If you’ve been looking into natural health products and remedies, you may or may not have heard of diatomaceous earth. If you haven’t — or if you’re familiar with the term but simply not sure what it is — here Is the lowdown on this hot natural health trend so you can decide if this is a natural health option you’d like to try. Many swear by its ability to detox the body of metals and parasites, not to mention it has a whole wealth of practical uses around the household.

However, for the purposes of this particular article, we are referring specifically to food grade diatomaceous earth, which is the kind that you can consume. This is a very important distinction we want to make crystal clear before you start eating/drinking spoonfuls of the potentially harmful nonfood grade diatomaceous earth.

Got that, right? Good, let’s move on.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth is made of microscopic, fossilized diatoms, which are one-celled organisms from the ocean called phytoplankton. While certain algae and ocean byproducts have long been the subject of healthy living discussion because of their high chlorophyll content, diatomaceous earth is unique because it’s natural health claim to fame is its high amounts of silica.

It also has a somewhat abrasive quality due to being composed of the remaining shells of diatoms, taking a honeycomb-like form. These fossilized remains, called diatomite, are found in the earth all over the world, so there is an abundant supply available. Some other names for diatomaceous earth include fossil shell, dinosaur dust, or miracle mineral.

What are the Potential Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth acts as a natural silica supplement, which supports healthy bones, hair, teeth, skin, and nails. That alone is some pretty big motivation to give it a try, especially if you’ve ever considered buying pricey silica supplements. Silica is key to collagen production, which keeps your skin, hair, and nails healthy and beautiful, as well as supporting healthy bones.

Can diatomaceous earth lower cholesterol? According to this study, yes, it can. Now, that doesn’t mean throw out your prescription medications and buy a 50-pound bag of diatomaceous earth.

Diatomaceous earth clears the body of unwanted parasites. Many studies on different animals, such as chickens or sheep, have indicated a correlation between consuming diatomaceous earth and a significant reduction in parasites. And yes, humans have parasites, as well.

Some credit the abrasive nature of diatomaceous earth for this benefit, which acts as a sort of cleanser of your gastrointestinal system, both of parasitic elements and as a natural, mild laxative. Other cite its negative ionic charge which may act as a sort of magnet for parasites, harmful bacteria, and even toxic metals to flush them out of the body for better health.

What are the Potential Risks of Diatomaceous Earth?

Just in case you didn’t catch it the first couple of times it was mentioned, the first potential risk with using diatomaceous earth is not purchasing food grade quality for internal consumption. There are many people selling packages of this product on Amazon, but be sure they clearly state that you are buying food grade.

Also be sure if you decide to begin taking diatomaceous earth, to avoid inhaling it as it can be very abrasive to the nasal passages and lungs.

How Do I Take Diatomaceous Earth?

As with any new health routine regarding nutritional supplements, it’s always a good policy to start with small amounts and gradually increase your dose in case of side effects and to see what’s the best dose for you. Many people recommend starting with just a half a teaspoon in 12 ounces of water daily in the morning with a gradual increase to 2 to 3 teaspoons daily.

If you experience cramping or diarrhea, it could be you started with too high of a dose, as some users say they had cramping as the diatomaceous earth went to work on parasites and the bad bacteria. Either reduce your dose or take it less frequently till your body adjusts to the cleanse. After all, this is a detox, and as with all detoxification processes, a little discomfort at the beginning is not unusual.

Want to give diatomaceous earth a try? You can check your local health food store or buy it on Amazon. How did we ever function without them? The best deal as of this writing is 4 pounds for $14.99 with Prime shipping available: Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade, 4lb w/ Free Powder Duster

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