1/2" growth per month to 1/2" in 4 days!!!

[CherrySilver]

Wow, that's really amazing brezefairie! Do you have any pictures you could post? Also, what dosage were you taking? Inquiring minds want to know.....

[breezefaerie]

No, sorry no pics.
I am taking 2 heaping tables spoons each morning in water. That's it! I am so glad I found this thread and was convinced to try DE!

[CherrySilver]

OMG - that's a lot. So basically started from nothing to taking 2 T consistently for 2 mos? Wow. Any side effects at all?

[Khepri]

Wow, DE sounds too good to be true! I'm going to give it a go.
Where could I find it? Could I just pop in to the local Wal-mart and find some there, or does it have to be ordered online?

[Fairlight63]

I saw it in Ace once. BUT you have to make sure that it is FOOD grade - if it is for swimming pools it is poison, it is treated with chemicals. Don't buy that kind.

I ordered mine on line at www.earthworkshealth.com (http://www.earthworkshealth.com) & had it in 3 days.

[breezefaerie]

OMG - that's a lot. So basically started from nothing to taking 2 T consistently for 2 mos? Wow. Any side effects at all?

I did have some side effects - headaches for one but those went away after about a week. My digestive system is very regular now, which is an added bonus.

I mix my DE with water and drink it first thing in the morning.

I ordered mine off eBay, and got the PermaGuard brand.

[Khepri]

I just ordered a bag from www.earthworkshealth.com. I can't wait to try this!

[kitten1986]

Ok So I finally found some DE and ordered it and it arrived the other day yay!

I took my first dose today, but I think I am doing it wrong...

I put 1 heaped teaspoon in a glass of water and mixed it till it was suspended then drank it really fast, there still seemed to be lots of sediment at the bottom of the cup, so I refilled it and tried to drink it again... but they just kept sinking to the bottom. Then I noticed that these particles were much larger so I spooned them into my mouth and it was like eating wet sand :( yuk! I had to drink another glass of water to get them out of my teeth. Luckily it doesnt really taste like anything

So am I doing it wrong? or is this just what it is like?

[tarn]

:shrug:I have mine with milk, and find it is like drinking a chalky drink with some tasteless milky chalky residue in the bottom... not unpleasant though.

[Fairlight63]

I mix 1 tab. DE in about 3 tab. of yogurt & a little milk, mix real good & eat with a spoon. I have found that this way it gets mixed in good & I am not left with clumps at the end to try to get down. Then I drink a glass of water afterwards.

[Centaur]

For now I have stopped taking DE.

I don't think I was having any problems with it. I just got tired of taking it, and when I get my hormones checked by my endo in a month or so, I want to get a true reading of levels uninfluenced by DE in case DE does affect hormones.

I am missing the GI benefits of DE, though. Wow, what a difference it made.

[WaitingSoLong]

Well I am not allergic to shellfish. I am allergic to oat. Puzzled. But I am on a new medical treatment plan fo rmy allergies and I will not be starting the DE again anytime soon. I miss the gI benefits!

[kitten1986]

Thanks Tarn and Fairlight !
I had my DE in a strawberry and blueberry milkshake this morning
I just blended it with the berries and milk and it was SOOO much easier to get down :cheese:

Now I cant wait to see results ... how long did everyone have to wait before they saw results in your hair, skin, nails, digestive system etc...?

[CrisDee]

I always make a protein shake in the morning - Trader Joe's soy protein powder, a banana, milk, stevia - blender. I usually take my DE at night, as it helps me sleep better, but when I forget, I just throw it in my morning protein shake and I don't taste it at all - not even a little :)

[daisygirl]

Wow - I just finished all 152 pages & this is my first post so HI!

My question is related to PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). About 1 in 6 women have it so I was hoping to see if anyone asked the question I'm going to ask.

PCOS causes many women to grow facial hair - I'm one of them (ick!) I already shave once a day (which totally sucks!) and I'm wondering if anyone here has noticed any additional or new facial hair growth after starting the DE?

I saw the posts about the guys and their beards - just wondering if there are any ladies here willing to chime in on the situation.

Thanks!

daisy

[justme]

I don't have PCOS so can't help there, but I have not noticed more facial hair or faster growth there. Hopefully someone else can chime in with more relevant information!

[WaitingSoLong]

I have some chin hairs, I was diagnosed with PCOS at one time (non-cystic). DE did not affect my chin hairs at all. I still pluck the same dozen hairs.

[Centaur]

Wow - I just finished all 152 pages & this is my first post so HI!

My question is related to PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). About 1 in 6 women have it so I was hoping to see if anyone asked the question I'm going to ask.

PCOS causes many women to grow facial hair - I'm one of them (ick!) I already shave once a day (which totally sucks!) and I'm wondering if anyone here has noticed any additional or new facial hair growth after starting the DE?

I saw the posts about the guys and their beards - just wondering if there are any ladies here willing to chime in on the situation.

Thanks!

daisy

I have PCOS and did not notice any change in facial hair when using DE.

Do a search for "PCOS" using the search feature on this forum. There are a few long threads with lots of discussion on PCOS.

[daisygirl]

I did a PCOS search but no one had mentioned the possible effects from DE so I read everything here, lol!!

Nice to know I (hopefully) won't have to walk around with a razor in my purse or something silly. I used to be super paranoid about it but now I'm not so obsessed - it's a good thing!

I was thinking about the MTG but I think I'm gonna try just DE first and see if I get any other health benefits from it (plus my fiancé's not a big fan of smoked bacon scent).

I never even gave my hair a thought when I was taking MSM so I'll start DE first, then go back on the glucosomine/msm for my joints!

Thanks for the responses!

daisy

[Rapunzal2Be]

I did a PCOS search but no one had mentioned the possible effects from DE so I read everything here, lol!!

Nice to know I (hopefully) won't have to walk around with a razor in my purse or something silly. I used to be super paranoid about it but now I'm not so obsessed - it's a good thing!

I was thinking about the MTG but I think I'm gonna try just DE first and see if I get any other health benefits from it (plus my fiancé's not a big fan of smoked bacon scent).

I never even gave my hair a thought when I was taking MSM so I'll start DE first, then go back on the glucosomine/msm for my joints!

Thanks for the responses!

daisy

If you are interested in the MTG but don't want the smell, you can try Boundless Tresses or you can concoct your own sulfur oil mixture by ordering sulfur powder (http://amzn.to/a0waCG) and mixing with your choice of oil (still a bit stinky, but not as bad as MTG).

[LocustSpawning]

I ordered my DE a few days ago and finally tried it last night. This morning I already had a few side effects, although I expected these as they've already been previously mentioned. I have a really blocked nose and I found myself waking up very early this morning desperate to use the bathroom!! I shall be updating soon with any other info that may be helpful.

[kitten1986]

so I got my DE and I have been using a tablespoon every morning for nearly a week... but I havent noticed anything... at all

No side effects
No change in bowel "motions"
No apparent miracle hair growth

I have been sleeping heavier... but I have a feeling that it might be because I have suddenly had alot less stress in my life

I am going to keep taking it.. because well it cant hurt right?
hopefully I see some good growth over the next month :D

Oh I am going on vacation but cant take it with me because I dont think the airport will like little bags of "powder" in my luggage hahahaha

So I will be going off it for about 2 weeks

[LocustSpawning]

I've only had 2 doses, (one last night and one the night before) but I am too experiencing positive side effects :D I am *going* much more regularly, sleeping more and more heavily...

Woooo! I think I'm gonna record my hair growth in about 2 weeks. Possibly 1....

[LocustSpawning]

This thread seems to have died :(....

Anyways - I had to stop taking DE due to having an allergic reaction to it and itching a lot. Shame :(

[daaisychains]

I'd rather not risk the money and stick with my healthy diet hair up routine. As boring as i am.. : )

[Fairlight63]

I had interesting experience.

My DH & DS got a really bad cold about 3 weeks ago. In a few days it felt like I was coming down with it also, it would last a few hr. - usually at night, but the feeling would go away the next day. That lasted a couple of weeks. I never came down with the full blown cold. This week I am feeling fine.

Hmm, I wonder if the DE was helping me fight the cold?

Has it helped anyone else fight off a cold?

[kitten1986]

Ok I am back from my vacation and planning to start the DE again tomorrow morning.

:cheese:

[jenwexler]

what is diatomacious earth?

[justme]

what is diatomacious earth?

Um...did you read the thread? There are quite a few links and many different discussions of what it is and isn't, and what it might do or not. You could also google (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=diatomaceous+earth&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=diatomac&gs_rfai=CH3Lf0oS-TOmZFpqsoATAqu2-BwAAAKoEBU_Qd-Er) it for more information. Good luck!

[jenwexler]

i have athsma...will this effect it?

[kitten1986]

i have athsma...will this effect it?

I have heard quite afew reports from people that it has helped them to "breathe easier" and stop their cough etc but seeing as I cant tell you from personal experience, I guess its up to you to try

If you are unsure, how about you start with a small amount daily, and see if you are noticing any negative side effects?

[jenwexler]

hmm it's worth a shot to try...i just have to find it....i feel like im stuck on an island here haha

[leslissocool]

I started the DE 3 days ago! My hubby started with me too, he is taking a bigger dose... so far so good... I measured my hair, and will post some comparison pictures!

Plus... wow this thread was a lot of reading... but really informative....

I would love to hear from lawyergirl and jojo and see some updates !

[LawyerGirl]

I started the DE 3 days ago! My hubby started with me too, he is taking a bigger dose... so far so good... I measured my hair, and will post some comparison pictures!

Plus... wow this thread was a lot of reading... but really informative....

I would love to hear from lawyergirl and jojo and see some updates !


Hi, my newest picture is my avatar, and you can see some pics in my albums to see growth. I chopped an inch or so a few weeks ago to even things up.

ETA:

This was me in June--
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/Elena1282/hairJune22b.jpg


And today, curly, in October--
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/Elena1282/perm.jpg

[leslissocool]

Hi, my newest picture is my avatar, and you can see some pics in my albums to see growth. I chopped an inch or so a few weeks ago to even things up.

ETA:

This was me in June--
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/Elena1282/hairJune22b.jpg


And today, curly, in October--
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/Elena1282/perm.jpg

Thank you so much!!! It looks amazing!!! The rate of growth is impressive!

[CrisDee]

I'll jump in here to show my growth rate:

August 3rd:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=4379&pictureid=78424


October 29th:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=4379&pictureid=86941

Having hair this short, on a day to day basis it seems to be growing at a snail's pace, despite having taken the DE fairly regularly since November 2009 - but when I "compare and contrast," I can see it's growing faster than I realize! It'll be SO much less frustrating when it'll ALL go into a ponytail, but for now I'll take what I can get! :)

[leslissocool]

I'll jump in here to show my growth rate:

August 3rd:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=4379&pictureid=78424


October 29th:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=4379&pictureid=86941

Having hair this short, on a day to day basis it seems to be growing at a snail's pace, despite having taken the DE fairly regularly since November 2009 - but when I "compare and contrast," I can see it's growing faster than I realize! It'll be SO much less frustrating when it'll ALL go into a ponytail, but for now I'll take what I can get! :)


I think it's pretty impressive! It's definitively growing faster than mine was... I a still waiting for it to be 2 weeks at least to take a picture...Your hair looks like it's getting over a inch a month... looks to me like about 4 to 5 inches since august!

[shellblue1]

I stopped taking DE a while ago. I think I am going to restart tonight.

[MadisonMelrose]

Just ordered some...can't wait to start!

[CrisDee]

I'm just now getting to the end of the batch I ordered a year ago. I guess I will order some more - it makes me feel as though I'm taking some sort of action toward encouraging my hair to grow faster, whether or not it's actually doing anything. :D

[justme]

I'm still taking it, although not regularly. I have no idea if my hair is growing faster because I'm not going for length right now, but it does seem to grow quickly and be generally awesome! ;)

The main reason I'm taking it is because if I go too long without and eat pretty much any grains (and other foods, I don't know all of them), I get back cramps/spasms. The DE gets rid of them very quickly and nothing else does. I'm bummed that it seems to be the cause of my new acne on my jaw and neck. My menstrual cycles are less regular now that I'm not regularly taking DE, which is a bummer too.

I still have hope that I can find a good dose that will keep the good and get rid of the bad effects.

[MadisonMelrose]

I started taking just under 1/4 tsp today. I bought DE last month and took 1 tablespoon a day for two days and had terrible nausea and cramps. I hope this is a low enough dosage to avoid detox symptoms and stomach issues. Anyone else start off with a super small amount?

[Fairlight63]

Yes, I started off with 1 tsp. a day for a few days, then worked up to 1 Tab. a day.

[MadisonMelrose]

Yes, I started off with 1 tsp. a day for a few days, then worked up to 1 Tab. a day.

And did you have any problems? I'm having enough issues with my hair color right now and don't think I want to deal with an acne outbreak on top of that...

[Fairlight63]

I did not have any problems at all when I started taking it. I am still taking it, without any problems. I take 1 Tab. a day in the morning in yogurt & a little milk to thin it down some so that it mixes better.

[morecowbell]

And did you have any problems? I'm having enough issues with my hair color right now and don't think I want to deal with an acne outbreak on top of that...

The only problems most of us have experienced in terms of acne are what I call "Detox pimples". I got a few (maybe five or six) pimples on my face during the first week, and then they went away.

[morecowbell]

Just a quick check in: I've been very very lax about taking my DE (just pure laziness) but I've finally jumped back in!
I'm taking 2 TBSP a day in my morning tea, and already feeling the detox (horrible migraine yesterday, feeling slightly sick today).
I've taken a 'before' picture, and I'll try and post one in two weeks, for comparison.
My growth rate is at a steady 1/2" a month.
Now here's the one caveat for other people reading this; I've recently started a regimen of hair growth speeder-uppers ;) So my results will not be attributed solely to DE. I really want to be BSL by my 21st birthday in a month... but with an inch and a half to go, I'd need a big ole growth spurt to reach it.
The things I've started doing are; scalp massages every other night, and a daily multivitamin taken twice a day. I started the multivitamin about a month ago, and have noticed a definite increase in growth rate since then.

