Activated charcoal is a black, odorless, fine powder frequently used in the ER for treating overdoses. The toxin absorbing properties of activated charcoal has numerous cosmetic and medicinal uses. For those of you who might be wondering about such a substance, mentioned below are the 5 reasons why you should be using activated charcoal:
- The Kidneys:
Activated charcoal can help kidneys by flushing out any undigested drugs or toxins. It has been proven that activated charcoal is quite effective at filtering out toxic substances derived from urea, which is the main element of protein digestion.
Animal studies revealed that charcoal that has been activated helps improve kidney function, reduce inflammation in animals with chronic disease, and decrease gastrointestinal damage. Studies involving human participants showed that individuals with chronic renal failure benefited from activated charcoal. The results shared that their kidneys started functioning better with reduced kidney damage and inflammation.
- Intestinal Gas:
Activated charcoal powder is said to help release intestinal gas. However, researchers still don't fully understand the process. It’s been said that the tiny holes inside activated charcoal help neutralize the harmful gases and liquids found inside our gut.
A study conducted on people who had a history of excessive gas issues in their intestines were given activated charcoal three times a day. The medical examiners were able to see certain organs better compared to how the organs were once obscured due to intestinal gas. Furthermore, the same people who were given activated charcoal not only had reduced their intestinal gas but had also improved symptoms.
- Water Filtration:
People have been using activated charcoal to filter drinking water. It works just like it does for the stomach and intestines. Activated charcoal can absorb and interact with several viruses, drugs, toxins, fungus, chemicals, and bacteria found in water.
Many waste management centers use activated carbon for the filtration process. Also, water filtration products designed for domestic use feature carbon cartridges to filter impurities and toxins from water. So, if you want to ensure your household is drinking healthy water, you should look into filtration systems that use activated charcoal.
- Diarrhea:
Activated charcoal can treat diarrhea. Keep it in mind that it is a gastrointestinal absorbent in poisoning and overdoses. Many studies involve activated charcoal being given to people with diarrhea. The results showed that such kind of charcoal was able to prevent drugs and bacteria from getting absorbed into the body.
These drugs and bacteria were the ones that caused diarrhea in the first place. Researchers also noted that activated charcoal doesn't have any side effects when compared to other antidiarrheal medications for treating diarrhea.
- Oral health and teeth whitening:
Thousands of teeth whitening products are doing well because they have activated charcoal as their main ingredient. These oral health products claim to be antibacterial, antiviral, detoxifying, and antifungal.
When it’s brushed onto the teeth or gums, activated charcoal has properties to help absorb bacteria, stains, and plaque to support oral health. It can assist with fighting cavities and helps to bring out a sparkling smile (ideal for those Instagram posts). It also aids in reducing gum diseases and keeping bad breath at bay.
Wrapping It Up
You now know that activated charcoal has several uses for us. It is considered safe by many health professionals. And yes, that includes children as well. Other than the 5 benefits mentioned above, activated charcoal has also been known to lower cholesterol. Many beauty products use it to clean skin. If you’re interested, you should look into using activated charcoal and see how it can make your life better. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask your health provider.
