You may know diatomaceous earth (DE) as the fine white fossilized powder you use to rid your pets of fleas, control pests in your garden, and kill bedbugs. But did you also know that you can take it internally to improve your health? In the past I’ve added DE to my candida-killing and parasite protocols, and I’ve taken it internally myself with excellent results, so it’s time for me to rave about it. This stuff is AWESOME!
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
DE under a microscope
DE is a fine powder made from fossilized phytoplankton. It’s very sharp and hard– almost as hard as a diamond–which is significant because it slices through the exoskeletons of pests and bacteria, killing them, but leaves your human digestive tract unharmed. DE looks a little like Rice Chex Cereal. It’s cylindrical and has a very strong negative charge. As these millions of cylinders move through the stomach and digestive tract, they attract and absorb fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticides, drug residues, E.coli, and heavy metals which are trapped inside the cylinder and then excreted from the body. In addition, any larger parasites that happen to be in the stomach or digestive tract are “cut up” and killed by the sharp edges of DE.
DE is a fine powder.
Can Diatomaceous Earth Improve Your Health?
There haven’t been any meaningful studies on DE and human health, so benefits are anecdotal but the following have been reported:
- improved bowel movements
- hairs grows faster, stronger nails
- reduction in acne
- kills intestinal parasites, candida and fungal overgrowth
- stronger teeth and gums
- bone health
- healthy colon
- natural detoxifier: absorbs methyl mercury, E. coli, endotoxins, viruses (including poliovirus), organophosphate pesticide residues, and drug residues
- may lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- high concentration of silica may reduce osteoporosis
- improvement in joint pain and arthritis
- reduces aches and pains by strengthening connective tissue & collagen
- helps with skin problems and injuries including itching, rashes, abscesses, boils, acne, callouses, eczema, burns, benign skin sores, insect bites and bed sores.
- colon cleansing & heavy metal detox
Many of DE’s amazing benefits are due to its high concentration of the trace mineral silica (89 percent of DE is silica). It also contains roughly 20 trace minerals! Most of us are sorely lacking in minerals due to poor diets and the fact that our produce is grown in anemic soils. That means our vegetables don’t have the nutrient density they once did: A Kushi Institute analysis of nutrient data from 1975 to 1997 found that average calcium levels in 12 fresh vegetables dropped 27 percent; iron levels 37 percent; vitamin A levels 21 percent, and vitamin C levels 30 percent. (source) Minerals are critical for metabolic functions in the body, and deficiencies contribute to anxiety, aging, cardiovascular disease, constipation, and increased stress. Silica is essential for building healthy bones and teeth, skin, hair, and nails. I’ve noticed my hair growing like crazy since I began using DE!
Diatomaceous Earth for Better Poops
The number one benefit people report soon after using DE is an improvement in bowel movements, something to which I can personally attest. Apparently the millions of tiny hard and sharp DE cylinders “scrub” the walls of the intestines and boost colon cleansing. You’ll notice more regular bowel movements, and better function means they’re scrubbing your intestinal walls, capturing toxins and efficiently excreting them.
And as I mentioned, I’ve been using DE as part of my protocols for gut dysbiosis, candida overgrowth and parasites. Normalizing gut flora improves digestion, fat burning, and skin health. Better bowel function is one reason why DE improves skin health. It’s well documented that the health of the skin mirrors the health of the gut. Acne and other skin issues are related to poor digestion, constipation and a build up of toxins in the colon, and poor gut flora. Better moving bowels and a clean colon = healthier skin.
Diatomaceous Earth for Detox
The bowel is the body’s main vehicle for excretion of toxins. Regular bowel movements are the number one way you can prevent toxins from being reabsorbed into your system. The bowel binds up both endogenous (internal toxins produced as a result of metabolic processes) and exogenous (external) toxins from your food, bodycare products, medications, and environment and whisks them out via stool. If you’re not pooping at least once daily, stool sits in the colon and toxins and excess hormones are reabsorbed into the system. Because DE bulks up the stool and enhances bowel movements, it’s a wonderful detoxer.
There is evidence that DE is effective for heavy metal detox, particularly mercury. This is excellent news, as high levels of mercury in the system contribute to candida overgrowth, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Mercury has an affinity for brain tissue where it contributes to neuron bundle damage, especially if you’re not detoxing well. It can also build up in fetal tissue and contribute to delayed brain development in fetuses and babies (source).
