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Candida overgrowth is an epidemic in our modern times, due in part to the overuse of antibiotics, birth control, steroids, hormone replacement therapy, over-consumption of sugar and stress. Many of us don’t know the imbalance is occurring until a full blown case of jock itch or a yeast infection breaks loose. Overcoming infections includes omitting certain foods and using topical applications, but what we do internally with supplements like diatomaceous earth is pivotal to getting well.
Candida
During hot summers, there are lots of sweaty parts! 😉 A warm sweaty crotch is ripe for candida growth. My husband got an awful case of jock itch late spring/early summer a few years ago. For the first time in his life, he had to completely cut out all foods that candida, too, can consume. He went about a month on a grain-free, anti-candida diet, in addition to using topical treatments, and finally came out victorious. But boy, what a doozy. That kind of itching will almost break you!
I link here to my post on yeast infections. I, too, have battled them and come out victorious. In the process, I learned a lot, and I’d like to provide information so you can heal and avoid them as well. We even learned a new trick due to the pesky, determined nature of my husband’s outbreak, a surprising remedy that was the final key to his relief.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (find it here) is actually the razor-sharp remains of tiny fossilized creatures from millions of years ago:
Diatomaceous earth is made up of the tiny microscopic remains of single-celled diatoms that have been fossilized millions of years ago. It has electromagnetic properties that actually attract and trap toxins, fungus, yeast, and bacteria in a honeycomb-like structure so that the body can expel it naturally through the digestive system’s waste. In addition, the coarse nature of diatomaceous earth works as a scrubbing agent on the intestinal walls to get rid of the plaque buildups that the yeast infections thrive in. (source)
Although DE is described as abrasive, the gut lining will not be harmed by it. The microscopic nature of DE powder allows it to harm pathogens without harming our tissues.
When purchasing DE, there are different grades available. Be sure to buy food grade.
BEYOND CANDIDA
Harmful yeasts and bacterial species go beyond candida. Candida are one among 300 to 1000 gut bacterial species, several of which can become invasive if enough good flora are killed. This article is not just about eradicating candida. For those of us with internal overgrowth, not a one-time flare-up of jock itch or a yeast infection, there are many foe on the loose, literally weaving their nasty tendrils into the lining of our gastrointestinal tract.
Fungi, parasites, bacteria, (and even heavy metals) can be diminished using diatomaceous earth.
DE isn’t going to rout the bad guys all by itself. But it is a key player in exterminating populations that would be less harmed by other methods. My own personal experience with using DE combined it with a rotation of pathogen killing herbs and the anti-candida diet. (Here’s my post on killing yeast, Part 2. In this post I share more details about the herbal regimen and biofilm.)
Regarding diet, I was already on the GAPS diet; but when I continued to struggle with outbreaks (I had a horrible case of thrush during my nursing years), I went further by following the recommendations of the anti-candida diet. (This must be done in conjunction with GAPS, in my opinion, to be effective.) I eliminated all fungi from my diet: no mushrooms. I eliminated cheese, peanut butter, all veggies that are fructose-rich, so beets and carrots … and I got well!
It’s pretty amazing, when you feel that bad for a long time, to finally get well again. You begin to wonder if it’s even possible to find relief. You keep trying. And yes, eventually relief comes.
DOSAGE
I am not a nutritionist or doctor. I’ll tell you what my practitioner told me, in terms of how to use DE. And then you can investigate further with your functional medical or naturopathic physician to make sure this is the right path for your body.
My doctor had me take 1 teaspoon DE, 3 times daily, stirred into about 4 to 6 ounces of water. I did this about fifteen minutes before each meal.
It tastes super chalky and powdery, and then it’s down the hatch! Since that time, just recently, I had the idea to bake with it. Since it’s a powder, like flour, I thought it might work. I found online that a few others had tried it before and that scientific experts on DE gave this method their thumbs up. So I came up with two recipes using this idea.
Each recipe only contains one tablespoon of DE. Too much can cause constipation. But one tablespoon works great. You can eat 1 to 2 biscuits or a few energy ball cookies and be perfectly in line with how much DE you’d be taking if you drank the 1 teaspoon before a meal.
