Eating charcoal may seem like an unusual practice, but it has actually been used medicinally for thousands of years. More recently, activated charcoal has become a popular health and wellness trend, with claims that it can whiten teeth, reduce gas, treat alcohol poisoning, and even help you lose weight.
What is charcoal?
Charcoal is a porous, black carbon material that is produced by burning organic matter, usually wood, at very high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment. This process, known as pyrolysis, drives off volatile compounds like water, leaving behind mostly pure carbon with a highly porous structure.
There are two main types of charcoal:
- Regular charcoal – Used for fuel, filtration, and other industrial processes. Not suitable for consumption.
- Activated charcoal – Heated at very high temperatures with steam or certain chemicals to increase its absorption properties. Safe for consumption when produced properly.
Activated charcoal is specially processed to make it extremely porous and give it a very large surface area available to absorb, bind, and remove certain toxins and chemicals. This is what makes it useful for medical and health purposes.
How is activated charcoal used medicinally?
Activated charcoal has been used in medicine for thousands of years. Some key uses include:
- Poisoning treatment – It is often used in emergency rooms to treat certain types of poisoning or overdose. It can absorb toxins before they spread through the body.
- Digestive issues – It may help relieve gas, reduce bloating, and treat diarrhea when taken orally.
- Teeth whitening – Fine charcoal powders are used in some natural toothpastes and powders to help remove stains.
- Skin care – Applied topically, it may be able to draw bacteria, dirt, oil, and other toxins out of facial skin and pores.
- Water filtration – Added to water filters, activated charcoal can remove chemicals, toxins, and impurities from water.
It’s important to note that activated charcoal is not absorbed by the body – it passes through the digestive system without being broken down. That’s why it’s able to absorb toxins within the GI tract before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Is activated charcoal safe to eat?
When used appropriately, activated charcoal is generally considered safe for short-term use. However, it does come with some important cautions:
- Always speak to your doctor before using activated charcoal if you take any medications or have any medical conditions. It can interfere with many drugs and nutrients.
- Only take prescription-strength activated charcoal. Never consume regular barbecue charcoal.
- Stay hydrated while using it and don’t take it for more than a few days at a time.
- Be aware that it can turn your tongue, teeth, and stool black.
- Don’t take activated charcoal before talking to a poison control professional if you’ve swallowed something toxic.
Activated charcoal should never be given to unconscious people, babies, or to anyone who has intestinal obstruction, holes in the stomach or intestines, or an inability to swallow or vomit.
What happens when you eat activated charcoal?
When activated charcoal is taken as directed for medicinal purposes, this is generally what happens:
- You swallow the activated charcoal capsules, tablet, or powder mixed with water or juice. It should always be taken on an empty stomach.
- It travels through your GI tract undigested and attracts some toxins, chemicals, gases, and other substances to its surface through a process called adsorption.
- The charcoal and adsorbed substances eventually pass out of your body through your stool without being absorbed into your bloodstream.
- Ideally, the charcoal removes toxins, bacteria, and irritating substances in your gut before they can be absorbed and cause harm.
- Your tongue, teeth, lips, and stool will temporarily turn black from the charcoal. This is harmless.
- You must drink plenty of water to prevent constipation since charcoal can be dehydrating.
If someone swallows a dangerous amount of a toxin, the typical dose is 10-40 grams every few hours mixed into a liquid. This provides urgent treatment until the toxin can pass through. Watery diarrhea is common.
What are the health benefits of activated charcoal?
Here are some of the top proven and theoretical health benefits of taking activated charcoal supplements:
Poisoning Treatment
Activated charcoal has been used for over 150 years in hospitals to prevent poisons and lethal overdoses from being absorbed in the stomach and intestines. It’s listed as a treatment for certain types of poisoning by the FDA and still used in ERs today.
It’s thought to be able to trap up to 200 times its weight in toxins. Activated charcoal can help neutralize:
- Alcohol
- Pesticides
- Mercury
- Fertilizer
- Lead paint
- Some mold toxins
- Prescription and over-the-counter drug overdoses
It’s important that charcoal be given before the toxin can enter the bloodstream. So do not take it for poisoning before calling emergency services.
Gas, Bloating and Diarrhea
In supplement form, activated charcoal may be able to alleviate gas and bloating issues. Some early studies show it can help reduce symptoms from certain digestive issues:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Traveler’s diarrhea
It may work by binding and removing intestinal gases and other toxins and irritants before they can be absorbed.
Anti-Aging Properties
Preliminary studies show that activated charcoal may have anti-aging benefits for the skin. When used in facial masks, scrubs, and soaps, it has the ability to absorb dirt, oil, bacteria and other pore-clogging substances from skin. This may help reduce acne breakouts.
It also works as a “detoxifier” to pull toxins from skin cells, revealing newer, fresher cells and a bright complexion. This has not yet been scientifically proven, but many natural health and beauty devotees swear by activated charcoal for clearer, more youthful-looking skin.
Oral Health
Dental studies show activated charcoal can be effective for whitening teeth and fighting bad breath. Toothpastes and powders use its natural polishing properties to buff away surface stains from coffee, wine, smoking, and bacteria. It also changes mouth pH levels to inhibit bacteria growth.
It’s important to be gentle when using charcoal on teeth as it can potentially wear away enamel over time. Look for low-abrasion options and use sparingly.