How to Take Diatomaceous Earth Internally
First off, AWLAYS BUY FOOD GRADE DE! This is very important. This is the DE I use and like. Also, when using DE, be careful not to inhale the fine powder, as the small hard particles can damage lungs.
Here is how I recommend taking DE: start with 1/2 teaspoon for the first week first thing in the AM or right before bed. Mix with a large glass of water. It doesn’t have much taste– to me it’s a bit gritty but very pleasant mixed with freshly squeezed lemon. After a week, move the dose up to 1 teaspoon, then try increasing up to 1 Tablespoon with a full 8 ounces of water per day, preferably on an empty stomach. Be sure to stir your mixture consistently as DE tends to settle to bottom of glass. I don’t recommend taking it interminably; start with 2-3 months, then take a break.
For enhanced colon cleansing and heavy metal detox, use bentonite clay, or take 2 of these GI detox charcoal/clay capsules along with it. Take the clay or drawing formula along with the DE for one month at a time only. Drink this “sludgy cocktail” one hour away from food or other supplements, as the clay will interfere with absorption of supplements or nutrients.
If you’re taking the DE alone, you don’t need to worry about that as much, but I always take it on an empty stomach regardless. I’d also recommend taking a good quality probiotic while you’re doing the sludgy cocktail or using the plain DE for enhanced digestive and skin health. It’s great to work on building up your gut flora when you’re addressing digestive wellness. This is especially true if you’re doing a candida protocol.
Using Diatomaceous Earth for your Pets
You can use DE in your pets’ food too as a dewormer and to kill intestinal parasites. It eliminates roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms within seven days, but make sure to use it for a full 30 days to catch newly hatching eggs throughout the life cycle. You can also sprinkle it around pets’ living quarters or their beds, then wait several hours before vacuuming it up. Again, be careful they’re not inhaling it. Click here for pet and livestock dosage instructions. There are many additional uses for DE around the home and garden! Click here for uses around home and garden. You can also use it on your skin and to make toothpaste. Click here for a tutorial.
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Mary Vance is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and author specializing in digestive health. She combines a science-based approach with natural therapies to rebalance the body. In addition to her 1:1 coaching, she offers courses to help you heal your gut and improve your health. Mary lives in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Read more about her coaching practice here and her background here.
Ok, now you have me convinced to try DE. I bought some about 6 months ago but just haven’t used it but I think I will start tomorrow! Thanks for the very informative information! (and I hope my hair grows like crazy too – it grows soooooo slooooowly)
I noticed a difference after about a week, no kidding! Give it a 30 day challenge 🙂 I actually look forward to drinking it every day.
I’ve been taking a small amount of DE for the last year and definitely noticed great benefits including rapid hair growth! As always, a super informative post and I learned a few things about DE that I wasn’t aware of – thank you!
The strong hair and nails benefit is the BEST, right?! and the great poops, LOL
LOL so true!
I was diagnosed with SIBO….will DE be helpful with that? And I am not able to take Probiotics…hope that will not be an issue….
I have not used DE specifically for SIBO and doubt it would work. SIBO needs a very specific protocol: https://www.maryvancenc.com/got-bloat-sibo/
Is there a difference in food grade and feed grade? I bought Natures Guide organic diatomaceous earth feed grade. Is this safe for me to ingest?
It should always say FOOD GRADE. Here is a guide: http://www.diatomaceousearth.com/is-my-de-food-grade/
I am not sure on taking this am a little scared.
I have some for pest control and can’t find if its safe or food eligible.
I am 42 year old male with very bad health including high cholesterol and
Arthritis plus other to numerous problems.
I used be supper active until they put on these medicines and now I am getting sluggish and over wieght.
Can someone please help me find the best De in my area. (Erie Pa)
Thanks for you time and efforts hope to hear from someone
It must say food grade on the label. If it doesn’t, it’s not food grade. You can buy food grade using the link I provide in the article,
Hi. I’m not sure if I have candida but me and my husband have all the symtomps .
We want to do the diet . ¿Do we need to use the DE or this is only for the nursing moms that can’t take the herbs
Diatomaceous earth works well for killing candida.
