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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Starter gardner says
I apologize if this was asked , I didn’t read all posts, but can you tell me if this is good to sprinkle on my herb pots? I just noticed that ants have started invading my pots!!:( I read DE was good to sprinkle on plants but not sure if its this one, the food grade or the other grade! Thanks
-starter Gardener
Mellissa Sevigny says
Yes, go for it!
caro says
WOW, this is such a great source of information and sharing. Has anyone had any luck with DE helping reduce allergies such as dust mite?
Jmama says
Our family and house have been exposed several times to pinworms in the last couple weeks and after reading about it, I decided to use DE for our family as a precaution. Both kiddos and daddy are doing fine so far (mild headaches) but I have had miserable pain in my abdomen, back and legs since my first dose yesterday, which was only 1/2 tsp! Is this normal? I wouldn’t think such a small amount would cause such a painful herx reaction! I can’t bring myself to take another dose.
Olivia says
Hi, jumping on the band wagon here. I bought some DE as I want to make some toothpaste and saw in a recipie so started researching and now dosing the whole family! We are on day two so will update you later on but we are 3 adults, 3 kinder (4, 3 and 0), two dogs, six chickens and a rabbit. Convinced we all have some worms to be rid off. I used to ask the doc for wormer quite regularly but never saw any evidence after taking but quite possibly the worms just weren’t affected. So I am hoping this will be more effective once we work up to a full dose. I have also recently had an itchy patch on my scalp. Never had excema or dry skin so this is very unusual for me and am trying to rid my house of chemical. My delivery of soap nuts has arrived and so now I have to start playing!
Renee says
Hello! I read thru every post. Was so interesting for me. Txs to all contributers.
I am type 1 diabetic for MANY years. I started DE about 6 weeks ago. I take basically 1 large TBS per day with water or goat milk yogurt with some Vit. C & green powder. I have been reading for months on health since diabetes has been very hard on me & taken its toll on my overall health. I am a Mom & want to keep living & not go blind, lose my kidneys, etc. Got it?
The effect of DE on me has been hair growth even where I basically had stopped growing much hair, (like under my arms), nails growing all the time, less small itchy skin rashesthat just appear out of nowhere, better sleep as I have a lot of pain in my left arm all the way down & neck & shoulder area & everytime I move, it would hurt even when asleep & I wld wake often, parasites definitely leaving me as I see small things in the toilet. Sometimes I don’t go for 2 whole days & then the 3rd day, I go 3 or 4 times & you can tell things came out. I did have some days in the first few weeks of where I felt worse rather than better but it was only 1 or 2 days & then it would pass. I knew this was detox.
I still have pain in my arm, hands, neck & shoulder but I sleep much better & the pain has lessened but stll there & I can’t even left my left arm all the way up or do normal things with it anymore. Putting on deodarant is so hard or push ups, can’t do them. My hands are better as they used to be so stiff first thing in the morning but though not gone, I can move them easier. It’s called trigger finger & I have it in both hands.
I buy my DE from the animal store & it is Food grade for sure & no one there even would imagine eating it, ha! I have been reading about DE for 2 months & am sold on it & will up my dose today.
I do not feel like stopping on it & wondered, can’t I just keep using it forever or everyday as long as i want or do I need to take a break? Where can I find valid & specific info on this as this is a question I do have?
Also, does anyone have any comments on my pain in my arm, all the down but mostly to the elbow and hands, neck & esp. left shoulder across to my neck. Never thought could be related to food allergies but cld it? Never had any that I am aware of & have eaten everything for years & before this neck, arm thing, was very flexible & I cld do all kinds of things. I can barely do yoga anymore with this arm problem or at least certain exercises.
But since I do take DE daily now, it’s a little better.
I used to have horrible gas from milk (eat very little), it’s now gone & constant leaky bowels has calmed down. In fact, I rarely if ever have gas. The only diary I eat now is cream in my coffee and if I eat yogurt, it’s goat only.
I wld like to say your site makes me thankful as so many of you can’t eat much at all. It helped me count my blessings!
So now my question above & a few more: my girls (teens–aware of hormone thing) have acne on their top back & shoulders. Cld be related to food allergies or …? What about diary? They don’t eat much of that but some. Could it be gluten related or they are too toxic or …? Any ideas?
One teen has it bad so that she won’t even wear a bathing suit. My kids have to take DE daily. I get up in the a.m. & make it for them before school with a bit of cows yogurt or kefir. I also put in vit C & green powder, small amt as it loosens bowels. It’s a rule in my home since if they are not cleaned up, it will affect me. Our dog takes DE daily in food & we dust the couch where her pillow is & change her pillow case weekly & sprinkle DE on it too & vaccum it once a week.
One thing I have started just recently is I juice. My body has been depleted of so much due to diabetes & childbirth (5 kids, 3 of them while diabetic). I look better, my skin is healthier, etc. I juice daily & drink beet, carrot, spinach, celery, greens, & when I have enough, give my kids too. I think that as we get rid of these leechees on our bodies, we must input so that is what I am doing as well. I realize that a lot of you can’t do this so I do pray that you’ll be able to up your food intake to things you like soon.
