I know what you are thinking, you want me to eat charcoal? The stuff I put on my grill to light a fire? First things first, no, DON’T DO THAT. Activated Charcoal is different then the charcoal that you put on a grill and it has an array of health benefits that you might be missing out on.
What is Activated Charcoal and why is it activated?
Activated is made when substances like coconut shells or olive pits are heated to very high temperatures. The Charcoal is activated when it is heated to extreme temperatures which changes the structure of the material. The result of this process is a very fine black powder (which can get everywhere so be careful) that has an increased surface area. It is different from the charcoal on your grill because your grill charcoal has not been activated. 1
So What’s so magical about it?
After the Charcoal has been activated it has the ability to trap toxins and adsorb toxins in the gut. This is why it is often used in hospitals for drug/drinking overdoses. It travels through the gut picking up bad bacteria, excess gas, and other toxins.
Activated Charcoal also might reduce cholesterol, is used in water filters, can whiten teeth and so much more. 2
Many people claim that Activated Charcoal shortened the time of their stomach bug. Taking Activated Charcoal as soon as you feel some stomach discomfort, can shorten your recovery time. 3
How much should I take/ Where can I get it?
(FYI: This post may contain affiliate links. I only endorse products and companies that I believe will be helpful to my readers. Here is our full disclosure policy.)
I buy my Activated Charcoal on Amazon. There are many different brands, but Nature’s Way was the first brand I tried and I love it. You can read the over 2,000 reviews and see how much people love it.
The recommended serving amount is 560mg (2-3 times a day). It should not be taken near the time you take medication because medication in the body is a toxin to Activated Charcoal will reduce its effectiveness, wait a few hours. 4
You can also buy it in its powder form, but it can get messy. If you decide you want to use the charcoal in a face mask or to whiten your teeth, it is easy to open the capsule and sprinkle it where you need it.
Do you use Activated Charcoal, Amber?
Yes, I do. Right now I use a maintenance dose of one capsule a day (a little over 200 mg). My doctor knows I take it and although she is a bit skeptical of natural medicine, I hardly come to her office sick. Every year she checks all my vitamin levels and every year I am good. Activated Charcoal does not seem to take in the vital nutrients we need, just toxins.
Final Thoughts
I always travel with Activated Charcoal. I use it in face masks, to whiten my teeth, and for digestive health. I have given it to my friends to help with hangovers and they say it works like a charm. I have put it on stubborn mosquito bites that itch so badly and within a day they feel better. Some of my friends who have food sensitivities take it after they accidentally ingest, diary or wheat and it helps enormously with the side effects.
Activated Charcoal really is a staple in my medicine cabinet and purse.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates