What Does Diatomaceous Earth Do When You Drink It?

Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms known as diatoms. While its effectiveness as a natural pesticide is widely known, its internal consumption as a wellness supplement is a more recent trend, sparking debate about its actual effects on the human body.

Quick Summary

This article explores the anecdotal claims and limited scientific evidence surrounding the ingestion of food-grade diatomaceous earth, covering purported benefits for gut health, cholesterol, and more, as well as crucial safety information.

Key Points

• Food-Grade Only: Only ingest certified food-grade diatomaceous earth, which has low crystalline silica content, unlike industrial filter-grade varieties.

• Inhalation is Dangerous: Never inhale DE powder, as the fine silica particles can cause severe, irreversible lung damage (silicosis).

• Limited Human Evidence: Most health benefits, such as detox and parasite removal, are anecdotal or based on weak evidence; the human body has its own efficient detox system.

• Digestive Aid with Caution: DE can act as a bulking agent, potentially helping with constipation, but requires ample hydration to prevent dehydration and digestive issues.

• Silica Benefits are Questionable: While DE contains silica, it's largely insoluble, and it is unclear how much is absorbed by the body to benefit hair, skin, nails, or bones.

Understanding Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Not all diatomaceous earth (DE) is created equal, and this distinction is critical for anyone considering internal use. DE is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock, but it is processed into different grades for various applications.

• Food-Grade DE: This type is mined from freshwater sources and consists primarily of amorphous silica, with a very low concentration (less than 1%) of the dangerous crystalline silica. It is the only type considered safe for human and animal consumption, and it is sometimes used in the food industry as an anti-caking agent or filtering aid.
• Filter-Grade DE: This is derived from saltwater sources and is heat-treated (calcined), resulting in a high concentration of crystalline silica. This industrial-grade DE is highly toxic if ingested or inhaled and is used for purposes like swimming pool filtration, not consumption.

The Role of Silica

The high silica content in food-grade DE is the basis for many of its health claims. Silicon is an essential trace element that plays a role in bone formation, connective tissue integrity, and healthy hair, skin, and nails. However, the amorphous silica in food-grade DE is mostly insoluble, meaning it passes through the digestive tract largely unabsorbed. Some of it may convert into absorbable orthosilicic acid (OSA) in the stomach, but the overall absorption is low.

Internal Benefits: The Claims vs. The Evidence

Many proponents of drinking food-grade DE cite benefits ranging from detoxification to improved joint health. It's important to separate these anecdotal reports from verifiable scientific data.

Detoxification

The Claim: Diatomaceous earth acts as a detoxifying agent, helping to cleanse the body of heavy metals, parasites, and other toxins. This is often linked to the idea that its abrasive, porous nature "scrubs" the digestive tract.

The Evidence: While DE effectively kills insects by physically damaging their exoskeletons and dehydrating them, this mechanism does not apply to humans. The human body has its own highly efficient detoxification system through the liver and kidneys. Some animal studies and in-vitro research suggest silica can bind to toxins like aluminum, but robust human studies demonstrating a significant detox effect from consuming food-grade DE are lacking.

Gut Health and Digestion

The Claim: Drinking DE can improve digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and improving nutrient absorption.

The Evidence: The gritty texture and absorbency of DE can increase fecal bulk, which may help with constipation in some individuals, provided they consume plenty of water. However, excessive consumption without enough water can lead to constipation. Claims of enhanced nutrient absorption due to a stronger intestinal lining are largely theoretical and not well-supported by human research.

Cholesterol Reduction

The Claim: DE can help lower blood cholesterol levels.

The Evidence: A small-scale, uncontrolled 1998 study showed reduced total and LDL cholesterol in participants taking DE. However, because this study lacked a control group, the results were not conclusive and the researchers called for further, placebo-controlled trials. A more recent 2025 rat study found some hypolipidemic effects, but animal studies do not always translate to human results.

Hair, Skin, and Nail Health

The Claim: The high silica content in DE can strengthen hair, skin, and nails by boosting collagen production.

The Evidence: While silica is known to support connective tissue health, it's unclear how much usable silica is actually absorbed from consuming amorphous DE. Many other supplements and foods are better-established sources of bioavailable silicon.

