Description
- Diatomaceous earth is a type of powder made from the sediment of fossilized algae found in bodies of water. Because the cells of these algae were high in a compound called silica, the dried sediment produced from these fossils are also very high in silica. These deposits are found all over the world. The ancient Greeks used diatomaceous earth to make building materials, like bricks and blocks. Later on it became popular in Europe for various industrial uses.
- When taken by mouth, diatomaceous earth is used as a source of silica, for treating high cholesterol levels, for treating constipation, and for improving the health of skin, nails, teeth, bones, and hair.
- When applied to the skin or teeth, diatomaceous earth is used to brush teeth or remove unwanted dead skin cells.
How does it work ?
Diatomaceous earth is a powder containing about 80%-90% silica. Also, the powder allows liquids to flow through while capturing unwanted material.
DE contains high levels of silica. It also contains 15 essential trace minerals including phosphorous, selenium, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron
Does Diatomaceous Earth Have Health Benefits?
It is claimed to have the following health benefits:
- Cleanse the digestive tract.
- Support healthy digestion.
- Improve cholesterol and heart health.
- Provide the body with trace minerals.
- Improve bone health.
- Promote hair growth.
- Promote skin health and strong nails.
Effects on Bone Health
- Silicon — the non-oxidized form of silica — is one of many minerals stored in your body.
- Its exact role is not well understood, but it appears to be important for bone health and the structural integrity of nails, hair, and skin
- Due to its silica content, some claim that ingesting diatomaceous earth helps increase your silicon levels.
- Some claim that the silica in diatomaceous earth can increase silicon in your body and strengthen bones, but this hasn’t been proven.
Effects on Toxins
One major health claim for diatomaceous earth is that it can help you detox by cleansing your digestive tract.
This claim is based on its ability to remove heavy metals from water, which is the property that makes diatomaceous earth a popular industrial-grade filter
However, no scientific evidence verifies that this mechanism can be applied to human digestion — or that it has any meaningful effect on your digestive system.
More importantly, no evidence supports the idea that people’s bodies are loaded with toxins that must be removed.
Your body is perfectly capable of neutralizing and removing toxins itself.
There is no evidence that diatomaceous earth helps remove toxins from your digestive system.
Diatomaceous Earth May Lower Cholesterol Levels
To date, only one small human study — which was conducted in 19 people with a history of high cholesterol — has investigated diatomaceous earth as a dietary supplement.
Participants took the supplement three times daily for eight weeks. At the end of the study, total cholesterol went down by 13.2%, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides decreased slightly, and “good” HDL cholesterol.
However, since this trial didn’t include a control group, it cannot prove that diatomaceous earth was responsible for lowering cholesterol.
The researchers concluded that a placebo-controlled study is required.
One small study found that diatomaceous earth can lower cholesterol and triglycerides. The study design was very weak and further research is needed.
Safety of Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe to consume. It passes through your digestive system unchanged and does not enter the bloodstream.
However, you need to be very careful not to inhale diatomaceous earth.
Doing so will irritate your lungs much like the inhalation of dust — but the silica makes it exceptionally harmful.
Inhaling crystalline silica can cause inflammation and scarring of your lungs, known as silicosis.
admin –
DE really revitalised and clarifies your mind. I would recommend you have it at least once a week.