Melissa Malinowski, ND

Naturopath Practitioner

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Diatomaceous Earth for Heavy Metal Detox, Insecticide, Parasite Cleanse, E-coli & Virus Detox, Pain and Weight Loss

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DE3

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) (along with Matula tea, see below for more information) is one of my absolute favorite secret weapons in my healing tool box for deep healing of the body whether for humans, pets and in the garden.  First, I need to mention that the DE I am speaking of is the food grade version, not the industrial version used in cleaning swimming pools.

So, let’s explain Diatomaceous Earth in more detail. Diatoms are a major group of algae, and are among the most common types of phytoplankton. Most diatoms are unicellular, although they can exist as colonies in the shape of filaments or ribbons (e.g. Fragilaria), fans (e.g. Meridion), zigzags (e.g. Tabellaria), or stars (e.g. Asterionella). Diatoms are producers within the food chain. A unique feature of diatom cells is that they are enclosed within a cell wall made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide) called a frustule. These frustules show a wide diversity in form, but are usually almost bilaterally symmetrical, hence the group name. The symmetry is not perfect since one of the valves is slightly larger than the other allowing one valve to fit inside the edge of the other. Fossil evidence suggests that they originated during, or before, the early Jurassic Period. (Source) Diatomaceous earth has so many health benefits primairy due to its high mineral content, which consists of approximately  89% amorphous silica and approximately 20 trace minerals. The silica in diatomaceous earth is also very effective in preventing premature aging. Silica can also make age spots fade and also helps to repair and maintain lung tissue elasticity.

Silica is the most abundant trace mineral on earth and specifically in our bodies. Healthy individuals walk around with more silica than any other mineral. It is involved in endless amounts of body functions and is critical to proper mineral absorption.

What I love most about DE is that it acts just like a scrubbing tool inside your digestive tract and then breaks down microbes especially parasites. Diatomaceous earth is probably the best natural anti-parasitic therapies. It is a natural pesticide that does not harm humans or pets when taken in safe dosages. It is believed to kill insects, worms and parasites by dehydrating them.

Diatomaceous Earth’s mode of action for parasite and insect control is strictly mechanical. The microscopically sharp edges contact the foreign invader, and pierce their protective coating, so they soon dehydrate and die. The larvae is affected in the same way. The sharp points found on fossilized diatom exoskeletons create a safe and non-toxic strong abrasive that scrubs intestinal walls and cuts up any parasites present in the digestive tract. Additionally, as it passes the digestive tract, it attracts and absorbs pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. It also absorbs and removes drug residues, heavy metals and pesticides. So, it is useful for people, pets and in the garden.

 Human Health Benefits of DE

  • Helps clear “dampness”
  • Natural colon detoxifier
  • Natural colon deodorizer
  • Heavy metal detoxifier
  • Helps to “clear the terrain” to restore healthy bowel movements
  • Natural anti-parasitic
  • Detoxes bacteria, viruses and candida
  • Yeast infections
  • Regulate blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Help with aches and pain
  • Helps with stubborn belly fat and weight loss
  • Strengthens hair, supports the skin and toughens nails
  • Healthy teeth and gums (can be used in remineralizing tooth paste)
  • Restores energy levels (best to take in the a.m.)
  • Kills bed bugs

Matula Tea

In conjunction with DE, I highly recommend Matula tea, especially for deep healing and correcting of H. Pylori, E. coli, candida, GERD, other bowel issues. Matula Herbal Formula – Broad Spectrum uses matula-box-400w

“Doctors have found Matula to be effective in most upper abdominal complaints. Even if Helicobacter Pylori, E. coli and Candida tests have been positive or negative, like GERD and Non Ulcer Dyspepsia, Peptic Ulcers, Small Bowel Inflammation, Dysbiosis, Diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Barrett’s Esophagus and Gastroenteritis, both in the bowel as well as vaginal and dermatological. Some Doctors have also
used Matula Herbal Formula as a topical application for impetigo lesions, for intranasal staphylococcal infections, for otitis externa and even eye infections. Doctors have even reported treating a venous stasis ulcer, with a mixed bacterial infection, successfully!” (Source)

DE Dosage for Humans

1/8 teaspoon for adults for the first week in the a.m. with a large glass of water. Take along with living clay and strong probiotics. After 1 week slowly ramp up to 1/4 teaspoon if all goes well, then after the third week, you can try to slowly ramp up to 1/2 tsp then 1 teaspoon with a full 8 ounces of water per day, preferably on an empty stomach with the living clay and probiotics. Be sure to stir your mixture consistently as DE tends to settle to bottom of glass. Consistency is key for true results, plan to use for 14 days, then stop for one week, and begin again. This should kill/slice the biofilms after about one month.