I’m taking probiotics, lots of supplements and Longevinex.
Is it ok to mix in the D.E?
Also it’s a bit disturbing to read that inhaling it could cause lung damage.
Couldn’t transferring it to a glass container etc could cause some to be airborne?
I also wonder if Diatomaceous Earth would help with SIBO. It if can kill parasites, fungus (candida) and other bacterial then why not bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines? I just don’t think there’s enough studies or testimonies available on this at the moment, but would love to hear if anyone was successful at treating SIBO with DE. Thank you.
Michael, this is an excellent question. My guess is that DE would not work for SIBO because it tends to work very well for parasites and overgrowth of bad bacteria. SIBO isn’t *bad* bacterial overgrowth: it’s simply an overgrowth of what should be small amounts of beneficial bacteria already present in the small intestine, or bacteria that have migrated from the colon. SIBO is poorly understood still, and DE has so many benefits that it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add it in, especially since SIBO is accompanied by yeast overgrowth and other dysbiotic bacterial overgrowths for which DE works well.
I’m wondering if this has helped anyone with skin issues. ? I’m 57 and still have breakouts. Not just my face but my arms and back. I’m hoping this will be my miracle
For Harry (Erie, PA) The Whole Foods Coop carries food grade DE, awesome stuff!
Where can you buy this? Or how do u make it.
There is a link in the post to the brand I recommend and detailed directions on how to use it in the post.
I’ve been taking 1 heaping tablespoons of DE for 7 months twice a day. First it tastes like chalky water, and drinking it is not too bad. It has straightened out my GI tract. No more stomach pains and I can eat a whole plate of beans with no gas afterwards. DE has rebooted by entire digestive system and plan on continuing taking it twice a day. Many claim it helped their cholesterol and joint pain. Unfortunately it did nothing to my blood work, and did not reduce arthritic pain or affect my hair in any fashion.
So, my personal experience is that it is only helps your GI tract. If you are planning on starting this regime start slowly. Begin with teaspoons and take activated charcoal pills with the DE for the first couple of weeks. Also be careful with activated charcoal because it will absorb Anya medications and vitamins. Wait 2 or 3 hours to take your medication, this will allow the charcoal to pass through your system.
on a scale of 1-10 diamonds are a 10 Diatomaceous earth is an 8 so it definitely not harder than diamonds!
I have been on DE for almost a year now and have loved it. Mostly for the energy it gives me. I was a little surprised when you said you can take it in the morning or at night. If I took it at night, I would be up all night. Anyway, I have just realized something and have wanted to ask someone about it. I called the company where I ordered the DE out of Idaho and asked them about taking DE at the same time I take my probiotic pill and they said it would be advisable to wait in between the two because the DE could be killing off the good bacteria that I am ingesting. So then I thought, wow, could the DE be killing off the good bacteria in my gut that is already there? So, could I have essentially, no bacteria in my gut, whether good or bad, because that most certainly would not be good. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. And, also, why does nobody know about this stuff. I have brought it up to several physicians and they are clueless.
From what I have researched, Diatomaceous Earth will not kill beneficial bacteria simply due to the fact that DE has a negative charge and bad bacteria has a positive charge. Might act differently with supplemental probiotic pills that aren’t actually living in the gut, but it’s probably more as a precaution.
Does it damage your kidneys. I was told by my dr. that it could kill my kidneys. So I stopped. I took it about a month and I was astounded. No more pain in joints, had energy, could keep up with my grandchildren and loved it. But kidneys can’t be replaced. I wish I knew who to trust.?
I have never heard that, but I haven’t researched it.
Hello,
In my opinion it cleans out everything – good and bad.
I took it for almost 2 years. At the beginning it was doing me good. Over the course of time my gut got worse and worse (I am not eating any grains milk, sugar, fruits – and still my digestion got worse ad worse). So I reasearched again all the supplements I was taking and bingo, DE seems to be the problem. I found many saying to just take it for a couple of weeks at a time. And afterwards take probiotics!!!!
Greetings
E
Hi Eva! So DE is not good to be taken long term right? Thanks!