[MadisonMelrose]

The only problems most of us have experienced in terms of acne are what I call "Detox pimples". I got a few (maybe five or six) pimples on my face during the first week, and then they went away.

Thank you for the feedback and good luck reaching your goal. I think I can deal with a few detox pimples and I haven't felt anything yet so I will continue 1/4 tsp until Friday and then up my dosage.;)

[ancilla]

I'm going to start this up again starting tonight. I will be taking DE with my 1,000 mcg Biotin and multivitamin. I stopped taking my DE because I just couldn't get used to chalky texture/taste while drinking it. However it's not so bad when you mix it in black tea with milk or in hot cocoa. I also like the idea of putting it in yogurt, so I'll experiment.

I just liked the growth spurt I always got, and the good sleep and general good feelings it produced. The only thing I didn't like about DE was that it made me constipated, so I'll have to start taking my Psyllium Husks too.

[morecowbell]

I'm going to start this up again starting tonight. I will be taking DE with my 1,000 mcg Biotin and multivitamin. I stopped taking my DE because I just couldn't get used to chalky texture/taste while drinking it. However it's not so bad when you mix it in black tea with milk or in hot cocoa. I also like the idea of putting it in yogurt, so I'll experiment.

I just liked the growth spurt I always got, and the good sleep and general good feelings it produced. The only thing I didn't like about DE was that it made me constipated, so I'll have to start taking my Psyllium Husks too.

I basically could've written your post lol :) Black tea and milk is so far my favorite way to take DE, there's so much flavor that you can forgive the slight chalkiness (I also drink from a straw and stir constantly to keep it from settling).
One thing to consider though, ancilla, is that DE has been said to block some absorption of medications/vitamins when taken at the same time. I've heard of it happening from my Mother, and I experienced it with my birth control!!! :shocked: So I always wait an hour or two after/before taking DE to take any kinds of pills :)

Try drinking a full 8-10 ounces of water along with whatever liquid the DE is in to reduce constipation. That has pretty much solved it for me, but I'm giving my psyllium husk a go today, too, so I'll see if that has any effect.

[Fairlight63]

How I take it sometimes & you can't even tell that it is in it is mix it into my oatmeal in the morning. It isn't too bad that way.

[morecowbell]

How I take it sometimes & you can't even tell that it is in it is mix it into my oatmeal in the morning. It isn't too bad that way.

Hm, I haven't tried it in oatmeal yet... that's a really good idea, and it would be a good way to get myself to start eating more oatmeal haha :)

[scorpio_rising]

Hee, this is my first post and I am just popping in to say that I picked up some DE today based on all your testimonials! I will be thrilled if it improves the length and/or condition of my hair, but what excites me the most is the prospect of better sleep! :sleep:
I'll be sure to report back. :)

[justme]

Welcome, scorpio rising! I hope the DE has good effects on you.

[scorpio_rising]

Thanks, justme!
Your hair is gorgeous, by the way. I've been admiring it ever since I found TLHC. :blossom:

[TwilightBloom]

Gonna order the DE right now.. Awesome:cheese:

[autumnchild]

Curious .... What is reliable product/website to buy from? I'd like to try it.
Thanks in advance :)

[LovinMyLabs]

You have *gorgeous* hair!!

HELP: I can't figure out from this thread exactly what DE is? And where can I get some?

Any information on how to grow hair at a faster rate would be wonderful!!

[bondgirl]

I'm getting very curious about DE. Does anybody know where to buy it in The Netherlands (or at least Europe)? I can't find any food grade DE on the internet. Online shops are ok, but shipping from North America is so expensive...

[samanthamelinda]

To anyone who has taken DE:

Did you find it helped your hair grow any faster than usual? Interested in hearing different answers.

Please also include any health benefits you've noticed.

- I'm wondering if DE is okay to consume for women who are pregnant. Does anyone know? I've typed it in google and ask.com and I've only found one site saying it is okay. I'm really interested in the health benefits and fast growth would be a definite plus. :yinyang:

[scorpio_rising]

Well, I slept like a baby for 9 hours and had lots of dreams, for the first time in many, many years. That alone is well worth the price of admission in my book! If I get increased hair growth or any of the other purported health benefits, that'll just be icing. :)

[LovinMyLabs]

Hello JustMe--

Would you please help all of us who are trying to find out more about this DE. What does DE stand for.....and where can we purchase it? Have you had good luck trying it? Any information you could provide would be appreciated by all of us who are inquisitive!

Thanks so much! =- )

[scorpio_rising]

For everyone who's asking:
This thread is 157 pages of discussion of DE - what it is, what it does, where to get it, whether it's safe. Pretty much everything you could ever want to know. If you're interested, I would suggest reading it. That's what I did. Even the first handful of pages will get you the information you're looking for. You don't necessarily have to read all 157 pages like I did. ;)

[morecowbell]

For everyone who's asking:
This thread is 157 pages of discussion of DE - what it is, what it does, where to get it, whether it's safe. Pretty much everything you could ever want to know. If you're interested, I would suggest reading it. That's what I did. Even the first handful of pages will get you the information you're looking for. You don't necessarily have to read all 157 pages like I did. ;)

Here here! You really do only have to read the first 10-15 pages or so to get a good handle on it. There's also a search function that needs to be utilized more, IMO. :) Btw, welcome to LHC, Scorpiorising! :D

[WaitingSoLong]

I was curious to see this thread revived. I still take DE but not for hair growth! I did a lot of experimenting and my hair does the same on or off DE (growth rate).

And I agree, reading this thread is the best way to get all the answers. But I will say DE stands for Diatomaceous Earth, and was not originally the main subject of this thread).

I get mine from Wolf Creek Ranch or something like that. For some reason, if you order it through eBay it is cheaper even though it is the same company.

I foudn that MSM was my hair supplement of choice, not DE. Everyone is different and as is usually tagged: YMMV

[Fairlight63]

I have been taking DE for almost a yr. now. I also don't think that it has effected my hair growth any. I thought that it was helping with shedding but when shedding season came around it was just as bad as ever.

I take it for different reasons, I think that it helps with these things:

I think that it helps with colds - when my DH had a bad cold I never got it, might be a fluk but will see it that happens again.

I used to have tinnatus (ringing in the ears, caused from fluid in the ear) it has gone away.

I guit taking it for a few weeks & I started to get sinus drainage real bad again. I would lay in bed & could feel it running down my throat, UCK I started taking DE again & the drainage quit.

So far I take it for those reasons that I have noticed so far.

It would be interesting to hear what affect others have found taking it - Good or Bad.

[scorpio_rising]

Btw, welcome to LHC, Scorpiorising! :D

Thank you so much, morecowbell! I love your name! :D
And now I am off to stalk the henna threads to see if that's how you got that incredible hair color! :heartbeat

[LocustSpawning]

Wow, I forgot I even had this stuff! I can't remember if it helped my hair growth..

[summerjade]

Thanks for all the info. I'll do anything for faster growth!!!

[justme]

I agree with the above posters - there is tons of information in this thread, including the definition of DE (diatomaceous earth). Please read away!

[LovinMyLabs]

Thanks to all of you who responded to the DE questions.

I apologize for any inconvenience. For me, I neglected to go into the "back pages/earlier discussions" on the DE thread...somehow thinking there was only 1 page.

I have been away for a while, and was never one to post....just read a lot. But, by accident, I overlooked the numerous page numbers at the bottom.....sorry, and thank you to all!

[2vette2camaro]

I bought some DE yesterday as I have done a lot of research into it. If you have a health food store you can probably get it there- that's where I got mine- $10 for a 5 pound bag. On line was cheap but once you had to pay for shipping, not so much.

I am excited about all of the effects it is supposed to have-1500 uses and NO side effect. I started taking a tespoon yesterday and will continue to increse it.


Thanks OP for turning me on to this.



Thanks to all of you who responded to the DE questions.

I apologize for any inconvenience. For me, I neglected to go into the "back pages/earlier discussions" on the DE thread...somehow thinking there was only 1 page.

I have been away for a while, and was never one to post....just read a lot. But, by accident, I overlooked the numerous page numbers at the bottom.....sorry, and thank you to all!

[LovinMyLabs]

Thanks for your information. I thought I would try my health food store also. I would love to know what positive effects you receive from the DE.

Good luck.....I look forward to reading about your experience...

[TwilightBloom]

I just got mine in a few minutes ago, i have taken my first dose of it, I hope to see results like everyone else. I will update with any results that i get.. yay:cheese::magic:

[LovinMyLabs]

TwilightBloom...what did you take the DE with; how did it taste.

Looking forward to hearing about your results -- good luck =- )

[TwilightBloom]

TwilightBloom...what did you take the DE with; how did it taste.

Looking forward to hearing about your results -- good luck =- )

I took it with applesause, it was a little chalky, but not to bad. I didn't do quite a whole tablespoon, just a little more than half, so we will see how it goes.. thank you

[CaveB]

Well, I'm jumping on this bandwagon too! I ordered some a few days ago, and I've got my supply of chocolate soy milk ready to go! :0) I'm also restarting my super vitamin regimen, fish oil, biotin, super b, multi, vit e, etc with the addition of msm, come on hair! Grow!

[morecowbell]

Well, I'm jumping on this bandwagon too! I ordered some a few days ago, and I've got my supply of chocolate soy milk ready to go! :0) I'm also restarting my super vitamin regimen, fish oil, biotin, super b, multi, vit e, etc with the addition of msm, come on hair! Grow!

Welcome to the DE side ;) Sounds like you're doing the same thing I am right now! :) Just a caveat, DE stops the absorption of supplements taken within an hour or so of De, so make sure you space your vities and DE :)

Good luck, sending hair-growy vibes your way, and welcome to LHC!!! :D

[aldasbeke]

What's a good vitamin other than biotin, because that makes my face break out?

[CrisDee]

...Just a caveat, DE stops the absorption of supplements taken within an hour or so of De, so make sure you space your vities and DE :)...

I'm not sure I knew that - no WONDER I'm not getting the increased growth with the hair vitamins I've been taking, I take them with DE! Thanks for posting this! :flower:

[LovinMyLabs]

I bought some DE yesterday as I have done a lot of research into it. If you have a health food store you can probably get it there- that's where I got mine- $10 for a 5 pound bag. On line was cheap but once you had to pay for shipping, not so much.

I am excited about all of the effects it is supposed to have-1500 uses and NO side effect. I started taking a tespoon yesterday and will continue to increse it.


Thanks OP for turning me on to this.


2vette2camaro: How are you doing? Or should I say, how is your hair doing? Looking forward to your DE update. ;)

My health food store doesn't carry DE, and they can not order it. So I got some MSM vitamins instead. I came across some TLHC posts with pics of increased hair growth using this product. Very similar to the DE. I still want to order the DE since it claims to have an incredible list of positive effects.

Happy Wednesday =- )

[LovinMyLabs]

Well, I'm jumping on this bandwagon too! I ordered some a few days ago, and I've got my supply of chocolate soy milk ready to go! :0) I'm also restarting my super vitamin regimen, fish oil, biotin, super b, multi, vit e, etc with the addition of msm, come on hair! Grow!



Just wondering how you...and your hair is doing? Any increase in growth?

When I saw you mention taking the DE with chocolate soy milk, I though.......hummm that sounds quite good. Did the DE alter the taste of the milk at all?

Looking forward to your DE update......enjoy your day!

[dawnandxavier]

I'd love to try this, I have allergies.

Does anyone have some leftover or would be willing to sell me a months supply? PM me please

[moon-child]

just a caveat, DE stops the absorption of supplements taken within an hour or so of De, so make sure you space your vities and DE :)

Good luck, sending hair-growy vibes your way, and welcome to LHC!!! :D

I never knew this! It makes sense though, I think I read it's supposed to have almost a magnetic effect on minerals - which is one of the ways it clears out toxins?

But anyway thanks for the tip! Hopefully I might see some more hair growth now!

[McFearless]

Users in Toronto- where have you bought DE?

[Kat Girl]

That's funny because I read online that diatomaceous earth is something that is used to kill roaches!

[justme]

When I saw you mention taking the DE with chocolate soy milk, I though.......hummm that sounds quite good. Did the DE alter the taste of the milk at all?

I take it in milk all the time and it doesn't affect the taste. The texture, though, is grittier or chalkier. I find it goes into suspension (it doesn't actually dissolve) better in milk that anything else I've found.

[CrisDee]

That's funny because I read online that diatomaceous earth is something that is used to kill roaches!

Yup, same stuff. But it doesn't kill using insecticide, it somehow affects the coating of their exoskeleton, and that's what makes them die. Read up on it on this (http://www.earthworkshealth.com/) site, it's pretty interesting.

[LoveMyLongHair]

I use DE on myself, my horses, dogs and the farm cats..........never one complaint.......awesome product.

It has helped with my acid reflux as well as better sleep and hair growing! Keeps bugs away and my animals worm free, naturally.

I can't say enough good things about it. I was on it before this thread started for the other health reasons, the hair is just another perk! !:eyebrows:

[CaveB]

Well, I just wanted to update everyone that responded...I actually just got my DE, I live in North Texas and we got slammed with lots of ice and snow last week and it's been pure hell trying to my package from UPS! SO frustrating since I wanted to start it ASAP! I'm officially starting the DE tonight before I go to bed, so we'll see what happens! Wish me luck and I'll keep you guys posted!

[morecowbell]

Just an update and interesting note:
I'm on a break from DE because I have issues filtering (my kidneys tend to ache when I take DE, or drink anything with a lot of caffeine, or cross my eyes at them lol), but DBF is still taking it.
He takes about a tablespoon every day or two in a smoothie and you can't even feel the grittiness in it. One thing we've both noticed is that DE makes you PEE! :laugh: He can't take it at night because he has to wake up 5-6 times! :o
Since he started taking it about two months ago he's had a whole bunch of new growth in his hair that I just noticed last night! There are a whole crop of new hairs about an inch and a half long (which is slightly more than his average growth rate for two months) and interestingly, even though he isn't balding, the new hairs are extending beyond his existing hairline!
So yay for DE! I hope I can find a way to take it that doesn't cause pain. (I'm thinking I might have to take very small doses)

[Joylene]

Hi there

I have been looking in this forum on and off for years and just joined last week. I have been taking DE for 4 days now. In that amount of time, I have noticed faster nail growth and better skin texture. I take 1 tbsp mixed with some crystal light and water. I do this every night before bed. I also take omega 3, msm, saw palmetto, and biotin.
I will have to upload some pictures so I can monitor my progress. My hair is currently APL, but has some VERY choppy and short layers due to disaster after disaster at the salons. I decided at my last appointment that I am going to start doing everything myself.
Just wanted to comment on how nice and lovely everyone seems, and I am quite jealous of all the gorgeous long hair I see here!