*NOTE: DE is naturally very dehydrating and detoxifying. This is the action that kills harmful microbes. If after taking it, you notice a dry throat, mouth, dry upon swallowing, etc… you may be experiencing “die-off” and are most likely taking too much. Less is more with DE. It could be working on harmful micro-organisms in the throat and mouth and even lungs. I recommend pausing for a day or two then resume with smaller dosages early in the day, perhaps just an 1/8 of a tsp every other day with a very large glass of water.

I would NOT recommend taking DE while pregnant or nursing, as it is very detoxifying.

DE for Pet Issues

In addition to DE, I also highly recommend this diet for dogs and cats to help with any health issues.

  • Natural flea killer
  • Natural tick killer
  • Detoxes parasites
  • Excellent de-wormer (eliminates roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms within seven days of using DE consistantly.
  • Detoxes the colon
  • Great for allergies

To be most effective, Diatomaceous Earth should be fed for at least 30 days, to catch all newly hatching eggs or the cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach.

DE Dosage for Pets

When giving pets diatomaceous earth orally, just mix it in their food and moisten with water or bone broth.

Felines

Kittens should receive 1/8 of a teaspoon every other day while large cats should be given 1/4 teaspoon/day

Canines

Very small dogs should receive 1/8 teaspoon/every other day
Dogs under 50 pounds – 1/8 teaspoon/day
Dogs 50 to 100 pounds – 1/4/day
Dogs more than 100 pounds – 1/2 tsp/day

Note: I would slowly ramp up to the full dose over a 7 day period, go slow to avoid a healing crisis. Start with a small dose and work up.

For external parasite control, simply rub the powder at full strength into the coat for fleas and sprinkle on bedding. Consistency is key for true results, plan to use for 30 days.

DE in the Garden

Use DE in your garden to help with ridding these insects:

  • Aphids
  • Thrips
  • Ants
  • Mites
  • Earwigs
  • Bedbugs
  • Adult Flea Beetles
  • Cockroaches
  • Snails
  • Slugs
  • Tomato bugs

To the insects, the diatomaceous earth is a lethal dust with microscopic sharp edges that cut through the insect’s protective covering, causing them to dry out, thus killing them when they are either dusted with the diatomaceous earth or applied in a wet spray form.

One of the benefits of diatomaceous earth for insect control is that the insects it helps to control, have no way to build up a resistance to the diatomaceous earth, like with many of the chemical control insecticides.

The diatomaceous earth will not harm the worms or any of the beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

In the garden diatomaceous earth may be applied as a dust with a dust applicator approved for such use. Even though this is food grade DE, you may want to wear a dust mask during application of the diatomaceous earth and leave the mask on until you have left the dusting area. Keep pets and children clear of the dusting area until the dust has settled.

It is better to apply the product in a wettable form. If it rains right after the dust application, it will need to be reapplied. A great time to do the dust application is right after a light rain or in the very early morning when the dew is upon the foliage as it helps the dust to stick well to the foliage.

For doing the spray application of diatomaceous earth, the mix ratio is usually one (1) cup of diatomaceous earth per ½ gallon or two (2) cups per gallon of water. Keep the mix tank agitated or stir it often to keep the diatomaceous earth powder well mixed with the water. This mix may also be applied as a paint of sorts to trees and some shrubs. Consistency is key for true results.

Where to Purchase DE and Other Helpful Resources:

NOTE:  If you have specific questions regarding DE or want more guidance, I cannot answer your personal questions until you are an active client. Please feel free to contact me for the health history form for you and/or your pet and I would love to consult with you one-on-one and answer your questions. Local Grand Rapids, MI clients only at this time.

Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/030688_Diatomaceous_earth_health.html#
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth
http://www.earthworkshealth.com/human-use.php
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/diatomaceous-earth-insect-control.htm
http://www.morethanalive.com/Diatomaceous-Earth-Food-Grade-Powder
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/benefits-diatomaceous-earth/

Do you use DE? How has it helped you, your pet or in the garden?

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Comments

  1. I was wondering. I am currently taking matula once in am and evening. If I am adding diatomaceous earth to my regimen and living clay, when should I take those? Before or after my matula tea in morning which recommends doing on empty stomache first thing.

    Thank you

    Reply

  2. I am not having any luck locating the living clay. Would you recommend another product or brand?

    Reply

  3. Hi! I’ve been reading up on using DE as a supplement, but I have a shellfish allergy. I have read mostly that this shouldn’t be an issue, but one or two articles I read have said it can possibly be an issue. What are your thoughts? Thanks!

    Reply

    • I typically don’t see an issue, but everyone is different, and there could be something else going on, such as a detox reaction. You could try a very very low dose and very slowly increase.

      Reply

  4. Great post, Melissa.

    I’m just starting to use / look into DE and I have a few questions:

    Have you done any research or come to any conclusions about how long it’s recommended / advisable to take DE?
    Also, if DE has a negative charge, wouldn’t it remove things that have a positive charge including things that we want in our body like Na+? Does taking DE 1 hour away from other things prevent the strong negative charge from removing positively charged things that we would want in our bodies? Or perhaps I am understanding the positive and negative charge issue the wrong way.

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Adrienne, thanks for reading. In general, I recommend taking DE for roughly 14 days, then stop for one week, and begin again and rotate, if need be for around 90 days total, while tracking your symptoms. And yes any time you are using substances with a negative charge you want to replace the positives. An example would be chelation therapy….it takes out the heavy metals but you must replace the minerals, same with the clays and diatomaceous earth. They are very helpful to us but we must always remember to put the positive back in place. That is when working with a skilled functional nutrition practitioner is important, they can test for individual minerals and see what you may be low in and need during the process. Hope this helps.

      Reply

  5. Could you explain (or send me a link to an source that explains) why I would not want to nurse while using DE? I’m nursing now and planning on nursing for at least a year here. My husband and I would like to have a 3-4 children and I want to nurse them all. So in essence, does this mean for all those years pregnant/nursing I shouldn’t use DE? If so, What alternatives would you recommend detoxing?

    Reply

    • DE facilitates detoxification, many times deeper detox, which is not safe or recommended when pregnant and/or nursing. For alternatives to detoxing, you’ll want to discuss with your naturopath you’re working with. There are many layers to this.

      Reply

  8. can multivitamins (Centrum for Adults, at Costco) take in conjunction with DE? if they can take together when is a good time to take? and if I start a low dose of DE how long should I take per a session? Thank you

    Reply

    • Yes you can and at any time, however, I would not recommend store bought ones, such as centrum, there is no nutrition to those and many preservatives.

      Reply

  11. Hi! I’ve been preparing to start diatomaceous earth for my 2 yo son. We are planning to kill and eliminate hookworms that we believe have been hitching a ride since May this year. Is there a safer dose for a typical 3ft tall 2 year old than starting with ⅛ tsp or should I plan to start there and proceed accordingly?
    I saw that you recommend a day or 2 off, so I’m just going to gauge him (based on hydration, overall comfort, and die-off reactions, etc.).

    Any help is appreciated. I know you aren’t able to evaluate him, but just hoping you could give some recommendation.

    Reply

    • For sure, less is more and starting slow and ramping up slowly is best. Yes, observe closely and use strong probiotics too.

      Reply

  12. Hi Melissa,

    I began taking DE four days ago, starting out with 2 tsps, which I think was too much. I felt a bit of cramping on the second day. And yesterday the cramping was just horrible and I had diarrhea. I lowered the dose to 1 tsp this morning, but still have bad cramping and diarrhea (although not as bad as yesterday). I will lower the dose again, and maybe just do every other day for now. Generally speaking, I don’t feel unhealthy, and I only started taking DE because my mother-in-law bought it to help with my hair, which really thinned out after pregnancy. After getting upset stomach, I did more research, and realized I’m detoxing. As painful as it it, I’d like to continue. If there’s bad stuff to get out, I want to get it out! Is the diarrhea and cramping normal (I drink lots of water because I read that DE can cause constipation)? Am I having a Herx reaction?

