What is diatomaceous earth?
One of the common questions asked is what is diatomaceous earth? Diatomaceous earth is a fossilized deposit of microscopic shells created by one cell plants called diatoms. These plants inhabit all the waters of the earth and serve as a basic food for aquatic life just as grass is the basic food for land animals. This mineral based compound contains silicon, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron and other trace minerals that the body needs to stay healthy. All diatomaceous earth is 84% silica so now that we know what it is, let us look at how does it work?
Diatomaceous earth looks like a cylinder full of holes this cylinder has a very strong negative charge while pathogens have a positive charge. As these millions of cylinders move through the stomach and digestive tract they attract and absorb fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticides, drug residues, e-coli and heavy metals. These are trapped inside the cylinder and passed out of the body. In addition, any larger parasites that happen to be in the stomach or digestive tract are cut up and killed by the sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth. All of these activities result in a much healthier body and less sickness. After taking diatomaceous earth for a couple of months the intestine wall is no longer coated with mucus or moulds and is totally clean.
Read More: Magnesium Citrate to Fight Constipation During Pregnancy
11 Amazing Health Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth during Pregnancy
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-formed sedimentary mineral rock. It’s derived from the remains of diatoms or oceanic unicellular algae. Diatoms are over 30 million years old and are formed from the cementation of microscopic algae-like plant remains into the earth’s surface. These clay-like, chalky remains are usually found in the form of a thick, white, siliceous powder known as diatomaceous earth. Often used to support body cleansing, some research also suggests it’s a natural tool for promoting normal blood lipids, detoxing toxic metals, and fighting harmful intestinal organisms. Some of the diatomaceous earth benefits are given below:
Natural source of silica
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is composed of approximately 85% silica. This important, trace mineral is required by tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and bones. The nutrient even contributes to almost every vital organ, including the heart, liver, and lungs. Food was the primary source of naturally-occurring silica before modern farming practices depleted the soil. It is suggested that only 1/3 of the silica we need is available in natural, plant-based foods.
Promotes skin health
Because diatomaceous earth is a strong abrasive, it is often used as a toothpaste and facial exfoliator. The process of exfoliation is important in skin care as it helps to remove dead skin cells that may give the appearance of tired, worn-out skin. The product’s natural silica content is also necessary for healthy skin, teeth, hair, and nails, and the product is often touted as a potent beauty mineral.
Read More: Top 7 Annoying Pregnancy Skin Issues and Remedies
Supports heart health
Research has also shown that food-grade diatomaceous may offer positive benefits for cholesterol levels and encourage heart health. Nutrients such as silicon, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and other trace minerals are available in diatomaceous earth, giving rise to a practically endless supply of health benefits. Most of these nutrients play a role in building and repairing of muscles and bones.
Read More: Is Jamun Consumption Safe During Pregnancy?
Natural pesticide
One of the most common uses for diatomaceous earth is as a natural insecticide. Studies indicate that this clay-like powder can kill the harmful insects that threaten crops and home life. Due to the incessant use of pesticides, many insects have become resistant to chemical deterrents. This organic pest control method is helpful for reducing the number of environmental toxins we’re all exposed to.
Internal Cleanser
Diatomaceous earth acts as a mild abrasive both topically and internally. Inside your body, it helps remove intestinal invaders and other harmful organisms from the digestive tract. As an internal cleanser, diatomaceous earth may aid cleansing by supporting regularity and assisting in the removal of toxic metals. Some studies have shown diatomaceous earth to be very successful in ridding animals of harmful organisms. Food-grade diatomaceous earth placed in the feed of livestock may help discourage fleas and other harmful bugs. Make sure that all diatomaceous earth is labelled “food grade” and is untreated and unheated! The mineral is available in supplement form, both by itself and blended with other ingredients.
Healthy colon
It creates a healthier colon environment and because of this you will notice increased energy and require much less sleep. When your colon is clean your food and nutrients are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. You will no longer suffer from things like diarrhoea or constipation.
Overall benefits
The silica also helps to prevent baldness and stimulates healthier hair growth. There are also many anti-aging benefits from taking Diatomaceous earth. It is great for your skin, nails and teeth and your hair. It also promotes collagen production that increases the elasticity of your skin.
Aids in weight loss
Because Diatomaceous earth is so high in silica it is very effective at destroying the bad types of fat in your body so if you would like to lose weight the natural way I highly recommend is it.
Maintains teeth health
Silica also protects our teeth and gums by hardening the enamel. Silica prevents cavities and preserves teeth silica also helps to prevent bleeding gums, gum atrophy and recession.
Lowers high blood pressure
It repairs and maintains vital lung tissue which protects us from pollution, lowers high blood pressure and lowers high cholesterol.
Reduces swelling
Addresses osteoporosis and joint problems, acts as a cough decreasing agent and reduces swelling because of its positive action on the lymphatic system.
Read More: 10 Pregnancy Foods For Strong Bone Development In The Womb
Diatomaceous earth uses
Some of the uses are given below:
- It helps to prevent many unwanted side effects of menopause.
- Helps to prevent kidney stones heals infections of the urinary tract
- Reduces swelling of the lymph nodes in the throat
- Finally, silica can help prevent or decrease the chances of Alzheimer’s because it stops the body from absorbing aluminium.
- It helps to regulate bowel movements
Is diatomaceous earth safe during pregnancy?
No additives – 100% diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is sourced from one of the purest, food grade mines. Out of 600 deposits in the US, only 4 are considered “food grade”. So make sure that you consume “food grade” diatomaceous earth.
No contaminants
Your diatomaceous earth should be packed with stainless steel equipment to prevent any contaminants from entering your diatomaceous earth during the manufacturing process.
I suggest that you can consume diatomaceous earth while pregnant. It is obviously better to consult your doctor for the right advice as he can tell what will suit your body the best. Also, make sure that you eat healthily and that is cleansing in a sense because you don’t want to be filling your body full of toxins. You want to be eating right to clean out your blood, to keep your body running at top condition, to make your body healthier without stirring up anything.
Read More: Alfalfa During Pregnancy – Benefits And Side Effects
How to consume diatomaceous earth?
If you would like to try diatomaceous earth for yourself make sure that you only ever consume the food grade version. Also when taking diatomaceous earth, try to avoid breathing it in although I have read many articles where people have stated that the food grade version is not harmful when breathed in, I still think it’s a good idea to avoid it just the same. Simply take one tablespoon and stir it in a glass of filtered water. Diatomaceous earth has no odour and no taste. So it is very easy to consume. Now initially it will increase your bowel movements but this will regulate itself within a couple of days.
