There is a new staple in my medicine cabinet and it may surprise you (it is not your typical Tylenol or Advil, but just as important for me), it is a black powder in capsule form, Activated Charcoal.
I eat very clean, this is no secret, and when I don’t, I pay dearly. My body reacts with an array of different irritating symptoms that range from mild annoying (gluten has a tendency to make me sleepy, and no, I do not have a gluten allergy) to downright disruptive (we will not go into what happens when I eat dairy, I will spare you). However, when I do indulge, I have a little secret that helps me to quickly bounce back and feel brand new the next morning. I always have had a very finicky stomach and while eating clean has solved most of these issues, they still do arise and this helps me immensely.
Activated charcoal is a potent natural treatment to trap toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be easily flushed out so the body doesn’t reabsorb them. When being used for bodily healing, it’s important to select one made from coconut shells or other natural sources. I have used and can recommend the Bulletproof brand’s Activated Coconut Charcoal pills. I really do trust the Bulletproof brand by Dave Asprey.
One of the most common uses of activated charcoal is used by medical professionals as a safe and effective treatment of poisoning and drug overdoses. Research shows that activated charcoal works better than stomach pumping (gastric lavage) in some situations.(source). It’s used in emergency rooms across the world. In addition, it’s used to reduce bloating and gas, lower cholesterol and even prevent hangovers (Source).
Another amazing benefit of Activated Charcoal is a wonderful alternative to Gas-X. It is spectacular at relieving the dreaded gas and bloat after a big meal (aka the worst feeling ever). It works by binding the gas-causing byproducts in foods that cause discomfort. A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that activated charcoal prevents intestinal gas following a typical gas-producing meal (Source).
Activated charcoal can help promote a healthy digestive tract by removing toxins that cause allergic reactions, oxidative damage and poor immune system function. By removing the toxins from your system, you can reduce joint pain, increase energy and increase mental function.
Environmental factors, including pesticides on food, chemicals in the water we drink and exposure to mold, create a toxic burden in our bodies. It’s important to routinely cleanse the digestive tract to support overall health and wellness. To complete a digestive cleanse with activated charcoal, take 10 grams 90 minutes prior to each meal, for two days.
During a cleanse period, I like to eat only fruits, whole grains, legumes and vegetables. If during the cleanse you find you are constipated, this is a sure sign you’re not drinking enough water! Before doing ANY TYPE OF CLEANSE, consult a doctor. I am not one. Obviously 🙂
Another way I like to use is in the fight again aging, activated charcoal uses include helping prevent cellular damage to kidneys and liver, as well as supporting healthy adrenal glands.
Aging is a natural part of life, but due to the toxic load we are exposed to through food, our homes and workplaces, and our environment, to prevent pre-mature aging we must get rid of them. I personally believe that it is imperative to cleanse toxins and chemicals routinely from the body. Activated charcoal benefits major organs by helping the body flush out the toxins and chemicals that cause the damage.
So, how does activated charcoal work?
Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in its millions of tiny pores. It doesn’t absorb the toxins. Instead it works through the chemical process of adsorption. Adsorption is the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface, not to be confused with absorption, which is the reaction of elements, including nutrients, chemicals and toxins being soaked up.
The porous surface of activated charcoal has a negative electric charge that causes positive charged toxins and gas to bond with it. Activated charcoal is NOT the same type charcoal used in your barbecue! Barbecue charcoal is loaded with toxins and chemicals, do NOT try to ingest any type of charcoal besides activated.
Whenever you take activated charcoal, it’s very important and neccesary to at least 32 ounces of water water per day. It can cause dehydration if adequate amounts of water aren’t consumed in conjunction. In addition, this helps to flush out the toxins quickly and prevents constipation that can be experienced by some people (any who wants that?! NO ONE).
Please also note, and this is very very important. You MUST avoid taking activated charcoal within two hours of any other medications, including any birth control pills. Activated charcoal acts as a magnet that attracts everything and quite literally attracts molecules in your digestive tract and sweeps it clean. Unfortunately, it can also clean out medications that you need, so avoid.
