Q: Do you know anything about diatomaceous earth – supposedly food grade? My husband is putting it in his morning tea and is taking it daily. I tried it once but as usual, I’m allergic to it as I am to everything else.
Are there any health benefits he may receive from this?
A: A diatom is any of a class of microscopic one-celled algae having walls of silica that consist of two interlocking valves. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is purported to be mined from the purest of deposits from prehistoric fresh water lake beds and is comprised of finely milled silica shells of microscopic fresh water plants known as diatoms. The product is used on farms and ranches as a supplement to feed for livestock and other animals, and is widely used and FDA approved for use by farmers for agricultural grain storage. It is also recommended by some veterinarians as a supplement to pet foods and topically for the control of fleas. DE is a natural, organic household insect killer and garden pest control product, yet it is listed as safe for pets and humans. The product may not be something we think of often, however it is quite versatile. It is used as a mild abrasive in toothpaste, as an absorbent for liquids, in cat litter, for reinforcing filler in plastics and rubber, as a thermal insulator, and even as an activator in blood clotting studies.
Of the food grade DE that is 89% silica, there are 600 deposits in this country, of which only four rate sufficiently in purity to be labeled as “food grade” by the FDA. The product, under a microscope, takes on the appearance of minute cylinders full of holes. As millions of these cylinders move through the stomach and digestive tract, they attract viruses, pesticides, toxins, methyl mercury, drug residue, heavy metals, E-coli, and more that become trapped in the cylinders and pass out of the body. The product is purported to be a natural organic colon cleanser, has a positive effect on cholesterol levels by lowering as much as 60 points after just two weeks of use; osteoporosis by enhancing calcium absorption; weight loss through curbing voracious appetites throughout the day; fading age spots, and strengthening nails that commonly grow up to five millimeters per month on average but will harden and become less prone to breaking. Additionally, positive reports are received by manufacturers on individuals having higher energy levels, fewer headaches, less insomnia and vertigo, reduced symptoms of menopause, and a great deal more.
The recommend amount of DE to take with juice or a liquid (ideally in the morning) is one tablespoon daily, although some individuals admit to taking as little as one teaspoon while others take as much as two tablespoons each morning. One internet source that obviously sells diatomaceous earth has a disclaimer that indicates the material content information provided is for reference purposes only, based on reviews from users of DE. It is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health care professional. User statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition and any food grade DE uses other than those approved by the EPA, FDA or USDA are strictly anecdotal.
So call me old-fashioned but I have problems looking for strong teeth, healthy gums, lower cholesterol levels, and feeling more alive when attempting it through ingesting a product that in one form is used to kill garden and household insects and in another form or grade will give me healthy, shiny hair! I may clean my pearly whites with DE but really think I will stick to a good one-a-day over-the-counter vitamin that is FDA approved for human consumption that won’t require a trip to my local feed store.
Readers who would are interested in learning more can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Vitamins and Minerals” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