I’ve been taking diatomaceous earth for about 4 years for sugar leveling purposes because I cannot take metformin. I also have thyroid problems….. I take my DE with my thyroid meds first thing every morning. I have blood work done yearly and have had no problems with my kidneys that I know of. This stuff is wonderfull!!!! Another plus is my hair is the longest it’s ever been, I look forward to donating it soon to help someone else. I started out with 1 tbs a day for the first couple of years, then started cutting back on it just to see what my body really needed ….. I’m currently taking about 1/2 a tsp a day. I don’t like taking anything unless I HAVE to.
I am happy to hear you’ve had success with DE, but I should warn you that you should not take it with thyroid meds– it will adversely affect absorption. You shouldn’t take any supplements at all within 60 minutes of thyroid meds in the morning. And always take DE away from meds and supplements. I also don’t recommend taking it long term, but it sounds like you’re doing yearly blood work and staying on top of that. You might also check out berberine for blood sugar balance: https://www.maryvancenc.com/berberine-effective-drug/
Hey there, thanks for the advice. I called my doc yesterday to confirm for myself that on my last blood work my kidneys were fine, and they were in the normal range. I will be going back in 3 months for this years test…..I’ll make sure they’re tested again. 4 year of taking it together with my thyroid meds and no problems…… I say don’t fix something that isn’t broke?. In the future if problems arise with thyroid levels I will definitely keep this in mind. Thanks a bunch!
Hi Mary,
Great post.
I have a few questions. In the post you state that you look forward to taking this every day, but then in the comments you state that you don’t recommend taking it long term. Have you done any research or come to any conclusions about how long it’s recommended / advisable to take it?
Also, if DE has a negative charge, wouldn’t it remove things that have a positive charge including things that we want in our body like Na+? Thanks!
There isn’t a lot of research on DE and duration, and I don’t actually mention that I take it continuously. I don’t recommend using it longer than a period of 2-3 months because of the lack of info. In regards to the positive/negative charge, I’m no chemistry expert, but I don’t think it works like that. The best way to test this would be monitoring with blood work.
I have what’s called Burning tongue Syndrome. Doctor is baffled. Had cat scan, blood work done, endoscopy and everything was normal. I get very little relief. I am on ativan due to doctor thinking it is anxiety related. I have been on floral and univase enzymes with some success for a little time, but then comes back. A friend of mine suggested this product, because he said his wife sometimes gets a burning tongue. Is there any testimonies to this. I am at my ropes end. I am 58 year old postmenopausal women and read many articles of this being common of women
Hey there Rebecca,
I know someone who was suffering with mouth burn syndrome…. after doing some looking around on the web I found a connection between mouth burn syndrome and over exposure to ultraviolet light. Smart phones, iPads and lots of electronic devices omit ultraviolet light. I recommend this person to get a phone case for her smart phone (an otterbox) and the symptoms have went away. I called the otter box company to find out if their cases filter ultraviolet light and they said it blocks it from reaching the phone, so it’s very likely that it keeps the light in too?. This person also started rinceing with listerien twice a day…… this also could be a help. Good luck, I’ve heard how painful this can be.
Does DE affect anemia? If it absorbs / gets ride of heavy metals, is iron one that it removes?
Excellent question, Hannah. I was wondering the same thing. Everytime my blood is tested, it always shows I’m low on iron and potassium. I’ve bought my DE for my yeast infection lesions on my face and body that I’ve been fighting for over a year, but haven’t started taking it yet. I take my Adderall first thing in the morning and my vitamins and probiotics in the middle of the day. My question is do I have to take it on an empty stomach and if so which would be better, before bed or before I take my Adderall ?
Rebecca..burning mouth or tongue can be from low magnesium. I had it. Get the RBC Magnesium test not the regular serum test. Good luck
I have recently been diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus. I have just started taking DE in an attempt to help this condition. Does anyone have any information on this? Thank you.
I thought you might like some information on L.S. It is an incurable auto immune disease. It attacks the genitals causing them to shrink, get sore and also itch. It is associated with Thyroid problems which I have had for many years.
Hey there Jo…., I’ve read auto immune problems could have a lot to do with an unhealthy gut. I know someone who suffers with LS and has found milk kefir to be an effective solution. Also try ditching commercial soaps. The person I know found Amish soap a good alternative. DE is great for so much….. couldn’t hurt. I’ve been taking DE for years…, it’s medicine for me.
