In the previous blog post, we looked into activated carbon; what it is, how it works, and how it’s made. In this blog post, we will look further into popular methods of using activated carbon for health, and precautions to keep in mind.
Plain charcoal powder has been used for centuries as an antidote for many forms of poisoning, to treat flatulence or upset stomach, preserve and purify drinking water, and help get rid of odours. Activation increases the effectiveness of the charcoal by increasing its adsorption ability. Now, this powerful detoxifying agent has been deeply integrated into our lives so that not a day goes by that most of us aren’t, in some way, affected by an activated carbon product or application.
Common uses for activated carbon include: teeth whitening, reducing gas and bloating, water filtration, helping to treat cholestasis in pregnancy (reduced bile flow), and first aid and emergency toxin removal. Individuals have also used activated carbon with success to treat insect bites, reduce body odour in acne, get rid of viruses and bacteria, and reduce symptoms of food poisoning.
The effectiveness of activated carbon in some of these areas has not been fully tested, and you use at your own risk. Nevertheless, activated charcoal is considered generally non toxic and safe. In case of an emergency, you should call the nearest emergency centre or local poison control centre.
Activated charcoal is usually taken in a pill, liquid, or powder form. For emergency toxin removals, it may be administered by a professional in a healthcare facility through a tube leading into the stomach. The pill is available as a tablet or capsule. The capsule may be more expensive, but can be preferred due to the fact that it can be opened up to use the powder. Liquid form may be available as pre-mixed, specially made juices.
Avoid liquids or any activated charcoal product that contains additives like artificial sweetener, since it may lower the effectiveness of the activated charcoal (it will adsorb the chemicals in the drink) or may cause side effects. Sorbitol may be added to activated carbon to act as a laxative and prevent constipation, but it is not always recommended since it can cause diarrhea, dehydration and chemical imbalance in some people.
Powder form is usually taken by mixing it with a non-acidic drink, such as water.
Activated carbon helps whiten teeth by adsorbing plaque and microscopic material that stains teeth. To whiten teeth, you can dip a wet toothbrush (you can also add natural toothpaste that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals) into powdered activated charcoal (you can empty a capsule) and then gently brushing or dabbing teeth.
Or, you can mix equal parts water and powdered charcoal and then swish it in your mouth for a minute, then hold it for a few more minutes, and then spit it out. Always be sure to rinse well, until the water runs clear. It may cause your mouth to go black. This is temporary, but there is a possibility that it could stain crowns, caps, or porcelain veneers. It may also adsorb some of the mercury from mercury fillings.
For digestive health or to reduce gas and bloating, you can take the powdered or pill form of activated charcoal in water a minimum of 90 minutes to 2 hours before consuming a gas-producing meal. Some people have taken it to improve digestion and prevent food poisoning when eating out. Follow instruction on the bottle for the correct amount. You can also take the activated carbon 90 minutes to 2 hours after a meal to assist the digestive process in removing toxins or byproducts.
Activated charcoal should not be taken within 90 minutes to 2 hours before or after eating a meal or taking a supplement or medication. The charcoal is unable to judge the difference between “good” and “bad” substances, and can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and can reduce the effectiveness of some medication. If you have a medical condition or are on medication, you may want to use activated charcoal with caution, or with the supervision of a health professional.
Unless it is in the case of acute poisoning, you also want to avoid taking large doses of activated charcoal since it can become too strong and adsorb nutrients stored in fat tissue, and can buildup in the body, especially without proper fluid intake.
If, for whatever reason, you find that activated charcoal is not the best choice for you, you can still help detoxify your body by eating plenty of seeds, such as flax seeds, and fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens. Even if you do decide to use activated charcoal, eating a well-balanced diet full of nutrients is still recommended to help your body long term.
In the case of poisoning or the overdose of many pharmaceutical drugs and medications, an adult can take 50 to 100 grams of activated charcoal (about 10 grams for children) with water. Depending on the drug or poison, this is followed by more charcoal (20 to 50 grams) every 4 to 6 hours. This should be taken as soon as possible; preferably within 30 minutes to one hour of the overdose or consumption of the toxin. The more time that passes, the less effective the activated carbon will be. In an emergency, it always best to call a local poison centre or emergency centre first to see what they advise.
