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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Avatar says
Thanks for your reply! I just got back from my trip the day before yesterday. Unfortunately, my sensitivities still exist, but I believe (and feel) that parasites are a big part of my problem. And, surprisingly, I actually feel better now than I did before I left!
I took as much DE as I could with me while I traveled, but I’ve significantly upped my intake since I returned, and I’m finally starting to see evidence that I’m eliminating parasites. I am 100% convinced that kicking out the parasites will be a major (and perhaps the most important) part of my healing. While my food sensitivities came on rather quickly, looking back over my health history, I believe I’ve been experiencing mild symptoms for years, and thus I think it will take me some time to heal.
Thank you for sharing that you still take DE to keep your symptoms at bay–I appreciate your honesty. BTW, when I took large amounts of DE a number of years ago, it took about 8-9 months of taking ~2 tablespoons daily before I stopped seeing parasites being flushed from my body. I’m guessing there were still plenty of parasites (and who knows what else) to be flushed, and I’m planning on continuing to take large amounts for at least a year, and smaller amounts for the rest of my life.
Best of luck to you–and thanks again for sharing your story!
Avatar says
I’ve very recently had an experience very similar to yours–sudden onset of severe food intolerance. I had some DE sitting around from years ago, and by instinct took some yesterday. I think I definitely experienced some detox symptoms. Just took a big scoop (maybe 2TB?) today, and it immediately calmed down a headache, and already has improved elimination–helpful for any health problem. I’m going to try to do a week of “safe” foods along with the DE, and then test–I’m going across the country to visit family in less than two weeks, and it would be wonderful to not have to be that annoying relative who can only eat iceberg lettuce.
But what I really want to say is: Thank you for giving me hope for an end to this madness! Even if I see gradual improvement, I will be thrilled. I do not want to live on a small handful of bland foods for the rest of my life!
Mellissa Sevigny says
I really hope that this helps you! I still take the DE and when I forget for a few days my symptoms start to return. I have a theory that it sweeps extra histamines out of your body which keeps me from having any allergic reactions to whatever I eat or drink. Then if I don’t take it they build up again. But I haven’t found any research that proves it, I just know that it works for me when I take it, and when I stop I start to go downhill again. Please let me know how this works for you – I’m dying to know and really really hoping that this ends up helping you like it did me!!! XO
Carel W says
I have been taking DE for a couple of weeks now off and on due to the headaches I get! I can’t say that I have gotten dramatic results so far but I do see dead parasites in my stools, not many tho. I’ve seen a video of what these parasites look like living in our intestinal tract, that gave me the wee-bee-gee-bees!! YIKES! Now whenever I feel “movement” in my belly, I freak out thinking its them! Hahaha! :) I am feeling like I have to cough some. Yeah, I suppose I feel kinda flu-like. Will keep you updated on my progress :)
Kathi says
I originally bought DE for a flea problem last summer. After reading product reviews on a website, I tried it for myself. Nada. So it’s just been sitting.
After stumbling on this site, I decided to try again. This time I’m doing a very heaping teaspoon, probably closer to a tablespoon, in about 4 oz water first thing in the morning. I started in early March. The first day I had the gurgling and pressure in my abdomen that others have mentioned. Then the constipation. But the blood in my urine (one or two drops every day) is freaking me out. Has anyone else experienced this? It started about the third day. After a week, I stopped the DE, but the drops are still happening.
Carel says
Make sure you are ingesting food grade DE?
Kathi says
Yes, I made sure of that because it was for the pets
Stephanie Mckenzie says
First of all do make sure you are using food grade DE because the pool grade is poison! Yes, I did experience that, it happened the first week I took it, I was taking 1 TBSP a day and I had it happen for a couple of days, it was a just a small amount but it was similar to very light period bleeding, the thing is I don’t have a uterus anymore, but I do have a cervix. I decided to not freak out about it and to see what happens, I continued to take the DE and figured it was doing some house cleaning in my bladder or something since I have had problems with bladder infections for years, I figured it needed some detoxing and that is what the DE must have been doing. As I said, it went away after a couple of days to my relief.
I have been taking the DE for 3, close to 4 weeks now am noticing little things that are changing for the good. Today I will be upping my dose to 2 TBSP to see if anything new takes place. I did have quite a bit of detox from just 1 TBSP but am past that, it will be interesting to see if I have more detox again at 2 TBSP a day.
I hope this was of help to you and wish you much luck with the DE!
Steph
Mellissa Sevigny says
Now that you mention it Stephanie, I also had some light bleeding the first 8 – 10 days! It freaked me out too at first, but there was no pain and I just chalked it up to detox and it went away. I’m about to increase my dose to a heaping tablespoon in the morning AND at night and see if I have a new onset of detox symptoms as well! Keep us posted if you see any major changes from increasing your dose too!
Kathi says
I feel better hearing that others have experienced this. The other symptoms I noticed (everything has been mild) have all been cited by others. I’m in perimenopause, so never know what to expect from day to day, but after the second day of this I decided it wasn’t menstrual.