    Thanks for any info you can offer!

    Reply

    • It does sound like retracing or a healing crisis. This is why working with a skilled practitioner is so helpful. You very well may also need strong probiotics, minerals and a good drainage/lymph protocol.

      Reply

  13. hi
    Last week I started with 1tsp of DE and got severe bloating, headaches, tingling scalp, feeling wired, heart palpitations, mentally out of it. I am very sensitive and cannot handle things like alcohol, caffeine or any stimulants, and though I know this is not a stimulant, still felt that way. No matter how much water I drank (about a gallon/day), I felt intensely dehydrated… The only time Ive had a reaction like this was when I attempted taking Iodine supplement which I quickly learned I am allergic to after experimenting with lower and lower dosages for a couple weeks. Same side effects as this. So I took 5 days off and resumed my balance and tried 1/4 tsp of DE yesterday morning… and same exact thing happened, no lesser degree! Woke up this morning super wired still bloated and tingly… Not sure if this is just not for me but Id love some feedback… I am glad to have just seen this site that says to start with 1/8tsp… maybe i will take a day off today and attempt that dosage tmrw? hard to imagine i won’t feel the same thing though…. my health is pretty ‘fine’, no big problems… my sense is that its heavy medal detox that I’m experiencing even though I’ve never had any mercury fillings etc… thanks for any feedback***

    Reply

    • You may want to take a longer break from it and work on cleaning up your channels of elimination first. It sounds like the toxins aren’t able to move out and your having a histamaine/herx reaction. I would work on the liver, kidneys, gut and lungs first for a couple months. Then when you add in the DE go very very very slow. Like a pinch every other day and work up, but always listen to your body. DE can be a very potent detoxifier for many folks. Go slow. If you need more one on one working through this, I’m happy to help. Feel free to send over your health history form.

      Reply

      • Hi Melissa,

        Thank you very much for your response. This is what I was thinking was going on… and possibly why I had the same reaction to iodine…

        I saw on the health history form that there is an initial consultation fee. Is that required to get feedback from the health history form?

        thanks,
        Lindsay

        Reply

    • The experiences I have had in the past with different herbs and remedies that target parasites, is that the responses I get are rarely from me, but are from the parasites. I am only wired and anxious because they are anxious. I am bloated because they are triggering gas. I get an intensely itchy and prickly scalp and an instant headache because they have gone into hatching overdrive as a preservation instinct and the larvae are moving around my scalp.

      Palpitations can even have parasite involvement. I am fortunate (if you can call it that) in that I am aware of my parasites. I feel their movements and know that the strange symptoms I get are to do with their activity. But most people are blissfully unaware of their presence – only that they feel lethargic and unwell. They steal our health and vitality.

      These things can emit unnatural enzymes and hormones, block our enzymes and hormones, and release substances that can trigger histamine or neurotoxins. They can trigger cravings (they make you crave the food they want!), and keep you awake at night (they are nocturnal). Do you feel worse around Full Moon (and to a lesser extent New Moon…)? They do a lot of breeding and hatching around that time.

      Many people who have taken DE for some time have found (undoubtedly as the parasitic load is lowered) their allergies and sensitivities going away. Whilst the Silica in DE is touted as being responsible for connective tissue support, better hair, skin, nails, teeth and gums, and overall wellbeing, I suspect the real benefit comes from no longer having parasites continually hijacking ones’ nutrition…….

      Reply

      • Ali, what a wonderful awareness, I love it!! Are you a practitioner of some sort, if not, you could help a lot of people. Thanks so much for the comment, feel free to chime in at anytime here 🙂

        Reply

        • Hi Melissa. No I am not a qualified professional (although I feel like one, sometimes….LOL), but just an avid learner and analyzer. I have learned a lot about my body and how to read it since I started this journey 9 years ago.

          What I do know is that we are made of the elements, and if any of those elements cannot get through, or are being hijacked – either by parasites, or by poor choices of nutritionally-deplete or empty pseudo-food diverting the nutrients, we get sick.

          Reply

          • Well, you are a very dialed in individual, again, you are always welcome to comment on my blog. Thanks again for reading and being you!

