Younger Living Naturally

Guard You Heart

“By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”
2 Timothy 1:14

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7

“How do we guard our hearts against evil when we are surrounded by it? Only with the help of God’s Holy Spirit. Stay in God’s Word and in fellowship with Him and He will supply the grace we need.”
❤️~ Ms. Myrna

America and so many other countries are falling and failing. If we don’t change our hearts from evil the end will be devastating for many. God, Help Us 🤲🏼🙏🏽❤️‍🩹

I’ll be trying this! Then I’ll be singing like I’m on the hills in “the sound of music!” Haha.

Well, well, well… interesting.

Sint & Piet Actie! - KIHP.nl Voor veel gezinnen in Nederland is ‘Sinterklaas’ helemaal geen feest, vanwege persoonlijke financiële nood. De Goedheiligman gaat aan hun deur voorbij. Maar hoe leg je een kind uit dat Sinterklaas er niet voor hem of haar is? Dat valt niet uit te leggen. Die kinderen maakt de KHIP Sint & Piet a...

Are we being wise?

Where’s the lie?

S I L E N T S T R U G G L E S

There are some places in our walk with God where it is just us and Him.

Battles we face that no one else will understand even if we tried to stammer out what we were internally going through.

Though other brothers and sisters may pray for us, they just cannot be in the fight as we are. Our growing place. Our threshing floor. Our fiery furnace. Our crushing. Our humbling. And if you have been walking with the Lord long enough, you know what I am talking about.

Sometimes it’s not even a battle with the flesh or the enemy, but, as Jacob, it is a wrestling with God. A not letting go until He blesses/delivers us situation.

There are somethings that hurt us.
Confuse us.
Frustrates us.
Leave us feeling out of place in places we think we should feel most secure.
Wanting to shut down to avoid anymore scars.
Wondering why the Lord chose us for such tasks that brings us to tears and reminds us of our feebleness. Our inadequacy. Our humanity. Our vulnerability.

However, simultaneously, we must stand on the Word of God even in that place. We must push through and put on our garment of praise when the cloak of heaviness tries to rest upon us. We must remind ourselves it is not us who are strong, but Him! That in the boasting of our weaknesses, His strength is made perfect and His grace sufficient. That we are not meant to be comfortable in this world. We are only sojourners passing through and despite all feelings and displacement, we are citizens of heaven on a mission. Bearing the fruit of the Lord in every season.

So, yes, we forward march.
Yes, we wave the banner of our Lord Jesus Christ up high.
Yes, we put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes I am barely crawling. Sometimes the Lord compassionately carries me until I am fit to stand again.
Part 1 of 2 (see comments).
- The Redeemed Wife

No filters.
“My Dad should be here,” that’s what I think and feel every time I laugh and make memories. The water was beautiful beyond words.
We love where we live and our friends are a huge part of that.
I love FL and I love my friends who I fondly refer to as my Shenanigan Sistahs.

This is going to be a great week with family too. I’m determined to focus on what is good, have fun and show goodness to others that my Dad showed to me and his entire family.

PART 2 of Diatomaceous Earth!

General Questions About Diatomaceous Earth For Humans & Pets

Long read but answers most popular questions people has. Scroll through to see if your question is listed.

ALL INFO COMES FROM DIATOMACEOUSEARTH.COM

• What is Diatomaceous Earth?
The word "diatomaceous" comes from the root word "diatom", which is a single-celled organism. Diatomaceous earth is a chalk-like powder that is made up entirely of these diatoms that have fossilized over thousands of years.

• Where does diatomaceous earth come from?
Diatomaceous earth forms over a long period of time as millions of single-celled organisms fossilize in lake beds. These lake beds then dry up, exposing the sedimentary deposit that we call diatomaceous earth.

• What is DE used for?
Food grade DE is used for a great many things, almost all of which fall into two main (and rather unrelated) categories: health benefits and pest control. It is either taken internally as a supplement or used as a natural solution to treat all kinds of insects. There are other grades like pool grade DE that are used to filter water, but have been treated and are not safe for consumption. Make sure you have the right grade for the job.

• How long has DE been around?
Diatomaceous earth is naturally formed, and has been around for thousands of years. It has only been relatively recently that we have discovered how to effectively use it.

