I first took a tablespoon and it was quite a jolt to the gut, cleaned me out lol. Since then i take about a healthy teaspoon in water each day and it keeps me regular for sure. If anyone has problems staying regular this will get you on a schedule daily. I also start each day with 20 oz of water on an empty stomach and wait a half hour before i eat. This also keeps you regular and supposedly has other health benefits, look it up , some kind of japanese health thing. I do feel better but i'm not sure the diato earth does more than clean you out. It is used as a duster for fleas on dogs, cuts into the waxy shell of the eggs. DO NOT USE ANYTHING BUT FOOD GRADE, THE POOL STUFF IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT AND NOT MADE TO EAT. AND AVOID BREATHING THE DUST. Sorry just wanted to make sure people know.