      • You are right on, I couldn’t have said it better. I’m 65 and have had 3 cancers& 16 surgrys..I have bra 2. Been sick all my life. But I line dance& still active. DE and grounding are the best things I’ve found. Your very smart for your age. Joyful health to you. Dianalynn

        Reply

  15. Hi! After my pregnancy I had diagnosed with candida and now I have a lot of sugar craving, and of course gain weight like never before so I read that clean the liver using Choline, B complex and acid folic can help to clean my liver and loose weight, should I start with those before taking DE and clay?

    Reply

    • Hi Belinda. It’s hard to say in a blog comment. I give specific direction when I work one-on-one with clients, as everyone is different. I’m happy to write a protocol out for you. Please send over your health history form first. Thanks much!

      Reply

  16. Melissa, all this talk about killing parasites and micro organisms makes me concerned about the good bacteria. Does DE and living clay kill these too?

    Thanks, Susanne

    Reply

        • Hi Roy, Diatomaceous Earth will not absorb beneficial bacteria simply due to the fact that DE has a negative charge and bad bacteria has a positive charge. DE will attract and absorb the bad bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc without harming anything good or beneficial.

          Reply

  17. Thank you for the informative post. I have just started taking DE and would like to start it with my son, who is 11 and treating Lyme. Because he takes other supplements and antibiotics, I am trying to figure out what is a good time to take the DE. You mention taking the DE with probiotics – that confuses me because I thought DE was killing bacteria in the gut yet it is okay to take it with good bacteria (probiotics)?

    Reply

  18. Hi,

    You mentioned Diatomaceous Earth can kill/slice biofilm. But what about killing/slicing SIBO that makes biofilm? There’s not much info on the web about Diatomaceous Earth and SIBO, I’m assuming because there hasn’t been many studies on it, or many testimonies of people who tried it. I’m doing a trial of DE for SIBO and Parasites. I have been tested positive for a fairly common parasite, but haven’t been tested for SIBO although it’s suspect. I figure it’s worth a try to at least kill off the parasite, and hopefully any candida, bacterial and SIBO in the process.

    Cheers,

    Michael

    Reply

    • Unless I bioenergetically assess a client, I’m not sure if it is exactly what they need to balance them. Please keep me posted though, I’d love to know if it helped you Michael. Thanks!

      Reply

      • Hi,

        Well, I’m on my 3rd week of DE. I actually started right in at 1 teaspoon twice per day. For the first two weeks, I felt a bit better after taking a dose, my bowels were fine, my gut seemed to feel better in a way, less malaise/nausea kind of feelings, more energy, etc… But, then as the 3rd week approached, I because VERY dehydrated, constipated, some chills at times, but after drinking TONS of water the other day, my bowels are very normal. But…..today after my afternoon dose of DE, I started feeling really ill like, malaise/nausea again. I haven’t felt like this is in a long time. My gut is also VERY tight, not bloated but TIGHT. I have an appetite, I can eat, no heart burn, but slight acid reflux on occasion.

        Can it take some time before a major detox takes place? Sounds like some people detox reactions happen right away, for me seemed like it’s taken 2 weeks or more. But, I’ve been doing other detox related stuff, glutathione, fulvic acid, Chorella/Cilantro/Oregano, etc…

        Anyway, I’ve read that some of these symptoms could be related to die-off of parasites, things getting congested in the gut from the die-off, etc… I’m hoping this is just temporary die-off. Maybe some parasites are just now dying off, maybe the biofilm of the SIBO is breaking apart and SIBO is exposed and dying off? Not sure. I will keep taking DE and see how it goes. I might take a break this weekend as I’m headed out of town, then resume on Monday.

        Cheers

        Reply

        • It can be die off and everyone’s timeline is unique to them depending on the function of their liver, kidneys and lymph. But again really really listen to your body. I find that DE can be super drying and can create a tightness, even in the chest/lungs. Go slow and take breaks otherwise the pathogenic microorganism can adapt.

          Reply

  19. I had parasites and slight candida….I have been using the Lady Soma Candida Cleanse – I first took 6 pills right away – WORMS GONE. I noticed when I elimated alot of dead worms and those round like parasites…..they are also super gentle on my system. I didnt even use the whole Lady Soma bottle…i still have it in my drawer cause it cleared me up right away….

