The Benefits of Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a common word thrown around in the health and wellness niche for good reasons. It’s also a term heard often in cosmetics and skin-care products. Let’s talk about that!

‘Activated’ Charcoal?

First and foremost, activated charcoal should never be confused with the charcoal briquettes used to cook on the grill.

Activated charcoal is charcoal that’s been treated with oxygen and extremely high temperatures, making it more porous. The high-heat treatment causes changes in structure, reducing the pores’ size and increasing the surface area.

Long story short, the result is a fine black powder that can be used as is, encapsulated, and added to cosmetic recipes. Activated charcoal is also added to some edible and nonedible items.

The Uses & Benefits of Activated Charcoal

I will leave the scientific details about “how” activated charcoal works with our system to the scientists. Some of these benefits come to us from research that’s decades old now.

Poison Treatment (Emergency)

While activated charcoal can be used as an emergency anti-poison and overdose treatment, it is highly advised to have a doctor or practitioner administer or instruct proper usage.

Because activated charcoal can bind to various medications and drugs, it can reduce their effects. Not only can activated charcoal stop medications/drugs from being absorbed into the body, but it can also help eliminate any already absorbed.

Please remember that activated charcoal isn’t effective against all toxins, poisons, and drugs.

Promote Healthier Kidney Function

Activated charcoal reduces the number of waste products our kidneys have to process and filter. Which is a great thing because that’s less strain on our body’s waste and toxin-removing organs.

That said, activated charcoal can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with chronic kidney disease. This precious black powder binds to urea and other toxins, which helps our body eliminate them.

Reducing Cholesterol Levels

Older research tells us that activated charcoal can bind to cholesterol, and the cholesterol-containing bile acids in our gut, which prevents them from becoming absorbed. One study proved that taking 24 grams of activated charcoal daily for a month lowered the bad cholesterol (LDL) by 25 percent. Interestingly, it raised the patient’s HDL (good cholesterol) by 8 percent.

Cosmetic, Health, & Household Uses of Charcoal

I feel as though every time I check into the uses for activated charcoal, the list is longer than the last read. Let’s take a quick peek.

• Gas & Bloating Reduction: A recent report shows that taking activated charcoal eight hours before an ultrasound can reduce the amount of gas in the gut, making the ultrasound clearer and easier to read.
• Filtration: Activated charcoal can help filter water by removing most contaminants, suspended solids, and microorganisms like bacteria. One bonus is that the activated charcoal doesn’t change or ruin the taste of the water.
• Whitener: You might’ve noticed more toothpaste brands, including an activated charcoal option. It’s believed to whiten and brighten teeth; however, nothing supports this claim. I suppose we could try it and find out.

Activated charcoal is a natural remedy with various uses. While some are age-old, others continue to be discovered. If you currently take prescription medications, please talk first with a medical professional to ensure that using ANYTHING new isn’t going to cause issues.

On a final note, I’ve tried out facial cleansers and toothpaste with activated charcoal. Both made my mouth and skin feeling fresher and cleaner. Maybe give it a test run and see what activated charcoal can do for you?

-Elaina Garcia

Photo: Pixabay