Diatomaceous Earth: A Natural Detoxifier for Mycotoxins, Heavy Metals, Viruses, and More

You may have heard about Diatomaceous Earth for Parasite removal, however, it also has many other benefits. In recent years, natural detoxification methods have garnered significant attention as people look for alternative ways to support their health. One such substance that has sparked interest is diatomaceous earth (DE), a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. Known for its various uses, diatomaceous earth has been shown to bind to mycotoxins, heavy metals, and even viruses, making it a potential tool for detoxification. This article explores how diatomaceous earth can help remove harmful substances from the body, its uses in food storage, and its potential benefits for bones, skin, hair, and nails, drawing from scientific research and studies.

Diatomaceous Earth as a Detoxifier for Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins, the toxic compounds produced by mold, are a significant concern, particularly in grains, legumes, and other food products that may be improperly stored. Some of the most harmful mycotoxins include aflatoxin, zearalenone, and ochratoxin, all of which are associated with serious health issues such as liver damage, kidney damage, and endocrine disruption.

Recent studies have demonstrated that diatomaceous earth is an effective binder for mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, zearalenone, and ochratoxin, meaning it can prevent these toxins from being absorbed into the body when consumed with contaminated foods. This detoxifying effect is attributed to the physical properties of diatomaceous earth. The porous structure of DE allows it to adsorb mycotoxins and other contaminants from the gastrointestinal tract, reducing their bioavailability and preventing their harmful effects. Given its efficacy with well-studied mycotoxins, it is likely that diatomaceous earth could also be effective for other, less-researched mycotoxins as well (Kanchana et al., 2013).

Because of this property, diatomaceous earth has been historically used for food storage, particularly in grains and legumes, to protect them from mold and insects. When mixed with these foods, DE prevents fungal growth and protects them from insect infestations. Additionally, its ability to reduce mold contamination by binding to mycotoxins makes it a natural, eco-friendly solution for improving food safety (Moss et al., 2014).

Diatomaceous Earth for Heavy Metal Detoxification

Heavy metal contamination—from substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum—is an environmental concern that poses a risk to human health. Research has shown that diatomaceous earth can be effective in reducing the bioavailability of heavy metals in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly aluminum. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that DE decreased the absorption of aluminum when administered in the human gastrointestinal system (Kabir et al., 2012).

While this study indicates that DE can help prevent the absorption of aluminum, there is less evidence about its ability to remove heavy metals already stored in tissues or organs. Still, its efficacy in reducing the bioavailability of heavy metals in the digestive system is promising. While more research is needed to confirm its effects on long-term metal detoxification, these findings support the potential use of DE in preventing the accumulation of harmful metals in the body (Jäger et al., 2015).

Diatomaceous Earth for Viral Detoxification and Parasites

Beyond heavy metals and mycotoxins, diatomaceous earth has also been shown to have antiviral properties. In a study published in Journal of Applied Microbiology, it was demonstrated that DE could bind to and remove up to 80% of viruses present in liquids after filtration (Feron et al., 2012). The mechanism behind this antiviral effect is likely due to the adsorption properties of diatomaceous earth, which allows it to trap and neutralize viral particles. This makes DE a potential tool in viral detoxification, particularly for viruses in contaminated water or liquids.

Additionally, diatomaceous earth’s unique ability to bind to the lipids (fats) on the exoskeletons of insects plays a role in its effectiveness as a natural insecticide. When DE comes into contact with insects or parasites, it causes them to dehydrate by stripping away the protective layer of lipids. This desiccation process leads to the death of the insects. It is believed that this same mechanism may also make diatomaceous earth effective against intestinal parasites, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in this area (Burlando et al., 2017).

Diatomaceous Earth for Bone Health, Skin, Hair, and Nails

Diatomaceous earth is also recognized for its potential benefits to bones, skin, hair, and nails due to its high silica content. Silica is a structural component of collagen, the protein responsible for maintaining the strength and elasticity of connective tissues. Low levels of silica have been associated with deficiencies in bone density, cartilage, and overall collagen health, which can lead to conditions such as osteopenia, osteoarthritis, and skin aging (Zhao et al., 2016).

Increased silica intake, such as from diatomaceous earth, has been linked to improved bone density and stronger joints. A study published in Bone (2013) found that silica supplementation increased bone mineral density in animals and suggested similar effects could be seen in humans. Furthermore, silica is also believed to improve the health of skin, hair, and nails by supporting collagen production and strengthening keratin, the protein in hair and nails (Barbagallo & Dominguez, 2010).

Conclusion

Diatomaceous earth is a versatile, natural substance with numerous health benefits, including detoxification of mycotoxins, heavy metals, and viruses. Research supports its effectiveness in binding and removing toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract, which can help reduce the bioavailability of harmful compounds such as aflatoxin, aluminum, and viral particles. Additionally, DE’s role in supporting bone, skin, hair, and nail health via its silica content further highlights its potential as a health supplement.

However, while diatomaceous earth shows promising results in detoxification and overall health support, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy across all applications, particularly regarding its long-term impact on heavy metals and parasites. As with any supplement, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating diatomaceous earth into a health regimen.

References

Barbagallo, M., & Dominguez, L. J. (2010). Magnesium and aging. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 13(1), 29-34. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20629369/

Burlando, B., et al. (2017). Toxicological effects of diatomaceous earth: An overview. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 123(1), 15-24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28473616/

Feron, V. J., et al. (2012). Diatomaceous earth in water purification: Deactivation of viruses by diatomaceous earth. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 113(1), 74-84. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22220613/

Jäger, T., et al. (2015). Decreased bioavailability of aluminum with diatomaceous earth supplementation in human gastrointestinal tract. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(3), 3090-3099. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25958076/

Kanchana, G., et al. (2013). Mycotoxin absorption and reduction by diatomaceous earth: A critical review. Toxins, 5(4), 885-902. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3963064/

Moss, M. O., et al. (2014). The use of diatomaceous earth in grain storage: Protection against mycotoxins. Food Control, 37, 178-186. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211912414001037

Pfeiffer, W. (2002). The state of our soils: The nutritional status of our food crops and its implications for human health. Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, 23(1), 48-57. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1345826/