Here’s the biscuit recipe and here’s the Energy Ball recipe.
You can purchase food grade diatomaceous earth here.
Blessings upon you; may you defeat your pathogen overgrowth too!
Up next: How to use DE for internal worms!
Marjorieann1977 says
This is so interesting! I’m going to research this more as I’ve been battling a parasite. I haven’t tried DE, but love that it is a natural treatment. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!!
Megan Stevens says
You’re welcome and good luck in your process!!
Juju says
I had a friend who rescued a puppy. Her Vet literally said after treating her and about $1,000, the dog should be put down. They couldn’t keep up with the rate of infestation. The poor dog was actually so infested she was passing live worms . Couldn’t keep any food down. DE not only killed the worms, she was cured and healthy enough to be a puppy again. She was dying.
Alicia Ahlberg says
This story just made my day. Bless your kind heart
linda spiker says
Very educational. I have heard about this before but never used it. Thanks for the info!
Megan Stevens says
Happily.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
You are such a wealth of knowledge Megan. I had no idea about this! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Megan Stevens says
Thank you, Emily! <3
Tash @ HolisticHealthHerbalist says
A friend of mine started taking DE for parasites they believed to be living in their colon. Turns out they were right! The DE seemed to work wonders!
Megan Stevens says
Great! Thanks for sharing!
Claudisabelle says
Do you think DE is able to “open” the biofilm” stuff which in most bacteria (and surely Lyme’s borellia) hide ? As it can be so difficult to cope with many intestinal pathogens as they are protected within this biofilm ?
Megan Stevens says
Yes, I do believe that DE is capable of performing this role. Great question!
John says
white coffee bean enemas do that really well!
Erin says
This is informative and thanks for sharing. A concern I had was that if DE can kill pathogens, could it also harm the good flora in the gut?
Megan Stevens says
Hi Erin, thanks for your GREAT question! 🙂 DE does NOT harm good flora. The reason is, “Diatomaceous Earth will not absorb beneficial bacteria simply due to the
fact that DE has a negative charge and bad bacteria has a positive
charge. DE will attract and absorb the bad bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc
without harming anything good or beneficial.” -diatomaceous.net This is documented by other sources as well. Cheers!
Shannon nix says
Hi bought DE, due to being perimenopausal & I have a constant yeast infection. I am also taking a 50 billion refrigerated probiotic. So I am crossing my fingers ? ❤️ Shannon
Lulu Mina says
Take coconut oil orally along with Thyme tea and oregano oil. The combination of these three helped me tremendously. I am immunocompromised and suffered from chronic ones. Best of luck!
Ary Dalton Lohrey says
Does this help clear the liver of toxins?
Megan Stevens says
Yes! It’s about 85% silica; and silica travels into the liver and cleanses it.
Jun says
Can I drink bentonite clay after consuming diatomecaus earth?
John says
I wouldn’t do both at the same time. Chance of bad constipation
Tanya Guinn says
I bought some food grade DE a few years ago but have been afraid to take it! Does it expire? Still have it in ziplocks in my pantry!
Hush says
so, it doesn’t expire. It’s already millions of years old
Tanya Guinn says
Thank you! My friend said she has leaky gut and that needs to heal before she can take it. How do I know if I have leaky gut? She went to a holistic Chiropractor.
Megan Stevens says
Her doctor’s words may have related to the severity of your friend’s leaky gut, or it may have just been the practitioner’s opinion, but not fact. Some people with leaky gut are ready for this step to help their leaky gut heal. You would benefit from consulting with a wise practitioner to help you assess your status. A stool sample is a good diagnostic tool regarding pathogens. There are many symptoms of leaky gut.
Hush says
0/10
Alpha Augustin says
How long should the treatment be?
Megan Stevens says
I like to do the most intense treatment for 6 weeks. You can consult my other post on killing off pathogen overgrowth, and how to rotate herbs: http://eatbeautiful.net/2015/08/16/how-to-heal-yeast-infections-and-treat-pathogen-overgrowth-part-2-candida-and-more/ if you’d like.