• Why are there different grades of DE?
Not all diatomaceous earth is the same. As a naturally occurring mineral, its quality varies from mine to mine. Not only that, but companies reguarly alter or add other substances to diatomaceous earth to enhance their effectiveness for a particluar task. It is important to know what you want to do with DE, and which grade will best fit your needs. Here at DiatomaceousEarth.com, we only sell food grade DE (though we do have a Crawling Insect Control label, this too is food grade DE). All of the information you find on this site is tailored to using pure food grade DE that has no additives or treatment. If you are unsure whether the DE you purchased is suitable for a given task, contact your supplier and check with them.

• Is all Diatomaceous Earth certified organic?
The short answer is, it depends. While all DE is naturally occurring, any DE that has undergone artificial treatment may no longer be considered organic. It also depends on which standard you want to use to define organic. The diatomaceous earth sold on our site is certified organic by OMRI, the Organic Materials Review Institute. Not all food grade DE sold by others is OMRI listed. If you have concerns about whether the DE you purchased is organic to your standards, it is best to contact your supplier and check with them.

• What is the shelf life of DE
As a naturally occuring mineral that has been in existance for thousands of years, diatomaceous earth doesn't expire. You'll need to store it in a dry environment to preserve its effectiveness however.

• Should you store it in the fridge?
There is no need to store it in the fridge and we wouldn't recommend it, but you can if you wish to. Be careful though, DE can take on scents and might taste like uncovered leftovers after a while.

• Can you store DE in plastic containers?
Yes. DE can be stored in basic plastic containers so long as they are airtight.

• Is Diatomaceous Earth safe?
For food grade diatomaceous earth, yes. Pool grade DE is safe so long as you don't ingest it or inhale it for long periods of time. While food grade DE does not pose the same dangers, it can still be a mild irritant to the lungs or eyes. If you have sensitive lungs and plan on applying large amount of DE, we would recommend wearing a dust mask.

• Is DE harmful to my lungs?
Food grade DE is no more harmful to your lungs than regular dust in your home, however for those with sensitive lungs such as asthmatics, you will want to be careful if large amounts are being applied in an indoor environment. A standard dust mask will prevent any respiratory discomfort.

• What are the potential health risks to using DE?
There's a very short list of mild risks to using food grade DE, and they fall into two categories:

• External Risks
Dry skin: Exposure to DE on your skin can cause it to dry out. Simply wash off the DE with water and apply a moistuizing lotion.
Mild lung irriatation: For anyone with sensitive lungs, breathing the airborne DE particles can cause irriatation. Wear a regualr dust mask if this is a concern to you.

• Internal Risks
Constipation: Eating too much DE with not enough water can lead to constipation. Simply lower your DE intake and increase your water consumption, along with your fiber intake if needed.
Bloating: Again, this tends to occur as a result of not enough fluids in the body. Increase your water intake to mitigate the problem.

• Can DE cause cancer?
There are no studies that show a link between the consumption of or exposure to our food grade DE and cancer. Studies have shown, however, that prolonged exposure to pool grade and industrial DE over several years is carcinogenic.

• Does DE react if mixed with chemicals?
No. DE is quite innert and often does not respond to chemical exposure.

• What is the difference between diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay?
Diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay are two very different natural substances. Diatomaceous earth is formed through the fossilizing of single celled diatoms in freshwater rivers and lakebeds that build up as sedimentary deposits over a long time. It is almost pure amorphous silica. Bentonite clay on the other hand is primarily montmorillonite, which is a group of minerals that can vary slightly depending on the type of bentonite. Both products are highly absorbent, but bentonite clay does not have the same abrasive properties as DE and so it cannot kill bugs and boost cleaners like DE can.

• Since DE is abrasive, can it cause damage to the intestinal lining?
We have yet to find any medical reports that suggest DE could cause intestinal damage. The extended list of testimonials in the community suggest that DE may add to intestinal health, rather than cause harm.

• Is there proof of the benefits?
DE's potency as a pest control has been made clear by research and years of use. As for the health benefits of ingesting food grade DE, we rely mostly on the testimonials of people who take it as proof that it can benefit the body, but scientific research does suggest that DE can have tremendous benefits, such as lowering cholesterol (source: European Journal of Medical Research).