[Kakes1065]

Hi there

I have been looking in this forum on and off for years and just joined last week. I have been taking DE for 4 days now. In that amount of time, I have noticed faster nail growth and better skin texture. I take 1 tbsp mixed with some crystal light and water. I do this every night before bed. I also take omega 3, msm, saw palmetto, and biotin.
I will have to upload some pictures so I can monitor my progress. My hair is currently APL, but has some VERY choppy and short layers due to disaster after disaster at the salons. I decided at my last appointment that I am going to start doing everything myself.
Just wanted to comment on how nice and lovely everyone seems, and I am quite jealous of all the gorgeous long hair I see here!
I am a new member as well, and am going to order DE and measure my progress.

I am also taking the following vitamins:
One A Day Multivitamin
B-Complex
Beta-Carotene
Biotin
Folic Acid
Magnesium
Zinc

and am adding Flax Seed Oil to the list.

I am using coconut oil in my hair, and sleeping with a satin sleep hat.

Any other suggestions on other supplements I should take to enhance growth?

[LovinMyLabs]

I use DE on myself, my horses, dogs and the farm cats..........never one complaint.......awesome product.

It has helped with my acid reflux as well as better sleep and hair growing! Keeps bugs away and my animals worm free, naturally.

I can't say enough good things about it. I was on it before this thread started for the other health reasons, the hair is just another perk! !:eyebrows:


Thanks for your post! Myself and family of pets (3 dogs and 2 cats), were happy to read the good news about DE and animals... =- )

Is there a weight to product ratio that you use to determine how much DE to give your animals?

Thanks so much.............

[LoveMyLongHair]

Thanks for your post! Myself and family of pets (3 dogs and 2 cats), were happy to read the good news about DE and animals... =- )

Is there a weight to product ratio that you use to determine how much DE to give your animals?

Thanks so much.............

Sure hon....let me get those for you and I'll PM you with them....and some tips.

[LoveMyLongHair]

Sure hon....let me get those for you and I'll PM you with them....and some tips.


That way we don't 'hog' the board with our 'other' interests.....lol.........but very glad to share!! ;)

[2vette2camaro]

Well I have taken everyday now for 2 weeks, for the last week upped to 1 tablespoon each morning. I don't see ANY difference in growth. The biggest difference I SEE is that I'm not as hungry so that is great as I am trying AND losing weight (lost 10 pounds so far). I also don't have any anal itch (yuck, I know) so I probably did get rid of any parasites I had and have been doing enemas in conjunction with the DE. I will continue to use DE as long as I can continue to find it.
I have added DE to my pastas and to my cat and dog food and no longer have bugs and worms in the cat food (which I did before) and I add it to my dog's food.

[IvySchex]

Okay, I have officially read the whole thread! Whoa, that took a while.

We have used DE for a long time with our horses, dogs, and cows for deworming purposes. I knew that people could take it, I was just never brave enough to try. :)

I have been taking DE for 1 week now. I have had no bad effects at all. I also can't say that I have had any positive effects either. I will be taking a photo at two weeks and at 1 month to see if there is much growth.

I started with 1 tsp and added a half tsp to that every day until I reached 1 tablespoon. I take it in my morning protein shake (banana, milk, egg, DE) or with some hot chocolate. It works really well in either of these.

Thanks so much, everyone, who has contributed to this thread!

Ivy

[owlathena]

Just an update and interesting note:
I'm on a break from DE because I have issues filtering (my kidneys tend to ache when I take DE, or drink anything with a lot of caffeine, or cross my eyes at them lol), but DBF is still taking it.
He takes about a tablespoon every day or two in a smoothie and you can't even feel the grittiness in it. One thing we've both noticed is that DE makes you PEE! :laugh: He can't take it at night because he has to wake up 5-6 times! :o
Since he started taking it about two months ago he's had a whole bunch of new growth in his hair that I just noticed last night! There are a whole crop of new hairs about an inch and a half long (which is slightly more than his average growth rate for two months) and interestingly, even though he isn't balding, the new hairs are extending beyond his existing hairline!
So yay for DE! I hope I can find a way to take it that doesn't cause pain. (I'm thinking I might have to take very small doses)

I was thinking I might want to give DE a go until I read this. My kidneys are...useless. I also get kidney pain from drinking caffeine, some vitamins, random food, or if I "cross my eyes at them":p So maybe I shouldn't bother, since I do plenty of other things to help out growth. morecowbell, have you found a way to take it that doesn't hurt your kidneys?

[Fairlight63]

I woke up about 12 AM feeling like I was coming down with a cold, a ucky sore throat feeling coming on. I took a Tab. of DE in a glass of OJ and this morning I feel really good. It even helped me to sleep better.
Has any one noticed that it helps with colds? A while back my DH had a cold & I never got it - I was taking DE at the time.

[LoveMyLongHair]

I was thinking I might want to give DE a go until I read this. My kidneys are...useless. I also get kidney pain from drinking caffeine, some vitamins, random food, or if I "cross my eyes at them":p So maybe I shouldn't bother, since I do plenty of other things to help out growth. morecowbell, have you found a way to take it that doesn't hurt your kidneys?

Let me throw this into the mix....I have been off of DE due to running out.....and have had 2 kidney infections since I have been off.

I guess I am on the other end of the spectrum........I hadn't really made the connection until glancing at this post.

Just my experience and 2 cents worth. :eyebrows:

[morecowbell]

I was thinking I might want to give DE a go until I read this. My kidneys are...useless. I also get kidney pain from drinking caffeine, some vitamins, random food, or if I "cross my eyes at them":p So maybe I shouldn't bother, since I do plenty of other things to help out growth. morecowbell, have you found a way to take it that doesn't hurt your kidneys?

Hey there, sorry to hear that you have issues with your kidneys, too... what a small world.
As for DE, I've been doing an experiment where I don't drink any caffeine (which is very difficult for me, lol) and take DE in tiny doses, and so far it's working.
I've been taking about 3/4 of a teaspoon twice a day for about a week, and so far, no pain! :) Whenever I've taken DE before it's been in large doses (2-3 tablespoons at a time), and I think it was just too much for my kidneys. At this smaller dose I still feel most of the good benefits, but no ache.
I'd suggest you give it a try, it really is good for us (IMO).
HTH! :)

[owlathena]

Let me throw this into the mix....I have been off of DE due to running out.....and have had 2 kidney infections since I have been off.

I guess I am on the other end of the spectrum........I hadn't really made the connection until glancing at this post.

Just my experience and 2 cents worth. :eyebrows:

Hmm...maybe theres a connection? Did you ever get them before you started taking DE?

I used to have problems with frequent kidney infections until I started taking cranberry pills every day as a precaution and also significantly upped my water intake. The last one I had (last may) put me in the emergency room :(


Hey there, sorry to hear that you have issues with your kidneys, too... what a small world.
As for DE, I've been doing an experiment where I don't drink any caffeine (which is very difficult for me, lol) and take DE in tiny doses, and so far it's working.
I've been taking about 3/4 of a teaspoon twice a day for about a week, and so far, no pain! :) Whenever I've taken DE before it's been in large doses (2-3 tablespoons at a time), and I think it was just too much for my kidneys. At this smaller dose I still feel most of the good benefits, but no ache.
I'd suggest you give it a try, it really is good for us (IMO).
HTH! :)

Thanks for replying! I guess I wont give up on it just yet! Everything in moderation...now I'm curious about your inappropriate smiley haha:pumpkin:

[katienoonan]

I have read up to page 89 of this thread... Fascinating stuff! As soon as i get paid i'm ordering 1kg of DE... it's all ready and waiting in my EBAY shopping cart, haha!


P.S ... I'm from the UK, if anyone is from the UK and has bought this in any common stored (B&Q, Homebase etc... just let me know)

[Kaichita]

piratejenny, I have been reading through this thread and I have just got to stop and THANK YOU for all of the valuable (and accurate) information and tips you have been so kind to share!

I got some DE today and decided to do a search for its health benefits on the internet. I wound up on this forum and had to join up just to say THANKS! Your willingness to go above and beyond to answer questions and help members with tips and advice is awesome!

And to everyone else as well, thanks for the super thread and all the great information!

[owlathena]

Welcome Kaichita!

Come back and let us know about your experience with DE. I'm interested in trying it for all of its many benefits, but still a little skeptical. Good luck!

[AnnaJamila]

Well I'm not surprised that this is working for you...I am taking MSM which is basically sulphur and getting some good growth.:eek:


Here is a list of high-sulphur foods. Personally I wouldn't put any of this on my head lol:
Asparagus
Avocado
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Caluiflower
Cabbage
Carrots
Cheese
Cherries
Chives
Coconut
Eggs (Yokes) *
Garlic
Grapes
Grains
Kale
Kohlrab
Leeks
Legumes
Meat Protein
Mustard
Nuts & Seeds
Onions
Pak Choi
Parsley
Radishes
Red Peppers
Rutabaga
Shallot
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Turnips
Watercress
Amino Acids That Contain Sulphur


Cysteine
Taurine
Methionine

Why no love for the cheese? ;)

[Merkaba]

I loves the cheese! Just not on my head :)

I actually stopped this for a while I think it was making me break out. I will return after the skin gets under control to see if this is true or just my imagination.

[Kaichita]

Thanks owlathena! I will post about my experience with DE for sure! I am also going to add MSM. I already take biotin every day. I can't tell if it has helped but it certainly has not hurt!

[Monkie]

I am now on the DE bandwagon, I am thinking maybe I can just try it until I hit my next milestone- shoulder length, and then only use it whenever I think I need a little growth boost. My hair hasn't been past my shoulders in about 8 years or so.

[Robbi Dehlinger]

Since I got back on MSM I am experiencing some amazing growth, i think I got like 2 inches since january??

[CrisDee]

I am starting to wonder, with all these things that give these wonderful growth spurts, if you have to go off them periodically to get the spurts. And then if the growth doesn't average out in the long run to be just, well, average? Maybe I'm just getting discouraged at these stupid chin length short layers that still won't stay in an updo! :D

[Monkie]

I am starting to wonder, with all these things that give these wonderful growth spurts, if you have to go off them periodically to get the spurts. And then if the growth doesn't average out in the long run to be just, well, average? Maybe I'm just getting discouraged at these stupid chin length short layers that still won't stay in an updo! :D

I've pondered this as well, but ultimately, I think that doing things to trick my hair in to a growth spurt cannot be too bad, if it helps me push through an awkward stage more quickly, then it helped, regardless of whether or not it affects my average growth rate for the year. :cool:

[CrisDee]

And when you're growing out a pixie, it's all in the timing and getting it past the awkward stages. :)

[RitaCeleste]

I've tried supplements before and saw no real difference. I'd go nuts if something caused my hair to grow really fast. I'd think my thyroid was going to explode or I had developed some rare, fatal medical condition! lol I'll just eat my protein and wait.

[Debra83]

Since I got back on MSM I am experiencing some amazing growth, i think I got like 2 inches since january??


WOW! How much do you take Robbi? I'm taking, I think, a 1000 mg tablet a day......just a sec......yep! Double checked...it's a 1000 mg tablet...but I STILL haven't reach BSL yet. :confused:

[Monkie]

I don't take MSM. I am worried, I heard once somewhere it causes Migraines maybe?

[Robbi Dehlinger]

Migraines?? Not for me, must be a genetic thing??

Debra83: I take two 1,000mg capsules per day

[CrisDee]

Not exactly migraines, more like detox headaches - and I think for most, they turned out to be temporary. Also some have found they get dehydrated a bit easier and need to simply drink more water. :)

[Paladin]

Somebody a while back in this thread mentioned little black specks at the bottom of the glass after drinking the mixture. I got my 10 lb. bag of PermaGuard from EarthWorksHealth yesterday and have noticed the same phenomenon.

The stuff is super easy to drink in Lemonade, it actually looks and tastes like Flour. But the black specks are there with EarthWorksHealth's product.

At any rate I'm jumping in headfirst with 2 heaping Tablespoons per day, taken in the morning, so we'll see how it goes. I wound up buzzing off all my hair back in November because I came to terms with the fact that it was thinning, and I wanted to start over. I've been throwing a TON of stuff at it since then and it has made a huge turnaround in thickness, texture, and density. Hopefully the DE will really help to send it over the top so when it gets long again it will look absolutely amazing.

[Monkie]

OK, DE question. I've been positively chugging DE for the last two weeks or so, not long enough to notice a difference in growth, but I have been noticing that my sebum production has somehow kicked in to overdrive. It's 12:00pm and my hair is already sort of oily. In less than 24 hours I start hitting the 'two day hair' phase. Is it just me? Maybe it's because the weather is picking up? My hair *feels* longer. You know when you can tell your hair is growing through a growth spurt, but there's no measurable difference yet. That's what my hair feels like right now.
Anyway. It's greasy. Whyyyy.

[firicia]

This is a very interesting thread. I am only 1/10th of the way through reading it but I am considering trying it. Not for the hair growth though, but for a cleanse. Reading all of this on here was just more information. It'd be cool if my hair grew too, but I was only thinking about trying this for 30-90 days to see if it helps my health.

Has anyone been taking this longer term, say 5+ months? Or do people use it just for a little while and then move on?

Thanks:D

[justme]

I've been taking it for almost a year now, not for hair growth, but general health. Most of the time I take a level tablespoon once a day. Some days I forget, and sometimes it seems like a break of a couple days works well, but I always go back to it due to digestive problems I have that it helps with.

[Monkie]

I have noticed that it does really help keep my digestive tract happy. I am recommending DE to a friend whose husband has very very high blood pressure, it is supposedly helpful for that as well.

