Say Goodbye to Bloating: The Benefits of Activated Charcoal Explained

Black particles charcoal on a wooden spoon

Activated charcoal is a fine, black powder made from carbon-rich materials such as wood, coconut shells, or peat that have been processed at very high temperatures. It becomes “activated” when exposed to gases at these temperatures, creating a highly porous structure. This increases its surface area, allowing it to adsorb (bind to) toxins, chemicals, and impurities from the body, water, or air.

How Activated Charcoal is Manufactured

Source Materials: Activated charcoal is typically made from carbon-rich sources like coconut shells, hardwood, peat, or coal. Coconut shell-based activated charcoal is considered one of the highest quality varieties because of its high porosity and purity.
Carbonization Process: The raw materials are first carbonized by heating them at very high temperatures (600–900°C) in the absence of oxygen. This burns off any impurities and creates a more porous form of carbon.
Activation Process: The carbonized material is then exposed to gases (such as steam or carbon dioxide) at even higher temperatures (800–1100°C). This activation process creates thousands of tiny pores and increases the material’s surface area, making it highly adsorbent.
Granular or Powder Form: After activation, the charcoal is ground into either fine powder (for ingestion or topical use) or larger granules (for water filtration or industrial applications).

Types of Activated Charcoal

Powdered Activated Charcoal (PAC): The most commonly used form, it is highly adsorbent and is often used for detoxification, emergency poison treatment, and digestive health.
Granular Activated Charcoal (GAC): Larger particles used primarily for water and air filtration due to its coarser texture.
Extruded Activated Charcoal: Charcoal that has been pressed into cylindrical shapes, often used in gas phase systems or large-scale filtration units.
Coconut Shell Activated Charcoal: Made specifically from coconut shells, it is preferred for its purity and high adsorptive capacity. It is often used in health applications and high-end water filters.
Wood-Based Activated Charcoal: Made from wood, it has a lower density and is often used for air filtration and odor control.

Which Type is the Best?

Coconut Shell Activated Charcoal is generally considered the best for health and medicinal uses due to its higher porosity, purity, and greater adsorptive capacity. It has fewer contaminants and is often recommended for internal and skin care applications.

Benefits of Activated Charcoal

Here are many of the amazing benefits of activated charcoal, explaining how it can benefit health, detoxification, and other applications:

Detoxification: Binds to toxins and chemicals in the digestive tract, helping to eliminate them from the body.
Poison Treatment: Activated charcoal is used in emergency rooms to treat poisoning, as it can absorb poisons in the stomach.
Treats Overdoses: Effective in treating drug overdoses by adsorbing drugs like acetaminophen or aspirin.
Alleviates Gas and Bloating: Binds to gas-causing byproducts in the gut, reducing bloating and discomfort.
Reduces Cholesterol: Can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels by binding to bile acids in the gut.
Improves Kidney Function: Helps to remove waste products from the kidneys, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Promotes Digestive Health: Removes toxins and pathogens that could disrupt the gut microbiome.
Whitens Teeth: Gently removes stains from the teeth without damaging enamel.
Treats Alcohol Poisoning: Used to mitigate alcohol toxicity by adsorbing alcohol and its toxic byproducts.
Removes Impurities from Water: Acts as a natural water filter by adsorbing impurities, chemicals, and pesticides.
Treats Skin Conditions: Can be applied topically to treat acne, bug bites, and rashes by drawing out toxins.
Cleans the Digestive System: Aids in cleaning the digestive tract by removing undigested waste and toxins.
Eases Hangovers: Helps reduce hangover symptoms by binding to alcohol-related toxins in the stomach.
Improves Liver Health: Protects the liver by adsorbing toxins and reducing oxidative stress.
Neutralizes Odors: Can be used to eliminate odors in homes or on the body, including bad breath.
Treats Insect Bites: Reduces swelling and irritation by adsorbing venom and toxins from insect bites and stings.
Supports Weight Loss: Improves digestion and eliminates waste, supporting healthy weight loss.
Balances pH Levels: Helps restore healthy pH balance in the body by removing acids and toxins.
Improves Skin Complexion: Removes dirt and toxins from the skin, improving its appearance and health.
Alleviates Diarrhea: Adsorbs toxins and bacteria in the intestines, helping to stop diarrhea.
Reduces Candida Overgrowth: Helps balance yeast levels in the gut by removing excess Candida toxins.
Protects Against Mold Exposure: Removes toxins from mold exposure, reducing symptoms such as fatigue and headaches.
Treats Food Poisoning: Effective in treating mild cases of food poisoning by adsorbing toxins in the stomach.
Improves Hair Health: Removes pollutants and impurities from the scalp, promoting healthier hair.
Soothes Bee Stings: Reduces pain and swelling from bee stings by drawing out venom.
Reduces High Blood Pressure: Binds to toxins that can raise blood pressure, helping to lower it naturally.
Prevents Premature Aging: Protects cells from damage caused by toxins and free radicals.
Treats Psoriasis: Helps manage psoriasis symptoms by reducing toxin buildup in the body.
Removes Heavy Metals: Effective in binding to heavy metals like lead and mercury, facilitating their removal.
Reduces Itching: Soothes itching from rashes, eczema, or bug bites by adsorbing irritants.
Relieves Tooth Sensitivity: May help reduce sensitivity by adsorbing irritants that cause enamel damage.
Prevents Colds and Flu: Removes toxins from the body that may contribute to cold and flu symptoms.
Improves Gut Health: Supports the growth of beneficial bacteria by removing toxins and harmful bacteria.
Treats Ulcers: Helps neutralize stomach acids and toxins that contribute to ulcers.
Eliminates Body Odor: Applied topically, it can absorb odors caused by sweat and bacteria.
Purifies Air: Activated charcoal filters can remove allergens, pollutants, and toxins from indoor air.
Removes Toxic Chemicals from Skin: Topically applied, it adsorbs environmental toxins and pollutants from the skin.
Reduces Acne Breakouts: Can be used as a facial mask to adsorb oils, bacteria, and impurities that cause acne.
Helps with Detox Baths: Used in detox baths to remove toxins from the skin and promote relaxation.
Supports Dental Health: May help reduce plaque buildup and support healthier gums.
Prevents Digestive Upset from Overeating: Adsorbs excess gases and acids caused by overeating, reducing indigestion.
Detoxifies the Colon: Used in colon cleansing therapies to adsorb toxins and waste.
Enhances Respiratory Health: Removes airborne toxins and irritants, supporting lung health.
Prevents Gas During Air Travel: Reduces the gas buildup caused by changes in cabin pressure.
Reduces Histamine Reactions: May help reduce histamine release during allergic reactions.
Soothes Chemical Burns: Can be used topically to relieve pain and adsorb chemicals from skin burns.
Improves Hydration: Removes impurities from water, ensuring cleaner, more hydrating drinking water.
Neutralizes Stomach Acid: Reduces acid reflux by binding to excess stomach acid.
Boosts Energy Levels: Removes toxins that contribute to fatigue and low energy levels.
Supports Post-Surgical Recovery: Helps remove anesthesia and other chemicals from the body after surgery.
Prevents Acne Scarring: Activated charcoal can help reduce the severity of acne scars by minimizing inflammation and absorbing bacteria that contribute to skin damage.
Improves Respiratory Function: By reducing airborne toxins, activated charcoal supports healthier lung function, particularly in polluted environments.
Enhances Digestive Comfort During Travel: When used before traveling, it can reduce gastrointestinal discomfort associated with different foods or water quality.
Reduces Risk of Environmental Toxins: Helps the body eliminate pesticides and pollutants, reducing long-term exposure risks.
Helps with Metal Detoxification: It assists in binding and removing toxic metals like aluminum, which can accumulate in the brain and body.
Treats Gastric Ulcers: Adsorbs irritants and toxins in the digestive system that exacerbate ulcers, promoting healing.