Google The Root Cause Protocol DE is part of the protocol. Missing a piece of the health puzzle giving blood is one of the best things you can do for your health
Hi,
Since taking DE, I have noticed my period has come 4 days earlier on 2 occasions. The 2nd time, I experienced no pain, less food cravings than normal, no bloating or breast tenderness. I’ve always had predictable periods so this concerns me a little plus there no info to be found on the net regarding this subject. Generally I like what it does my my energy levels and skins but shorter cycles does worry me.
Thanks for any insight in advance.
Hi Paulette, shorter cycles can indicate progesterone deficiency or peri-menopause, but DE is not a direct cause of shorter cycles.
Hello, I have a question about DE possibly causing white stools? I took 1 Tbsp last night, first time in over a year..this morning I had 3 white stools, is this normal ?
I had the flu two weeks ago, and last week I had terrible stomach pains.
How many more white stools should I then be concerned?
Thank you
Josh
Just started on it two days ago. I took two tablets each morning. Omg, what horrible gastric distress! Shall I assume we need to start off more slowly?
Hi Andante, I have never seen nor used DE tablets, so I’m not sure of the side effects or quality of those.
I have used DE for years, food grade for hoysehold/indoor/internal use + non food grade for exterior such as my yard, garden, + deck. I am a SUPER FAN of this stuff! Lots of household uses which i wish were more thoroughly discussed. I take 1 tsp daily in thick + creamy Equate starwberry nutition shake, which helps mask the chalky texture. DE keeps my gut in check, promotes regular/ healthy bowel movements, + grows my hair (not my nails). For skin, well people never guess my age, they think i am 10 years younger (i do not have a skin care regimen other than using DE with a basic face cleaner). For my house, I line my window sills + the floor across my front door to keep bugs out. I live in a thick forest, so lots of crawlies. Non toxic DE definitely is my preference over smelly, toxic bug sprays! I use DE on my cats ears to get rid of ear mites. I use it daily as a Toothpaste Topper – i very gently barely touch my prepared toothbrush in a little vial (salad dressing cup actually) of DE. Effect is immediately noticeable. Regular DE use whitens teeth better than expensive whitening toothpastes! I use DE as a facial cleaner + hand cleaner by adding a pinch to my regular cleansers/soap at the time of use. I use DE to clean my glass stove top + coffee pot. Sprinkle it on water-moistened glass then wipe (without any elbow grease) with a paper towel. Do this on your stove you think you cleaned already – then look at the paper towel for proof. Better than soft scrub or Brillo scrubbers + way cheaper! I use it to clean my countertops – DE works better than expensive Magic Erasers! It shines my stainless steel sink + appliances – again, just water + papertowels. DE works on chrome faucets too! I pair with apple cider vinegar for double cleaning power. Glass panel on stove doors + interior oven – let some paertowels soaked in ACV sit on these soiled surfaces, then add a sprinkle of DE, + wipe off without any effort. Out in the garden i use DE atop soil +/or on plant leaves if i get infestation of pests. I sprinkle it on the ground around my hostas to protect them from slugs, which get shredded from DE too! They say DE does not harm earthworms, which i assume it WOULD do them harm if they crawl to the top onto any surface DE. DE works great to scrub planers + birdbaths! Non toxic to birds too, so way better than Bleach! I no longer buy expenisive + toxic siding spray. I just use a sponge, water, + DE + gunk easily wipes off. I buy a 10lb bag on Amazon for $20 + lasts me about 2 years as a little pinch of this goes a long, long way! Its an awesome health/skin/pet/pest that is natural, non-toxic, + cheap – no wonder the corporate world does not want the word to spread!
Is it possible for DE to deplete digestive enzymes in the digestive tract? I took a teaspoon of DE once a week for 4 weeks (for candida overgrowth) and I am now having digestive issues. If not caused by the DE, possibly related to herxing?
Mac, possibly? I don’t really know. most enzymes are produced in the stomach and small intestine, and DE mostly acts on the bacteria in the large intestine.
I have been having skin fungus rash in all the moist places. Nothing works, doctors topicals useless. Taking many supplements for Candida helps but if you get a skin fungus rash anywhere, make a paste of diatomaceous earth and put it on the rash and it will kill it in a week or so. I’m not sure how or why. Maybe it simply drys it up and it can’t live in such a dehydrated environment. But it works n
10 years now, and I don’t skip my “dirt”. If I forget to take my thyroid medication I’ll let it go for a day, but not my “ dirt” lol. As far as I know I’m “A” okay 😊.