[sorraia]

Glad to see DE working out well for everyone.

I took it daily ( 6 pills) for a month straight back in January as a precautionary dewormer
not realizing it could benefit my hair.
But now that you all mention it I am going to start taking it daily again
along with my ACV and molasses.
I wanted to ask if any of you had any luck with Sublimed Sulphur?
I bought some the other day and plan to mix it with some Jamaican blk
castor oil and some other little goodies and wondered if anyone has had
any luck with using it?

[Rapunzal2Be]

Glad to see DE working out well for everyone.

I took it daily ( 6 pills) for a month straight back in January as a precautionary dewormer
not realizing it could benefit my hair.
But now that you all mention it I am going to start taking it daily again
along with my ACV and molasses.
I wanted to ask if any of you had any luck with Sublimed Sulphur?
I bought some the other day and plan to mix it with some Jamaican blk
castor oil and some other little goodies and wondered if anyone has had
any luck with using it?

I use sublimed sulphur (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GCOLM0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=newyorkyounpr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B000GCOLM0) and I mix it with my Africa's Best Hair Oil and some emu oil. I use it as a scalp treatment for an hour before a wash.

I'll be honest, I don't do it as often as I should....for the past few months I've been practicing benign neglect, really, and haven't done much more than condition/brush/occasionally wash my hair...but I love the results when I do use it.

[sorraia]

Thanks for the info Rapunzal
I Know what you mean regarding neglecting special beauty treatments
for the hair. I tend to go in spurts.

[gthlvrmx]

I've been using for a month now and so far so good! Nails and hair are def stronger, but i really didn't check how much growth on my hair. I have refused to check until may 2 to record it since i got quite obsessed. But my nails shine and are like...super strong. Honestly, they are able to get the point that they need to be cut in less than two weeks. I also take biotin, since november and i think it's all kicking in.
Did anyone else's stomach hurt a bit the first few days? It's great now and i even eat LESS! Im supposing those parasites died that i assume i really did have O.O It explains the extreme hunger in September and October.

[morecowbell]

<snip>
Did anyone else's stomach hurt a bit the first few days? It's great now and i even eat LESS! Im supposing those parasites died that i assume i really did have O.O It explains the extreme hunger in September and October.

Glad to see DE is working for you! :)
I take DE in three month cycles, and every time I start a new 'cycle', my stomach and guts do tend to be pained... isn't it upsetting to think that we carry parasites around? I talked to my Mom about how Drs don't even suggest that you might have parasites anymore, it's like people feel like we've evolved so much that we couldn't possibly! :rolleyes:
It's good to see other people being so matter-of-fact about it. :D

[Paladin]

Okay, so what's the situation guys?

I saw that other thread about Silica being harmful, all the side effects, causing paralysis, etc etc yesterday and this thread is still going strong. I'm taking DE myself right now and while I'm not sure of the impact on hair yet, I know it's helped other things that I won't mention...

I want to keep taking it, but what's with the recent hooplah about side effects and toxicity? DE is like 85 percent Silica right?

[justme]

Here's (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=1567687&postcount=24) my response.

[MiamiPineapple]

Thank you for sharing this info. I just ordered 1lb. and I am so excited to try it!

[morecowbell]

Okay, so what's the situation guys?

I saw that other thread about Silica being harmful, all the side effects, causing paralysis, etc etc yesterday and this thread is still going strong. I'm taking DE myself right now and while I'm not sure of the impact on hair yet, I know it's helped other things that I won't mention...

I want to keep taking it, but what's with the recent hooplah about side effects and toxicity? DE is like 85 percent Silica right?


Here's (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=1567687&postcount=24) my response.

Quite well said, justme. :) I am of the same mind regarding both DE and most other supplements.
DE works for me, and all of the other people in this thread, so it can't be bad for us, or someone would've had some symptoms by now.
I think most (if not all) of the negative side effects are reported at much higher doses than anyone in this thread would or should try. :)

Please, don't let what one person says sway you one way or the other. We must all think for ourselves, and do our proper research. :)

[gthlvrmx]

Glad to see DE is working for you! :)
I take DE in three month cycles, and every time I start a new 'cycle', my stomach and guts do tend to be pained... isn't it upsetting to think that we carry parasites around? I talked to my Mom about how Drs don't even suggest that you might have parasites anymore, it's like people feel like we've evolved so much that we couldn't possibly! :rolleyes:
It's good to see other people being so matter-of-fact about it. :D
My friend experienced the same thing :P Probably because we're not used to it i suppose, but we both notice our nails being the strongest and shiniest of all. And i agree, why don't doctors tell us? I'm sure more educated people, especially in the agricultural/biological field, probably know the amount of parasites that are left in our food :P I never thought parasites were still left in our plant food! Duh moment for me

[TheBluffs]

I wonder what is that science behind this? Understanding the way hair grows, I am deeply confused how hair growth boosters work.

[gthlvrmx]

I wonder what is that science behind this? Understanding the way hair grows, I am deeply confused how hair growth boosters work.

I am too and i am so intrigued in finding out! Hope a hair science person comes along here to report :P I'm just too lazy to do research

[Java]

I am going to be trying this too, along with vitamins, good diet high in sulfur, with black strap molasses. I am trying it for more reasons than just hair growth, but I have to admit that is one thing I am really hoping for. I heard that over a period of time it can cause loss of B1 (I think thats it?) and I am going to attempt to make up for it in my diet. As far as I am aware, silica does not impede the ability to absorb any minerals or vitamins, but that is be something I will be looking into more.

This is a very interesting thread! Inspired me to learn and thats always a good thing.

[sycamoreboutiqu]

Mmmm, I am not sold on this. I watched the video - the explanation of DE and what it is (interesting) and what it supposedly can do. We know it is an effective, harmless insecticide and has been in use in the US in grain storage for some time (geez, I hope they really rinse off those grains super good before they are processed ... eeewww - dried dead bugs and larvae .... yum ).

Internal and human use - not so effective. DE loses a lot of it's properties once wet (as it is a super absorbent material water kind of changes it's character once it is saturated).

And the minute some product claims it "scrubs" your intestines and removes "build up" I know I am reading pure quackery. This is complete nonsense and anyone who does their research and learns the ins and outs (so to speak) of human digestion knows this is bull.. hockey and to run the other way.

Here is a discussion of DE with some interesting points.

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=590853

[sycamoreboutiqu]

Glad to see DE is working for you! :)
I take DE in three month cycles, and every time I start a new 'cycle', my stomach and guts do tend to be pained... isn't it upsetting to think that we carry parasites around? I talked to my Mom about how Drs don't even suggest that you might have parasites anymore, it's like people feel like we've evolved so much that we couldn't possibly! :rolleyes:
It's good to see other people being so matter-of-fact about it. :D
====================================

It isn't a matter of being "evolved" it is simply a matter of exposure.

If you are eating raw meat or drinking pond water then yes, you might be getting exposed to parasites and may carry them.

If you are drinking AquaPure water out of a bottle and eating processed and cooked foods then no, you probably are not being exposed. Do you go out and dig in the garden - then with your dirt caked hands proceed to eat a sandwich?

Probably not. If you did make a habit of this (as our farm hand ancestors most likely did) then yes, you would be upping the odds of exposure.

Most Americans (who live an ultra clean lifestyle) do not carry parasites.

People who live in underdeveloped nations, those with poorer facilities for clean water, sewage treatment and food refrigeration do suffer greater exposure.

The only person I ever knew that had an infestation of internal parasites had recently been out of the country and eating the local food and drinking the tap water. That could do it to you.

[sorraia]

I had heard it is very easy to pick up parasites and the majority of people have them.

You can pick them up from eating such things as sushi, under cooked meat and fish
and under washed vegetables they also can be picked up from your significant other and from your dog or cat. Or if you eat restaurant food and the person preparing your food is infected and handles your food with unclean hands is another way.
Pin worms is a popular especially amongst children.
Oh yea most Americans do not live an ultra clean lifestyle, most Americans eat a bunch of junk food, fast food, boxed food, sugar ect. things parasites enjoy as well. ;) Or if you are super clean eater and eat only raw organic vegetables you can still pick them up if not washed well.
There are cases where people find parasites in their feces after taking DE. I hope if someone
experiences this they are not to embarrassed to share.
I do know of someone who said he saw this first hand from a client who took the DE.

[morecowbell]

====================================
<snipped because the original is right above :) >

The only person I ever knew that had an infestation of internal parasites had recently been out of the country and eating the local food and drinking the tap water. That could do it to you.

Very valid point. :) Most people live such a contained and antibacterial life that they might not be exposed to parasites more than a few times a year, but that's all it takes. Parasites are in you until you poison/kill them, so ONE exposure could be enough. And they have enough of an effect on your health and well being, that most people should be 'worming' themselves once a year. I do!

And I'm not talking about exotic parasites like the ones found in third world countries, I'm talking about parasites that are very common in America, pin worms, tapeworms, hookworms, etc.

Here's the thing, the factors that aren't taken into account? Our pets, and the dirtiness of other people.
Even if parasites can't pass from animals to human and vice versa, if you have a dog that goes outside everyday, everyday there is a possibility that he will bring something in with him. I've lived in neighborhoods where residents would (really, this is true) throw used diapers out of their third story windows! Now if a dog runs through soil that has human excrement in it, comes into your home, licks his feet and then licks your face? That's several exposures a day!

I've seen some of the dirtiest styles of living, and trust me, you are exposed to human excrement more than you think. I used to run an apartment building with my family, and the tenants used the back alley as a dumpster. Grocery sacks full of used toilet paper because they clogged their toilet, old grease from cooking, old chicken bones, etc etc ad infinitum. It really changed how I look at the people and world around me, and believe me, we still have areas where they CHOOSE to live this way.

Not to mention, all of the vegetables you eat have the possibility of being contaminated, because they grow on/in the ground. ONE sewer backs up near a farm and suddenly, there's human waste soaked into the soil.

Now, I'm not saying we all need to freak out, but people do need to be informed about this. Do you own research and talk to your doctor about what you can do.
This is something that you can't really afford to be arrogant or squeamish/embarrassed about, it's part of being an animal, lol. ;)


ETA: Jinx, sorraia :) Very well written :)

[sycamoreboutiqu]

Really? And you are basing this on what research exactly ?

>> if you have a dog that goes outside everyday, everyday there is a possibility that he will bring something in with him. I've lived in neighborhoods where residents would (really, this is true) throw used diapers out of their third story windows! Now if a dog runs through soil that has human excrement in it, comes into your home, licks his feet and then licks your face? That's several exposures a day!<<

Several exposures to what ?

Are your hands coming on contact with those human feces and then you put your hands directly into your mouth ? Is your dog introducing soil or feces directly into your mouth ? Licking your face doesn't really count.

Fast food ? So you are saying that fast food is contaminated with parasites just because it is fast food ?

Infestation requires specific conditions - here is a comprehensive list of parasites and the methods by which they are contracted. Having pets doesn't count (unless you are eating their feces)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parasites_of_humans

>>Not to mention, all of the vegetables you eat have the possibility of being contaminated, because they grow on/in the ground. ONE sewer backs up near a farm and suddenly, there's human waste soaked into the soil.<<

What ? You live in the city I presume, have you ever been to a farm ? There are lots of feces on a farm and processed manure is frequently used as fertilizer, but there is a law about not using human feces for fertilizing farmland, so that isn't happening on purpose. That is one hell of scenario that you have envisioned.

Pesticides may cling to vegetables - that is why we wash our vegetables before we eat them (don't you ?) but dirt won't kill you. Dang - dirt ? You are afraid of dirt ?

So you are speculating that a sewer backs up half a mile from a farm, the waste percolates upward through the soil and jumps onto the produce and therefore there is human sewage on the vegetables you buy at the grocery store ?

Are you really serious with that statement or is this a joke ?

I can't believe we are having this discussion - it is bordering on the bizarre.

[morecowbell]

<snip>

Are you really serious with that statement or is this a joke ?

I can't believe we are having this discussion - it is bordering on the bizarre.

Hmmm, I'm considering if I should even reply to this nasty, insulting post of yours.
I think you need to get an attitude adjustment, considering that I tried to be as polite as possible.

I am trying to inform members who might read these posts that they DO have contact with contaminants, and that they aren't somehow immune to parasites.
I don't really care about your opinion -seeing how close minded and nasty you are being.

I stand by what I said and I think you need to take some time and realize other people aren't here to do and say exactly what you would like.

Get a grip.

[sorraia]

The topic is not a joke and rather an unpleasant one to say the least.
Upon first hearing of such a thing for the first time many people do become
a bit defensive out of fear, they just can't fathom such thing. Because they have never heard of it before and it is creepy their defenses comes up ( that could never happen to me, or that only happens in poor countries and the next step is basically bury their head in the sand.
I didn't want to have to do this Angela but I guess you are having trouble making the connection regarding the fast food thing. Lets say you order a nice salad from a fast food restaurant or any restaurant for that matter and the person handling your food has some type of parasite (because he eats lots of sushi or doesn't wash his veggies or his dog rolled in the neighbors diaper that had feces with pinworms in it--- for whatever reason he is contaminated) and he goes to use the rest room #2 ( a dump) and does not wash his hands and then proceeds to prepare your salad with parasite eggs on his hands,guess what now you've got the parasite.
I actually personally know someone that had this happen to her son. He got very sick, lost a ton of weight, the doctors could not figure out what the problem was. They traced it back to a White Castle fast food restaurant where other people after eating there were getting very sick. It took months for them to figure it out. They were able to trace it to an infected person working at the restaurant. They treated this girls son for parasites and the problem cleared up.
I agree with morecowbell do your own research and decide for yourself. It is a touchy subject and many doctors are not trained
in this area and parasites can be very difficult to detect. I can't believe you have never heard of this. A while back the Discovery channel ran a whole show on the topic.
You can watch it here:http://animal.discovery.com/tv/monsters-inside-me/ But if you are totally freaked about this topic I doubt you will be able to handle watching it.
Another thing a lot of our food comes from other countries such as Mexico where the laws are not as stringent regarding using human feces as fertilizer.
Some specialist say we all have a little bit of parasites in us all the time and they are not a problem until they become over abundant. I always thought it would be interesting to talk with a person who does autopsies and get their take on the subject.
Everyone in America seems to like Dr. Oz here is a short clip on the topic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb4PWChJ7RM

[sorraia]

Be nice.