    Reply

  20. Hello!

    I have been searching to find an answer to my question about DE with no luck! I know that a lot of ‘clean you out’ type of things are not to be taken around the same time as other supplements. How long should I wait before & after taking DE to take my other supplements? Probiotic/Chlorella/Zinc/B’s

    Thank you!!

    Reply

  21. Hello! re the 2 weeks on, 1 week off for the DE, do you recommend doing the same with the clay – or keep the clay going? I presume the probiotics are ongoing? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Great job! You can actually experiment both ways and see what yields the best results. But the clay and probiotics with the DE for sure. Most folks probiotics ongoing works well.

      Reply

  23. I’m definitely going to try this! So many things I hope it helps me with! I’ll try to get back to you with results after I start!

    Thanks for the great info!

    Reply

  24. Anyone know if it’s normal to have nausea and other related issues when taking DE? I WISH constipation was my problem. Well, no, I don’t, but…ugh. It’d be better than what I’m experiencing. I get chills and then have to run to the bathroom over and over. Miserable. I started with 1/2 teaspoon, and now I’ve moved down to a teeny little scoop (I think it’s 1/8) in 16.9 oz of water. I actually skipped yesterday, and may start doing it every other day. I just drank only half the bottle and feel slightly nauseous, stomach is kinda growling… UGH! It’s been almost two weeks. I really want to stick with this but good lord, it’s hard. I thought if I got any detox symptoms it’d just be headaches, feeling tired…that sort of thing. Stomach issues are the worst for me.

    My fear is that this isn’t related to detoxing, too – that I just can’t handle the DE. I hope that’s not the case. I have bad eye floaters and have seen multiple people – probably at least ten – talking about how DE worked for their eye floaters. I also have muscle pain that the doctors have been unable to diagnose/treat successfully.

    Reply

    • Hi Lynn

      It sounds like you might want to pause the DE. There are many other ways to balance microorganism in the body aside from using DE. Check out my other articles on gut health. If you still need more 1:1 guidance, I am happy to help. Please download then fill out the health history form and email it back. And I can guide you step by step.

      Reply

  25. Hi I suspected I had parasites and got DE that I’ve had for a week now and on 1T dose. my mom started on a low dose now too although she is constipated and wants to stop because of the DE being a cause. Is that temporary or is there some laxative/colon cleanse thing your supposed to do? also I myself have been good and then some bad symptoms again, hoping that’s the die-off

    Reply

    • I recommend adding the two products I mention in my article that help with the DE. You can also add my bowel cleansing smoothie, its great for kick starting peristalsis.

      Reply

  26. I’m just starting DE. I have lyme and parasites.
    How far away from food and supplements, meds do i need to take DE?
    I tend ti wake in the middle of the night and i take charcoal and it helps me get back to sleep. somethings going crazy!!!! can i take the DE with the charcoal?
    this way it will be away from everything?? will the charcoal absorb the DE???

    Reply

    • Hi Megan, yes you can take the DE with the charcoal for optimal functioning of the nutrients.

      Reply

    • Hi Nikki, I cannot guarantee anything. The best way to find out is to get in and try it. Please keep me posted.

      Reply

  28. I have had the ebstien bar virus 20 yr.s I starting taking DE and felt better after 2 days but then started to feel really tired and foggy after a week of being on it . Am I detoxing ? How long does it take to feel the effect of the detox . should I ride this out ? What are symptoms of detoxing
    thanks Erin

    Reply

  29. Hi Melissa,

    I am trying to get rid of some parasites picked up on a recent trip, and as I have read about different methods to get rid of these nasty guys there seems to be a lot of confusing information on needing to do a liver cleanse before targeting the digestive system, because of detox effects. Could you address this? I’m worried about hurting my liver but your recommendations for DE seem very gentle to begin with….thanks very much!

    Reply

    • Hi Kim

      It’s always important to keep the liver detox pathway open, especially if you are doing a deeper cleanse. So I would recommend doing some liver work first. I’d be happy to guide you and give you step-by-step directions to take the confusion out of this process. Here is the health history form to fill out and email back if you are interested.

