mucus in our bowel movements. Some people dared to see what they passed out and they even gave graphic descriptions…..but I didn’t look. **blush**
Anyway, you can read about their experiences in the Internet.
4) Absorption of nutrients from food, herbal drinks and health supplements improved
Along with the removal of the parasites and worms that had caused our body absorption and intake of nutrients to be hindered, our digestion system will be now be enhanced and optimized after taking DE. As a result, our body immunity, energy levels and overall wellbeing are much improved.
I had often wondered how come I am not feeling as how I should be seeing as how much I take herbal remedies, nutritious soups, and health supplements – I tend to feel weak at times and with under par energy levels. For these 3 weeks with taking DE, I feel vibrant, young and energetic again – some people mentioned that they felt like a “spring chicken” again…and I so understand what they meant! LOL!
5) Mental clarity improved
For some strange reason, mental clarity is greatly improved. The brain fog is gone and I could actually feel my mind (brain?) being clear and “smooth” (for lack of a better word?)….
6) Menopausal symptoms gone
One day, I Googled for “Menopausal Symptoms” and one website came up with 36 conditions!!
After taking DE, I felt a very good sense of “well-being”, that I am now in control of my life (and not the other way round). Some people reported that they no longer suffer from hot flashes and irritability…which brings me to the next point ===>
7) Lighter and stable moods
After taking DE, with the mental clarity, I could actually feel my mood getting lighter and I am generally happier the whole day. Even when there were occasions where some incidences would have thrown me into a panic or angry mode, I still remained chill and calm…and I was surprised at myself!! Other people have reported that they feel calmer throughout the day, too!
8) High blood pressure normalised and lowered fast
…and I mean fast! For me, my blood pressure went down to good healthy levels in just one week, two weeks for my husband – as described earlier. Many people reported the high blood pressure was normalised and some even went off their medication.
I find that it is best if we could take 2 doses of DE daily to maintain a steady healthy blood pressure reading all the time. Otherwise, with just one dose, the blood pressure reading may be a little higher but it is still in the normal range (below 140/90 – above that, medication is recommended)
This is good news for those people who are on high blood pressure medication and taking DE will give them a chance to become healthy again and get off their medication.
They say that because the DE is cleaning out our body system and strengthening the arterial walls, it is only natural that our blood pressure is normalised naturally!
9) Cholesterol lowered
Some people reported that their high cholesterol and triglycerides levels were lowered quite drastically soon (I read that this could happen after only 2 to 3 weeks after taking DE but I don’t know the amount of daily DE that they took)!
My husband and I will be going for blood tests next month and I will report the results in the “Comments” section below. My cholesterol level has been on the high side at 6.2 mmol or 240 mg…and my doctor has been wanting to put me on Lipitor but I resisted. So, I am hoping for good results then!
DE looks like cylinders with holes in them…sort of like a basket, and what they do is to sweep and pick up the fats in our body systems and have them flushed out. Our body cannot absorb a lot of silica and therefore, most of the DE that we ingest is passed out….together with the fats that we don’t need!
10) Natural detoxification effect – even metals removed
The DE is negatively charged, while the bad bacteria, metals and toxins in our body are positively charged. So, the DE attracts and collects those bad stuff from our body and we pass everything out. I have read that some people who suffered from metal poisoning got cured after taking DE.
Source – Pages 1580 & 1588 from ” The Best Control, Chapter 40″
11) Heart and arterial walls strengthened? Arteriosclerosis may be prevented
With age, silica (DE) disappears from the aorta. DE can help arterial diseases by strengthening arteries.
Read – DE May Prevent Arteriosclerosis
12) Hair grew back on bald spots
I was very happy to find that my baby fine, limp hair has became thicker and heavier, while the two receding hairlines at the temples of my head have now filled up with baby hairs, i.e. there is hair regrowth! Amazing! Previously, I had used many types of hair tonics, even expensive ones, and I never experienced hair regrowth. Many people reported faster growing and stronger hair.
Some said their eyelashes and eyebrows even grew back and got thicker!
Even people with bald spots have experienced hair regrowth and their bald spots getting smaller (as per the links below) :-
Hair Grew Back On Bald Spots
Long Hair Care Forum
13) Buttery, silky skin and stronger nails
Many people reported “Buttery Skin” improvement! I noticed that my skin is softer to touch and I have even stopped using my skin lotion. My daughter’s acne cleared up well and fast after taking DE.
Silica is necessary for collagen to form, and when we age, we lose collagen because silica is reduced. So, when DE boost the formation of collagen…..we get really supple, buttery skin!
Also, collagen is the protein that makes our nails, teeth and bones get stronger.
14) Osteoporosis and Joints
I read that bone related problems like osteoporosis can be reversed with DE. Aging women who are in menopause stands a great chance of getting osteoporosis. As I don’t take much calcium products, I am glad that DE can help me strengthen my bone density.
Enough silica in the body is essential for the absorption of calcium, and therefore bones and joints are strengthened.
