I’ve gotten a lot of emails and messages from IBIH readers asking for updates on my recent issues with food intolerances. First I want to say thank you so much for your concern and well wishes – it really means a lot to me. I’m so excited to let you know that I can now EAT ALL OF THE THINGS!!!!! Which is both good and bad! ha ha!
I went from being able to eat and drink almost nothing without having a reaction, to now being able to eat and drink pretty much anything. I credit this amazing change to the diatomaceous earth I started taking almost 2 weeks ago. In my desperation to find answers to my sudden onset of intolerance to everything, and in getting no answers from the doctors I tried, I did a ton of research online. I tried all sorts of supplements and enzymes in case it was a Histamine Intolerance and saw no improvement.
Mr. Hungry was also doing research and asked me about parasites, because he read that they could cause a sudden onset of food and chemical intolerances. In our research about that, we found diatomaceous earth (DE) which was supposed to kill parasites with no chemicals or herbs, so it was unlikely that I would have a reaction to it. Since DE was also purported to flush out viral, fungal and bacterial pathogens, heavy metals (especially mercury since I have a few amalgam fillings), yeast (Candida) and pesticide residues (we live in an agricultural area and they spray year round here), I thought it was worth trying since all of those things can also contribute to sudden intolerances.
I ordered the Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade ONLY) online and started taking just a teaspoon a day (mixed into water) on an empty stomach, and worked up to a tablespoon a day within a week.
I don’t know how quickly it actually worked, but my last reaction was on a Sunday evening (it was a bad one) and I started taking the DE the next morning and haven’t had a reaction since. I started testing foods in small amounts that Thursday, and nothing produced a reaction. By this past Sunday I was eating everything, and even drank a beer with no issues.
I deliberately pushed the envelope with sugar, gluten, and high sulfite foods like canned tomatoes and aged cheese, just waiting for a reaction to come out of nowhere and it never did (though I felt bloated and awful from eating all that junk). I still can’t believe it! Now that I can eat anything, I’m going back to my low carb/gluten free way of eating (with the occasional splurge) before I gain all the weight back that I lost since January! I’m also very excited to be back in the kitchen and cooking for the blog again. I have lots of recipes on my list to share with you guys soon, and I’m so looking forward to that!
While I can’t be 100% sure that it was the DE that fixed my problem, in my gut I feel strongly that it was no coincidence that my issues went away when I started taking it. I don’t know if it was parasites, or pathogens, or yeast, or built up toxins that were causing my intolerances – maybe it was a combination of things, but I can tell you that in the first week of taking it I saw some very disturbing things getting “flushed” out. That’s all I’m going to say about it, and no I did not take pictures, but I feel a lot better knowing that stuff is gone – whether it was causing my food intolerances or not!
Diatomaceous Earth isn’t just for parasites and all of the other stuff I mentioned, though that alone is more than enough reason for me to keep taking it! There are many, many other health benefits that come from taking DE – including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol! DE is also made up of mostly silica which is crucial for the production of collagen which improves skin tone and the health of your joints and tendons – not to mention gorgeous hair and nails!
I read so many testimonials about DE improving people’s arthritis and joint pain that I told my mother in law about it and she started taking it too. Mr. Hungry is also a believer and has been taking it for over a week, and I’ll be starting our son on it in small doses soon. DE is also used for livestock and pets to control worms and parasites. All of our cats will be starting the DE as well, since that is likely ground zero for a lot of potential parasites that the rest of our family might come in contact with.
There are so many uses for DE that I can’t possibly write about all of them here so I’m going to give you a few great links on it’s many uses, how to use it, where to get it, etc.
FAQ & other DE uses – for pets, livestock, gardens, bedbugs, etc.