I took just 1/2 tsp of “food grade” DE one time and it’s wrecked my digestion for a couple of weeks now. Constipation and gas. Light brown stool instead of dark brown. My digestion was perfect prior to this. This is not food…. AVOID.
JJ, not everything works in every system. some people get great results from certain foods and supplements that cause other people issues.
Sure, although considering my experience, it should be mentioned that DE may lead to severe side effects. I feel like I’m in a bit of health crisis at this point and am worried that I may have an impaction somewhere higher up in my intestines. My situation may have gotten worse in the last few days because my guts are starting to hurt a little. Pressing on my guts with my hands, I can feel lumps in my intestine, and a large hard one under my right rib cage. I feel like there’s a lot of matter and gas in my guts, but not a whole lot comes out, although I do still have a small daily bowel movement.
I switched to a fruit smoothie and pureed veggie soup diet a few days ago. I bought some prune juice today. I may try a liquid fast here shortly. I am now doing abdominal massages from time to time. If my situation doesn’t improve by next week I will probably go to the hospital for evaluation.
Evidently the situation in our guts can be pretty complicated….
If you have good digestion, don’t take it for granted. A diatomaceous earth cleanse or DE supplementation could be the catalyst for digestive issues, which is a panic inducing situation.
Fortunately my situation has improved, although I’m not 100% back to normal. I still have some gut soreness and bloating, but today was the first day I had what I would call a normal bowel movement, in terms of volume and appearance.
The temporary move to a smoothie diet was a good idea. It helped physically but also mentally, and there is definitely a mental component to digestion, especially when it comes to situations like mine. My brain was probably like “wait, we’re blocked up? HALT DIGESTION!”
[TMI: For a week now I have been examining my stool closely, even breaking it up with a gloved hand in the toilet, which is surprisingly informative. I learned that it was not hard, but soft, and there was nothing undigested except for some fruit seeds. The last couple of days, there are hard, lighter colored parts mixed with the soft darker parts, so it seems that the impactions are just now starting to pass.]
So after switching to smoothies I was able to get rid of the idea that I could have a full blockage, and that if anything, it is partial blockage, with sluggish digestion, with lots of gas, and inflammation. I did some meditation where I said affirmations to myself, about how it’s all good to digest, that I am not blocked up, and that it’s time to heal. I have been getting a lot of sunshine, taking some walks around the farm with shorts and no shirt, soaking in the healing rays of the sun. Yesterday I started doing more vigorous exercises, just some calisthenics, push-ups, sit ups, and squats, giving my body a reason to digest food, and a reason to be hungry.
I am starting to transition back to whole foods, making sure to chew everything extremely well. I still have pureed soups left to eat, a pad thai vegetable soup with peanut butter and sweet potato, ginger, maple sugar, bok choy, zucchini, tomatoes, etc. And another soup with beef broth made from beef trimmings, squash, sweet potato, carrots, celery, some other things, cooked in a pressure cooker. Besides that I am eating whole fruits now, soft ones, along with peeled apples. I’ve eaten some canned sardines also, and chicken eggs, and a little steamed zucchini and some sweet potato, easy to digest stuff, testing the waters of consuming solid foods again. Also ate some home made sauerkraut. Once my bloating reduces further I will reintroduce yogurt and see how that goes, and also kimchi and fermented vegetables. My normal diet includes various ferments, for the health benefits.
So thank god I am improving, or this may have ended me. I am already a bit underweight. I need to increase my food and calorie consumption, not decrease, and start strength training. If this became a chronic condition for me, I’d wither away in no time.
My diet is already ultra clean, and has been for more than half a decade now. I don’t need to detox, and I didn’t need a parasite cleanse. Any dietary supplementation I do should be done with whole foods, and possibly maybe some herbal teas on occasion. Lesson learned! (Lesson learned again, I should say–I’ve already learned not to mess around with supplements at random.)
Final status report: my digestion is totally back to normal now at the 3 week+ mark. I am now tracking calories to make sure I eat 2,000+ calories per day, in order to put on some weight, and I am exercising more.