Mellissa Sevigny says
Any time you are concerned about a new symptom you should see your doctor Kathi. Especially if it persists long after you stopped taking the DE. I did have some spotting in my first two weeks of taking it as well. Your body gets into clean out mode and that can happen. But just to be sure, you should contact your doctor about it if you’re concerned!
debragene says
This is my seventh day. Fine the first six days and then today I wound up in an urgent care facility with abdominal pain and blood in my urine. This can’t be good.
Mellissa Sevigny says
So sorry to hear that! Were you able to find out what it was and if it was related to the DE? How much were you taking at the time? Any info you can share may help others that are reading through these comments and wondering if they should try it! Thanks so much and i hope you’re feeling better!!
CJ says
I suspect you are an agent trying to scare people from using DE. :/
Katie says
I am curious about DE, but am a little concerned at the same time. My gut is not healthy. I have leaky gut. I imagine that sending thousands of tiny razor blades through my already battered digestive tract would just make it worse. Any resource suggestions for finding an answer?
Mellissa Sevigny says
Hi Katie,
Food grade DE is so fine that it couldn’t possibly do damage to your digestive tract or any other part of you. Try reading the through the links I posted on the health benefits and you’ll get more information on how it works and also find many testimonials of people who had great relief from leaky gut by using DE because it removes yeast, parasites and toxins that are causing the leaky gut to begin with. You can also try the Whole 30 eating plan which has helped a lot of people, including myself with digestive issues.
Mary Beth says
Hi! I found this post from a mention on a forum, and I started DE about 6 weeks ago, because of the many benefits I had read. I am taking it first thing in the morning, I started out with 1 scoop (2 tsp-1TBSP) dissolved in about 8 oz water, followed by coffee. Did that for a month, nothing specific noticed. I then upped to 2 scoops, and on the day I did that, I had had a normal BM, went about my routine, showered for work, then stopped to pee, and expelled a strange blob from the rear. From pics, it looks like it was intestinal flukes. This has happened 3 more times, every couple of days, now seems to be worms, and today one was still moving in the bowl. This is a little disconcerting, but it is also a huge relief to be getting rid of these, I had no idea I had parasites, although I have had a variety of health issues crop up over the last few years, food sensitivities among them. I am currently having some die-off symptoms (headache and tired), but I am going to keep on until this is over, and stay on this stuff the rest of my life! Mary Beth in MN
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks for sharing your experience with us Mary Beth! That IS disconcerting but great that you’re seeing results! I’m going to up my dose this week by double to see if I have any new detox symptoms/parasites too! Keep us posted and hang in there!
Jedediah says
@Mary Beth – holy crap!! literally LOL. So tell us what ultimately happened? are you parasite free now? Still taking DE?
Mary Beth says
I am still taking DE, and the few times I stopped for a while, I missed it. I just feel all around better taking it, and my system is more regular. I don’t see any more parasites, what I reported here was about the worst of it, but it just makes everything better. I take probably a TBSP most days of the week, in the morning, mixed with my gelatin and mag powder.
Jennifer says
How are your food sensitivities?
Amy says
Wow!!!! SOOO good to get that stuff OUT!!!!
elaine says
Took my first diatomaceous dose just now. Only did a teaspoonful. Excited to see what happens.
Kim Beaulieu says
This is super interesting. You know how bad my ibs is and I often wonder what the meds do to my system. I wonder if this would help. I’m a gagger though so I wonder if I could even drink it. This is intriguing woman. I’m all curious about it now and need to do more reading. Glad you are doing better.
Jackie says
IBS is almost always caused by gluten. I understand at last that Drs are starting to test for coeliac/gluten sensitivity with an IBS diagnosis.
http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/ibs-linked-to-gluten-sensitivity/?inf_contact_key=42c012ad0421e3ddc83b1e268875844a8ba3bdb5785b24be80f761b1bc7f8806
If they don’t offer, I’d suggest you ask. Or search for Dr Osborne, Gluten Free Warrior:
“Dr. Osborne here,
Exciting news today! The American College of Gastroenterology is now recommending that patients with IBS be screened for gluten sensitivity.”
Remember too that if a coeliac test is returned negative, there is such a diagnosis of gluten sensitivity.
I was diagnosed with IBS in the 1980’s, no meds helped, I went gluten free and it disappeared. I’ve helped numerous clients over the years get rid of their IBS. (I’m now retired).
Good luck !
Tracy says
I just got mine in the mail yesterday. Can’t wait to start taking it tonight! I have arthritis / tendonitis in my arm and really want to get off the medications for this. I also have reflux and it seems to be getting worse so I am hoping this will help. Also, sinus issues, other joint issues, etc. Thanks everyone for posting the goods things it is doing for you. I hope I have some good results also.
Roz says
Hi Melissa,
My 3kg package of DE arrived today and I couldn’t be more excited if it was pure cocaine – which I’m pretty sure is what the postie thought it probably was! I keep expecting the police to arrive!
Anyway, can’t wait to try it and keen to let you know how it goes. Just want to say thank you for bringing it to my attention – I had never heard of it before your post. So, thanks. :)