8 Benefits of activated charcoal for health: uses, side effects, interactions

In the world of health and beauty, there is a newcomer who is said to be very effective in cleansing the body of various toxins and harmful substances. The newcomer is activated charcoal alias activated charcoal. However, the charcoal referred to here is not charcoal used to make coals, but carbon or charcoal produced from natural materials. Usually this activated charcoal is available in pill or powder form. To find out what it is used for, read on for the following information.

What is activated charcoal, aka activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal substance has long been known as a binder and detoxifier in the body. This substance is usually produced from old oil palm shells or sawdust. The charcoal substance is then activated to increase the surface area and increase its binding capacity. The activation process is carried out by immersing charcoal in certain chemicals. Then the activated charcoal will be processed and packaged in pill or powder form. One of the activated charcoal products that can be found in pharmacies or stores is norit. This product is usually used as a digestive aid.

Various uses of activated charcoal (activated charcoal)

This versatile substance is not only able to bind and get rid of toxins in the body. There are various other benefits that you can get. These benefits are listed below.

1. Whiten teeth

Your teeth will turn yellow if you smoke and frequently consume coffee, tea, or alcoholic beverages. Activated charcoal is able to restore the natural bright color of teeth while maintaining oral health. This substance serves to balance the acidity in the mouth, prevents cavities, expels bad breath, and relieves gum disease.

Wet your toothbrush and apply it to the activated charcoal powder. Brush your teeth as usual, especially any yellow or stubborn areas. Gargle thoroughly and make sure you drink enough water afterward.

2. Relieves flatulence and colds

A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology proves that activated charcoal can bind to substances that can produce excess gas in your digestive system. These substances usually come from the food or drink you consume. You can drink one grain of norit and drink as much water as possible so that you can speed up the process of removing excess fluid or gas in the body.

3. Bid poison

The most commonly known use of activated charcoal is to detoxify. No wonder that activated charcoal is usually always provided in emergency departments. To ward off toxins, activated charcoal will bind toxins or chemicals such as mercury and pesticides in the body. However, this antidote should be consumed immediately after toxins or chemicals enter the body, before entering the small intestine and being absorbed by the body. Activated charcoal will not remain in the body, so after successfully binding toxins and chemical substances, activated charcoal will also be removed from the body along with urine or feces. Keep in mind that not all toxins or chemicals can be bound by activated charcoal. Alcohol, cyanide and lithium poisoning are some examples that cannot be treated by consuming activated charcoal, so you should call emergency services immediately.

4. Get rid of body odor

The problem that causes body odor or bad breath is due to the removal of toxins and toxins in the body. To get rid of bad body odor, try to regularly take activated charcoal pills and drink lots of water. By maximizing the elimination of toxins, the body will be clean from various bacteria and residual substances that can cause body odor.

5. Treating acne

Activated charcoal also turns out to be effective in relieving acne. Mix the powdered activated charcoal with two teaspoons of aloe vera gel and apply it on the facial skin with acne. Let stand for a few moments and rinse thoroughly. Activated charcoal is able to bind and remove dirt and bacteria that can cause acne.

6. Overcoming insect bites

When you are bitten by an insect, the toxins produced by the insect will enter the skin layer and cause various problems such as swelling, redness, and itching or burning sensation. Immediately treat with activated charcoal before the poison damages skin tissue. Mix the charcoal powder with coconut oil until evenly distributed. Apply it to insect bites and the area around it. Let stand and reapply every half hour until the symptoms subside.

7. Clean the digestive tract

Without you knowing it, the digestive tract is usually filled with traces of substances or toxins that are at risk of causing certain allergic reactions if not cleaned. By taking activated charcoal pills, you can cleanse your digestive tract. This can help relieve joint pain, increase energy, and improve mental health.

8. Prevent premature aging

Aging is a natural and natural process that happens to anyone. However, several external factors such as chemicals from the food and drinks you consume, exposure to pollution, and an unhealthy lifestyle can speed up this process. To maintain the normal function of the kidneys and liver from the premature aging process, clean all toxins and harmful chemicals by consuming activated charcoal. So after you consume junk food, vegetables or fruits that are not organic, or inhaling cigarette smoke, immediately take a pill with activated charcoal substances.

Possible risks of activated charcoal

Although activated charcoal offers a variety of powerful properties, you need to be aware of some of the possible side effects. So far, activated charcoalnot yet able to distinguish which substances are dangerous and which ones the body needs. As a result, not infrequently these substances will also bind various nutrients in your body and get rid of them. When you get poisoned this is not a major concern because you have to get the poison out first. However, if you consume it together with foods and drinks that are rich in nutrients, chances are that your body will have difficulty absorbing these nutrients because they are bound by charcoal. This also applies when you are on certain medications. You should avoid taking this substance if you are currently taking a medicine prescribed by your doctor.

In addition, activated charcoal is also at risk of causing dehydration. So, every time you use activated charcoal either as an internal medicine or external medicine, don't forget to drink as much water as possible, even a few hours after you consume it. There shouldn't be long enough breaks where you don't drink enough water. Some people also report side effects of diarrhea, vomiting, and in very rare cases, obstruction of the digestive tract.