What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a is made from bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, and olive pits or sawdust, it comes in the form of a black powder. Not all charcoal is ‘activated’ you shouldn’t use the same charcoal as you would put on a BBQ as you would to clean your teeth. For charcoal to be ‘activated’ it needs to be processed at very high temperatures. The high temperatures change the charcoals internal structure by reducing the size of its pores and increasing surface area.
Uses for Activated Charcoal
Teeth Whitening
People are using different types of powders, toothpaste and mouthwash that contain activated charcoal to whiten teeth. Activated charcoal is also great for your oral health by changing the pH balance in the mouth, it also helps prevent cavities, bad breath and gum disease. Charcoal aids in teeth whitening by absorbing plaque and microscopic particles that can stain teeth.
Alleviates Gas and Bloating
Activated charcoal can relieve gas and bloating, this works by binding the gas causing by-products in foods that because you discomfort.
Treats Alcohol Poisoning and Helps Prevent Hangovers
Activated charcoal doesn’t absorb alcohol in the body, but it does rid the body of other toxins that contribute to poisoning. If taken before alcohol, activated charcoal can reduce the concentration of alcohol in your blood.
Mould Cleansing
Many people don’t know this but mould can actually live inside the human body. Toxic mould can cause;
- Depression
- Kidney and liver failure
- Decreased brain function
- Heart disease
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Impaired immune system function
- Severe repertory distress
Water Filtration
Activated charcoal is used in water filtration systems throughout the world as it can trap impurities in the water – including solvents, pesticides, industrial waste and other chemicals.
However, it will not trap viruses, bacteria and hard-water minerals.
Skin and Body Health
Activated charcoal isn’t just beneficial inside the body, but outside too! It is effective at treating body odour, acne, and relieving discomfort from insect bites, rashes from poison ivy and poison oak, and snake bites.
Digestive Cleansing & Emergency Toxin Removal
Activated charcoal can promote a healthy digestive tract by removing toxins that can cause allergic reactions, oxidative damage and poor immune system function
Activated charcoal can also help remove toxins from your system, and this can reduce joint pain, increase energy, and increase mental function.
Anti-Aging
Not only does activated charcoal help cleanse the inside of your body by removing toxins from your major organs. It can also help prevent cellular damage to your kidneys, liver and adrenal glands.
Reduces High Cholesterol
Activated charcoal reduces bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol as much as some prescription medications.
Important note: Activated charcoal can disrupt the absorption of nutrients, supplements, and can interfere with prescription medications. It’s recommended to take activated charcoal 90 minutes to two hours before meals, supplements, and prescription meds are consumed.
If you are on prescription medication it is important to consult your doctor before ingesting activated charcoal.