Reduces Effects of Radiation Exposure: Can bind radioactive materials to reduce their effects on the body during medical treatments.
Treats Toxic Alcohol Ingestion: In cases of methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning, activated charcoal can adsorb these substances before they are metabolized into more toxic compounds.
Improves Oral Health: Can be used in mouthwashes to eliminate bacteria and toxins, promoting oral hygiene.
Reduces Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: Adsorbs harmful chemicals from secondhand smoke, reducing their negative impact on health.
Detoxifies the Liver: Supports liver detoxification by binding toxins before they reach the liver, allowing it to function more effectively.
Improves Heart Health: Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Protects Against Pesticides: Ingesting activated charcoal can bind to ingested pesticides and prevent their absorption into the bloodstream.
Prevents Harm from Prescription Medications: Binds to prescription medications, preventing accidental overdose or toxicity.
Treats Aspirin Overdose: Activated charcoal can effectively adsorb aspirin, reducing the risk of toxicity in case of overdose.
Improves Symptoms of Leaky Gut: Helps reduce inflammation and remove harmful bacteria or undigested food particles from the gut, improving symptoms.
Protects Against Food Allergens: Helps adsorb food allergens, reducing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Soothes Poison Ivy: When applied topically, activated charcoal can reduce the irritation and itching caused by poison ivy exposure.
Reduces Body Burden of Pharmaceuticals: Assists in the elimination of pharmaceutical residues that may accumulate in the body.
Improves Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Reduces gas, bloating, and discomfort associated with IBS by adsorbing harmful byproducts in the intestines.
Treats Bee Stings and Spider Bites: When applied topically, it helps adsorb toxins and venom, reducing pain and inflammation from insect or spider bites.
Improves Mental Clarity: By removing toxins from the body, activated charcoal may help improve cognitive function and mental clarity.
Treats Excessive Flatulence: Adsorbs gas-causing compounds, reducing excessive flatulence.
Detoxifies Mold: Can bind to mold toxins, preventing their absorption into the body, which can help alleviate mold-related illnesses.
Reduces Symptoms of Celiac Disease: Binds to gluten and other harmful proteins, potentially reducing symptoms in people with celiac disease.
Reduces Severity of Migraine: Can adsorb toxins that contribute to migraine triggers, reducing the frequency or intensity of headaches.
Neutralizes Industrial Pollutants: Protects the body from pollutants found in the workplace, particularly in industrial settings.
Prevents and Treats Athlete’s Foot: Helps fight fungal infections like athlete’s foot by drawing out moisture and toxins.
Treats Chemical Sensitivity: Binds to environmental toxins that can cause reactions in people with chemical sensitivities.
Supports Detoxification from Prescription Medications: Assists in eliminating long-term pharmaceutical residues from the body.
Prevents Kidney Stones: By reducing the buildup of toxins, it can lower the risk of developing kidney stones.
Treats Ammonia Toxicity: Activated charcoal helps reduce the buildup of ammonia in the body, improving symptoms of ammonia toxicity.
Prevents Heavy Metal Poisoning: Binds to heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead, preventing their absorption and toxicity.
Enhances Absorption of Nutrients: By cleaning out toxins from the digestive tract, activated charcoal may improve nutrient absorption.
Reduces Stress: Toxin buildup can contribute to stress, and by eliminating these substances, activated charcoal may help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Helps in SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): Reduces bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine by adsorbing harmful bacteria.
Treats Parasitic Infections: Can be used to bind and eliminate parasites in the gut, reducing infection severity.
Protects Against Pesticides in Food: Helps eliminate pesticide residues from ingested food, reducing the toxic load on the body.
Promotes Wound Healing: Can be applied to wounds to remove bacteria and toxins, speeding up the healing process.
Alleviates Symptoms of Jet Lag: By reducing toxin buildup from stress and environmental changes during travel, it may help minimize the effects of jet lag.
Improves Immunity: Activated charcoal supports immune function by removing toxins that may compromise the immune system.
Reduces Toxic Load from Cleaning Chemicals: Binds to toxins from cleaning chemicals, reducing their absorption into the body.
Removes Fluoride from Water: Can be used in water filtration systems to remove fluoride, promoting dental and overall health.
Improves Menstrual Health: Helps bind and eliminate excess hormones that contribute to PMS symptoms.
Protects the Brain from Toxins: Reduces toxin buildup in the brain, which may help prevent neurological disorders.
Promotes Eye Health: By detoxifying the body, activated charcoal may reduce oxidative stress that can contribute to eye conditions like cataracts.
Reduces the Risk of Allergic Reactions: Binds to allergens in the digestive system, helping to prevent allergic reactions.
Protects Against Harmful Chemicals in Plastics: Removes chemicals like BPA from the body, reducing their harmful effects.
Reduces Oxidative Stress: By removing free radicals and toxins, it helps lower oxidative stress throughout the body.
Supports Healthy Aging: Through its detoxifying effects, activated charcoal helps reduce the signs of aging by promoting overall health and reducing toxin buildup.

Medical Applications of Activated Charcoal

Emergency Poison Treatment: Activated charcoal is used in emergency rooms to treat poisonings from drugs, chemicals, or toxic substances.
Drug Overdose Management: Effective in treating overdoses from medications like aspirin, acetaminophen, and antidepressants.
Snake Bite Treatment: Applied topically and orally to reduce the spread of venom in snakebite victims.
Preventing Aspirin Absorption: Activated charcoal is used to prevent aspirin from being absorbed into the bloodstream in cases of overdose.
Cyanide Poisoning: Ingestion of activated charcoal can adsorb cyanide before it causes severe toxicity.
Kidney Disease Management: Used in patients with chronic kidney disease to reduce uremia and remove waste products.
Alleviating Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Helps reduce symptoms and absorption of toxic substances in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.
Hemoperfusion in Liver Failure: Charcoal hemoperfusion can be used to remove toxins from the bloodstream in patients with liver failure.
Hyperlipidemia Treatment: Helps lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol by adsorbing bile acids.
Aflatoxin Poisoning: Effective in adsorbing aflatoxins from contaminated food and preventing liver damage.
Treatment for Toxoplasmosis: Can reduce the parasitic load in people with toxoplasmosis.
Reducing Chemotherapy Side Effects: Helps reduce the toxic side effects of chemotherapy by adsorbing excess drugs.
Managing Metabolic Acidosis: May be used to help manage metabolic acidosis by adsorbing excess acids.
Insecticide Poisoning: Activated charcoal is administered to treat poisoning from insecticides like organophosphates.
Treating Heavy Metal Poisoning: Used to adsorb heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.
Alcohol Poisoning: Helps reduce the effects of alcohol poisoning by binding to ethanol and its byproducts.
Radiation Exposure: Can be used to adsorb radioactive materials after exposure to radiation.
Antidepressant Overdose: Used in cases of antidepressant overdose to reduce absorption in the stomach.
Mushroom Poisoning: Activated charcoal is used in the treatment of poisoning from toxic mushrooms.
Ingestion of Household Cleaners: Used to treat poisoning from ingestion of household cleaners and detergents.
Preventing Gas Gangrene: Applied topically to help reduce gas gangrene infection in wounds.
Severe Diarrhea Treatment: Helps alleviate severe diarrhea by adsorbing toxins and bacteria that cause the condition.
Reduce uremia by adsorbing waste products in the blood which will decrease the need for more frequent dialysis sessions.
Treating Cholestyramine Overdose: Used to adsorb excess cholestyramine in cases of overdose.
Pesticide Poisoning: Administered to treat poisoning from pesticides, preventing absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Iron Supplement Overdose: Helps manage toxicity from excessive iron supplementation by adsorbing iron in the stomach.
Managing Cyanide Poisoning: Can be used as part of a treatment protocol for cyanide poisoning by adsorbing cyanide in the digestive system.
Bacterial Toxin Neutralization: Helps neutralize bacterial toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing septicemia risk.
Treating Bowel Infections: Can help manage symptoms of bowel infections like dysentery by adsorbing harmful pathogens.
Venomous Fish Bites: Applied to the site of the bite and ingested to reduce the spread of venom in cases of venomous fish bites, like from jellyfish or stingrays.