Added note: There is a topic somewhere here LHC where people are taking food grade Diatomacious Earth and having great success with increases hair growth and other health and skin improvements. And guess what DE is well known for DEWORMING.

[gthlvrmx]

Really? And you are basing this on what research exactly ?

>> if you have a dog that goes outside everyday, everyday there is a possibility that he will bring something in with him. I've lived in neighborhoods where residents would (really, this is true) throw used diapers out of their third story windows! Now if a dog runs through soil that has human excrement in it, comes into your home, licks his feet and then licks your face? That's several exposures a day!<<

Several exposures to what ?

Are your hands coming on contact with those human feces and then you put your hands directly into your mouth ? Is your dog introducing soil or feces directly into your mouth ? Licking your face doesn't really count.

Fast food ? So you are saying that fast food is contaminated with parasites just because it is fast food ?

Infestation requires specific conditions - here is a comprehensive list of parasites and the methods by which they are contracted. Having pets doesn't count (unless you are eating their feces)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parasites_of_humans

>>Not to mention, all of the vegetables you eat have the possibility of being contaminated, because they grow on/in the ground. ONE sewer backs up near a farm and suddenly, there's human waste soaked into the soil.<<

What ? You live in the city I presume, have you ever been to a farm ? There are lots of feces on a farm and processed manure is frequently used as fertilizer, but there is a law about not using human feces for fertilizing farmland, so that isn't happening on purpose. That is one hell of scenario that you have envisioned.

Pesticides may cling to vegetables - that is why we wash our vegetables before we eat them (don't you ?) but dirt won't kill you. Dang - dirt ? You are afraid of dirt ?

So you are speculating that a sewer backs up half a mile from a farm, the waste percolates upward through the soil and jumps onto the produce and therefore there is human sewage on the vegetables you buy at the grocery store ?

Are you really serious with that statement or is this a joke ?

I can't believe we are having this discussion - it is bordering on the bizarre.
:cheese: Come on she wasn't being mean or rude, just relax and have some cheese.

[sycamoreboutiqu]

My point was apparently dismissed.

And that was, that parasites don't just "happen" they have to be introduced directly into the body (usually the point of entry is the mouth - but not always). And yes, of course I have heard of contamination of restaurant food by seriously unwashed hands and in the food chain (that is why I wash my raw fruits and vegetables in soapy water).

You are proposing that EVERYBODY is infested simply by virtue of having pets around and eating fast food. That is a huge leap of reasoning (or lack thereof), and completely unfounded.
You can't just make a blanket statement like that - with no scientific proof - and have people take you seriously.

For one - if fast food was that dangerous to eat, if all of us are infested because of it there would be massive outbreaks of Ecoli related illnesses and the CDC would be involved tracing those cases back to the source. The one case you cite is just that - one serious case where all the factors lined up and allowed it to happen, that does not make it an epidemic.

No - I am not freaked out about it in the least. We need beneficial organisms in our bodies for it to function correctly. Probiotics are some of those living creatures within us that are crucial for health.

PS - I also know all about DE - I have some of it - but I don't ingest it. Just because people on here make claims about it presumed benefits doesn't make that fact either. And no - DE is actually not an effective wormer. It is effective against hard shelled insects - but not soft bodied worms. Read up about it at a few qualified websites (not the ones selling DE ) and you will find out why.

[sycamoreboutiqu]

gthlvrmx - Thanks.

I am being a bit strident here - but only because it is so annoying to see people post such utter nonsense then tell ME to do my research.

[sorraia]

Syca stated:
You are proposing that EVERYBODY is infested simply by virtue of having pets around and eating fast food. That is a huge leap of reasoning (or lack thereof), and completely unfounded.
[I]You can't just make a blanket statement like that - with no scientific proof - and have people take you seriously.[

I am not making a blanket statement, the point I was trying to make is YOU CAN PICK UP PARASTIES IN THESE WAYS . PERIOD!!!! Did I say EVERYBODY in my post. NO!!!! It happens its a possibility to what degree I don't know but it is my belief it can and does happen and it probably happens more often than you think. There are lots of scientist who believe this. It is very obvious you just jumped right and got defensive with this topic with out doing your own research.

Sycamoreboutiqu stated:
"For one - if fast food was that dangerous to eat, if all of us are infested because of it there would be massive outbreaks of Ecoli related illnesses and the CDC would be involved tracing those cases back to the source. The one case you cite is just that - one serious case where all the factors lined up and allowed it to happen, that does not make it an epidemic."

AGAIN YOU ARE PUTTING WORDS INTO MY MOUTH I DID NOT SAY!!!
Who said anything about an epidemic? Where do you come with this?????
Again the point I was trying to make is that it does happen and these are the ways how.
There are other parasites besides ecoli you can pick up such as tape worm and pin worms.
From my understanding these are more common and obviously less dangerous than ecoli.

YOu need to go back and reread what I wrote without putting your own words/presumptions in.
Utter nonsense is just your personal opinion of which you have every right to state.

What is utter nonsense to me is your way of making presumptions and taking things totally out of context and trying to be argumentative.
Which anyone reading this will be able to clearly see what you are doing.

gthlvrmx "This is a snide, rude statement in my book."
Are you really serious with that statement or is this a joke ?

[gthlvrmx]

Syca stated:
You are proposing that EVERYBODY is infested simply by virtue of having pets around and eating fast food. That is a huge leap of reasoning (or lack thereof), and completely unfounded.
[i]You can't just make a blanket statement like that - with no scientific proof - and have people take you seriously.[

I am not making a blanket statement, the point I was trying to make is YOU CAN PICK UP PARASTIES IN THESE WAYS . PERIOD!!!! Did I say EVERYBODY in my post. NO!!!! It happens its a possibility to what degree I don't know but it is my belief it can and does happen and it probably happens more often than you think. There are lots of scientist who believe this. It is very obvious you just jumped right and got defensive with this topic with out doing your own research.

Sycamoreboutiqu stated:
"For one - if fast food was that dangerous to eat, if all of us are infested because of it there would be massive outbreaks of Ecoli related illnesses and the CDC would be involved tracing those cases back to the source. The one case you cite is just that - one serious case where all the factors lined up and allowed it to happen, that does not make it an epidemic."

AGAIN YOU ARE PUTTING WORDS INTO MY MOUTH I DID NOT SAY!!!
Who said anything about an epidemic? Where do you come with this?????
Again the point I was trying to make is that it does happen and these are the ways how.
There are other parasites besides ecoli you can pick up such as tape worm and pin worms.
From my understanding these are more common and obviously less dangerous than ecoli.

YOu need to go back and reread what I wrote without putting your own words/presumptions in.
Utter nonsense is just your personal opinion of which you have every right to state.

What is utter nonsense to me is your way of making presumptions and taking things totally out of context and trying to be argumentative.
Which anyone reading this will be able to clearly see what you are doing.

gthlvrmx "This is a snide, rude statement in my book."
Are you really serious with that statement or is this a joke ?

I was telling sycamoreboutiqu (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/member.php?u=20812) to have some cheese and that you weren't being rude in the first place.
Im just going to butt out and go look up some oil stuff or something.

[sorraia]

gthlvrmx
LOL
I am going with you. :)

[sycamoreboutiqu]

Yes, completely pointless conversation.

People believe what they want to believe often with absolutely no science to back it up and become very defensive when challenged with some common sense questions. There is no amount of reason or logic that can change those beliefs. (What was I thinking ?)... lol.

Subject dropped.

[sorraia]

Here are a few articles out of many backing up what i was saying.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5147118_causes-intestinal-parasites.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/173508-the-parasites-from-dogs-that-can-be-transferred-to-humans/

http://www.skrewtips.com/2008/01/22/protect-yourself-from-parasites/

http://www.brenfertrophies.com/intestinal-parasite-symptoms-find-out-if-you

[sorraia]

The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, The Discovery Channel, Dr. Oz
here is another article by Dr. Andrew Weil
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA341115

Is that enough science for ya?

[morecowbell]

The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, The Discovery Channel, Dr. Oz
here is another article by Dr. Andrew Weil
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA341115

Is that enough science for ya?

:flower: Be my friend?
You have a great way of being the bigger/smarter person, and I'm glad that I didn't have to defend the right answer on my own. :)

Lol, I've already blocked the offending party, no need for me to use up my psychic energy. :)

[sorraia]

Morecowbell....of course I will be your friend. :) Thank you for asking.
I have done lots of research on the topic and I have personally taken DE with positive results.
I have some updated news regarding the DE.
I had some girlfriends over Friday night and I was telling them about my experience
and the benefits of taking DE. They were all very interested so I told them how I took it and where to get it. A couple said they were going to try it.
I got an email from one of the girls yesterday asking if the funky stuff last all 30 days. I wrote back not knowing what she meant by "funky stuff" because I never experienced anything unusual.
She wrote back this morning to let me know she had been passing some stowaways.
You can't tell me this stuff doesn't work.

[morecowbell]

Morecowbell....of course I will be your friend. :) Thank you for asking.
I have done lots of research on the topic and I have personally taken DE with positive results.
I have some updated news regarding the DE.
I had some girlfriends over Friday night and I was telling them about my experience
and the benefits of taking DE. They were all very interested so I told them how I took it and where to get it. A couple said they were going to try it.
I got an email from one of the girls yesterday asking if the funky stuff last all 30 days. I wrote back not knowing what she meant by "funky stuff" because I never experienced anything unusual.
She wrote back this morning to let me know she had been passing some stowaways.
You can't tell me this stuff doesn't work.

That's wonderful news! :) So far only DBF is a convert, but I'm working on a few people myself... if only to see more results. :)

[Java]

I just got some food grade DE. I am so exited to try it. I will be encapsulating it with safety goggles and a face mask so I do not breathe it and there is no chance of it hurting my eyes. I also feel that it is likely more effective if encapsulated, as I have heard that it loses potency or something when wet, how could it lose potency unless it has some kind of chemical reaction? I am speaking specifically of amorphous silica. Why do people say that it looses some effects when wet? Did I misunderstand something?

[morecowbell]

I just got some food grade DE. I am so exited to try it. I will be encapsulating it with safety goggles and a face mask so I do not breathe it and there is no chance of it hurting my eyes. I also feel that it is likely more effective if encapsulated, as I have heard that it loses potency or something when wet, how could it lose potency unless it has some kind of chemical reaction? I am speaking specifically of amorphous silica. Why do people say that it looses some effects when wet? Did I misunderstand something?

I'm not sure where that theory came from, because there's no way to internally take DE/amorphous silica without it getting wet! :D I think your capsule idea is a good one, and as long as the gel caps aren't too tough to digest/break down, it should be just fine. :)

[sorraia]

Mine came from my local health food store. It is called Dia-Min
and it comes in gelatin capsules for $19.99 a bottle. Sometimes when I take my vitamins
Dia-Min included I will take them out of the capsules and throw
them in my blender along with my fruit/veggies for a healthy smoothie. I don't care to swallow pills.
Also you guys probably already know this but I will throw it out there for those who don't,
If you have an ant/insect infestation sprinkle the diatomaceous earth
around the area and the bugs will leave at least cuts them way back. I don't think it
works quite as well as a nasty pesticide but I try to avoid poisons as much as possible
and use this instead.
I bought a 50lb bag just for this along
with de-worming my animals. I could have used it to ingest instead of the Dia-Min but since
it's been sitting in my garage for years didn't think it would be very clean. Also I try to where a mask or bandanna around my mouth and nose when spreading it around my house.
As far not working as well when wet, well I am not sure about this.? Many people
just add it to water mix it up real good and gulp it down with good results so that kind of blows that theory in my book. Maybe if it sat around damp/wet for a while it would take away the sharpness of the fossilized sea shells and become soggy thus not work as well.
One last thing my sister used it on her kitty's fur the other day to help fight fleas and she said afterward when he went to clean himself he kept sneezing. I am not sure if she used to much or he is allergic to it.

[Java]

Thank you for your thoughts, morecowbell and sorraia! It would be cool to see if you might be right about the potential of being left in liquid for a long while softens the effects, too bad microscopes are not available to the general public to my knowledge.
I am also very curious if everyone is using amorphous silica or if there are different MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to look at. I found a lot of vague information during my research, and I am interested in anything anyone may know.

[piratejenny23]

...as I have heard that it loses potency or something when wet, how could it lose potency unless it has some kind of chemical reaction? I am speaking specifically of amorphous silica. Why do people say that it looses some effects when wet? Did I misunderstand something?


Hi, I know this is an old post but just in case anybody reads this...
It's ineffective wet when used to kill insects.
It has nothing to do with ingesting it :)

[archel]

Wow, I just read back through the last 5 or so pages and I cannot even believe someone is questioning all these parasitic exposures that we ALL have every day, yes, right here in America. Any of you eat organic vegetables and fruit? Know what they fertilize those crops with? How many of you are gardeners and dig out in the dirt? Know what's in that dirt? How many of you eat sushi? Or meat that is a little "rare" sometimes? We are exposed ALL the time. I have an outdoor cat so I have to be very vigilant. If a pet gets fleas they WILL get tapeworms from eating the fleas, and then they can pass them to YOU! They will sap you of your nutrients and cause a myriad of health problems, but there are natural ways to get rid of them and DE is one of them. I also have used things like raw pumpkin seeds, black walnut, cloves, etc...

I swear it kills me that people think if they can't see something it must not be real...wouldn't it be better to be proactive about your health and body instead of in deep denial?

