What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized shells of microscopic water-dwelling organisms known as diatoms. Diatoms are one-celled plants (algae or phytoplankton) that are the primary food source for marine life. These plants have been part of the earth’s ecology since prehistoric times, yet their species still exists today in both salty and fresh waters located around the globe.
Diatoms use soluble silica (sand) from their environment to make their shells, or exoskeletons. As diatoms die, their shells fall to the bottom of the water in which they live. It is believed that 30 million years ago the diatoms piled up to form thick beds of chalky fossilized sediment. These beds, known as diatomite or diatomaceous earth, were discovered after the waters receded.
Today, hundreds of large deposits of diatomaceous earth have been discovered around our planet. Some are still underwater and some are found in ancient dried up lake beds. It has been estimated that one cubic inch of diatomaceous earth may contain as many as 400 million shells, that is how small diatoms are!
What Do Fossilized Shells Have to Do With Improving Your Health? Diatomaceous earth, which is a very high level absorb-able form of silica, can replenish silica levels in the human body, thereby vastly improving your health and reversing many chronic problems. Studies show that high levels of silica can:
Improve Bone Health and Stop Osteoporosis: Calcium and vitamin D alone are not sufficient for bone growth, density, strength, and flexibility. In fact, the body cannot absorb and use calcium without the presence of silica. Recent data suggests that instead of promoting healing, calcium supplements actually speed up the leeching away of bone calcium and accelerate the degenerative process of osteoporosis and similar diseases that affect the connective tissues in the human body!
To re-mineralize and repair damaged bones, it is now advised that a sufficient silica supplement be taken daily as bones are composed mainly of the minerals phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. However, these minerals need the presence of silica to be deposited into the bones, especially calcium. Silica hastens the healing of fractures and also diminishes scarring at the location of a fracture. A great deal of research evidence indicates that silica has the ability to “morph” itself into calcium through a transmutation process. Yes, silica actually has the ability to be turned into calcium when there is a calcium deficiency and the body requires it!
These facts alone should be reason enough to supplement with DE!!
Ward Off Alzheimer’s: Scientists and researchers have long hypothesized that Alzheimer’s disease is linked to a build up of aluminum in the brain, and links between aluminum in drinking water supplies and Alzheimer’s have now been ascertained. A factor that has been overlooked, is that silica reduces the accumulation of aluminum. When researchers added silica to aluminum-laced water supplies, it inhibited the aluminum from being absorbed. It also caused a proliferation in the excretion of aluminum in urine and lowered aluminum concentrations in the brain, liver, bone, spleen and kidneys. Silica, therefore, may be important in supporting neurological health.
Improve Heart and Lung Health: Silica can hinder the effects of coronary disease by fortifying blood vessels. Studies confirm that with age, silica disappears from the aorta, the heart’s key blood vessel— thus weakening its critical connective tissue, and resulting in a greater cardiac risk. Studies have shown diatomaceous earth to significantly lower cholesterol by removing plaque and keeping arteries and veins supple. It also helps to regulate blood pressure. Silica also aids in the repair and maintenance of vital lung tissues and defending them from pollution.
Stop Premature Wrinkling and Sagging Skin: Silica is excellent for supporting bones and connective tissue. Your body needs healthy connective tissue for internal organs and the bodies largest organ is your skin. And you probably know that sagging skin and the forming of wrinkles, previously thought to be age related, is caused by degrading connective tissue. Perhaps it is not age, but rather not enough silica that makes this happen.
Collagen, which is mostly made up of silica, is the glue that holds us together. Collagen accounts for up to 75% of the weight of the dermis and is responsible for the resilience and elasticity of the skin. Our connective tissues consist of collagen, elastin, mucopolysaccharides and mucous carbohydrates which aid in moisture retention. Their capacity to hold on to moisture keeps the connective tissue resilient and has apparent importance in the prevention of premature aging. All these valuable molecules house large quantities of silica. Also, many people with advanced arthritis suffer from bone deformation when tendons and ligaments in the joints lose flexibility due to loss of collagen. Tendons and ligaments need silica for health and flexibility.
Dental health is an essential part of overall wellness, but our busy schedules can make it easy to neglect. Fortunately, you can use diatomaceous earth to improve your dental hygiene without lengthening your brushing routine. DE powder is hard and porous, which makes it the perfect abrasive to help remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. In fact, many name brand toothpastes already include silica–DE’s main ingredient. However, you can add diatomaceous earth powder to any brand of toothpaste to increase its cleaning power.
Boost the Immune System: Silica may play an important role in the immune system and its biological response to harmful stimuli. Silica is necessary for the body to produce antibodies that fight off viruses, bacteria, allergens and other invaders that the body views as foreign.
Other Ways Diatomaceous Earth Can Improve Your Health One of the most sought after benefits of diatomaceous earth is to cleanse the digestive tract. Many people consume a variety of processed foods, which contain various harmful chemicals and toxins. Plus, as air quality has degraded, we are constantly absorbing toxins into our body that need to be removed.
Diatomaceous earth can also purge any parasite, virus, bacteria, or toxin that cling to our digestive tract. While diatomaceous earth feels like a soft powder, the truth is that diatomaceous earth is actually a small cylinder with extremely sharp edges. As we consume diatomaceous earth, these sharp edges scrape away parasites, toxins, and viruses clinging to the lining of our digestive tract. Plus, any toxins or bacteria floating in our digestive tract are absorbed and trapped by diatomaceous earth. It has also been shown to cling to bad fats in the body, effectively reducing bad cholesterol. Diatomaceous earth is then expelled through our bowel movements, taking with it the harmful materials. Note, our skin and organs are strong and thick enough to not to be affected by these sharp edges, which is why we feel no pain taking diatomaceous earth. After a few days, the body’s digestive system can be thoroughly cleansed and can operate much more efficiently.
Diatomacceous Earth: Natural Facial Exfoliator: No matter what you are looking for to improve your health, it is important that there are safe and natural options like diatomaceous earth. DE can be used to help promote healthy skin as an defoliator, by being able to remove microscopic deposits of dirt, oils, and dead skin cells.