      Reply

  30. I am a healthy 83, a healthy vitamin/mineral/supplement nut for
    52 years. I started ‘DE’ over 2 years ago, never less than 1 tbsp a day, or more, with 6 to 12 grams of vitamin ‘C’.
    ‘DE’ is a truly amazing whole body nutrient.

    Reply

  31. I started taking DE a few weeks ago. I am currently breastfeeding a 6 month old baby. I started on a low dose 1/8 tsp and am now taking 1/2 tsp. I have felt better since I started taking it but I am concerned about toxins in the breastmilk. I was told it was safe to take while breastfeeding, but now see some information on the internet that states otherwise. Do you know if it is safe while breastfeeding?

    Reply

    • I absolutely would NOT recommend taking DE while pregnant or nursing, I think its better to error on the side of safety and caution and DE is pretty detoxifying.

      Reply

      • Thank you for your response 🙂 I quit taking DE a few days ago. Of course now I have the worry of what toxins have passed through my milk to my baby 🙁 He has had cold symptoms and I am concerned this may be a sign of toxic milk….

        Reply

      • what if you go past the 14 day period for this detox i have been doing it for almost 4 weeks now im taking 1 tbs of the redmond clay and 3 tsp of DE

        Reply

  33. Hi Melissa, If I am on prescription meds for different reasons. And of coarse I’m sure they are toxic to my body, (working on eliminating what I can) Will I always have die off symptoms when I do the DE. I am a juvenile diabetic for the last 32 years and battle high blood sugars which creates the yeast beast. But eat very clean. Thanks for any help!! I do take a lot of good probiotics already which helps.

    Reply

    • Hi Dawn, it’s hard to know for sure if someone will experience die-off in advance. Most people have toxins of some sort. So, my recommendation is to go very very slow to start. 1/8 tsp with a large glass of water and you can even do this just every other day – see how you feel, then slowly ramp up. Be sure you have adequate draining support and your lymph is clearing too. Other tips: use a foam roller, lift light weights, dry skin brush, stretch, get massages, etc…

      Reply

      • Hi Melissa, Thank you for the tips, not quite sure what you mean by drainage support and how to clear my lymph system. I do lift weights and have a roller so I”ll star to use that. I also have this thing called a Wellbox that has rollers of various sizes with a suction hose. Helps to stimulate muscle and fat, would that help. Thanks again for all your help…
        Dawn

        Reply

  34. I was a reluctant detoxifying participant ( my little sisters idea) I just finished and past an 18 in parasite ok now I’m a believer and freaked out! I’m so sick and so thin this is why, I may never eat meat again, I’m disgusted

    Reply

    • Wow, Amber that is the power of detox. Can I use your testimonial, do you have a picture of the parasite? Also, the parasite and eggs could have very easily come from produce, door knobs, a hand shake, pets or the soil. They are everywhere, that’s why you have to keep a boosted immune system, strong digestive tract and keep things moving. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

  35. Hello! Great article. I’m wondering if it’s okay to do the DE cleanse during the early stages of pregnancy? Thanks!

    Reply

  36. Do you take DE and clay and probiotics literally at the same time, or at different times of day? Can I mix DE and clay in the same glass of water? Or would that negate the effects of either?

    Reply

    • I recommend making a sludgy cocktail with DE, clay and filtered water to drink together. The probiotics you can take anytime throughout the day as usual. You might even want to up your dose a bit of probiotics during this protocol.

      Reply

  37. Have you heard of anyone with gastroparesis taking DE and the outcome? I’m trying to find something that may help a friend in very much need. Thanks so much in advance

    Reply

    • I’ve worked with lots of clients on correcting the root cause to digestive issues, even motility concerns. Every person is different and their imbalances and causes are unique to them. Some may do well with DE, but there may be other factors as well that need to be covered. I would recommend working 1:1 with a seasoned practitioner to determine that for your friend or they can always try, by starting slow and see how it works.

      Reply

    • Catherine, you can take with food or away. I would experiment and see what yields the best results for you, everyone is different.

      Reply

        • Hi Catherine, no contraindications with nutritional supplements in the literature, as far as meds, since I am not a licensed MD I would refer to one just to be sure. Sorry I couldn’t be more help with that.