[KatCooke]

So I am super late to the party, I've read most of this thread and feel like I need to chime in! I started taking DE about a week ago. So far, I haven't noticed too many physical benefits- my skin is detoxing right now I think (or it's my monthly pms breakout...)but my skin and hair are super soft, my skin is moisturized, I have a lot more energy throughout the day, my dreams are super vivid and I sleep like a brick.
All in all, not bad. I think I need to cut back on my dosage a bit, I'm not nearly as "regular" as I was expecting...
Also, I tried the DE mask that was posted here just now- skin feels pretty good!
Thanks for introducing me to this, I'm pretty excited about it! :cheese:

[gthlvrmx]

Each time i do go back to this, i notice im not as hungry during the day. I get super tough nails and my hair is very soft. I do get an increase of growth, about .50 more during a month.
And my skin is GLOWING :) People notice. Im waiting for my big growth spurt though, i have been using the minimum for a while now, forgot to go up!
Yes, DE does work for me. :)

[Kirry-Folk]

Wow, I can't believe it has been nearly 3 years since I initially tried DE. I never did get a noticeable growth spurt from DE alone, but my skin was positively radiant and many of the fine lines I had at the time simply disappeared. Amazing stuff, in that regard.

I am planning to start juicing/making smoothies and adding DE to them, but I am wondering if anyone has been taking it for longer than 6 months, consistently. I am worried about it negatively affecting my kidneys, as I do recall having read it might be bad for them. Any thoughts?

[Oksana]

That's funny, i was thinking about this thread this morning and wondering when it died out. I didn't see any difference in my hair while i was taking DE but my nails were rock solid, I had the most vivid dreams and slept like a baby!

[terylenerose]

I would take DE but I can't convince my mom that it doesn't shred your insides. It sounds like really great stuff though. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.

[jacqueline101]

Wow that's amazing growth congratulation.

[TiffanieJean]

I've tried vitamins that have high Biotin amounts, but it made me break out.. I'll have to get one without additional supplements to try. The sulfur mask is interesting. Off to research that!


I just started using Castor Oil in my hair masks because I have read that it helps to grow fuller hair fast. I hope it works =)

[justme]

I've been using it for health reasons for over two years, about a tablespoon a day, with no negative effects.

[sycamoreboutiqu]

>>>Hi, I know this is an old post but just in case anybody reads this...
It's ineffective wet when used to kill insects.
It has nothing to do with ingesting it <<<
__________________

Uh, well unless your insides are desert dry, then yes. It is completely ineffective as a "dewormer" or parasite control taken internally.

Everyone interested in this mineral (actually microcrystalline fosillized bodies of Diatoms - or prehistoric ocean creatures) should read up on how it works on fleas and small hard bodied insects.

DM - Diatomatious Earth (ie: soil created by the bodies of Diatoms) is an extremely sharp edged substance at microscopic levels. These super sharp edges are lethal to small, hard bodied insects as it absorbs the exterior waxy coating therfore dehydrating the insect and causing death.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

If you read further you will find that the efficiency of this process is minimal in humid environmejts, ie: using to treat slugs in a garden because water decreases or eliminates the porosity and sharp edges of these microscopic particles.

So using it as a human or animal worming agent for the ability to "slice up worms" in the intestines is pretty much a hoax. If it were sharp enough to do that, it would also slice up or scrape the inside of your intestines and make you dead too

The whole silica as a ?supplement" argument is for another day.

[sycamoreboutiqu]

>>I am worried about it negatively affecting my kidneys, as I do recall having read it might be bad for them. Any thoughts?<<

If I had read this about DE I would never be ingesting it for any reason. I don't have an answer for you on that, as I haven't researched it that far out - but - yikes.

It is silica, your body has to process it out or else you would basically have a "sand" build up somewhere. Kidneys or intestines, one or the other has to get it on out of your body. My guess is the intestines just pass it along and on out - hopefully without causing any undo harm.

[augustspy]

Yes, I've been taking DE every morning for the past 3 years, if not longer. Don't think I noticed a growth spurt with hair, but it killed candida off fast as I had a 24-48 hr 'detox' with mild flu symptoms. Every morning I start the day with 2T of DE. It's a known metal (good and bad) chelator so I keep it away from food by a good hour to hour and a half. Don't know here, but I don't take with food or anywhere near vitamins. Btw, I had bladder and kidney surgery when I was a kid, have one and a half functional kidneys, have had them tested and have no issues at all. The one thing you don't want to do is breathe the powdery dust from the DE that can 'poof' up from mixing. The microscopic sharp edged honeycombs are harmful for delicate lung tissue. I imagine we breathe in a good bit of daily bad lung stuff as it is, so I'm not freaky worried about mixing a morning batch. I just turn my head the other way when mixing then drink it down asap. LOVE DE!

AG



Wow, I can't believe it has been nearly 3 years since I initially tried DE. I never did get a noticeable growth spurt from DE alone, but my skin was positively radiant and many of the fine lines I had at the time simply disappeared. Amazing stuff, in that regard.

I am planning to start juicing/making smoothies and adding DE to them, but I am wondering if anyone has been taking it for longer than 6 months, consistently. I am worried about it negatively affecting my kidneys, as I do recall having read it might be bad for them. Any thoughts?

[augustspy]

"So using it as a human or animal worming agent for the ability to "slice up worms" in the intestines is pretty much a hoax."


>>>> Except for the fact that vets and farmers have been using it successfully for years to kill off parasites and deworm their animals!

AG

[Kirry-Folk]

Yes, I've been taking DE every morning for the past 3 years, if not longer. Don't think I noticed a growth spurt with hair, but it killed candida off fast as I had a 24-48 hr 'detox' with mild flu symptoms. Every morning I start the day with 2T of DE. It's a known metal (good and bad) chelator so I keep it away from food by a good hour to hour and a half. Don't know here, but I don't take with food or anywhere near vitamins. Btw, I had bladder and kidney surgery when I was a kid, have one and a half functional kidneys, have had them tested and have no issues at all. The one thing you don't want to do is breathe the powdery dust from the DE that can 'poof' up from mixing. The microscopic sharp edged honeycombs are harmful for delicate lung tissue. I imagine we breathe in a good bit of daily bad lung stuff as it is, so I'm not freaky worried about mixing a morning batch. I just turn my head the other way when mixing then drink it down asap. LOVE DE!

AG

Oh, thanks Augustspy! Your experience is pretty much what I was looking for. I had a very serious kidney infection that ended up being a crazy medical emergency.

I have often thought of DE, longingly, just because of how nice it made my skin (nothing, has worked as well as DE did) and how badly I'd like to reap the benefits of it. But I've been wary of DE due to fear of it harming my kidneys, somehow. I knew of the lung issue, so I used to wear a mask when I mixed it. :rolleyes:

You say you don't take it with food! Does that mean adding it to a smoothie is something you wouldn't really recommend? And I cannot remember the supplier I used to order from, where are you getting yours, if you don't mind me asking?

[Kirry-Folk]

>>I am worried about it negatively affecting my kidneys, as I do recall having read it might be bad for them. Any thoughts?<<

If I had read this about DE I would never be ingesting it for any reason. I don't have an answer for you on that, as I haven't researched it that far out - but - yikes.

It is silica, your body has to process it out or else you would basically have a "sand" build up somewhere. Kidneys or intestines, one or the other has to get it on out of your body. My guess is the intestines just pass it along and on out - hopefully without causing any undo harm.


I kinda laughed at the thought of a sand build up somewhere in the body, mostly because I grew up in the desert, and I can tell you a fair number of stories about finding sand build up in odd places (like behind the ears and between the toes :redgrin:).

I suppose I hope it is the intestines vs. kidneys. Thanks for your thoughts!

[Unicorn]

"So using it as a human or animal worming agent for the ability to "slice up worms" in the intestines is pretty much a hoax."


>>>> Except for the fact that vets and farmers have been using it successfully for years to kill off parasites and deworm their animals!

AG
This is my thought also.

Unicorn

[augustspy]

Oh, thanks Augustspy! Your experience is pretty much what I was looking for. I had a very serious kidney infection that ended up being a crazy medical emergency.

I have often thought of DE, longingly, just because of how nice it made my skin (nothing, has worked as well as DE did) and how badly I'd like to reap the benefits of it. But I've been wary of DE due to fear of it harming my kidneys, somehow. I knew of the lung issue, so I used to wear a mask when I mixed it. :rolleyes:

You say you don't take it with food! Does that mean adding it to a smoothie is something you wouldn't really recommend? And I cannot remember the supplier I used to order from, where are you getting yours, if you don't mind me asking?

Kirry, I've not read about any kidney connection.... Was there anything else going on at the time? There is a Yahoo health group just for DE users. It's interesting because there are a number of farmers who post about their and their neighbors use of DE. Makes me smile to read that perspective. ;-)

I read of a woman who takes 8 T a day to keep her allergies from causing hell. Not sure how I arrived at 2T a day, but it sits nicely.

I spend a good bit of time being thorough with research before I try anything new. From what I read, and from what I experienced, it made the best sense to not take with food. For a while I took it with psyllium powder mixed in water. Now I shaker cup it with 200 mg of magnesium citrate in water.

You might find this interesting.... my Metametrix heavy metals test, prior to starting DE, showed mid range levels of aluminum and mercury, very high cadmium, middle low levels of arsenic and lead. After taking DE for less than a year, the subsequent test showed no measurement of these toxic metals. Talk about stunned!

For those who says it's nuts to take something like DE, I feel sure it's not for them. For those who swear it does wonders for them, I know for a fact it's meant for them and does them good. For those on the fence, a trial approach might be their best bet.

I've read the best brand is PermaGuard. I've been taking Wolfcreek and stuck with it. They sell large bags as well as smaller. Think they are out of Oregon.

Good luck to you with this. Perhaps you can post to the Yahoo DE group about the kidney concern?

AG

[princessp]

I'm glad this thread resurfaced. I am going to try this and I'll report back to this thread. D/Earth should be fine to ingest as long at it is food grade quality. I did a little poking around on the subject. Apparently it is used as a preservative in food and in grain silos too, so we are likely ingesting it already. Thanks for the info everyone. :)

ETA:
I read of a woman who takes 8 T a day to keep her allergies from causing hell. Not sure how I arrived at 2T a day, but it sits nicely. From what I found it looked like 1tsp in a.m. and then possibly 1tsp. afternoon, so 2tsp total daily. I'll likely only try 1tsp to start and see how I do.

[augustspy]

I'm glad this thread resurfaced. I am going to try this and I'll report back to this thread. D/Earth should be fine to ingest as long at it is food grade quality. I did a little poking around on the subject. Apparently it is used as a preservative in food and in grain silos too, so we are likely ingesting it already. Thanks for the info everyone. :)

ETA: From what I found it looked like 1tsp in a.m. and then possibly 1tsp. afternoon, so 2tsp total daily. I'll likely only try 1tsp to start and see how I do.

>> Can't wait to hear about your experience. Best to work up dose imho. There can be detox symptoms when starting out. Btw, speaking of other uses, I mix a small amount of DE with an oil based Shea facial cleanser and exfoliate with a scrubber made out of walnut hulls. Skin glows! And in addition to this 'off label' use I dip a wet tooth brush into DE powder and brush with some toothpaste added for a real sweet teeth cleaning. DE is added to some toothpastes anyway. Much like you say, we already come into contact with DE most likely and don't even know it. Thanks for sharing.

AG

[Kirry-Folk]

Just to clarify, I was NOT taking DE when I had my crazy kidney infection.

I think I ordered from Wolfcreek! That name rings a bell and so does this oldschool website of theirs, lol.

`Thank you for all your info, Augustspy. I appreciate it. :flower:

[justme]

You might find this interesting.... my Metametrix heavy metals test, prior to starting DE, showed mid range levels of aluminum and mercury, very high cadmium, middle low levels of arsenic and lead. After taking DE for less than a year, the subsequent test showed no measurement of these toxic metals. Talk about stunned!

That's amazing! Very cool!

[jaquelines]

After a few days, I have just finished reading this thread. :happydance:
Oh boy.
I have ordered some DE and before I start I have one question ( at least for now..:eyebrows: ) - HOW should I take it.
I read that DE should not be taken 1-2 hours ( BEFORE OR AFTER ?? ) taking other supplements, or ( BEFORE OR AFTER ?? ) eating.
So the first thing to clear for me would be this "before or after".

The next step is a post that I have found. I cannot remember if it was here, or on another site. But if you read the explanations, the best way for silica in the DE to be absorbed is by mixing 1 TB, or whatever your dosage is, in one big bottle of water and drinking it over the day.

So....how should I go on with this ? :confused:

Below the text and I am quite sure now it was from a different site.

"Taking DE by the spoonful will not be as effective as adding it to a large volume of water, letting it settle out then drinking the water. Silica is very poorly absorbed, so taking a half or full teaspoon at one time will not increase absorption. It will only mean more passing right through the system. This is why I add a spoonful to a gallon of water. Then I let it settle out. The water will dissolve a tiny amount of the silica forming orthosilicic acid. The excess silica settles to the bottom as a mud. I leave that there. Then I drink the water above the mud throughout the day. This allows me to absorb a small amount of the silica each time I take a drink. This will improve absorption even if stomach acid is low. As the water level goes down I add more water to dissolve a little more of the silica. Just keep repeating this process. A spoon full of silica will last several years. but I usually change out the silica about every 6 months. The additional advantage comes from the higher daily levels being absorbed. To understand this lets say a capsule of silica contains 500mg. And let's say that the body only absorbs 1mg each time you take a capsule. If taking capsules 3 times daily as most capsules are supposed to be used this would a total of 3mg being absorbed daily. That is based on people actually complying and taking 3 times daily like they should. Now if you absorb 1mg per glass of water with DE dissolved in it and you drink an average of 8 to 14 glasses of water throughout the day we can see you end up with a lot more silica in your system at the end of each day."

[Kirry-Folk]

I took a tablespoon and mixed it in an 8oz glass (or TRIED to, anyhow) and drank it down. I have a blender bottle, now, so when I get my DE, I'm going to use that.

[Denebi]

Hi there, I finally made it and worked myself through this thread.... :bigeyes:

Very interesting! I started taking DE now, and I can already report some health improvements :cheese:

It's too early to say something about my growth rate. Let's wait and see :knit:

I have to admit that the health benefits are the main reason why I started this, but I readily take a growth spurt as a cherry on the cake ;)

[jaquelines]

I took a tablespoon and mixed it in an 8oz glass (or TRIED to, anyhow) and drank it down. I have a blender bottle, now, so when I get my DE, I'm going to use that.

