Diatomaceous Earth

The recommended dose of food-grade diatomaceous earth is approximately one teaspoon per day, taken on an empty stomach. Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of phytoplankton that lived 13 to 50 million years ago, composed largely of silicon dioxide. Diatomaceous earth's defining chemical characteristic is its very high silicon content. Diatomaceous earth acts via a physical rather than chemical mechanism in the gut, with abrasive particles scrubbing and sweeping microbes along the intestinal tract. Heating diatomaceous earth transforms its structure from amorphous silica into crystalline silica, which is hazardous when inhaled and unsafe to consume. Inhaling diatomaceous earth powder can irritate the respiratory tract and cause lung damage with repeated exposure. Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of microscopic algae called diatoms that sank to lake bottoms over millions of years. Only food-grade, non-crystalline, non-heated diatomaceous earth should be used for health purposes. Diatomaceous earth is useful for connective tissue support and detox protocols including gut cleansing and aluminum removal.