• What is the pH level of DE?
The pH level of our DE falls between 7.5 and 9.0, depending on the batch.

• Does DE go bad?
Because diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized diatoms, it is already extremely old and won't expire. As long as you keep it clean, it will stay good indefinitely. Remember that DE is highly absorbent, meaning that it will absorb any foul tastes, smells, liquids, or other contaminants it is exposed to, which could make your DE unusable. But as long as you keep it clean, your DE will be fine to use for years to come.

• How should I store Diatomaceous Earth?
Store in a bag or container in a dry, clean place. As long as it stays clean, it will store indefinitely.

• Will DE eventually lose its strength?
DE is like a sponge. Once it has been applied to a surface, it will absorb anything it comes in contact with. Eventually it will reach a limit where it has no more room to absorb any additional material and will lose its strength. Depending on where it's applied, it could be months or years bef

• Human Benefits
Eating Diatomaceous Earth
Is it safe to eat Diatomaceous Earth?
The food grade diatomaceous earth sold here at DiatomaceousEarth.comis safe to eat.

• How much DE should I take?
If you're starting DE for the first time or haven't had any for a while, we recommend starting with a teaspoon 1-2 times a day. After about a week you can start to increase that up to a tablespoon a day if you wish. The reason we recommend starting slow is to give your body time to adjust. DE can sometimes cause constipation, and so a smaller initial dose will allow you to see if you need to adjust water or fiber intake before committing to a full dose.

• Should I take DE with or without food?
We recommend taking DE at least an hour away from a full meal. The reason for this is that diatomaceous earth is highly absorbent. If taken with food, DE will absorb some of the nutrients of the food instead of any toxins in your body. This can lessen the effect of both the DE and your meal.

• What time of day should I take DE?
The time of day is less important than the time since your last meal. Take DE anytime during the day that is convenient for you while still being at least an hour away from a full meal.

• Is it good to take DE long term?
Absolutely! Taking DE long-term can help promote your overall health and wellbeing. We have had hundreds of customers use DE for years and have had many amazing experiences.

• Can I take too much Diatomaceous Earth?
Yes. Too much DE can cause serious constipation. We generally recommend that people begin with 1-2 teaspoons a day and move to a tablespoon over 1-2 weeks. We advise against ever taking more than 2 tablespoons a day.

• Can DE be mixed with hot drinks?
Yes. Food grade DE only becomes hazardous when heated to temperatures above 1000°C / 1832°F. Your cup of tea or coffee won't alter your diatomaceous earth.

• Can I mix it with yogurt, apple sauce, etc?
Sure. It may lessen the nutritional value of the food you mix into it, as DE tends to absorb whatever it comes in contact with, but it won't harm you to mix DE into food. We do recommend that you avoid taking DE within an hour of a full meal though as this can limit the effectiveness of the DE.

• Is DE kosher?
Technically, no. While diatomaceous earth does not violate any Kosher standards, we have not officially been certified as Kosher.

• Is it Vegan?
Yes. Diatomaceous earth is formed purely from the fossilized remains of a type of hard-shelled algae. There are no animal products in DE.

• What DE taste like?
Diatomaceous earth both tastes and feels like powdered chalk, even when mixed in water. If the taste is undesirable to you, try mixing it in with a flavored drink like juice.

• Can I take my medication with DE?
The short answer is you probably shouldn't. As mentioned above with taking DE and food, diatomaceous earth is highly absorbent and takes into itself whatever is around it. If you take any medication with DE, you will lessen the effect of the medicine as the DE absorbs it instead of your body. We haven't heard of any reports of DE reacting with any form of medication, but it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider if you plan to take DE alongside any other medication. In any case, if you do take DE and medicine, make sure there is at least an hour gap between taking the two. This will allow your body a chance to take in the medicine before the DE can absorb it.

• Will DE make me constipated?
Taking too much diatomaceous earth and not enough fluids and fiber can cause constipation. If you notice this becoming a concern, lower your DE intake and increase your fluids and fiber.

