Last week, we dipped our toes (and maybe made a few people squirm) talking about parasites and the digestive tract. This week, I want to continue the detox and cleanse conversation by exploring another natural supplement that’s becoming more popular in gut health discussions: Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth.

Many people are now including food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) in their wellness routines, particularly when the goal is digestive cleansing and gentle detoxification. It’s most commonly used to support gut health by:

• Reducing bloating and gas
• Cleansing the digestive tract and intestinal walls
• Supporting the removal of intestinal organisms such as parasites
• Binding and assisting elimination of certain toxic metals

So, what exactly is Diatomaceous Earth? It is a soft, powdery white substance found naturally in the earth’s soil. It’s formed from the fossilised remains of tiny marine organisms called diatoms, a type of algae. Over time, these organisms accumulate and create a mineral-rich sediment that is particularly high in silica ^(1).

Under a microscope, diatom particles have a unique structure with sharp, angular edges and a porous, honeycomb-like surface. It’s this structure that gives diatomaceous earth its reputation as a cleansing agent within the digestive tract.

Food grade diatomaceous earth is believed to act mechanically rather than chemically. As it passes through the gastrointestinal tract, its microscopic edges are thought to gently “scrub” the intestinal lining. This process may help dislodge unwanted bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms that can lodge themselves in the folds and creases of the bowel ⁽²⁾.

When we think of parasites, most people immediately imagine intestinal worms. However, increased travel and exposure to different food and water sources means we can sometimes pick up less obvious intestinal organisms. These can contribute to ongoing symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and fatigue.

Diatomaceous earth is thought to be particularly effective against parasites because its sharp microscopic structure may damage their outer membranes, allowing them to be eliminated from the body through normal bowel movements ⁽³⁾.

Also, most viruses carry a net electrical charge (often negative at neutral pH). Diatomaceous earth also has a negative charge, and when DE is modified or treated, its surface charge can be altered. When DE’s negative charge is reduced, it lowers electrostatic repulsion which allows viruses to come closer and adhere to the surface, this means viruses don’t soak into DE but they stick to the surface (adsorption) ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾.

Diatomaceous earth’s honeycomb structure is often compared to that of activated charcoal. This porous surface may attract and bind heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. Because heavy metals carry a positive charge, they are drawn to DE’s negatively charged particles, becoming trapped and carried out of the body rather than absorbed ⁽⁶⁾.

While this does not replace medical detoxification protocols, it may offer gentle, supportive assistance for those looking to reduce toxic load over time.

As with any supplement, diatomaceous earth isn’t suitable for everyone. Caution is advised for those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, as the abrasive nature may irritate an already inflamed gut lining.

Diatomaceous earth may also absorb certain medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness. If you take regular prescription medications, it’s important to separate dosing times and consult a qualified health professional before use.

And finally, always ensure you are using food grade diatomaceous earth only. Industrial or pool-grade products are not safe for human consumption.

Think of food grade diatomaceous earth as a gentle internal scrubbing brush working its way through the digestive tract, reaching into the nooks and crannies, and helping to clear out parasites, microorganisms and heavy metals along the way. While it’s not a magic bullet, it may be a helpful addition to a broader, well-considered gut health and detox strategy.

For more information about diatomaceous earth or gut cleansing, drop into Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North Street, Batemans Bay. You can also call us on (02) 4472 9737 or visit us online at www.govitabatemansbay.com.au. Don’t miss our weekly segment on 2EC radio, where Marianne and Go Vita's Nutritionist Sofia chat about health and wellness with Kimmi Saker every Wednesday after 12.30pm.

References

1. Dolley, T.P. Diatomite. U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries.
2. Bennett DC, Yee A, Rhee YJ, Cheng KM. Effect of diatomaceous earth on parasite load, egg production, and egg quality of free-range organic laying hens. Poult Sci. 2011 Jul;90(7):1416-26.
3. Korunic Z. Review Diatomaceous earths, a group of natural insecticides. J. Stored Prod. Res. 1998;34:87–97. D
4. Voeikov, Vladimir & Beloussov, Lev & Martynyuk, Victor. (2007). Fundamental Role of Water in Bioenergetics. 10.1007/978-0-387-28417-0_7.
5. Farrah SR, Preston DR, Toranzos GA, Girard M, Erdos GA, Vasuhdivan V. Use of modified diatomaceous earth for removal and recovery of viruses in water. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1991 Sep;57(9):2502-6..

6.        Moslehi, P & Nahid, Parvin. (2007). Heavy metal removal from water and wastewater using raw and modified diatomite. International Journal of Engineering, Transactions B: Applications. 20.