Health Benefits of

Diatomaceous Earth

Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a white powder that is almost entirely made of silica.  Silica is a mineral that is already in our body and is an important component of our  ligaments, cartilage, and muscles. When taken as a supplement DE may help to absorb mercury, E. coli, parasites, viruses, pesticide, radiation, drug residues and other toxins.

The only cautionary side effect that we have found relating to food grade diatomaceous earth has to do with direct inhalation and is essentially the same caution that is advised when handling any fine powder. Diatomaceous Earth is a very fine powder. 

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is 89% Silica.  It was established in the 1940s that life can’t exist without Silica. More recently, in her book “Water & Salt” Dr. Barbara Hendel states: “Silica is the most important trace element in human health.” Silica plays an important role in many bodily functions and has a direct relationship to mineral absorption.

Yet most people are, in fact, silica deficient.  We carry around 90mcgs of silica per 1 gram of hair we have on our bodies and we carry around 100mcgs of silica per 1 gram of bone.  Silica is in all of our connective tissue and it is so very important to include this mineral in our diets. Silica is mostly found in the fiber portions of whole grains, and the skins of fruits and vegetables.

Among other things, enough silica in the body is vital for calcium absorption to allow calcium supplements to work.

Reported Health Benefits of Silica / Diatomaceous Earth Include:

1. Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure Levels
2. Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels
3. Better Calcium Utilization for help with Osteoporosis and Healthier Joints
4. Stimulates Weight Loss
5. Improvement in Hair, Nails, Teeth & Gums
6. More Energy

According to Kayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN and Galen D. Knight, PhD in their article “Mad as a Hatter” there is no better product to detox heavy metals and radiation from your body than with Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth!

Take diatomaceous earth daily on an empty stomach. I recommend starting small and slowly working your way up to a higher dose; begin with a teaspoon added to at least 12 ounces of liquid. Mix vigorously and drink immediately.  Some people don't like the mildly chalky flavor and gritty texture. If that describes you, try adding DE to a drink with more flavor (milk, orange juice, coffee, smoothies) or to light foods like yogurt, oatmeal, or applesauce.

As your body begins to detox, you may experience what is commonly known as "die off," which sometimes gives people mild flu-like symptoms for a couple days. This is a side effect of toxins leaving your body, not a side effect of DE itself. You can counteract these symptoms by increasing your fluid consumption, as well as reducing your DE dose for a couple days.

For gum health, because DE is one of the most nourishing substances for your gums, as your gums are connective tissue, which needs silica. To use it, mix 1 heaping tablespoon with water into a paste consistency. Pack it into your gums overnight after you brushed your teeth. Your gums will absorb the diatomaceous earth.  

If you have other ideas on how to use DE please share!

Natto, The Ultimate Bone-Building Superfood

Natto is a Japanese food that is fermented soybeans.  For those of you who know me, you know I am not a soy fan but when soybeans are fermented most of soy's negative attributes are changed to be healing.  During the fermentation process soy's toxic phytate and antinutrient levels are eliminated along with it's thyroid inhibiting qualities as well.  Once fermented, soybeans are the most powerful bone building superfood on the planet.  Samurai are said to have eaten natto everyday.  But I will tell you now, if you don't already know, natto is slimy and smells foul and yet 7.5 billion packages of natto are consumed in Japan yearly.  For those of us who are not used to it that's why I provide it in pill form for my patients.

Natto's superfood abilities comes from a high vitamin K2 concentration.  So if you don't muscle test for the natto I then test you for a vitamin D3 and K2 supplement.

Habitual intake of natto was associated with a significant and beneficial effect on bone health in elderly men and this association is primarily due to vitamin K content of natto was concluded in Osteoporos Int. 2012: 23 (2).

Women who ate 4 packets of natto a week reduced bone mass loss on the thigh bone by 80% according to Journal of Nutrition 2006: 136

Those in the highest third of vitamin K2 intakes were 52% less likely to develop calcification of arteries according to Artherosclerosis. 1995: 226 Also Menaquinone (Vitamin K2) is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Journal of Nutrition 2004: 134 (11)

Vitamin K is proven to help rebuild bone and protect against heart disease but there are two kinds.  Vitamin K1 is the type found in dark leafy vegetables and for a long time I recommended them as a high source of vitamin K.  However, studies show now that we only absorb 10% of K1 from dark leafy vegetables.  Research has now turned to more effective vitamin K2.  Vitamin K2 is hard to get from food other than natto so next time you are at a Japanese restaurant or section of the grocery store try it.  It's an acquired taste as sometimes healthy things are!