Hangover Cure
The effects of alcohol and the toxins it produces often lead to nausea, headache, and other hangover symptoms. Activated charcoal may potentially relieve hangovers by binding to alcohol and its byproducts before they can be absorbed by your body.
While not scientifically proven, many people report faster hangover recovery times when using activated charcoal. It may work best when taken alongside plenty of water before bed after drinking.
Lowering High Cholesterol
Some researchers believe activated charcoal may help lower cholesterol levels when taken regularly. In one study, total cholesterol decreased by 25% and “bad” LDL cholesterol decreased by 41% in those taking charcoal for 4 weeks.
Activated charcoal may trap and clear cholesterol and bile acid in the GI tract before they can be absorbed. This needs much more research to verify its effectiveness.
Kidney Function
Actively removing toxins from the body could potentially support kidney and liver health. This is especially true in cases of poisoning or overdose. Based on animal studies, activated charcoal may help kidneys filter out waste products and toxins more efficiently.
Immunity
Some natural healers claim that activated charcoal can boost the immune system and help fight infections. This includes the use of topical charcoal compresses for skin infections. So far, there is a lack of research to support activated charcoal for immunity.
Is activated charcoal proven to work?
Here is what the science says so far about activated charcoal’s effectiveness:
Toxin Removal
ProvenEffective: Multiple studies demonstrate activated charcoal’s ability to trap toxins, poisons, gases, mold, bile, and more in emergency poison and overdose situations.
Digestive Health
May be Effective: Small studies show activated charcoal may improve gas, bloating, and diarrhea – especially after intestinal infections. More research is needed.
Cholestorol, Kidneys, Immunity
More Evidence Needed: Claims about lowering cholesterol, improving kidney function, and boosting immunity currently lack solid clinical evidence.
Skin and Teeth
Potentially Effective: Uses in toothpastes and facial products show promise for whitening teeth and skin. However, activated charcoal can be abrasive in high amounts.
Anti-Aging
More Research Required: While activated charcoal likely has absorbent qualities helpful for facials when used gently, claims about its anti-aging properties still need verification.
Are there any side effects or dangers?
Activated charcoal is likely safe in small doses for most healthy adults. But it can also come with some side effects or interactions to be aware of.
Medication Interactions
Activated charcoal can bind to some medications in the digestive tract, making them less effective. These may include both over-the-counter and prescription drugs:
- Acetaminophen
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medications
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Asprin
- Anti-seizure meds
- Birth control pills
- Thyroid hormones
Be sure to take activated charcoal at least 2 hours before or after any other supplements or medications.
Intestinal Issues
Potential side effects from ingesting activated charcoal include:
- Black stools
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Intestinal blockage
Always drink plenty of water to help it pass through your system. Also, activated charcoal can interfere with your intestinal absorption of important nutrients from food.
Facial Products
In facial products, using activated charcoal too often may cause:
- Dryness
- Flaking
- Rashes
Be sure to moisturize well after use. And if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first.
Dental Products
With toothpastes, activated charcoal may potentially cause:
- Black tongue or gums
- Tooth erosion if used too abrasively
Avoid excessive brushing and use a soft-bristled brush if using charcoal powders or toothpastes.
Pregnancy & Children
Always consult your doctor before using activated charcoal supplements if pregnant or breastfeeding. Oral use in babies and toddlers is also not recommended as it may interfere with nutrient absorption.
What’s the proper activated charcoal dosage?
For supplement use or acute poisoning, activated charcoal doses will vary. Always follow instructions on your specific supplement.
As a guideline, the FDA recommends 25-100 grams for acute poisoning in adults. Children normally take 10-25 grams, given in several smaller doses mixed with water.
For other uses like gas or facial treatments, small doses of 500-1000 mg capsules are typical. Limit long-term use and take with plenty of water.
Should you take activated charcoal supplements?
Before taking activated charcoal supplements, consider whether potential benefits outweigh possible risks for your situation. Here are some general guidelines:
- Short-term medicinal use – When used correctly under medical guidance, activated charcoal has proven benefits for poisonings and acute drug overdoses. It may also potentially alleviate digestive upset. Use short-term only as directed.
- General wellness supplement – Activated charcoal is likely safe for most healthy adults in small doses, but unproven for long-term wellness uses. Take occasional “detox” regimens for only a few days.
- Teeth whitening or skincare – May provide benefit from surface polishing effects. Choose low-abrasion options and don’t overuse.
- Children or pregnant women – Always consult your doctor first when considering use while pregnant or for young children.
Whenever starting activated charcoal – or any new supplement – it’s wise to speak to your doctor about proper dosage, safety precautions, and potential interactions.
Conclusion
Activated charcoal has been used medicinally for centuries with a proven track record for certain types of poisonings and medical emergencies. When used correctly under medical guidance, it can bind to toxins in the GI tract and prevent their absorption in the body.
In supplement form, activated charcoal may offer additional benefits like gas relief, digestive health, brighter skin, and whiter teeth for some people. However, these uses need much more scientific testing to confirm effectiveness and safety.
If choosing to take activated charcoal supplements, use the lowest effective dose, take only occasionally, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive use. Be aware it can turn your mouth and stools black temporarily. And be sure to get your doctor’s guidance before using activated charcoal if pregnant, breastfeeding, administering to children, or taking any medications.