You mean the whole thing at once ? Or as written in the text, through the whole day ?

[Kirry-Folk]

All at once. I think it's best that way, myself.

[sonrisa76]

forgive me if someone has already asked this question. how does the DE taste when mixed with water?

[Kirry-Folk]

Like dirt and chalk. It's kinda satisfying, for some reason.

[serin blackwood]

forgive me if someone has already asked this question. how does the DE taste when mixed with water?

You kind of have to choke it down ... I put mine in a big swig of my morning coffee, it's not bad for disguising the DE. My dog gets it mixed with her salmon oil and has no problem!

[jaquelines]

After a few days, I have just finished reading this thread. :happydance:
Oh boy.
I have ordered some DE and before I start I have one question ( at least for now..:eyebrows: ) - HOW should I take it.
I read that DE should not be taken 1-2 hours ( BEFORE OR AFTER ?? ) taking other supplements, or ( BEFORE OR AFTER ?? ) eating.
So the first thing to clear for me would be this "before or after".

The next step is a post that I have found. I cannot remember if it was here, or on another site. But if you read the explanations, the best way for silica in the DE to be absorbed is by mixing 1 TB, or whatever your dosage is, in one big bottle of water and drinking it over the day.

So....how should I go on with this ? :confused:

Below the text and I am quite sure now it was from a different site.

"Taking DE by the spoonful will not be as effective as adding it to a large volume of water, letting it settle out then drinking the water. Silica is very poorly absorbed, so taking a half or full teaspoon at one time will not increase absorption. It will only mean more passing right through the system. This is why I add a spoonful to a gallon of water. Then I let it settle out. The water will dissolve a tiny amount of the silica forming orthosilicic acid. The excess silica settles to the bottom as a mud. I leave that there. Then I drink the water above the mud throughout the day. This allows me to absorb a small amount of the silica each time I take a drink. This will improve absorption even if stomach acid is low. As the water level goes down I add more water to dissolve a little more of the silica. Just keep repeating this process. A spoon full of silica will last several years. but I usually change out the silica about every 6 months. The additional advantage comes from the higher daily levels being absorbed. To understand this lets say a capsule of silica contains 500mg. And let's say that the body only absorbs 1mg each time you take a capsule. If taking capsules 3 times daily as most capsules are supposed to be used this would a total of 3mg being absorbed daily. That is based on people actually complying and taking 3 times daily like they should. Now if you absorb 1mg per glass of water with DE dissolved in it and you drink an average of 8 to 14 glasses of water throughout the day we can see you end up with a lot more silica in your system at the end of each day."

I am bugging with my post again to the DE "consumers" . I have no idea about anything chemical ( music teacher..:poot: ) , but it makes sense about the absorption of the ingredients to use this over the day and not once or twice each time a teaspoon. Any other impressions ?

[Kirry-Folk]

Just take it how you feel you want to take it. You'll need to invest in a blender bottle or something like that if you plan on sipping it throughout the day because it doesn't like to stay mixed together.

[serin blackwood]

I am bugging with my post again to the DE "consumers" . I have no idea about anything chemical ( music teacher..:poot: ) , but it makes sense about the absorption of the ingredients to use this over the day and not once or twice each time a teaspoon. Any other impressions ?

I think I agree with the logic of this, but I don,t have the discipline or the desire to add it to drinks throughout the day.
I've also read that silica is a trace element and we don't need even a fraction of the amount we are getting from the relatively large dosage recommended (1tsp to up to 2 tbls a day) unless we are using it for a parasite cleanse, which also makes sense.
I can't find much in the way of scientific studies regarding DE, so it's hard to know what is the best procedure. The only thing I do know for a fact is that my dog has never had a positive fecal for worms, and I've given her DE once a day, every day since three mo. old, so that aspect is working.

[swearnsue]

This has been a very interesting thread, but it took me three days to get through it all! I'm going to try just a little DE in water, drinking throughout the day as see how it goes. I'm also interested in trying the Shapely's MTG hair and scalp treatment stuff. If anyone has had any negative effects from these two products not already mentioned, please let us know!

[redsoles]

Can you buy this in stores?

[jaquelines]

Can you buy this in stores?
I Am new at this but I have bought mine from perma guard. Online.


This has been a very interesting thread, but it took me three days to get through it all! I'm going to try just a little DE in water, drinking throughout the day as see how it goes. I'm also interested in trying the Shapely's MTG hair and scalp treatment stuff. If anyone has had any negative effects from these two products not already mentioned, please let us know!

Great. That makes us 2 using this method.

[jaquelines]

I got this product which I used before. I had a little more growth. Something like 1 inch in one month as to 0.5, what I used to have. http://www.sikapur.de/ueber_sikapur/produkte/silicium_gel_f.php?locale=en
My question is - is this actually the same as DE but in gel form ? Could I overdoes if taking both together ?
Quote : "100 ml Gel contains: active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)l: 100 ml silica gel with 2.8 g of precipitated silicic acid anhydride (silicon dioxide) in dispersed colloidal form"

[swearnsue]

Ok, starting today at 6.5 inches, I took 1/4 tsp in my morning coffee and then mixed 1/4 tsp in water that I swirled and drank over a 1 hour period of time. I know the dose is small but I want to be extra cautious and see how I feel. If I feel fine I will increase the amount up to about 1 or 2 tsp per day. I also mixed a bit in the dog and kitty's food.

[jaquelines]

I have been taking it for about one week now and I see no improvements, or side effects. Is like I don`t even take it. I thought at least I will have a bit of detox. But not. I mixed 2 TSP in 1 L water and drink it over the day.
Obviously I am doing something wrong. If not positive reactions, I should have at least some signs of detox.
Now I just found another post on internet saying the exact contrary of what I have found regarding the intake.
http://immortalhair.forumandco.com/t3057-diatomaceous-earth-for-hair-loss


"A typical dosage for human consumption of food-grade DE (for internal usage) is approximately one heaped tablespoon per day. The exact daily maximum amount is calculated by body weight (based on animal consumption figures). Some users take 2 tablespooons per day. It will likely be most effective if taken on a daily basis, for a least a few weeks at a time, and preferably for a few months. Probably best taken on an empty stomach mixed in a glass of (deionised/distilled) water, or perhaps mixed with psyllium husks into a 'P&DE' shake. After drinking it down, you may want to rinse out your mouth with water, as you don't want any abrasion on your teeth caused by the fossilised diatoms. Permaguard advised BlackSpy that there are many different opinions on how to consume DE and that there have been few clinical studies or testing on human consumption of DE.
BlackSpy has tried D.E. for a couple of months, and has found that it seems to work best when mixed in with a thick medium, which can give the D.E. some leverage from which to actually scrape the most effectively in the GI tract. When mixed in on its own in water, it does not appear to be so effective as the equivalent amount of fibre mixed in with water. BlackSpy therefore believes that D.E. is best consumed either in a glass of water taken with food, or mixed in with a glass of water/fibre mixture, with or without an absorbant like bentonite or charcoal. If using the latter absorbants with D.E.,it is best consumed on an empty stomach. D.E. does not appear to be as efficient an absorbant or binder of heavy metals as either Bentonite Clay or Charcoal."

[swearnsue]

I have been taking it for about one week now and I see no improvements, or side effects. Is like I don`t even take it. I thought at least I will have a bit of detox. But not. I mixed 2 TSP in 1 L water and drink it over the day.
Obviously I am doing something wrong. If not positive reactions, I should have at least some signs of detox.
Now I just found another post on internet saying the exact contrary of what I have found regarding the intake.
http://immortalhair.forumandco.com/t3057-diatomaceous-earth-for-hair-loss


"A typical dosage for human consumption of food-grade DE (for internal usage) is approximately one heaped tablespoon per day. The exact daily maximum amount is calculated by body weight (based on animal consumption figures). Some users take 2 tablespooons per day. It will likely be most effective if taken on a daily basis, for a least a few weeks at a time, and preferably for a few months. Probably best taken on an empty stomach mixed in a glass of (deionised/distilled) water, or perhaps mixed with psyllium husks into a 'P&DE' shake. After drinking it down, you may want to rinse out your mouth with water, as you don't want any abrasion on your teeth caused by the fossilised diatoms. Permaguard advised BlackSpy that there are many different opinions on how to consume DE and that there have been few clinical studies or testing on human consumption of DE.
BlackSpy has tried D.E. for a couple of months, and has found that it seems to work best when mixed in with a thick medium, which can give the D.E. some leverage from which to actually scrape the most effectively in the GI tract. When mixed in on its own in water, it does not appear to be so effective as the equivalent amount of fibre mixed in with water. BlackSpy therefore believes that D.E. is best consumed either in a glass of water taken with food, or mixed in with a glass of water/fibre mixture, with or without an absorbant like bentonite or charcoal. If using the latter absorbants with D.E.,it is best consumed on an empty stomach. D.E. does not appear to be as efficient an absorbant or binder of heavy metals as either Bentonite Clay or Charcoal."

Maybe a week isn't long enough? The OP said she had 1/2" in 4 days, BUT I think she was also using other supplements. What are you going to do? Increase the amount to 1 Tbs? Yesterday, my first day of taking it, I took an afternoon nap that lasted 3 hours! Absolutely weird. But I woke up feeling fine. In fact I feel pretty good, so far.

[Unicorn]

I'm no expert on this Jaquelines, but I would be surprised if you had the same detoxing effect that you'd have if you had a single larger dose rather than the sipping small amounts throughout the day. The gradual sipping may be beneficial for the silica intake, but wouldn't make much of a difference for the gastric tract benefits. I think it is the gastric tract benefits that bring about the detoxing effects.

I take it for the health benefits and started with half a tsp a day, increasing by half a tsp a day untill I got to a full tbl spoon a day. I had mild detoxing effects and my sleeping improved.

Unicorn

[swearnsue]

I started taking DE on March 23rd. I had no detox reactions, actually I feel good. I have been increasing the amount so I am now at 1.5 to 2 tsp per day. My hair on 3/23 was 6.5 inches. I'll measure at one week maybe to see if my hair has grown faster during this test.

[Mononoke]

Could anyone please suggest a website where I can purchase DE?
Preferably in Europe, since it's closer to where I live, and with low delivery cost.

Many thanks to anyone with a suggestion!

[swearnsue]

I bought my DE at a feed store, originally for my chickens. It cost about $1.50 per lb. I measured my hair today and it's at 7 inches. That is 1/2 inch in 4 days. I don't believe it though so I'm going to use today as a new starting point and measure again in 4 days from today. It is weird though, my roots appeared almost overnight! The improved sleep only lasted the first two days, so now I'm back at my pre-DE tossing and turning. My digestion has improved but that my be a coincidence. I need more time to make sure it's the DE.

[Lola19]

Does anyone know if it's safe to take during pregnancy? I'm 17 weeks pregnant and my hair grows soooo slow, even while taking pregnancy vitamins.

[weddy]

@Ladies of a certain age: Any undesirable hair growth taking the DE?

[pinkb21]

I just ordered some today after reading the entire thread :) I hope i get a good growth spurt but will be happy with the detox benefits!

[swearnsue]

I just ordered some today after reading the entire thread :) I hope i get a good growth spurt but will be happy with the detox benefits!

Be sure to let us know how it works for you. I measured my hair again today and it's still at 7 inches. My stomach feels so much better after taking DE, and it started right away feeling better. I never had any detox effects like flu or fever or anything, but I'm only taking about 2 tsp per day.

[jaquelines]

Maybe a week isn't long enough? The OP said she had 1/2" in 4 days, BUT I think she was also using other supplements. What are you going to do? Increase the amount to 1 Tbs? Yesterday, my first day of taking it, I took an afternoon nap that lasted 3 hours! Absolutely weird. But I woke up feeling fine. In fact I feel pretty good, so far.

Yes, exactly. If you read what I have written below, as answer to Unicorn, you will see I got sleepy. The thing is...I HAVE TO WORK !! And I couldn`t because I was soo tired.


I'm no expert on this Jaquelines, but I would be surprised if you had the same detoxing effect that you'd have if you had a single larger dose rather than the sipping small amounts throughout the day. The gradual sipping may be beneficial for the silica intake, but wouldn't make much of a difference for the gastric tract benefits. I think it is the gastric tract benefits that bring about the detoxing effects.

I take it for the health benefits and started with half a tsp a day, increasing by half a tsp a day untill I got to a full tbl spoon a day. I had mild detoxing effects and my sleeping improved.

Unicorn

After contacting pharma guard again, I was told that the intake is a subject were the discussions are still different. I switched to one TSP at once, mixed in a smoothie. I noticed two things by doing it this way - my appetite reduced something like 80&#37;, I literally can`t eat much, and I was always like a little rabbit, needed all the time something little to eat, and something which bugs me a lot, I became extremely sleepy during the first part of the day. This thing supposed to give more energy...well...to hell with that. i know a few people here take it at night, before sleeping, but apparently it works best when taking it on a empty stomach in the morning.
But still, I don`t see much improvements in skin, hair, etc. It`s been already two weeks and I have started taking 2 TPS per day.
The only thing that I constantly notice, is how tired this DE makes after taking it. It`s worse than being naturally tired, because this is something that comes gradually. With DE is suddenly.

Unicorn , do you also take DE at once, or gradually during the day ?


Could anyone please suggest a website where I can purchase DE?
Preferably in Europe, since it's closer to where I live, and with low delivery cost.

Many thanks to anyone with a suggestion!


If you check the pharma guard site, they have a person in Switzerland who delivers pharma products. Have contacted him, did not got an answer unfortunately so far.


By the way, sorry for responding so late, I am glad to see responses to my post, I actually activated this notification thing whenever a new post is been made in this thread, as well as other threads that I am watching, but never got a notification.

[Unicorn]

I take a piled tablespoon at night - I need the sleep :) Though uf I've not had it for a while, I start off with 1/2 tsp then buil up quickly back to a tblspn.

Unicorn

ETA: those who take it continuously for extended periods have reported that the sleep effects wear off after a while.