          Reply

  39. Thank you for this article. I have been diagnosed with systemic candida and have a lot of related issues tagging alone and making my life miserable, too. I want to try DE but words like “cut” referring to the intestinal tract make me a bit squeamish. ..also, I read that bentonite clay and other clays are not independently tested for arsenic, Mercury and other heavy metals that can be harmful. How can I be sure that the clay I buy is free from those? Can you take DE with flax instead? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Hi Jo

      I would recommend going with a well sourced clay such as Redmond. “Every plant and animal alive contains a trace amount of heavy metals, which has been associated with healthy cellular function and metabolic processes.” Many clays have small amounts naturally occurring metals. Read more here. You can try and take DE with flax and see if you are getting the results you are looking for. Just speaking from experience living clay is amazing and works well to clean the digestive tract. Think of DE as breaking down biofilms and other foreign invaders. But again, you need to feel comfortable with the process. Or even better, work one-on-one with a seasoned practitioner to help guide you.

      Reply

    • Hi Nichole,

      I can’t speak to “treating” anything, as I’m not an MD. For whole body support, I recommend strong probiotics http://amzn.to/1FR4uhg and fermented foods, you could also use very small doses of DE for children. Always go slow and use common sense.

      Reply

  42. Diamateous Earth works, for morgellons disease, along with food grade 35% grade peroxide, also jutrian rx
    will give you all amino acids and minerals to fight these manmade invasions to our bodies!

    Reply

  43. Hey Missy, I am having a terrible time with fleas on my dog this year. I was using Hartz oil on his back, then used Meijers brand, Neither worked and he got them. I had him flea dipped and sprayed the house down. Still he had them. Then he got ear infections and nasty hot spots. So he was put on antibioitics, steroids, sprays and ointment for weeks. And then I bought expensive oil from the vet a couple weeks ago and expensive house spray and did that. I put him on Diatomaceous earth over a month ago and faithfully give it every day. Today I found a flea on him again. He is an indoor dog, doesn’t go anywhere, and is on cement when he goes out to pee/poop. Help! I’ve sprayed him with your witch hazel essential oils spray too. I’m going broke on him. Love to you, Barb

    Reply

    • Hi Barb

      Thanks for the comment. Gosh, it sounds like there might be a few things going on. I would really need his health history and know his diet, meds, etc… But you can start with feeding him a total grain free diet and adding well sourced fats and proteins and fermented foods, all of this is on my blog. This will help boost his immune system to fight off the fleas. Here is my Animal Health category. Hope this is at least a start.

      Reply

      • Thanks Missy. My dog isn’t on any meds. I was feeding meijers dry food and just switched to Iams Lamb and rice food. He’s never had any health problems before really other than hurting his back and a leg that healed on their own.

        Reply

  44. Actually all kibble is actually unhealthy for cats. it is too high in plant based ingredients and too low in moisture to be considered a healthful diet. http://catinfo.org a website run by a vet who actually studies feline nutrition.

    Reply

    • I offer real food resources that are realistic for people to feed their pets. Of course BARF or raw is best.

      Reply

  45. 30 days is all it takes to get rid of heavy metals? I have been looking for a safe and effective way to get rid of lead. I am so happy to have found this article. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Sometimes there needs to be more support for the body such as support for the liver and kidneys or the specific area where the metal is located as well. Using DE is a great start. Glad this was helpful!

      Reply

      • I do take an herbal tincture for my liver but have not found anything for the kidneys. Do you know where I can support for my kidneys?

        Reply

        • Hi Christy, I have several different kidney support nutrients I use for my clients. They provide deep detoxification and healing of the kidneys, along with repairing. They also help help with kidney overload and help open up the channels of elimination. Feel free to contact me.
          Melissa

          Reply

  46. Have your heard of any contraindications for using DE? Or any stories in the positive or negative for using DE for 30 days or more? Thanks!

    Reply

    • No contraindications, just go real slow so you don’t have a healing crisis. DE works really well! Lots of stories of correcting gut issues-constipation, parasites and yeast and correcting my pet clients issues-fleas, allergies, etc…

      Keep me posted! I’d love to hear back from you.

      Reply

      • I’m currently having bad stomach pains on my left side after taking DE for 3 days, 1 tsp each day in water. I also have been having a lot of small bowel movements for about 24 hours. Could the pains be from die off or detoxing too fast?

        Reply

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