Activated Charcoal – Benefits, Uses & Side Effects
When treating poisoning or overdoses, activated charcoal is frequently utilized. It can also be used to treat diarrhea and reduce cholesterol.
Toxins and drugs may bind to activated charcoal when you consume it. By doing this, the body can get rid of harmful toxins.
Activated charcoal is often used in medical settings to treat cases of poisoning or drug overdose. It can bind to certain toxins and drugs in the digestive system, reducing their absorption into the bloodstream.
Coal, wood, or other materials are used to make charcoal. It turns into “activated charcoal” when high temperatures and a gas or activating agent combine to increase its surface area.
These fine black powder either encapsulated as supplements are offered for sale. A variety of foods and nonfood products, including toothpaste and ice cream, also include activated charcoal.
What Is Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a form of charcoal that has been processed to increase its surface area and make it highly porous. This increased porosity gives it the ability to adsorb (not absorb) a wide range of substances.
Adsorption: Activated charcoal works through a process called adsorption, where substances adhere to its surface. This property allows it to trap and remove various molecules, toxins, and impurities.
Is activated charcoal safe?
Activated charcoal is generally considered safe when used for specific purposes and in appropriate amounts.
It’s commonly used in medical settings to treat certain types of poisoning and drug overdoses, and it’s also used in water and air filtration systems.
However, when considering its use as a dietary supplement or in other wellness trends, caution is advised.
Activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of medications and nutrients, and its safety for long-term or frequent consumption hasn’t been well established. Additionally, its use can lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation, and potential interactions with medications.
Benefits and uses of activated charcoal
Emergency poison treatment
Medical Uses: Activated charcoal is often used in medical settings to treat cases of poisoning or drug overdose. It can bind to certain toxins and drugs in the digestive system, reducing their absorption into the bloodstream.
Emergency Treatment: Hospitals sometimes administer activated charcoal to individuals who have ingested toxic substances. It’s important to note that its effectiveness depends on the substance ingested and the timing of administration.
Wound Dressings – In medical settings, activated charcoal is sometimes used in wound dressings to help control odor and absorb wound exudate.
May Improve Kidney Health
By lowering the amount of waste that your kidneys must filter, activated charcoal may improve kidney function.
People who have chronic kidney illness may find this to be especially helpful. The ability of your kidneys to eliminate urea and other pollutants is impaired by this illness, despite the fact that healthy kidneys are adequately furnished to filter your blood.
Your body may be able to rid itself of urea and other pollutants by binding to activated charcoal.
Diffusion is the process by which urea and other waste materials can move from the bloodstream into your gut. They bind to activated charcoal in your digestive tract and are eliminated in feces.
Activated charcoal may help lower blood levels of urea and other waste products, according to older human research.
Digestive Health
Gastrointestinal Issues – Some people use activated charcoal as a supplement for digestive health. It’s claimed to help alleviate gas, bloating, and occasional indigestion. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
Benefits And Uses Of Activated Charcoal For Cosmetic, Household And Others
Teeth Whitening
Activated charcoal has gained popularity as a natural teeth-whitening remedy. Some toothpaste and oral care products contain activated charcoal. Its abrasive nature may help remove surface stains from teeth, but it’s important to use it cautiously to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
Skin Care
Skin Care: Activated charcoal is found in skincare products like face masks, cleansers, and soaps. It’s believed to draw out impurities from the skin and help with oil control.
Water Filtration
Water Purification – Activated charcoal is widely used in water treatment systems, including home water filters and large-scale municipal water treatment plants. It can adsorb impurities, including chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some heavy metals, improving water quality.
Air Filtration
Activated charcoal is used in air purification systems to remove odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds from the air. It’s commonly found in air filters and purifiers.
Deodorization
Activated charcoal is used in products like shoe inserts and air fresheners to help absorb and neutralize odors.
Fish Tank Filtration
In aquariums, activated charcoal is used to remove impurities from water and maintain water quality for fish and other aquatic life.
Gas Masks
Activated charcoal has been used in gas masks to protect against harmful chemicals and gases by adsorbing them before inhalation.
Industrial Processes
Activated charcoal is used in various industrial processes, including gold recovery, purification of industrial gases, and purification of chemicals.
Food and Beverages
Food and Beverages: Activated charcoal is sometimes used as a food additive or coloring agent, though its use is debated. It’s also used in the food industry for decolorization of sugar and other edible products.
However, its use in food and drink is controversial, as it might interfere with nutrient absorption and interact with medications.
Side Effect of Activated Charcoal
Side effects of activated charcoal can include gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation, and potentially interfering with the absorption of medications and nutrients.
Due to its adsorption properties, activated charcoal can bind to various substances in the digestive tract, including medications, which might reduce their effectiveness.
Additionally, its use might lead to dehydration if not taken with enough fluids. While activated charcoal has its uses, especially in medical settings, using it as a supplement or in wellness trends should be approached with caution, and consulting a healthcare professional before use is recommended to ensure its appropriateness and safety for individual circumstances.
Not for Regular Consumption: Activated charcoal is not recommended for routine or long-term use, as there is limited scientific evidence to support its regular consumption as a health supplement.
It’s important to ensure that its use is appropriate for your individual circumstances and health goals.