Diatomaceous Earth Testimonials 1
Diatomaceous Earth Testimonials 2
Sources to purchase DE online (you can also find it at some health food stores to avoid shipping charges):
To take the DE, stir one tablespoon (you can work up to that amount if you’d like) into about 4 ounces of water. Be very careful not to inhale the dust from it when stirring. Once it’s fully incorporated, drink it down quickly and chase with some more water or your drink of choice. It’s best taken on an empty stomach in the morning or evening before bed (or both if you’re hard core!)
Drink lots of water throughout the day or you may get “bound up” as they say. You may experience some mild stomach discomfort and strange sensations in your abdomen in the first few days (things dying?!?!? Ewww!) which Mr. Hungry and I both did.
It’s also possible to have a Herxheimer Reaction, which is a normal part of detoxing, during which you may experience flu-like symptoms for a few days. This is a result of the toxins being released from the parasites, fungus, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens being killed off. Our family already had a bad cold the week we started taking it so it’s hard to say if we experienced that or not. But if you do, stay the course – it’s a good thing!
If you have food intolerances that randomly just popped up like I did (or even if you’ve had them for awhile), don’t just accept that they are simply there for life like most allergists will tell you. Try the DE – it’s cheap and has many other health benefits so you have nothing to lose! I can’t say enough how glad I am that I found and ordered this amazing product! I’m a believer for life!
If you’ve used DE before with great results (or not) we’d love to hear from you! And if you haven’t yet, but are inspired to research it and try it out for yourself, please do let me know about your experiences with it! I feel like I want to bag it up and hand it out to everyone I know! Hmmm…maybe there is a DE giveaway in the near future – I’ll get on that! ;)
UPDATE 2: I received an email from Larry Smith, the President of Earthworks, who wanted to clear up the misconception about any dangers of inhaling food grade diatomaceous earth – here’s what he wrote: “This is a misunderstanding about food grade DE. There are 2 kinds of DE—food grade and filter grade (used in swimming pool and other filters) Only the filter grade is dangerous to breathe. The “dangerous” part of DE is the amount of crystalline silica that is in it. Filter grade is 65% crystalline silica while food grade is less than 1/10 of 1%! The world health org. has said that diatomaceous earth is safe to breathe as long as the crystalline content is under 2%. Food grade is 20X lower than even that level!!”
So no need to be concerned about any danger associated with using DE for pets, bedding, consumption or anything else – as long as it’s FOOD GRADE! Thanks so much for clearing that up Larry!!! It’s a huge relief to know that I don’t have to worry about that anymore!
Necessary internet disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor do I have any medical training – I’m just sharing what worked for me. Use this product at your own risk. Also, this is not a sponsored or for profit post, and I have no affiliation with any of the companies that produce this product.
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Hari108 says
Hi there really interesting contents! Really happy I found this website. I have been taking DE 1 TBSP a day on and off for a month. The reason why on and off is because I am seeing blood in the poop so I am not sure what is causing it? Plus it is constipating me, but then I drink yogurt and plenty of liquids and that seems to solve the constipation problem. However, now I am taking only 1 TSP a day, because I can still see the blood in the poop, so as a precaution I thought if I diminish the dosage of DR I could continue taking it. I do have good faith in DE, but I have to say that the blood in the poop is making me doubting the benefits. Does anyone went though the process of seeing blood in the poop and having constipation and for how long?
Trampled says
sounds like you could have some other condition. I would go see a doc. asap.
Jane says
Thanks
Jane says
I love your website, My husband and I have diabetes, he has 3 steints and takes medicine for that and we both take medicine for diabetes, can we use diatomaceous dirt? Should we take it first thing in the morning and wait a couple of hours before we take our medicine? Does anyone else have diabetes and takes diatomaceous dirt? Any advice will be welcomed.