Side Effects of Activated Charcoal Deficiency and Explanation

While activated charcoal itself is not an essential nutrient, a deficiency in its use, especially in detox situations or for specific health conditions, could result in the following:

Increased Toxin Load: Without charcoal’s adsorptive properties, toxins may accumulate in the body, leading to fatigue, digestive issues, and cognitive impairment.
Higher Risk of Poisoning: The body may struggle to eliminate ingested poisons efficiently without activated charcoal.
Chronic Constipation: Without regular detoxification, the digestive system may become sluggish, leading to chronic constipation.
Increased Bloating: Absence of activated charcoal in cases of gas-related issues can lead to persistent bloating.
Difficulty Managing Drug Overdose: Without activated charcoal, the body has fewer defenses to quickly manage drug overdoses.
Persistent Diarrhea: Without activated charcoal, diarrhea caused by bacterial toxins or food poisoning may worsen.
Increased Absorption of Toxins: Lack of charcoal increases the risk of absorbing toxins from foods, water, or the environment.
Slower Recovery from Food Poisoning: Absence of activated charcoal in cases of food poisoning may result in prolonged symptoms.
Chronic Bad Breath: Without its use, bacteria and toxins may cause persistent bad breath.
Skin Irritations: Charcoal deficiency in topical applications may result in slower recovery from skin irritations and acne.
Higher Levels of Cholesterol: Without the ability to adsorb bile acids, cholesterol levels may remain elevated.
Increased Oxidative Stress: Toxin buildup without charcoal’s adsorptive properties can lead to higher oxidative stress in the body.
Delayed Healing of Insect Bites: Lack of activated charcoal application to bites may result in prolonged swelling and irritation.
Worsened Symptoms of IBS: Without charcoal to adsorb gas and toxins, IBS symptoms may be more difficult to manage.
Persistent Hangover Symptoms: Without activated charcoal to help bind alcohol-related toxins, hangover symptoms may be more severe.
Frequent Headaches: Toxin accumulation could lead to more frequent headaches without the use of activated charcoal.
Weakened Immune System: Toxins that aren’t eliminated may suppress the immune system.
Slower Wound Healing: Without activated charcoal, wounds or skin infections may take longer to heal due to bacterial accumulation.
Chronic Fatigue: Toxins in the system without detoxification can lead to chronic fatigue and low energy levels.
Increased Allergic Reactions: Without activated charcoal, allergic reactions may be more severe as the body struggles to remove allergens.
More Intense Menstrual Cramps: Activated charcoal can help reduce symptoms by eliminating toxins that contribute to menstrual pain.
Higher Risk of Kidney Stones: Lack of activated charcoal may result in the buildup of harmful substances that increase the risk of kidney stones.
Slower Detox After Anesthesia: Charcoal deficiency may slow the body’s ability to detoxify anesthetic agents after surgery.
Worsening of Psoriasis Symptoms: Without charcoal, toxin buildup in the body could exacerbate skin conditions like psoriasis.
Increased Acid Reflux: Absence of activated charcoal may worsen acid reflux symptoms by allowing excess stomach acid to remain in the digestive system.
Frequent Muscle Cramps: Buildup of toxins in the body without activated charcoal may lead to muscle cramping and discomfort.
Worsened Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning: Without activated charcoal, alcohol poisoning cases may be harder to manage.
Frequent Indigestion: Lack of activated charcoal to adsorb digestive irritants may lead to frequent bouts of indigestion.
Greater Risk of Fungal Infections: Without its use, fungal infections such as Candida may be more difficult to manage due to higher toxin levels.
Decreased Mental Clarity: Toxin accumulation can impair cognitive function, making it harder to concentrate or think clearly without activated charcoal.