Alpha Augustin says
Thanks!
northlandcnda says
Can you take DE in a capsule?
Megan Stevens says
Yes, at one time I was taking 6 capsules before every meal, when I was working with a pathogen-killing expert. 😉 I don’t necessarily recommend that many, but yes.
Robert Hathaway says
Wonder how they would work with MIM (muffin in a minute)?
Megan Stevens says
Hi Robert, I didn’t know what that was, but I looked it up. Looks like you could put in 1 teaspoon of DE to that recipe. 🙂
Celeste Carroll Onchuck says
Can you take DE while nursing?
Megan Stevens says
yes!
Devz Devi says
What is the process of killing candida? Is it ok to take the diatomaceous together with probiotics? If so, what is the time interval in taking these 2 together?
Ross says
Could this help with fibromyalgia? .
Megan says
Hi Ross, there are testimonies of DE helping fibromyalgia, alongside removing wheat, gluten, sugar, nightshades from the diet. Also, have you read about borax? It’s another option to consider. Best wishes!! Here’s a link you might find helpful: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/treatment-for-fibromyalgia-pain-symptoms2.html
Wil Johnson says
Hello Megan is it true you shouldn’t have this with other pills/supplements? I was wanting to put this in my smoothies which typically have some healthy powders and stuff I had and usually take my pills with it too.
Megan says
Hi Wil, DE is safe to eat with nutritious foods, so theoretically it should not inhibit the benefits of supplements. But to be safe, you can certainly separate them if you prefer.
Michele Sanders says
I have epilepsy. I tried taking DE orally and it caused problems with seizure meds. Tried in 2 separate occasions and each time had a seizure after 2 days of treatment (1tsp a day)
Laura F says
Hi Megan,
I just happened upon your site and love this topic! Have you had any issues with DE causing constipation? I have a case of candida and started using DE to treat and not too much is passing right now. Wondering if you had any issues with this?
Megan says
Yes, I’m glad you ask. It can! I dose accordingly and take less. I also use magnesium; you can choose magnesium citrate if you’re extra constipated, otherwise mag. glycinate helps. I hope one of them is helpful for you. Ask your practitioner about taking up to 400 mg. each evening. 🙂
Angie Morris says
How long should you take DE?
Megan says
Hi Angie, it is best to consult your practitioner, although honestly many do not know. Personally I take DE daily and have for years. But this is a personal decision based on my own research and health history. If someone has a short-term health goal of overcoming pathogen overgrowth, it is certainly advised by many health care practitioners to take it alongside a pathogen killing regime for 6 weeks or longer.
Thomas Shortland says
Candida is the worst thing ever I get it as a jock itch and under my armpits.going to give DE a go again I used it before and bentonite clay but it is tough to get rid of I need to be more strict with my diet.I am began except for honey with my herbal tea.
Candida has been ruining my body for almost 15 years I am 32 I have had periods where it went away ,hopefully can get rid of it for good
Thanks for this article
Thomas
Stella says
If the effectiveness of DE is when its used dry, how can it possibly be effective going through the digestive tract in water??? Doesn’t make any sense when consumed.
Stella
Ali says
It’s the Silica in the DE that is the key – & being in fluid helps it get into the body.
Many think it kills pathogens because it’s sharp, however the Silica – which most are very short of unless they eat a shed-load of vegetables grown in silica-rich soil every day (although most of the veg we consume is grown in ‘sucked-to-death’ soil these days, sadly) – actually strengthens the body, helps it detox & generally makes the body inhospitable to pathogens, worms, etc.
Silica is the ‘beauty’ mineral, working from the inside out. It is widely known for its ability to benefit the hair, skin & nails, but it goes far deeper than that, benefitting the whole body structure, bones, connective tissue, organs, digestive tract, etc, etc, etc. The hair, skin & nails are just the outward signs of its benefits. As these three areas are often some of the first things to suffer when we are unhealthy, when they start to improve that is an indication that the whole body is improving.
Why do dogs & cats eat grass when they are sick? Very likely predominantly because of the silica content.