[swearnsue]

I measured my hair again and it is still 7 inches. So the first 4 days of taking DE, I got 1/2 inch of growth and the next 4 days, nothing. That first growth spurt was fun though, watching my roots (silver) grow in almost overnight. The roots are easy to see because I have so many hennas on my hair it is very dark red so the silver really stands out. I think I'll keep taking it though because of how it has improved my digestion and I'll keep measuring my hair growth to see if maybe I'll get another spurt! I hope!

[Rockferry]

How is this different than taking a MSM supplement?

[jaquelines]

How is this different than taking a MSM supplement?

Hope I am not saying anything wrong here, but I think MSM is sulfur and DE is silica ( plus other vitamins as well ) .

[Mononoke]

jaquelines
Thanks for your response!

I ended up buying some DE on ebay last week, so it should arrive these days. I'll post any progress I see after taking it.

[swearnsue]

The MSM contains sulphur and is supposed to increase the growth phase and decrease shedding. I've been taking MSM for 6 or 7 months and I shed very little.

[Perelka74]

MSM aded to my shopping list . My hubby already thinks I am crazy with all the supplements I take whats one more.

[swearnsue]

MSM aded to my shopping list . My hubby already thinks I am crazy with all the supplements I take whats one more.

I know! When hubby discovered I was taking DE aka "dirt" he said that was soooo stupid that people aren't meant to eat dirt! But a couple of years ago I tried to get him to take red yeast rice and he thought that was stupid to until his cardiologist (a male of course) told him to take it!

[Rockferry]

The MSM contains sulphur and is supposed to increase the growth phase and decrease shedding. I've been taking MSM for 6 or 7 months and I shed very little.
Have you noticed an increase in growth since you've been taking it?

[Perelka74]

Yes swearnsue have you noticed an increase in growth ? what can I expect?

[MissHair]

Im on this challenge! Im gonna buy MSM next time I go to the health store. I have to try this!!

[swearnsue]

I take 1000mg a day (half the recommended dose on the bottle) MSM and it has really helped with shedding. I think I shed only about 20 hairs a day. The DE I've only been taking 10 days and I got a huge growth spurt with it, 1/2 inch in the first 4 days! But now it has slowed down. I've always grown only a 1/2 inch per month, so I'm hoping DE will help my hair to grow faster. The MSM though I think really has helped the shedding and you don't need tons of it for it to work.

[sazzie88]

has anyone tried taking for one week then stopping for one and taking agaian for the third week?

How do you take it do you mix it with food or just water? i will try it and then give to my daughter if the befenfits are worth it, how would be the best way for a child?

[Amethyste]

I have started re-taking DE 2 days ago... coincidentally, I've just hennaed too, so I'll be measuring (or actually seeing WHITE roots in the next days). I put 1 heaping TBS in milk in the morning and at night. Makes me sleep better and clears my skin!

i'll be ordering the MTG Shapleys this morning and start with that. I would REALLY like to see extra growth cause I think my hair grows a little slow :(

[joyfulchiara]

Wow! I'm definitely going to try this. I've got a 50# bag of the food grade stuff out in the garage. (I've been using this for my chickens for years.) I never thought to see what the benefits were for human use. Can't wait to see if there are any results!

[sazzie88]

I put 1 heaping TBS in milk in the morning and at night. Makes me sleep better and clears my skin!

I have quite bad hormonal acne and read that milk is one of the main causes of bad acne. Is your skin ok with it? ( I havent yet given up dairy I'm just thinking about it)

X

[MissHair]

I bought my MSM today!!! 200 grams of powder. I started taking 1 gram today. I wish I could measure my hair and follow up on my progress but I don't own a measuring tape! What else could I use as a way to determine my growth? Any tips?

[MissHair]

Read the article!

http://dherbs.com/articles/msm-sulfur-vs-sulfur-393.html

And I quote:


''Sulfur is found in human hair, skin, and nails. Ironically Dherbs.com has a compound (formula) called Hair-Skin-Nails that contains MSM sulfur.

Personally, I don't take as much MSM sulfur at present as I used to because it made my hair and nails grow too fast. A lot of women may want this effect, but not me. MSM sulfur will really make your hairs and nails grow.''

WOW.

[ladyfitzgerald]

2 months in a row now I have measured an inch a month growth! Someone said in an earlier post thay garlic contains sulfur, I sure eat a lot of garlic!! maybe thats why! :)

[Amethyste]

I have quite bad hormonal acne and read that milk is one of the main causes of bad acne. Is your skin ok with it? ( I havent yet given up dairy I'm just thinking about it)

X

Oye!! I am so used to say milk, when in all reality, I meant almond milk ! So sorry for the misinformation. *smack forehead* I don't do well with dairy products overall. I've been drinking almond milk for such a long time now, in our household, when we say milk, we mean the almond one lol.

Honestly, I am almost 42 and I have no wrinkles... i attribute it to all the "good stuff" I take like the DE (stopped for 3 months, donno why I did?), a shotglass of EVOO in the afternoon, and daily handfuls of almonds, and also vitamin D3, Milk Thistle and Niacinamide. I never had acne in my youth, but now I do get the one or 2 annoying blemishes when Flo comes and visit... :p

[sazzie88]

Oye!! I am so used to say milk, when in all reality, I meant almond milk ! So sorry for the misinformation. *smack forehead* I don't do well with dairy products overall. I've been drinking almond milk for such a long time now, in our household, when we say milk, we mean the almond one lol.

Honestly, I am almost 42 and I have no wrinkles... i attribute it to all the "good stuff" I take like the DE (stopped for 3 months, donno why I did?), a shotglass of EVOO in the afternoon, and daily handfuls of almonds, and also vitamin D3, Milk Thistle and Niacinamide. I never had acne in my youth, but now I do get the one or 2 annoying blemishes when Flo comes and visit... :p

Ah your skin does look very smooth. Maybe I should switch to almond milk. I'm looking for a way of reducing my acne, it's only recently I found out it was hormonal and for some reason that has made me hate it even more!

Does de taste bad? I presume you couldn't have a tsp on its own?

[kallarina]

I really want to buy some of this and try it... But I'm really uncertain as to what to buy. I will order it online, so can anyone link to me good brands or places to buy from, so that I know I'm buying the right stuff?
Thanks! :D

[swearnsue]

I have started re-taking DE 2 days ago... coincidentally, I've just hennaed too, so I'll be measuring (or actually seeing WHITE roots in the next days). I put 1 heaping TBS in milk in the morning and at night. Makes me sleep better and clears my skin!

i'll be ordering the MTG Shapleys this morning and start with that. I would REALLY like to see extra growth cause I think my hair grows a little slow :(

How long were you taking DE before you stopped? Were you taking 2TBS per day? I'm only taking 2 tsp per day and I'm a little afraid to take more, not sure why. I guess because it's something new. I was so tempted to order the Shapleys too but haven't yet!

[Amethyste]

How long were you taking DE before you stopped? Were you taking 2TBS per day? I'm only taking 2 tsp per day and I'm a little afraid to take more, not sure why. I guess because it's something new. I was so tempted to order the Shapleys too but haven't yet!

I think I took it for a year or so before I stopped ( 3 weeks about) and I have always taken 2 heaping TBS a day right from the get go lol. I didn't really feel any detox, and slept so soundly. I stopped because I started to have bad eczema on my hands and was focusing on that and skipped a lot of my normal routine... So I am back on track :)

OoooOOoo... Please order the Shapleys, so we can do mad scientist experiments together Muahahahaha!

[serin blackwood]

I really want to buy some of this and try it... But I'm really uncertain as to what to buy. I will order it online, so can anyone link to me good brands or places to buy from, so that I know I'm buying the right stuff?
Thanks! :D

This is a good place to order from and has a wealth of information about DE:

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html

[Amethyste]

Ah your skin does look very smooth. Maybe I should switch to almond milk. I'm looking for a way of reducing my acne, it's only recently I found out it was hormonal and for some reason that has made me hate it even more!

Does de taste bad? I presume you couldn't have a tsp on its own?

Do you mean Almond milk tasting bad or the Diatomaceous Earth? Almond milk is REALLY yummy, I love it. You HAVE to put the DE in a liquid cause it has the consistency of Flour/groundup chalk. You cannot eat it on its own :)

You can try the Almond milk, you'd like it I think :)

[Rockferry]

Can someone tell me (since I am not able to read 174 pages) what effect the DE has on your stomach?

[sazzie88]

Rockferry:
This is a good site that lists the benefits if DE

http://www.morethanalive.com/Diatomaceous-Earth-Food-Grade-Powder

Amythyste, ha ha I was talking about the DE. I will try the almond milk. How do you buy it is it in tins or in cartons?

[justme]

Can someone tell me (since I am not able to read 174 pages) what effect the DE has on your stomach?

I have IBS and/or gluten intolerance and/or fructose malabsorption, which means I often have constipation and nausea. The DE helps move everything through more quickly which means instead of being miserable for days, usually I feel better in a day or a matter of hours. It's truly been a lifesaver for me.\

Just make sure you drink water with it, or you might find it constipating.

[Rockferry]

This is a good place to order from and has a wealth of information about DE:

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html
This site has so many ordering options! Does it matter what type of jar or bag I order it in? Also, how long does shipping take from this site?

[jaquelines]

I take a piled tablespoon at night - I need the sleep :) Though uf I've not had it for a while, I start off with 1/2 tsp then buil up quickly back to a tblspn.

Unicorn

ETA: those who take it continuously for extended periods have reported that the sleep effects wear off after a while.

I am glad to report back that actually about 2 days after your post, the sleeping effects, indeed, wore off. Finally. I also gain back my appetite, which I do mind a bit :p. I feel good so far, cannot say it had that wooow effect on my hair. Since I do daily scalp massages, weekly indian oils, wearing hair up, etc.. all these reduced my shedding a lot. Regarding the growth - I did had more growth than usually, but I wouldn`t credit only DE. I would credit the other supplements as well. In my opinion so far. I will observe and report in one week. I did had a bit more growth than usually since taking DE, but definitely not as much as reported by other members and I don`t expect much improvement if I consider the fact that the few lucky ones experiencing lot of growth in the first month, were reporting this effect to stop after about one month.
Well...as long as it does not harm me....I won`t stop taking it.

[swearnsue]

I started taking DE on March 23rd, just about 1/2 to 1tsp per day, then increased up to 1Tbs per day. BUT a couple of days ago my joints started hurting, first my knee which got better then my wrist then my neck. I don't know if this has anything to do with the DE or not. I've had arthritis for many years but this recent pain is much worse and more sudden. Just moving the "wrong" way causes sudden excruciating pain! So yesterday I didn't take any DE, just in case. Today I'm back to taking it but will only take about 1/2 tsp per day. My joints feel pretty good today but I'm sorta afraid to move too much! Good grief!

[sazzie88]

I started taking de three days ago and cannot say I have noticed any difference at all!

Hopefully I will notice some growth soon.

My tummy has sure been rumbling though?

[Mononoke]

This is a good place to order from and has a wealth of information about DE:

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html

If anyone purchases from this seller, note that the weight the jars contain is not the weight stated for the jars, not to speak of the fact that when they say "4 cups", in reality it is more like one cup. They do ship fast, but it seems like they are trying to mislead on purpose.

[MissHair]

I started taking de three days ago and cannot say I have noticed any difference at all!

Hopefully I will notice some growth soon.

My tummy has sure been rumbling though?

Same here, Im on day 3. No side effects, no nothing. So far so good. We'll see about growth later. Maybe I'll see a definite growth next month, Im a little skeptical of growth in matter of days. Maybe weeks though.

[MissHair]

NEWS FLASH! DAY 11 AND I HAVE GOT ME AN INCH OF GROWTH!

A lot of you may remember I had 2" cut off 2 weeks ago, I started taking DE on the 12th november, apart from my posted health improvements, this really is the cherry on the cake for me!

I wasnt going to measure and as many of you are aware i have a photo thread, which I shall be updating on Thursday for those who need photographic evidence!

I cannot thank Jenny enough for sharing her findings on this thread, I owe you a million times over.

I know your post is very old (from 2009) but I found this post so encouraging that I just had to quote it! I hope I get the same results you did. :cool::D

[Mononoke]

Started taking DE today. I'm drinking it with apple juice, spreading through a few hours for (hopefully) better absorption.

[jaquelines]

NEWS FLASH! DAY 11 AND I HAVE GOT ME AN INCH OF GROWTH!

A lot of you may remember I had 2" cut off 2 weeks ago, I started taking DE on the 12th november, apart from my posted health improvements, this really is the cherry on the cake for me!

I wasnt going to measure and as many of you are aware i have a photo thread, which I shall be updating on Thursday for those who need photographic evidence!

I cannot thank Jenny enough for sharing her findings on this thread, I owe you a million times over.

jojo, since your post was quoted, I have a question - how did you take the DE ? 1TSP in the morning at once, or gradually ?

[swearnsue]

Growth Update! Today I'm at 7.25 inches. This means my hair grew 3/4 inch since March 23rd (14 days) I've been taking DE every day except one, doses of 1/2 tsp to 1 Tbs per day. I had a few days of weird joint pain but I'm better now and don't think it had anything to do with the DE, but with the sudden cold weather we had and I had turned the heater off. I've inspected the new growth with a magnifying mirror in the sunlight and the hair looks like it always has, in other words the fast growth hasn't caused a poor quality of hair. This is so cool, just had to share.

[Amethyste]

Growth Update! Today I'm at 7.25 inches. This means my hair grew 3/4 inch since March 23rd (14 days) I've been taking DE every day except one, doses of 1/2 tsp to 1 Tbs per day. I had a few days of weird joint pain but I'm better now and don't think it had anything to do with the DE, but with the sudden cold weather we had and I had turned the heater off. I've inspected the new growth with a magnifying mirror in the sunlight and the hair looks like it always has, in other words the fast growth hasn't caused a poor quality of hair. This is so cool, just had to share.

I am so happy for you! That is impressive, Swearnsue!!!! I've been taking the DE for a week now and no sudden growth :( At least, I feel heathier taking the DE, I am more alert and sleep like a log at night. I have gotten the MTG by Shapleys and will do this tonight on my hair, I'll do it every 5 days and see if I have any growth from it. I have awesome white roots, so it will be easy to keep track of. If I remember correctly, most people leave the MTG overnight and wash in the morning right?