Activated charcoal, rescuer of the digestive system

It has happened to all of us at one time or another to eat a meal or a food that goes down wrong in our digestive system. We've also all overate and experienced the almost intolerable stomach ache that follows. And what about those painful gas that sometimes invade our intestines?

Good eating habits can definitely help with digestion, but unfortunately poor digestion tends to show up at any time. What if we told you that there is a simple and completely natural way to relieve your spontaneous digestive problems?

Several dietary supplements exist on the market to support the health of the digestive system. As the title of this article indicates, this text will discuss activated charcoal, known as a product to facilitate digestion very effectively and very quickly.

The virtues of activated charcoal at the service of your digestive system

Activated charcoal has been used for its purifying and detoxifying properties for over 150 years. Activated charcoal has the ability to bind certain ingested toxic substances to keep them from being absorbed by the body. So effective, it was once used to purify drinking water before consuming it. And that's still the case today! Drinking water filtration systems are often equipped with an activated carbon filter.

An impressive purifier

Beyond this noble role of water purifier, activated charcoal is now widely used to help the body get rid of ingested substances that are potentially toxic or harmful to it. However, its binding capacity has limits. Generally very potent against food, activated charcoal appears to be ineffective or minimally effective against acids, bases, metals, and alcohols (1).

Although activated charcoal has proven its effectiveness in countless cases of poisoning, this article is more interested in its quality as a digestive aid. In case of poisoning, it’s imperative to contact the Anti-Poison center or 9-1-1 without delay. Medical authorities will have far more muscular and calculated procedures and dosages to help you.

Activated charcoal, a natural product for difficult digestion

Activated charcoal is almost universally accepted today (2) and is known as one of the best adsorbent agents in both alternative and conventional medicine. It’s obtained by calcination and subsequent activation treatment of organic vegetable substances. This activation treatment aims to develop the porosity of the carbon and thereby give it its remarkable adsorption capacity.

Activated charcoal can absorb a large amount of substances and this ability allows it to be more than useful in preventing gastrointestinal intoxication or difficult digestion following the consumption, for example, of indigestible food or a too large meal. Although it’s better to swallow the recommended dose as quickly as possible, activated charcoal may provide relief even after the digestive process has started and absorption from the digestive tract has begun.

Activated charcoal can even help you reduce intestinal gas

The meal is over. Digestion is now underway. Everything seems to be just fine until about two hours after eating. You're starting to feel gassy! Whether they are painful or simply very badly timed, your gas really bothers you. This is a perfect time to take your little magic capsule.

In very general terms, it’s agreed that the most prized property of activated charcoal is its ability to bind to a variety of toxic substances in the body. Intestinal gas is certainly no exception. Activated charcoal can relieve you quickly by holding them captive until they are evacuated by the stool at the end of their journey through the digestive system. Relieved of your gas, you can breathe now... and so can the people around you!

Activated charcoal, the take-away

It’s through a wide spectrum of actions that activated charcoal can help you soothe your digestive discomfort. Activated charcoal is obviously an essential health product that should have a place of honor in your home medicine cabinet, as well as in your first aid kit (3).

Get a bottle of activated charcoal capsules now and be prepared for the next time your digestive system doesn't like what you served it!

Do you take medication or have a medical condition? It’s better to ask your pharmacist or doctor before using activated charcoal. Ask when and how to take it.

Take charge of your digestive problems

Like everywhere, moderation is best. Although a very positive picture about activated charcoal has been painted in this article, it shouldn’t become a loophole for dietary abuse either. Healthy and balanced diet should always prevail. In addition, it’s important to mention that taken in too large quantities, activated charcoal capsules could cause constipation or hinder the absorption of the good nutrients found in your meal.

Would you like more information about digestion? Read this article and discover 5 tips to support your digestive system.

Dietary supplements against difficult digestion

Products for difficult digestion are very varied and lamoisson.com offers you a wide choice. As it is best to keep the intake of activated charcoal rather occasional, it would be wise to know the different alternatives available if you suffer from frequent digestive disorders. Click here to discover our suggestions for dietary supplements to support your digestive system and don’t hesitate to to talk to one of our naturopaths about them. Poor digestion can greatly impact your daily life and your health. Don't tolerate it.

If your digestive problems persist, consult a healthcare professional. The information provided in this article should in no way replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

References

2. Activated charcoal - past, present and future 
3. Oral activated charcoal in the treatment of intoxications. Role of single and repeated doses