Raeleen York says
My husband has had candida for 5 months and has tried everything and nothing is working
Sue H says
I live in AZ, and we have scorpions here, in vast numbers. I use Food Grade, NOT!!! the swimming pool stuff, DE sprinkled on the tracks of our sliding glass doors (where most of the critters get in). When the scorpion crawls over the DE on the door tracks, DE clings to its body and in a short time, dehydrates the pest.
I also stockpile vacuum-packed baking flour, beans and rice and add a homemade packet (small coffee filter cut to seal up a DE filled 2″ packet with scotch tape) and put in the mason jars. If a little shakes out into the flour, that is a benefit. It’s an excellent moisture absorber with high desiccant qualities and kills those flour beetles that can destroy the product. Good for pantry stored flour too.
I also make beef jerky and add DE packets to the jars to continue to keep it moisture free. It is a wonderful product with SO many uses.
Rose says
Does DE cause IBS. I have been taking a teaspoon every morning foe a few weeks along with a capsule of charcoal and was fine. I started taking 1 tablespoon and 2 capsules if charcoal and my stomach has been so miserable. Gut cramps and diarrhea for 2 to 3 days in a row and then constipated for a day or 2. I have stopped taking the DE and charcoal because i am fraid of the discomfort and pain but i am wondering if i should continue taking it. My symptoms do not stop with or with out the DE. Maybe it is just cleaning my gut? Any advice.
Neil Dailey says
DE actually cures IBS. What you are experiencing is actually detox and herxing. This is very short lived and you are the better for it. Be sure to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water and you will be in much better shape.
Anne says
Hi!
I just came across your website because I am trying to get rid of Tinea versicolor (a fungus that lives on all of our bodies, but mine is out of control). I wanted to start with what you recommend in the Candida Phase 2 part. IN your experience, can I take DE along with the herbs and the N-Aceytl-L-Cysteine or is the N-Aceytl-L-Cysteine basically doing the same as the DE? I don’t want to overdo it, haha!
Thank you so much! I love your website and the comments from your readers too!
Megan says
Hi Anne, I’m sorry for your struggle! and thanks for your comment and question. They indeed do different things, so I use both in conjunction with one another. NAC breaks through the external biofilm uniquely. DE has electromagnetic properties and scrubs the intestinal walls.
I have also used tea tree oil internally (with fat) and externally (in a base of castor oil) which is helpful. (I’ve written the details about it here: https://eatbeautiful.net/2019/04/06/how-why-safely-use-tea-tree-oil-internally/)
Also, assuming you are having some external symptoms, once you feel you are getting the upper hand on the fungus, you might consider probiotics externally (although you may already have that on your radar) as well as internally. I have found that once nature’s weapons kill off the “bad guys”, the good guys need to come in to re-establish the right equilibrium. Our skins’ immune system can be suppressed too (externally). After recovering from the worst of thrush, for example, I put kefir on myself and let it dry. Best wishes!!
Abby says
I know your comment is old but I am going to leave this comment anyway so maybe it can help others. I found (accidentally) that using DE on an exfoliating cloth while bathing WILL get rid of Tinea Versicolor. I used to have to go to the dermatologist every Summer and get medication. I knew DE was a good exfoliater so I was thrilled when it got rid of the T.V. I just soaped up my exfoliation cloth then sprinkled DE on it. I have not had T.V for several years now.
Megan says
Thanks for sharing, Abby!
Erin says
thank you, I’m dealing with exactly this, it keeps returning every summer, and I found this article in my investigation of whether DE might be an effective treatment. I’ll try this in conjunction with Megan’s candida cleansing recommendations. (I’ve done lots of candida cleansing before, it’s hard to keep it away).
Stacy graham says
Wondering about psoriasis and de? Would it work for that?
C Cannon says
Leaky Gut has been ID’d as a possible cause of Psoriasis. DE helps with Leaky Gut, so I’d say try it.
Jeffrey says
Colloidal silver can also be a great help aside DE for eliminate candida.
Great article.Thanks
MummifiedRat says
I found a whole mummified rat under an ancient structure in my yard. I put it in a large specimen jar and noticed the walls accumulating moisture. I covered the bottom of the jar with DE and tossed it around carefully with the rat mummy. It absorbed all the moisture and completely mummified the rat. What a cool specimen! I’m going to start taking this today as a supplement because I also have a Candida infestation.