Read – Health benefits of DE
15) Natural Weight Loss
Strangely, when our digestive system and gut is so clean and nutrient absorption is being maximised, we don’t feel hungry…i.e. our appetites are being suppressed somehow. Despite not eating as much as before, energy levels are still high and good, thus allowing us to go about our daily activities with lower calorific intake – result, weight loss naturally!
Many people reported accidental weight loss. I lost 1 kg in the first week alone…but while my weight didn’t go down any more, I could feel my clothes are becoming looser in many areas. My husband said his pants are getting looser around the waist, too!
16) Junk foods, carbohydrates and sweets cravings gone!
The best part is when our body has become healthier with the elimination of parasites and worms, and can absorb nutrients better…our body is telling us that we don’t need any forms of snacking. The cravings for sweets and junk foods and any snacking in between meals are just miraculously GONE!
This is good news for those who can’t stop snacking on junk foods and sweets.
That is why I told my husband that he was probably feeding the parasites with potato chips and chocolates last time, and not himself, before we started taking DE! LOL! Nowadays, he hardly snacks at night!
17) Regularity of bowel movements, constipation gone
Many people who suffered from bowel movement irregularity and constipation reported that DE helped them get rid of those problems. For some, they even have to go two to three times daily, depending on what they eat (high fibre foods) and the amount of water that they drink.
I shall stop here my listing of human health benefits from taking DE. There are more benefits as reported at Earthworks Health.
DE for my pets -
I have even given DE in food to my dog and cat to help them get rid of internal parasites and worms. It is also said that with DE ingested, it helps to reduce fur shedding and to give animals good, shiny fur. My friends have commented that my cat and dog’s furs feel so soft to touch. Plus, his doggy smells and doggy breath are gone! DE can remove bad breath for humans and animals!
Dusting DE on their fur also help to get rid of fleas, ticks and mites. Be sure to wear a mask and gloves when doing this, and make sure the pets don’t inhale the DE, too!
Dosage of DE
For beginners, it is best to start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of DE once a day to gently introduce it to our body. This is to minimise the effects of detoxification and parasite/worm die-off effects. Then, slowly increase the dosage to 1 tablespoon and then to 3 dosages a day. There is no hard and fast rule for DE dosage – you can adjust it according to how your body feels.
For me and my family, we jumped straight into taking 1 heaping tablespoon of DE at first. On some days, we take two dosages a day. My husband is now taking 2 tablespoons of DE in the morning. We take them on an empty stomach.
Tips on taking DE
1) Start off slowly the dosage of DE to to minimise the healing crises, detoxification and die-off effects.
2) If the DE makes you energetic, try not to take it at night, just in case you can’t fall asleep at bedtime.
3) If the DE makes you sleepy, take it in the morning instead.
4) I usually take DE mixed into a cup of filtered water, followed by another cup of water.
5) Make sure not to inhale the DE as the powder is very fine and if inhaled into the lungs, it may cause silicosis in the lungs.
6) When handling DE, make sure not to get it onto your skin as it is very dehydrating….wear gloves.
7) Be sure to drink lots of water when taking DE …. more than your normal daily consumption before DE – otherwise, you may experience headaches or constipation. A sign that you need to drink water is when you keep licking your dry lips!
8) In case you feel constipated by Day 3 to Day 5 when you already drink lots of water, or take enough fibre, take some natural laxatives or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to promote a bowel movement. It could be the die-off from the parasites or worms backing up in the intestines.
Possible Healing Crisis from taking DE
Because our body will be going through a detoxifying process when you start ingesting DE, you may or may not go through some healing crises, whereby you feel some minor headaches, or you feel tired, as if a flu is coming. If the effects are intolerable, stop the DE or reduce the amount of DE. Drinks lots of water to hasten the process of toxin elimination.
Die-off from the parasites/worms and the DE cylinders absorbing the bacteria and toxins from our body will cause more toxins that the body can’t get rid of fast enough, and that is what is causing the healing crises. But don’t worry, that is only temporary and shouldn’t last more than a few days.
If you feel a slight headache from taking the DE at the beginning, drink more water.
If you feel stomach bloatedness after taking DE, drinking water with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar will give you some comfort.
When you increase your dosage of DE later on, you may experience slight headaches again. This is normal, as our body is adjusting to the increased DE. Drink more water and you will be alright. But if you can’t tolerate the headaches, cut back on the amount of DE.
Where can you buy Amorphous Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth?
You can do an online search to find a distributor of Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth near your area.
In Malaysia, I bought mine HERE. Their DE is from Perma-Guard, USA.
Make sure your DE is AMORPHOUS, FOOD GRADE and FRESH WATER sourced.
I will post any additional information and feedback on DE at the comments section below. Anyone who has tried DE for their health improvement are most welcome to post their experiences here.
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is an amazing product from Naturel and not many people know about its good health benefits, especially in this part of the world. If you have a lot of ailments and would like to give DE a try, make you do your research first as the positive testimonials were provided by people who had tried DE and found the good effects for themselves.
Take care and stay healthy,
choesf :D