Safety and Usage Guidelines

Drinking food-grade DE is generally recognized as safe, but there are important precautions to follow.

Inhalation Dangers

This is the most critical safety warning. Never inhale diatomaceous earth. The fine silica particles can irritate and damage the lungs, potentially leading to a serious and irreversible lung disease called silicosis, especially with long-term exposure. Always handle the powder in a well-ventilated area, and consider wearing a mask.

Proper Preparation

Because DE is largely insoluble, it will not dissolve completely in water. You will need to stir it well and drink it immediately before it settles.

• Mixing: Start with a small dose, like one teaspoon, mixed into a glass of water, juice, or a smoothie.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of additional water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and constipation.

Potential Side Effects

Some individuals report side effects, though the scientific basis is debated.

• Digestive Discomfort: Mild stomach upset, bloating, or constipation can occur, especially when starting with a high dose.
• "Die-Off" Symptoms: Proponents claim initial symptoms like fatigue or flu-like feelings are due to toxins leaving the body. However, there is no scientific basis for this "detox" reaction, and it could simply be a sign of the body adjusting or reacting negatively.
• Dryness: Dryness of the mouth, throat, or skin can occur due to DE's absorbent properties.

Claimed Benefits vs. Scientific Evidence

Claimed Benefit	Scientific Evidence	Key Takeaway
Detoxification	Very limited, mostly anecdotal. Human body detoxifies effectively on its own.	Unproven for human detox. Rely on your body's natural systems.
Gut Health	Some evidence it adds bulk and may ease constipation with sufficient hydration.	May help with constipation, but risks exist without enough water.
Cholesterol Reduction	One small, uncontrolled human study showed potential. More research needed.	Anecdotal; not a proven treatment for high cholesterol.
Stronger Hair/Skin/Nails	Plausible based on silica content, but absorption from DE is questionable.	No strong evidence that DE is an effective source of bioavailable silicon.
Parasite Removal	Not effective for internal human parasites, despite its insecticidal properties.	Fails to work in the same way for human digestive tracts.

Conclusion

While drinking food-grade diatomaceous earth is marketed as a natural wellness remedy for detoxification, gut health, and more, most of these claims are supported by limited scientific evidence and are largely anecdotal. The primary documented health benefits relate to the presence of silica, but its bioavailability from DE is uncertain. Potential users must understand the crucial distinction between safe food-grade DE and dangerous industrial-grade DE. The most significant safety concern is inhalation, which can cause serious lung damage. For those considering trying it, it is essential to proceed with caution, use a certified food-grade product, and consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking other medications or having pre-existing conditions.

For more information on the different types of diatomaceous earth and general safety guidelines, you can visit a reliable resource like WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drinking diatomaceous earth safe?

Yes, drinking a certified food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally considered safe, but proper usage and hydration are crucial. Filter-grade DE, however, is not safe for human consumption under any circumstances.

Does diatomaceous earth really detox the body?

Claims about DE's detoxification properties are largely anecdotal and not supported by strong human research. The human body naturally detoxifies itself through organs like the liver and kidneys.

What is the difference between food-grade and filter-grade diatomaceous earth?

Food-grade DE is freshwater-mined with low crystalline silica, while filter-grade is high in crystalline silica and is not safe for internal consumption. Always check for a food-grade certification.

How should I mix diatomaceous earth for drinking?

Mix about one teaspoon of food-grade DE powder into at least 12 ounces of water or juice. Stir vigorously and drink immediately before the powder settles. Increasing your dose slowly is recommended.

What happens if you accidentally inhale diatomaceous earth?

Inhaling DE, particularly crystalline silica, can irritate the nasal passages and lungs, and chronic exposure can lead to serious lung diseases like silicosis. Seek fresh air if it happens and medical attention if symptoms persist.

Can drinking diatomaceous earth cause constipation?

Yes, if you don't drink enough water, the absorbent properties of DE can lead to constipation. Staying well-hydrated is key to mitigating this side effect.

Are there any scientifically proven benefits of drinking DE?

While a small, uncontrolled human study suggested potential cholesterol reduction, conclusive scientific evidence for most claimed internal benefits is lacking. The body's absorption of DE's beneficial silica is also limited.