Thanks Jane
Dale says
Hi Jane,
I can’t speak about what DE does for Diabetes but I can speak about what 35% food grade Hydrogen Peroxide has done for 2 of my clients who had Diabetes. As well as 5 of my clients who had high blood pressure, acid reflux, and a lot of other things. My 2 clients who had Diabetes said that since they started taking the 35% food grade Hydrogen Peroxide that their neropathy in their legs or numbing, and tingling has stopped and has returned to normal including their blood sugar levels. You can learn about it at foodgrade-hydrogenperoxide.com and if you wish to learn the protocal for taking it there is a book called The One Minute Cure to Virtually all Diseases and also a book called The truth about food grade hydrogen peroxide. I hope that this helps. HERES TO YOUR HEALTH.
Yours truly Dale (EFT Practitioner)
Mike Gish says
Hi Mellissa,
You said if I got any better scientific information on the subject to get back to you, and here’s what I got. If you search the internet, you get all kinds of conflicting information, so I’ve had to do what I’ve had to do so often in life, and that’s experiment.
After using DE multiple times a day, daily, for two weeks, during the first week, I noticed a general increase in strength and well being (as previously stated). During the second week I notice a steady decline, so I stopped taking it. I’m thinking that it indiscriminately scavenges very small substances, good and bad, and that after awhile, you start developing deficiencies in those good things, like micro nutrients.
I’ve stopped using it daily, and after another two weeks I’m back to being even better than before.
So now I’m going to experiment with taking it intermittently. I’m starting with one heaping teaspoonful once every two weeks, although I suspect every week will be better.
My recommendation is that people use it initially, daily for one week. Then take it once a week after that. This is all subjective on my part, and I’m also not typical, each individual needs to take care, pay attention, and discover what course their own best results will come from.
Trampled says
Sounds Like you were having a detox effect. I get sick after the first week this goes away. Cured my joint pain after 3years of it. Skin and hair nails etc… look great too.
Mike Gish says
Well Mellissa, I feel it’s only prudent these days for everyone to use DE, not only for the things it safeguards us from, but also for the protection from silicon deficiency, which I understand almost everyone should also be concerned about, especially if you’re aging.
I’ve suffered no ill effects from it’s use, however, I have noticed an improvement in well being and strength.
I started experimenting with fitness and nutrition when I was nineteen. It made such a remarkable difference in how much I was able to enjoy everything, that I’ve stuck with it my entire adult life. I try to stay on top of state of the art findings in both fields and incorporate them into my lifestyle so as to always be having the best life experience possible.
I also engage in a technique I developed which I call Power Meditation. It’s the foundation on which I build my understanding of how things work.
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks for sharing that Mike, you’re an inspiration!
theresa cowart says
Ok so does it (DE)stop the effects of prescribtion drugs???
Mellissa Sevigny says
It’s recommended that you take the DE at least a few hours away from when you would take any medications just to be sure.
Mike Gish says
If diatomaceous earth scavenges bad bacteria, what’s to keep it from doing the same to good probiotic bacteria?
Dale says
1. Aerobic bacteria inhales oxygen to remain alive.
2. Anaerobic bacteria dies in the presence of oxygen, and therefore avoids O2.
Read more: Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria | Difference Between | Aerobic vs Anaerobic Bacteria http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-aerobic-and-anaerobic-bacteria/#ixzz2q86Ol1CH
I think that the good bacteria is positivily charged were the bad bacteria is negatively charged. I Hope that this helps. Heres to your health. also check out 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide.
Dale
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thank you for taking the time to reply and post that information Dale!!!
Mike Gish says
Thanks Dale, but I still don’t think that answers my question. If it’s the Rice Chex structure that traps things that are small enough to get lodged in it, I can’t see how it could differentiate or even need to between aerobic and anaerobic, or positive and negative charges in order to do what they say it does. Also the article you recommended doesn’t say that aerobic and anaerobic bacteria’s are designations of beneficial and harmful bacteria’s, or have anything to do with intestinal flora at all.
So Mellissa, the kinds of questions I ask, nobody usually knows the answers to, and I won’t hold it against you if you can’t answer mine. There’s probably been no research done on this (specifically).