• Why am I experiencing bloating?
Sometimes people experience bloating in connection with DE. This is often a sign that you're not drinking enough water. If this is something that is affecting you, lower your DE intake and increase the amount of water you drink.

• Can you take DE in capsule form?
While we do not produce DE in capsules, there is nothing wrong with taking it this way. Make sure that the DE you're about to take is pure food grade diatomaceous earth.

• Are there nutritional benefits to taking DE?
There is negligible nutritional value to DE in terms of anything you would find on a Nutritional Facts panel for a food item. The value comes from its almost pure silica content, which is an essential mineral to all life, yet one that you won't see printed on any nutritional fact sheet. Your body uses silica to support many functions of your cells. DE aids the growth of many cells in your body, including those that build your joints, bones, hair, skin and nails.

• Are there any calories in DE?
No. DE has no caloric value.

• How long will a 10 lb bag last if I'm taking it?
A 10 lb bag will go a very long way for one person. Taking one tablespoon per day should make a 10 lb bag last close to 990 days.

• Can I give it to my small child?
Yes. Small children can take DE in small doses once they are 1 year old. We do not recommend feeding DE to infants.
I've been taking DE for a month. Why don't I see any improvement?
The silica in DE can take a long time to work its way into your system and begin to manifest its effects. Expect 6-8 weeks to pass before you will begin to see any visible results.

• Taking DE with a Health Condition
How much DE should I take?
If you're starting DE for the first time or haven't had any for a while, we recommend starting with a teaspoon 1-2 times a day. After about a week you can start to increase that up to a tablespoon a day if you wish. The reason we recommend starting slow is to give your body time to adjust. DE can sometimes cause constipation, and so a smaller initial dose will allow you to see if you need to adjust water or fiber intake before committing to a full dose.

• Is it good to take DE long term?
Absolutely! Taking DE long-term can help promote your overall health and wellbeing. We have had hundreds of customers use DE for years and have had many amazing experiences.

• Can I take too much Diatomaceous Earth?
Yes. Too much DE can cause serious constipation. We generally recommend that people begin with 1-2 teaspoons a day and move to a tablespoon over 1-2 weeks. We advise against ever taking more than 2 tablespoons a day.

• Can I take DE while pregnant or breast feeding?
We know of women who actively enjoy DE through pregnancy and breastfeeding and they haven't reported any concerns. We would encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about DE and pregnancy.

• Can I take medication with DE?
The short answer is you probably shouldn't. As mentioned above with taking DE and food, diatomaceous earth is highly absorbent and takes into itself whatever is around it. If you take any medication with DE, you will lessen the effect of the medicine as the DE absorbs it instead of your body. We haven't heard of any reports of DE reacting with any form of medication, but it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider if you plan to take DE alongside any other medication. In any case, if you do take DE and medicine, make sure there is at least an hour gap between taking the two. This will allow your body a chance to take in the medicine before the DE can absorb it.

• What are the symptoms of detoxing too quickly?
A rapid detox may result in frequent trips to the bathroom, sweating, and increased hunger and thirst.

• Does DE absorb into the blood stream?
Only a small percentage of DE is small enough to enter your blood stream. That small amount can make big changes to the strength of your joints, bones, hair, skin, and nails.

• Will Diatomaceous Earth help with weight loss?
In some cases, yes. Diatomaceous earth isn't exactly a weight loss supplement, but it can help remove some potential obstacles to losing weight. DE is made up almost entirely of silica, which is an essential mineral for ensuring circulatory and digestive systems are working effectively. It is also effective at removing toxins from your body which can prevent weight loss. Taking DE daily will help promote optimum overall health, which provides an environment for a healthy diet and exercise to be effective in losing weight.

• Does DE help prevent or cure baldness?
Generally, DE has limited effects on reversing baldness. Baldness can be influenced by many different factors including age, gender, nutritional deficiencies and various health conditions. In the case of nutritional deficiencies, DE can make a noticeable impact as it helps provide silica to produce collagen, which in turn promotes hair growth. For every other situation, DE will promote good health but it is unlikely to restore a full head of hair.

• Will DE make me constipated?
Taking too much diatomaceous earth and not enough fluids and fiber can cause constipation. If you notice this becoming a concern, lower your DE intake and increase your fluids and fiber.

