Activated charcoal: what it is for and how to take

Activated charcoal is a medicine in the form of capsules or tablets that acts through the absorption of toxins and chemicals in the body, so it generates several health benefits, contributing to the reduction of intestinal gas and abdominal pain, teeth whitening, treatment of poisoning and prevention of dryness. 

However, this drug also prevents the intestine from absorbing vitamins, minerals and medications, so it should be used sparingly and should be taken at different times than other medications. 

Activated charcoal: what it is for and how to take

1. Eliminate gases

Activated charcoal has the ability to absorb intestinal gases, reducing inflammation, pain and intestinal discomfort, therefore it should be ingested about 15 minutes before meals. 

2. Treat poisoning

As activated charcoal has a great power of absorption, it can be used in emergency situations in cases of poisoning with chemicals or food poisoning, for example. 

3. Remove impurities from water

Some impurities in water can be removed with activated charcoal such as pesticides, traces of industrial waste and some chemicals, being widely used in water filtration systems. 

4. Whiten teeth

Activated charcoal helps whiten teeth stained by coffee, tea or cigarette smoke for example. 

Charcoal can be used 2 to 3 times a week by placing it on the toothbrush and brushing. In addition to this, there are some toothpastes for sale in pharmacies that have activated charcoal in their composition.

5. Help prevent hangovers

Activated charcoal prevents the absorption of other chemicals that make up alcoholic beverages such as artificial sweeteners, sulfites and other toxins, so it helps reduce hangover symptoms.  

In addition to this, charcoal can also be used in cases of enteritis, colitis and enterocolitis, aerophagia and meteorism. However, it is not able to absorb alcohol, petroleum derivatives, potassium, iron, lithium and other metals.  

How to take

The mode of use of activated charcoal consists in the ingestion of 1 to 2 capsules, 3 to 4 times per day, the maximum daily dose being 6 tablets per day for adults and 3 tablets for children. 

To prevent hangover, the recommended dose is 1 g of activated charcoal before consumption of alcoholic beverages and 1 g after consumption.

The tablets should not be mixed with saline, but can be drunk with water or fruit juices.  

Main side effects

The main side effects of activated charcoal include: darkening of the stool, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, when consumed in excess. Prolonged use may reduce intestinal absorption of other medications, mainly when taken at the same time, so if any medication needs to be taken, it should be taken at least 3 hours before the activated charcoal.

When not to take

Activated charcoal is contraindicated in children under 2 years old, in people with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, in case of intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal problems or in people who ingest corrosive substances or hydrocarbons.

It should also not be taken by people who have undergone recent intestinal surgery or when there is a marked decrease in intestinal transit.  The ingestion of activated charcoal in pregnancy or during breast-feeding should only be done under medical guidance.

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