Mellissa Sevigny says
Hi Mike, I saw your question earlier and meant to get back to it but I’ve been in keto menu plan fog and completely forgot. This question has been asked before and from way back I thought I remembered that it had to do with the negative and positive charge thing but didn’t have time to go find the source where I first read it. There isn’t a lot of scientific research on DE (unfortunately) because I think it’s so inexpensive that there is just no money in it for big companies. What I know is this – it worked for me when nothing else did, and when I feel the allergy symptoms coming back and I take it, I have almost instantaneous relief. I hadn’t taken it in months and started up again recently – 4 days later I had horrible cramps and nausea and (sorry to be graphic) passed about a 10 inch worm of some kind a couple of hours later – nothing with it – just the worm in the bowl. It was creepy and disgusting. That’s all I need to know that it works and to keep taking it. For somebody that requires scientific and not just anecdotal evidence I know it can be hard to justify. I’m not trying to sell the product – just letting people know what worked for me. It’s so inexpensive that it’s worth trying. And if people are concerned about beneficial bacteria populations, they can always supplement or eat more fermented foods to compensate. I guess it really depends on what your issues are and how desperate you are to find a solution. Sorry I don’t have anything more specific than that – all I have to offer on this is my own experience with it! But if you do find something concrete either way, PLEASE take a second to comment here and link to the source. I’d love to know one way or another if there is any science on the bacteria issue!!! Thanks!
Mike Gish says
Mellissa, just to be safe, I’ve already started separating the times of the day when I take probiotics and DE. I don’t really have any issues, I’m just looking to maximize on my quality of life experience, and try not to let any one thing interfere with the benefits of the other. I also don’t take garlic or apple cider vinegar anywhere near the time when I use probiotics (first thing in the morning), for the same reason. Marine Phytoplankton is also quite small, so I have concerns about that. Currently I’m waiting until after 3 PM before taking DE or the other things I’ve mentioned. So far, so good.
For those who are interested, I find it optimal to take probiotics on a completely empty stomach, then wait two hours before eating anything. I think they’re that important.
Mellissa Sevigny says
Did you start this regimen because of health problems Mike, or is it just to maintain optimum health overall? Sounds like you have it pretty well scheduled out! I wish I was that organized but I can barely remember to take my DE on an empty stomach in the morning!!!
madelaine says
Hi Melissa,
Just finished reading your comments about the intestinal parasites you have been experiencing. Do you (being the gourmet you are) eat sushi/sashimi? Or any other raw proteins? These are infamous sources for nasty intestinal (and full body) infestations of parasites. So many westerners are eating these raw fish dishes nowadays and suffering from worms as a result. Most of these people are completely unaware of the source of their discomfort. I, for one, do not enjoy playing with fire and avoid dangerous foods like raw and undercooked fish and meat. Just a thought ;>)
Mellissa Sevigny says
I did used to eat a lot of Sushi when we lived in CT so it’s a possibility. We also have cats, and used to have dogs so you never know – it could have come from anywhere! I’m much more cautious about what I eat now, that’s for sure! :)
Natasha says
to Mike Gish,
Yes it is related to positive and negative charges. If you read about negative ions (which are good) you will get the idea of how this works. Negative ions are good life bringing ions and positive ions are bad, degenerative ones. In your body it is the same thing, all bad things are positive charges like parasites and heavy metals and bad bacteria, viruses, etc. SO the DE literally attracts the bad things to it. The only challenge that people may have with this is if they are taking prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are so incredibly bad for people it should be no surprise that DE will also attract those!!
Mike Gish says
Natasha,
That doesn’t explain how the DE might differentiate between the two. It’s an inert substance. I think it’s more likely, because of it’s Rice Chex like design (see electron microscope pictures on Google), that it acts more like a screen, and indiscriminately filters out things that get trapped in that size mesh.
Mike Gish says
By the way Mellissa, I find you have a particularly credible countenance.
