What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Lee explains that diatomaceous earth is "a natural vegan whole food" – specifically, "a mineral powder of fossilised freshwater algae from ancient lake beds." Despite its rather technical name, it's remarkably simple: rich in silica, a good source of natural iron, magnesium, and 17 other trace elements. The best part? It's tasteless, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

But not all diatomaceous earth is created equal. Lee compares the different grades to salt: "You have salt for the pool, and then you have Celtic sea salt." As a clinical nutritionist, Lee has been taking diatomaceous earth almost daily since 2010 and spent two years sourcing the highest nutritional-grade available from around the world for her Love Your Gut product line.

Key Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth

Gentle Internal Cleansing

Perhaps the most remarkable benefit of diatomaceous earth is its ability to cleanse the digestive system. Lee explains that it "gently cleans the long and winding road of our digestive system" – not as a quick fix, but as a consistent support for gut health.

"We have about 500g to three kilos of plaque and waste just sitting in our digestive system," Lee notes. Diatomaceous earth works by slowly loosening this plaque and essentially sweeping it from the body. It provides a gentle method for removing heavy metals, bad bacteria, parasites, and toxins.

The science behind this cleaning action is fascinating. Under a microscope, diatomaceous earth resembles a honeycomb shell that works through a process of negative ions. It attracts positively charged bacteria (like parasites and waste) and escorts them out of the body naturally. What's remarkable is how it distinguishes between helpful and harmful bacteria. "It separates the good and bad through a process of negative ions," Lee explains, calling the process "fairly miraculous."

Food-grade diatomaceous earth contains approximately 80-90% silica, an essential mineral that plays significant roles in human health. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging (2007) examined silica's role in health and found that it's actively absorbed in the human body and detected in various tissues, supporting its importance as a trace element. The study noted silica's potential role in detoxification processes, particularly in binding with aluminium and other toxins.

A 2011 study published in the Oxford Journal of Poultry Science examined diatomaceous earth's effects on parasite elimination and found promising results in animal subjects. The researchers noted that the microscopic sharp edges of diatomaceous earth particles may physically damage parasites and their eggs, offering a mechanical rather than chemical method of elimination – potentially explaining its gentle effectiveness.

Beauty Benefits for Hair, Skin & Nails

While gut comfort is often the primary reason I reach for diatomaceous earth, the benefits extend to hair, skin & nails as well. This is due to its silica content – diatomaceous earth is approximately 90% amorphous silica, which is naturally formed in freshwater lakes.

"It's naturally great for hair, skin and nails," Lee shares from personal experience. "I've noticed I had lots of age spots and they started to disappear when I started using it. My hair started to grow a lot better. My eyes were brighter." These beauty benefits make diatomaceous earth a true inside-out approach to natural skincare.

The connection between silica and beauty benefits is well-supported scientifically. A comprehensive review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) examined silica's role in collagen synthesis and found it to be an essential element in the formation and maintenance of connective tissue. The researchers noted that adequate silica levels are associated with improved skin elasticity, stronger nails, and healthier hair growth.

Natural Energy Support

For those days when I'm feeling tired, diatomaceous earth can help support energy levels too due to its iron content. Unlike synthetic iron supplements created in laboratories, diatomaceous earth provides naturally-occurring iron that the body can utilise effectively.

Lee recommends taking it with orange juice or any vitamin C source to enhance iron absorption. If citrus isn't your thing, "you can have it with water or a smoothie," she suggests. Her personal routine involves taking it with warm water in the morning, while others add it to tea or smoothies.

Chemical composition analyses published in scientific literature typically show diatomaceous earth contains between 0.5–2% iron oxide. A small but notable study published in the European Journal of Medical Research (1998) followed participants taking diatomaceous earth supplements over an eight-week period. The study documented improvements in several energy-related markers, including better blood lipid profiles and reduced inflammation indicators.

Customer Experiences

"I've been consuming Golden Gut Blend and Love Your Gut powder daily for 3 months and my gut health has improved tremendously! Bloating has gone down, and I am nowhere near as gassy!"

- Melissa

"After completing the 'Heal Your Gut' program I feel amazing! Previously I had no energy and a foggy brain, but now my body is no longer inflamed, with aching joints and headaches gone."

- Julie P

Easy Ways to Use Diatomaceous Earth

There are so many ways to incorporate this versatile powder into your daily routine:

• Add to smoothies: Blend it with your favorite fruits and vegetables for a nutrient-packed drink
• Mix into baking: Add to homemade bread, muffins, or cookies for a mineral boost - try these delicious Goat's Cheese, Tomato and Spinach Muffins
• Stir into beverages: Simply mix with water, juice, or tea
• Incorporate into salad dressings: Add to oil and vinegar, pasta sauce and soups for an undetectable mineral supplement
• Sprinkle on foods: Add to yogurt, oatmeal, or sprinkle on avocado toast

Since Diatomaceous Earth is a whole food, Lee emphasises that "you can take it anyway you like." I love that it can be added to hot or cold foods without losing effectiveness. "It's still ok if you put it into cooked food or into recipes," Lee confirms.

When starting out, Lee recommends beginning with a teaspoon daily and gradually working up to a tablespoon (about 3 grams). You can double the dose to 6 grams if needed, and take it twice daily. For children, start with half a teaspoon for a week, then take a week off, then repeat.

A bonus? Diatomaceous earth can enhance the absorption of other supplements. Lee combines it with green powder, protein powder, and collagen in her own routine, maximising the effectiveness of her entire supplement regimen.

Diatomaceous Earth to Try

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