What does diatomaceous earth do for the human body?

What does diatomaceous earth do for the human body?

When taken by mouth, diatomaceous earth is used as a source of silica, for treating high cholesterol levels, for treating constipation, and for improving the health of skin, nails, teeth, bones, and hair. When applied to the skin or teeth, diatomaceous earth is used to brush teeth or remove unwanted dead skin cells.

Is diatomaceous earth safe for humans to breathe?

If breathed in, diatomaceous earth can irritate the nose and nasal passages. If an extremely large amount is inhaled, people may cough and have shortness of breath. Diatomaceous earth may also irritate the eyes, due to its abrasive nature. Any dust, including silica, can be irritating to the eyes.

Is diatomaceous earth bad for your lungs?

Because food-grade diatomaceous earth is less than 2% crystalline silica, you might think it’s safe. However, long-term inhalation can still damage your lungs ( 15 ). Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe to consume, but do not inhale it. It can cause inflammation and scarring of your lungs.

What are the health benefits of diatomaceous earth?

High cholesterol levels. Early research suggests taking diatomaceous earth might reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood patients with high cholesterol levels. Constipation. Health of skin, nails, teeth, bones, and hair. Insecticide. Removal of dead skin (exfoliation).

How often can you take diatomaceous earth for cholesterol?

During 12 weeks we monitored serum lipid concentrations in 19 healthy individuals with a history of moderate hypercholesterinemia (9 females, 10 males, aged 35 – 67 years). Individuals administered orally 250 mg diatomaceous earth three-times daily during an 8 weeks observation period.

Is it possible to get silicon dioxide from diatomaceous earth?

Despite these findings, it has been reported that when diatomaceous earth is eaten, very little is actually absorbed into the body. Most of it is excreted, the researchers explain, and since small amounts of silica are normally present in all body tissues, it is not unusual to find silicon dioxide in the urine.

Is it safe to inhale food grade diatomaceous earth?

Because food grade diatomaceous earth is less than 2% crystalline silica, you might think it’s safe. However, long-term inhalation can still damage your lungs (15). Bottom Line: Food grade diatomaceous earth is safe to consume, but do not inhale it. It can cause inflammation and scarring of your lungs.