I first learned about food grade diatomaceous earth from Lee Holmes, Lee has been such a wonderful friend and inspiration to me, I have always loved her books so I was really excited when she came out with her Love Your Gut powder because it was a practical ingredient that I could add to my food and drinks. At the time I was juggling a family and my first business so I was run off my feet most days and my gut health wasn't a priority, but this was something easy that I could do.

I started adding her Love Your Gut powder to my morning coffee, and then to my food and family meals, and I would say I noticed 3 things, I had more energy, my hair was feeling thicker and my jeans started to fit a bit better.

15 years on, I still love her Love Your Gut powder and it is still one of my best selling products.

What is diatomaceous earth?

Lee describes diatomaceous earth as a "natural vegan wholefood", technically it's a mineral powder of fossilised freshwater algae from ancient lake beds. It's naturally rich in silica, iron, magnesium, and 17 other trace elements, and it's completely tasteless, which is why it's so easy to add to food and drinks.

Not all diatomaceous earth is created equal though. Lee compares the grades to salt, "You have salt for the pool, and then you have Celtic sea salt." As a clinical nutritionist, Lee spent two years sourcing the highest nutritional-grade available from around the world for her Love Your Gut range.

Properties of diatomaceous earth

Gentle internal cleansing

We can accumulate a build-up of waste in the digestive system over time, Lee explains. Diatomaceous earth is often described as helping to gently support the natural process of elimination.

Silica content and its role

While gut comfort is often the reason people start taking diatomaceous earth, its silica content is worth noting too. Diatomaceous earth is approximately 90% amorphous silica, naturally formed in freshwater lakes, and silica has a well-documented relationship with hair, skin and nails.

Mineral content

Diatomaceous earth also contains naturally-occurring iron and various trace minerals. Lee recommends taking it with orange juice or any vitamin C source to enhance iron absorption.

5 delicious easy ways to use diatomaceous earth

There are so many ways to add this versatile powder to your day. It's tasteless and works in both hot and cold food or drinks. Lee recommends starting with a teaspoon daily and gradually working up to a tablespoon (about 3 grams). Here are 5 great ways to try it.

1. Add to smoothies, blend with your favourite fruits and vegetables for a nutrient-packed drink
2. Mix into baking, add to homemade bread, muffins or cookies, try Lee's Goat's Cheese, Tomato and Spinach Muffins
3. Stir into beverages, mix with water, juice or tea, Lee's own routine is warm water first thing in the morning
4. Add to salad dressings or soups, it works beautifully stirred into pasta sauce too
5. Sprinkle on food, add to yogurt, oatmeal or avocado toast

It also combines well with other supplements so you can also add it to your daily greens, protein and collagen powders.

Diatomaceous earth to try

The Supercharged Love Your Gut Powder is the original formula, a naturopathic-grade diatomaceous earth rich in silica and 13 trace minerals including calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron. The Supercharged Golden Gut Blend combines the same base with turmeric, organic black pepper, ginger and cinnamon, perfect for lattes, smoothies and soups.

If you prefer something more convenient, the Love Your Gut Capsules are ideal for travel and busy days, simply take two capsules twice daily with water. The Love Your Gut Capsules Micron 5 are the premium version, featuring super-fine Australian diatomaceous earth.