• Does DE help with yeast infections?
DE can help alleviate various internal fungi and parasites if taken regularly with the appropriate diet. If your condition is severe, we'd encourage you to consult your healthcare provider.

• Why am I experiencing bloating?
Sometimes people experience bloating in connection with DE. This is often a sign that you're not drinking enough water. If this is something that is affecting you, lower your DE intake and increase the amount of water you drink.

• Will DE influence diabetes?
If you have questions regarding how DE can affect diabetes, we advise that you meet with a healthcare professional and ask how a silica supplement may affect your condition.

• Will DE help with gout?
We have heard of cases where DE has made a positive impact on gout. If you'd like further information regarding how DE can affect gout, we advise that you meet with a healthcare professional and ask how a silica supplement may affect your condition.

• Does DE work on any type of fungus?
DE can help alleviate various internal fungi and parasites. If you have a specific condition you're looking to cure, we'd recommend consulting with your healthcare professional.

• Does DE treat parasites in people?
In order to ensure the quality of our products and information, we are committed to meeting all FDA and EPA regulations. Because of this commitment, we are unable to provide an answer to this question without damaging our good standing with either the FDA or the EPA.

• How true is it that DE can cure cancer?
We don't promote diatomaceous earth as a cure for cancer, but we acknowledge that some people do claim DE has made a difference for them. If you have questions regarding how DE can affect various forms of cancer, we advise that you meet with a healthcare professional and ask how a silica supplement may affect your condition.

• External Uses
How often should I wash my face with DE?
Generally we recommend only washing your face with DE once every few days, as washing too frequently can cause your skin to dry out. If you do find yourself with dry skin, apply a facial moisturizer and wait a few days before your next DE face wash.

• How can I use it in my toothpaste?
Simply squeeze your toothpaste into a small plastic container that has an airtight seal. Add some DE and mix well. Then use toothpaste as you would normally. You can learn how to make your own toothpaste here.

• Does DE work in a cradle cap?
Diatomaceous earth can help with cradle cap, but isn't generally a complete solution. Cradle Cap is caused by a severe overgrowth of yeast on the scalp. If the infection is bad enough, it can cause a buildup of yeast in the bowels. Diatomaceous earth is a great solution to cleaning out any internal yeast colonies. If your child is over 1 year old, add a 1 tsp of DE a day to their diet. You will also want to limit the amount of sugar they eat. Sugary foods feed the yeast and lengthen your fight. Combine this with regular shampooing of the scalp to treat both sides of the problem. Cradle Cap usually clears up within a few weeks. If you have any concerns, talk to your local healthcare provider.

• Can I take showers and wash my hair with DE?
We wouldn't recommend using straight diatomaceous earth in the shower. DE is helpful to your hair, skin and nails when ingested in small amounts, but when used externally it'll only dry out your skin. If you enjoy making your own soaps and shampoos, then you could consider adding a little DE to your recipe to help absorb extra oils and dirt. DE works better as a cleaning booster than a cleaner itself.

• Can you use DE to clot blood?
If you are having issues with getting your blood to clot we strongly advise that you seek medical help immediately. We do not recommend using DE on any open wound.

• Food Storage
Do I put DE in or around my food storage?
Both. To protect against pests thoroughly we recommend using DE around and in your food storage.

• How much DE should I use in my food storage?
We recommend using 1-2 cups per 50 lbs of grain. For a full guide on applying DE to your food storage, click here.

• Will it affect baking when I put it in flour?
If you add DE to your flour as advised in our guide, it'll make up less than 2% of your flour mixture. This should have a very limited effect on your baking.

• Pets
Feeding DE to your Pet
How much do I feed my dog?
The dosage for your dog varies with their weight.
Under 25 lbs: ½ tsp
25 - 50 lbs: 1-2 tsp
50 - 100 lbs: 1 Tbsp
Over 100 lbs: 1-2 Tbsp
For a more thorough answer, checkout out our Diatomaceous Earth For Dogs article.

• How much do I feed my cat?
The dosage for your dog varies with their weight.
Under 7 lbs: ½ tsp
7 - 13 lbs: 1 tsp
Over 13 lbs: 1½ tsp
For a more thorough answer, checkout out our Diatomaceous Earth For Cats article.

