I use the DE in a bottle of water like Spudlodoo:
It is the silica that is absorbed from the DE. I put a spoonfull into my water jug and let the silica dissolve into the water, then drink this water. You can also get a colloidial silica gel that is very good as well. I don't eat the DE. I have had really wonderful results from the extra silica I'm having. As we get older we don't absorb as much silica from food , this lack of silica causes the skin to wrinkle and the bones and joints to degrade. I was quite shocked myself at how effective silica is, and how quickly it has worked for me. My friends are having similar results and are very happy. This is the site for the silica gel, DE you can get in many places, but make sure you get food grade stuff.

I have never done the DE in a glass of water. People like me don't do well with fiber and I take magnesium to help with constipation.
There is a lot of info on DE on CZ do a search on All Forums.

When one ask questions at a board like this, the answers will be colored of the experience of the poster, like 5-8 years (the long timers, moderators). Instead of attacking the one that took time to answer, a better way is to take it into consideration. You can still take whatever supplement you like.
Also; the answers given, are for 1000` of people; so even if you dont find it useful; others may. If you want a certain answer, like someone confirming the testimonials of DE, please post somewhere else. Not saying it is bad, just sharing my experience with it.

I tried DE for months, with loads of liquid, and fibers. The palpitations was the worst symptom I had from it. I still take it, but a couple of times a year is enough for me.
The silica I prefer from other sources, like greens, nettles.

About mixing things up; yes, if you have a track on what you are doing, no problem. Issue may be when one get a symptom, like palpitations in my case; what causes it? Many times I had to quit everything, then start over.

i would have to write a book to explain myself every time.

i dont tell people what to do. i just tell them what i know to be true. may be related to what another is doing, may not.

i still have a big tub of DE and know how to use it because of my own experience, which was supported by ginagirl. i never said dont use it. but if you do, and your joints start hurting, you will now know why.

i specialize in being right exactly because i am open minded, sometimes to a fault. i look for correction and embrace the truth if i am in error.

people might not understand what i say or understand me, but we can both be trusted. thats what have worked hard on for 15 years.