Best Time to Take Activated Charcoal and How to Take It

Best Time to Take: Activated charcoal should be taken between meals or before bed to prevent it from interfering with nutrient absorption from food. It is also best to take it at the onset of digestive discomfort or if you suspect you’ve ingested something harmful (e.g., food poisoning).
How to Take It:
For general detoxification, it is recommended to take it with a large glass of water to avoid dehydration, as charcoal can bind water and cause constipation.
It can be taken in capsule, powder, or tablet form. If using powder, mix it with water or juice, and drink it quickly as it can settle at the bottom of the glass.

Safety and Interactions with Medications

While activated charcoal is generally considered safe for short-term use, there are important safety considerations:

Interference with Medications: Activated charcoal can adsorb medications, reducing their effectiveness. Medications that may be affected include:

Antidepressants
Birth control pills
Pain medications (such as NSAIDs)
Heart medications (such as statins)
Antibiotics
It is recommended to take medications 2 hours before or after activated charcoal to avoid this interaction.

Dehydration: Activated charcoal may cause dehydration if not taken with enough water, so it’s important to stay well-hydrated when using it.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Activated charcoal is generally safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always consult a healthcare professional before use.
Gastrointestinal Blockage: People with intestinal blockages or slow digestive systems should avoid activated charcoal as it can worsen these conditions.

Dosages for Children and Adults

Adults:
For detoxification: 500-1000 mg (2-4 capsules) taken as needed or daily for general detox.
For poisoning: 50-100 grams given under medical supervision (this is much higher than daily detox doses).
Children:
For poisoning: Typically, 10-25 grams of activated charcoal is used in emergencies under medical supervision.
For general digestive issues in children, 200-500 mg (1-2 capsules) may be taken, but only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Vitamins and Minerals That Work Better with Activated Charcoal

Probiotics: Activated charcoal can help eliminate harmful bacteria in the gut, making space for beneficial bacteria to thrive. Taking probiotics a few hours after charcoal can help repopulate the gut.
Magnesium: Helps maintain regular bowel movements and can prevent constipation that may be caused by activated charcoal.
Vitamin C: Helps support detoxification and may enhance the ability of activated charcoal to neutralize free radicals.
Zinc: Supports immune function and works well with activated charcoal to reduce inflammation and improve healing, especially in the gut.
Vitamin D: Supports overall immune and bone health. Since activated charcoal can enhance gut detox, vitamin D can help support the immune system after the cleansing process.

Side Effects of Activated Charcoal

Constipation: A common side effect, due to its adsorptive nature, activated charcoal can slow bowel movements.
Black Stools: Stools may turn black, which is harmless but can be alarming.
Dehydration: Without proper hydration, activated charcoal can lead to dehydration.
Nausea or Vomiting: Some users may experience stomach discomfort, especially if taken in large doses.
Diarrhea: In some cases, activated charcoal may cause diarrhea if the digestive system reacts to its presence.

Overdosing on Activated Charcoal and How to Offset It

Symptoms of Overdose:

Severe constipation
Blockage in the intestines
Vomiting
Electrolyte imbalances due to excess adsorption of fluids and nutrients

How to Offset It:

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your system moving and prevent constipation.
Magnesium Supplement: A gentle magnesium supplement can help to alleviate constipation caused by activated charcoal.
Stop Taking: If symptoms persist, stop using activated charcoal and seek medical advice, especially if you suspect a blockage.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Individual needs can vary, and your doctor can help ensure safety and effectiveness.