What is Activated Charcoal used for?

Activated charcoal is made by taking non-toxic materials like coconut shells, olive pits, bamboo or other plant fibers and oxidizing them at a high temperature in the presence of gas. The resulting carbon is more porous than standard charcoal. This process effectively “activates” the charcoal, creating a highly-absorbent substance that is safe for consumption. There are other variations to this process, with some charcoal being activated with steam or other methods, but the principle remains the same.

This edible charcoal soaks up toxins in the body, making it extremely useful both in wellness applications and detox routines. Toxins are attracted to activated charcoal because its porous texture has a negative charge, allowing it to attract molecules that are positively charged.This includes gas and substances that produced the gas. Think of activated charcoal like a magnet. It attracts substances and pulls them from the body. And since our body will not absorb the charcoal, the toxins pass through our system to be eliminated with the charcoal.

Activated charcoal is most effective at absorbing toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Compounds that contribute to gas in our gastrointestinal tract are attracted to activated charcoal, helping to alleviate gas-related discomfort. In the same way that activated charcoal attracts and binds to toxins, it also binds the gas-generating compounds in food. Activated charcoal also have the ability to bind toxins like urea and help remove them from the body, lightening the amount of waste the kidneys need to process. In addition, brushing with a black, activated charcoal powder or activated charcoal toothpaste might also give us brighter teeth. 

Activated charcoal is considered safe for most healthy adults to use short-term. However, there have been some instances of mild side effects, with more serious side effects being rare. And so do not use activated charcoal if you have an intestinal obstruction or if you have a health concern that slows food in your intestines unless your doctor recommends it.

Also, since activated charcoal absorbs substances in the stomach and intestines, it can also absorb medications and nutrients, decreasing the amounts of those substances available for your body to absorb. And so take activated charcoal at least an hour after medications or supplements you take orally.