• How much do I feed my horse?
The dosage for your horse is dependent on how much they eat. For every 10 lbs of feed, we recommend adding roughly 3 oz of diatomaceous earth. For a more thorough answer, checkout out our Diatomaceous Earth: Horse and Cattle Feed article.

• I have a different pet, how much do I feed it?
A good general guide to follow for all animals is to measure the weight of your pet's food and add roughly 2% of that weight in diatomaceous earth.

• Can I give DE to my dog/cat in addition to other supplements?
Your dog/cat can take DE while taking other supplements, but make sure they take them at different times so they won't interfere with each other. If your pet is on medication, ask the veterinarian before adding DE to their diet.

• Will DE kill fleas if I feed it to my dog?
No. Diatomaceous earth can only kill insects it contacts directly. Feeding your dog DE will not kill fleas. To eliminate the them, you'll need to make sure they come in contact with the DE by applying it to your dog's bedding and other areas he visits regularly.

• How often should I feed it to my pet for deworming?
In order to ensure the quality of our products and information, we are committed to meeting all FDA and EPA regulations. Because of this commitment, we are unable to provide an answer to this question without damaging our good standing with either the FDA or the EPA.

• Will DE transfer to puppies/kittens through nursing?
Not in any significant amount.

• Will this kill my pet's worms or other parasites?
In order to ensure the quality of our products and information, we are committed to meeting all FDA and EPA regulations. Because of this commitment, we are unable to provide an answer to this question without damaging our good standing with either the FDA or the EPA.

• Should I use food grade DE for my pets?
It depends on your intended use for DE with your pet. Food grade DE is used for feeding to your pets, while pest control grade is used for fighting off ticks, fleas, etc. Both grades of DE found on our site are the same product. However, we are required by law to have a food grade label and a pest control label to meet the regulations of both the FDA and the EPA. We are also required to recommend the food grade label for any internal uses.

• Flea Treatment
How long do I have to treat my pet for fleas?
We recommend treating your pet for a minimum of 2 weeks, as DE doesn't kill flea eggs. Keeping up with DE treatments for 2 weeks allows enough time to break the flea cycle. For more information, check out our articles for dogs and cats.

• Will DE kill fleas if I feed it to my dog?
No. Diatomaceous earth can only kill insects and parasites it contacts directly. Feeding your dog DE will cleanse his insides. To eliminate the fleas, you'll need to make sure they come in contact with the DE by applying it to your dog's bedding and other areas he visits regularly.

• Can it be applied if my dog has open sores?
We would advise against applying DE near any significant open wounds. If you're concerned, consult your local vet.

• Can you bathe pets with Diatomaceous Earth?
There is no benefit to bathing your pets with diatomaceous earth. DE must be dry to have any effect on fleas or ticks, and it must be ingested to yield internal benefits.

• How do I apply it to my dog/cat?
Unfortunately the EPA doesn't allow us to promote applying DE directly to your dog or cat, and so it isn't a topic covered in detail here. Many pet owners do with positive results however.

• Ticks and Other Parasites
How long do I have to treat my pet for ticks?
We recommend treating your home with DE for 2 weeks. Keeping up with DE treatments for a couple of weeks allows enough time to ensure any stray ticks get plenty of exposure to DE. For more information, check out our article here.

• Will DE kill ticks if I feed it to my dog or cat?
No. Diatomaceous earth can only kill insects and parasites it contacts directly. Feeding your pet DE will cleanse their insides. To eliminate the ticks, you'll need to make sure they come in contact with the DE by applying it to your pet's bedding and other areas they visit regularly.

• Can it be applied if my dog has open sores?
We would advise against applying DE near any significant open wounds. If you're concerned, consult your local vet.

• How do I apply it to my dog/cat?
In order to ensure the quality of our products and information, we are committed to meeting all FDA and EPA regulations. Because of this commitment, we are unable to provide an answer to this question without damaging our good standing with either the FDA or the EPA.

DiatomaceousEarth.com Official Site to Learn About Diatomaceous Earth As the largest online seller of diatomaceous earth and the only brand to be an official supplement, we provide DE you can trust