Diatomaceous Earth: Better skin, hair, joints and POO!
What if I told you there was a detox hack you could take that improved your skin, hair and nails, improved your poop and strengthened your joints all while being one of the cheapest ‘detox’ products on the market.
It’s true, and I’ve been doing it for a couple of years now. And after vast personal experience as a practitioner and user, I’m ready to recommend it.
It’s called diatomaceous earth (pronounced “Dya-Tom-acious" earth), and it’s been slowly climbing in notoriety within the natural health world.
You might have heard of it before, but not in the consumable way - people use diatomaceous earth as a natural insect killer in their homes. It has insecticidal properties - it compromises their exoskeletons causing them to dehydrate and die (morbid I know). People use it to rid unwanted bugs from their homes, and gardens; but many don’t know about the benefits when taken internally.
Word of caution: there is food-grade (edible) and non-food-grade diatomaceous earth. I am referring to the FOOD-grade kind.
What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is essentially fossilized diatoms, single-celled algae encased in a silica cell wall. This makes this powder a great source of silica, the mineral involved with healthy bones, tendons, arterial walls, skin, hair and nails.
Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth:
Helps cleanse the digestive tract by ‘scrubbing’ the intestines and colon wall, removing fecal matter that’s stuck and therefore building up.
Improved bowel movements.
Rich source of silica, a mineral depleted in modern soil. Silica is responsible for the regeneration of skin and it's elasticity, circulation and in general, the anti-aging process.
The combination of silica, and the removal of built up stagnant poo both contribute to a smoother complexion, and healthier hair and nails.
Improves joint and tendon health.
Improves calcium absorption in the body (yay bone health!)
Detoxify heavy metals, largely in part to its silica content, which has been shown to have an affinity for aluminium among others and help prevent heavy metal accumulation in the body. (1)
Has anti-parasitic and anti-candida properties.
How to take Diatomaceous Earth:
**If you choose to try this wonderful powder out, MAKE SURE you drink enough water throughout the day. Taking DE without enough water daily can result in constipation.
Start with 1 tsp. in a large glass of water, once a day for two weeks.
Increase to 1 tbsp. in water, once a day for another 2-3 weeks.Traditionally, it’s best to take on an empty stomach, 1-2 hours before food.**
**Personally, I found that taking it on its own resulted in some mild constipation, so my hack (that worked for me and other clients) is to take the earth with some form of protein powder. Your call, both (on its own or with powders) are solid options!
CAUTIONS:
*Take DE a few hours away from other medications and supplements, as it can affect their absorption.
How many times a year do you takeDiatomaceous Earth?
Some say that diatomaceous earth is the one ‘detox’ product you can use all year long, especially because it’s so ridiculously cheap. My advice though, would be to never do anything all the time.
The way I like to do it, after you’ve used it for the 4-5 week period, is to take a couple months break. Then, use it for the first week of every month (or 10 days for every two months).
Another method, after you’ve done the initial 4-5 week period, is to do that same method twice per year.
Where to Buy Diatomaceous Earth
Most health food stores now carry diatomaceous earth, and it should be relatively cheap fror the amount you get. I get a 2.5 kg bag of it for $27.00 (CAD), but the starting point is normally around $12-15 for around 800g of it.
As always, it’s important to monitor how you feel, and find what works for you.