Activated carbon has also been effectively used to treat poisoning in dogs, rabbits, cats, and other pets to prevent the adsorption of the toxins. Similar to when given to humans, it should be given soon after the ingestion of the toxin/poison. The dose depends on the type and weight of the animal. In case of an emergency, you can call a vet to get the correct amount for your pet.
Activated carbon has been shown be effective for adsorbing most organic compounds and many other substances including pesticides, mercury, lead, aspirin, cocaine, morphine, dapsone, cardiac glycosides, theophylline, and carbamazepine, but is not effective for treating poisoning from alcohol or caustic alkali or acids such as cyanide, lithium, iron tablets, cleaning fluid, gasoline, and kerosene.
The dark carbon may interfere with endoscopic examination (evaluation of the a person’s digestive tract) and should be limited to use only when the causative agent (poisoning agent) is known to be adsorbed by activated charcoal.
In the case of snake or insect bites (including spider bites), you can mix the activated charcoal with water, coconut oil or aloe vera to make a paste and then apply the mixture to and around the sting or bite. For venomous bites, you may need to apply the mixture several inches around it. Apply some of the mixture to the bandage as well and then wrap around the area. Depending on the severity of the bite, you may want to reapply every two to three hours, rinsing well in between.
Despite the lack of scientific study and evidence, activated charcoal has been successfully used to absorb snake and insect venom, viruses, and bacteria. Some people have reported taking activated charcoal immediately after showing symptoms of the flu or hangover, and reducing their severity.
When taking activated carbon orally, make sure to drink plenty of water. This helps to eliminate the toxin-laden activated carbon out of the body. It is also common for stool to be black, and is a sign that the carbon and toxins are being moved through the body and excreted.
Activated carbon has also been used in external application for treating body odour and acne by adsorbing oil, dirt, and odours. It can also be used as a clarifying mask or added to shampoo or body scrubs. The activated carbon is usually mixed with another cleansing substance, such as aloe vera, coconut oil, or even honey, before applying to the skin. For acne, the mixture is smoothed over the face, left to dry, and then rinsed off.
Always make sure to rinse thoroughly after application. It is not meant for daily use, but only in moderation, or as needed. You may also want to test it first on a small piece of skin to make sure it won’t stain. Avoid using on dry skin.
Indirectly, taking activated charcoal can help boost your energy levels by helping to eliminate harmful chemicals so that less strain is placed on the body and it isn’t forced to work as hard. The process uses up less energy, so you have more to use for other things.
Activated carbon can stain, so you want to be very careful when using. It can usually wash out of sinks or bathroom counters, but may permanently stain certain fabrics or rough surfaces. Keep out of reach of children or pets.
This product is not meant to be taken long-term like a supplement or to treat conditions such as excess gas. It is usually best used as needed. While not known to be toxic, some side effects when taking orally can include black stools, black tongue, constipation, vomiting or diarrhea. Serious side effects can include gastrointestinal blockages, swelling or pain in the stomach, slow movement of food through through the intestine (reduced peristalsis), or dehydration. While the carbon content of activated charcoal can naturally stain the stool black, it may mask upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding in people with serious digestive problems.
For this reason, activated charcoal may not be recommended if you have a condition that causes intestinal bleeding, blockage, or reduced peristalsis, or have recently undergone surgery. Side effects such as constipation can be avoided if you make sure to drink plenty of water to keep the carbon particles moving throughout your body. You can also create a natural laxative, using epsom salt or other substances.
It is important to keep in mind that activated carbon only helps in the detoxification process. If you experience constant gas or other digestive issues, you want to look at what is causing those symptoms or digestive strain in the first place and then work to fix it by changing your diet or lifestyle habits, instead of relying solely on the activated carbon.
Even regular charcoal, as long as its sterile, has been shown to work effectively as a water and air filter, and has played a significant role in detoxification and purification throughout the years. The activation processes increases the purity, potency and effectiveness.
Its ability to bind to wide range of toxins and chemicals and prevent their absorption has given activated carbon a position as one of the most effective single agents available. It is used for water purification, air filtration, and health applications across the world, and deserves a place in every first aid kit. A little of this powder can go a long way in detoxifying our environment and our bodies.
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