High mineral content & vitamins from a natural source such as leafy greens is a plus for our bodies. Though I am getting yuck out, I have been researching on putting in too so I don’t deplete myself as that’s how it has been for yeas as a busy Mom with young children.
Another suggestion is Huldah Clark’s book called which is free to download called, “The Cure for All Disease”. I have not bought a zapper yet due to expense but am looking into it & am sold on DE. Sorry so long but I had a lot to say after all the input from you. Thanks! Renee
Liz says
My daughter had acne, but we have changed our diet to vegetarian, non-GMO, and completely organic. Also, we’ve eliminated all chemicals for personal use, as well as household. So, we make our own toothpaste, and deoderant. For my daughters acne, we are using diluted organic apple cider vinegar such as Bragg’s. Her acne has completely cleared up, but she uses this as her daily “astringent”. Good luck to you!
Mandy says
I started taking diamteous earth 3 days ago & already have joint pain improved 90%! I believe caused by worms I’ve had I think for 2 years gluten & dairy intolerance horrible bloating & have had tiny dead looking larva coming out of my nose & mucousy stools & also strange rashes with white “threads” popping out of my hands it’s driving these things out of me they’re all dead & I’m just glad I’m getting better everyone should take this stuff!
Kristina Beck says
Wow what a relief for somebody else to experience the same symptoms. I literally had small worms in my nose and my nose was itchy all the time. After 10 days of taking DE I no longer get these tiny little worms out of my nostrils. My bf thinks I am crazy but he started taking it 3 days ago and already his knees are not hurting
sandrayardimci says
I ordered DE and just started taking it, I just drunk a tablespoon mixed in water. My expectation is to get rid of the parasites but I have found so many different benefits that I really expectto improve my health in general.
Sherry ~Rustique Gal says
Hi Mellissa,
Thanks for responding to me. Just an update: after 2 days of bad hives in the evening and the third day mild only facial hives, I got up the next morning and my skin looked great. I had been suffering from itchy scaly red spots around my nose and brows for years, and they went away. I’m using coconut oil for face cream and my pores look so much cleaner and smoother. Even my brother told me from across the room that my skin looked good, more color and fresher looking. All in all, this is great! Intestinal issues are mild and cleansing is continuing. I am continuing to take 2 tbsp per day.
My question is…I had started taking food grade hydrogen peroxide about the same time. Can I combine the two? It is hard to find time to take them each in the morning and evening without combining. Does that make a difference if I combine them or not? Thanks, Love the site and your blog!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Hi Sherry, I have never tried the peroxide and I’m really not qualified to say, but hopefully a google search on that question will turn up something! If you find out, please let us know for anyone else that was wondering! So happy to hear that you are having good results with the DE, thanks for updating us! I definitely experience better skin when I’m taking the DE – not sure if it’s the silica or if it’s reduced inflammation, but I notice a marked difference within just a few days when I stop taking it!
Dale says
This is for anyone who is interested in finding out more about the 35% foodgrade Hydrogen Peroxide. http://foodgrade-hydrogenperoxide.com/index.html I hope that this helps.
Sincerely Dale (EFT Practitioner)
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks Dale, I’ve been meaning to research it so I appreciate you supplying the information!
Kristy K. James says
Since I haven’t seen it mentioned, 35% peroxide needs to be seriously diluted – and handled carefully as it can burn you. I keep some 3.5% in a spray bottle on my desk because I totally believe in the health benefits, but I just can’t keep reading about the 35% without saying something.
Kristy K. James says
http://www.poison.org/poisonpost/june2012/hydrogenperoxide.htm
Dale says
Thanks Kristy, You are absolutely right. No one should drink pure 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide without seriously diluting it first. Thats why I highly recommend reading the book The One Minute Cure. It has the protocal on how to dilute it and take it safely. I have several copies of the book that I give to my clients to read if they are interested in trying it.
Doreen says
First I love your site. I had purchased DE last year to try to help with my bad knees. It helped take away the ache and stiffness. I stopped taking it around christmas because of a trip to my mothers. WELL last month I picked up a stomach bug. Anything that I ate came out a few hours later as fluids. Gross I know. I suffered for a week and was becoming really drained physically. I FINALLY remembered that DE was excellent for Diarrhea and started taking it immeditately. One day and I was bad to normal.
ian says
i’ve been taking de for a year at least with good results. unlike many of the other commentors i’ve always been fortunate to have good health so the benefits from de haven’t been as dramatic as some report. generally i noticed stronger thicker nails and hair and i’m definatly much more regular; like clockwork in my bathroom habits, and it does seem to be a stool softener, at least for me. i also had some joint pain in my left knee which seems to have vanished. i’ve noticed too an increase in energy, not dramatic, and i do feel that i don’t get as easily fatigued as before. i also notice that while my co-workers get colds, i dont seem to catch them, but that may just be luck not de. i take 2 tblsp a day, and give a teaspoon a day to my dogs along with coconut oil. it does wonders for their coats and nails.