Mellissa Sevigny says
Stop, I’m blushing. Ha ha!
Rickie Gossling says
Greetings! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the great work!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks Rickie!
Mart says
Hi Dale and thank you for your kind words and concern. Please don’t fret though as I now know how to avoid “Nasties” Things like this aren’t emotional though unfortunately they are chemical.
I did have a look at EFT many years ago but went the Faster EFT route as it included NLP something I was familiar with. I did the practitioners course and also self hypnosis. Whilst these will help in many areas if you have taken something your body can’t cope with then only an antidote will cure you.
AND this is why I am replying to-day. “Bicarbonate of Soda” I have never taken the marketed type settlers type products (Andrews in the UK) as I knew the chemicals they put in them would not do me any good at all. We did have some bi-carb in the cupboard though and I took some after a heart burn spell a few days ago. Immediately my mood lifted. So I have spent Christmas eating junk that I could not even look at before. OK I made a pig of myself but it was all in the name of science of course and I can’t believe how well I feel. Just a quarter of a tea spoon evening and night and that’s it.
Will keep you up dated as I will start on DE tomorrow.
Kelly says
Hi Mart,
I hope you are doing better by now. I do agree with you that things like Faster EFT have limitations, that one also needs vitamins, minerals, etc., or find the cause(s) of their food intolerances besides emotional triggers.
Having said that, I just found this video on youtube. The man was intolerant of almost everything, was near death, but was able to turn things completely around using a brain-retraining program (which I have not tried, nor can afford). Anyway, thought you and others might find this interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIGb2fvtxIM
Mart says
Hi Folks.
I have just got a big bag of D.E so the adventure begins.
I have tried everything and have a box full of pills and potions that all surprisingly make me ill.
My allergies started about 50 years ago with geraniums and cats (ginger are worst) which was all manageable until about 20 years ago when they kicked off big time. Started with Beer but the problem was not a next day hangover but 3 days later when the big black cloud would appear.
After years I have found my main allergies to be Sulphites and Malt I can’t take vitamin C or Oranges and they go straight through me as does ascorbic acid. These are not only digestion but touch as well, I used a so called non-allergic shampoo but it made me very ill as it had loads of glucose in it (which is I believe a sulphite)
Even a scented candle will make me unwell but the strangest one I have is Water. Any water boiled in a kettle or food cooked in a pan (Ali or SS) makes me very ill. My symtoms aren’t just stomach but the big black cloud over me, very agitated and yes often suicidal thoughts.
I know when I have had something bad within a few hours as my left eye feels strange (like I have a hair in it) and the left side of my face feels tingly. We then get to feeling ill and over days the skin on my nose (mainly left side again) and forehead will go very dry and peel off (Is that a hystamine thing?)
Thanks for listening, I will let you know how I get on
Mellissa Sevigny says
Hi Mart, your symptoms sound very frustrating and hard to deal with! I hope that you will find relief in taking the DE – please do keep us posted as I am very curious to know if it helps you or not. I really REALLY hope that it does!!!!
c says
CAUTION: Since it’s primarily made of silica, then people with a silicone allergy/sensitivity should probably avoid it. I’ve heard horror stories from people who have no idea they have silicone sensitivity (often happens when someone is constantly exposed to it…dental adhesives, breast implants, etc. Children whose mother had breast implants are also at risk. Google it if you want to learn more about.
c says
correction to my previous post: “Children whose mother had breast implants are also at risk” should read “Children whose mother had breast implants during pregnancy are also at a higher risk of developing this allergy”
c says
P.S. Everyone should also google “silica powder inhalation” for those you who are using around your house or pet, or taking it orally everyday. If u use it in/around your bed, dust your pet with it as a flea treatment, or scoop it out of the bottle and place it in water, it can easily become airborne. Hence, inhalation. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Try scooping it out and shine a bright flashlight at the bottle and cup and you’ll see what I mean. Use with caution.