Chris says
DE is good for parasites but we don’t have “plaque” in our intestines.
Michelle says
Hi there,
I have been super constipated, feels like I’m passing sharp rocks. What combination of things would you recommend? My doctor always says to take miralax which intended for short term and colace but none seem to help long term.
Megan says
Hi Michelle, I’m sorry for your struggle, that so many struggle with! For me, I’ve found that the right foods make ALL the difference, the right kinds of soluble and insoluble fiber. Beans and beets are the two best foods for my body. Here’s my Constipation Smoothie that I find VERY helpful: https://eatbeautiful.net/constipation-smoothie-paleo-gaps-aip-gluten-free/ Best wishes for improvement!
Cmdrsocal says
Turpentine and green black walnut hull.
Ali says
Or crushed black seeds & raw honey. Black seeds (Konjali) also contain terpenes.
Bridget Polkey says
How often/long did you have to do this until it went away?
Megan says
Hi Bridget, I took DE for a few months and included herbal antibiotics as well, which are talked about in some of the articles I link to in this post.
Rebecca says
Is it safe for baby to take this during pregnancy?
Kathleen says
Hello, the life of parents caregiver for 20 yrs has scarred, abused, and hurt self. Have battled candida many long years. It’s my time to get healthy now and with your help, I am happy to get my life back. So attacking my thrush, UTI of many yrs, sticky, smelly ooze , and all else . Thank you for your knowledge which I use as a daily bible. So here goes to my better life without these creatures living in me. I will no longer be bedridden, depressed, toilet hanging around, ugly woman. Bless you and I am your friend and follower. Kathleen aka Cookie
Megan says
Best wishes, Kathleen!!
Robin says
HI Megan,
Thank you so much for this article and sharing the information – even to the biscuits recipe!
I’m about to start using food grade DE for candida (and heavy metals while I’m at it) and am wondering:
How does when know when one no longer needs the DE and when it’s okay to stop taking it? Also, did your dosage decrease over time, either in quantity or number of times taking it during the day?
Megan says
Hi Robin, glad to help! You may see a decrease in symptoms and/or be tested by a doctor (ND or similar) to know you’re ready to stop taking DE. My dose was very high, then did go down to a lower maintenance dose before I stopped altogether. I took fewer pills each time but took them as often.
Robin says
Thank you so much, Megan. I appreciate the helpful reply and it’s promptness!
Megan says
So happy to help, and you’re welcome!
Sherry says
I’m starting to take DE and was told to take a binder with it as to avoid constpation and the left over toxins from the parasites being cut up by the DE
Megan says
Hi Sherry, I personally really like activated charcoal as a binder. I find I need extra magnesium to prevent constipation. I hope that helps.
Melanie says
Hi Megan.
So happy I found you and this article.
I was just recently diagnosed with cellulitis on my arm and my thigh. My doctor prescribed a antibacterial ointment for it. Reluctantly, I am using it in fear of the cellulitis getting worse to staff calculus . I don’t know if I spelled that right. :/
I prefer using natural remedies to drugs, but I’m at my wits end, unable to find a holistic provider to guide me, I also suffer with IBS and I am scheduled for my first colonoscopy next week. I’m 67 years old! Never had a colonoscopy . And my G.I. doctor put me on two antibiotics a week ago because he said I most likely have a bacterial infection in my colon. I’m taking a refrigerated probiotic to combat the antibiotic . Anyway, as I take the antibiotics, is it safe to drink diamotaecious earth at the same time? I also stopped almost all my supplements, because I want to find a holistic practitioner to put me on the straight and narrow. I want to quit taking so many pills and get all my nutrients from food.
Anyway, sorry for the long winded message . I’m also in search of a good holistic practitioner and Nutritionist.
I’m going to sign up for your newsletter as well. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, Melanie
Megan says
Hi Melanie, I would not take DE with antibiotics. I do highly recommend my doctor, if you’re interested: https://nutritiondetective.com/ Best wishes on your health journey! I’m glad you’re here.