Activated Charcoal

WHAT IS ACTIVATED CHARCOAL?

Candida overgrowth (candidiasis) affects many people, though more often than not, they may not know candida (a type of fungus) is the cause. Symptoms can include abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhea, sore joints and muscles, mental fog, skin rashes and itches, recurrent vaginal yeast infections, athlete’s foot, headaches, food sensitivities, extreme fatigue, and many others. Candida is typically treated via diet and supplementation. Activated charcoal can also be especially helpful.

Activated charcoal is a fine, odourless, black powder produced by heating carbon-rich materials, like peat moss, coconut shells, or wood, to extremely high temperatures. This "activation" process strips the charcoal of previously absorbed molecules and frees up binding sites, making it extremely absorbent, allowing it to bind to molecules, ions, or atoms and remove them from dissolved substances. Indeed, because of these powerful toxin-absorbing properties, activated charcoal is typically used as a first recourse in emergency rooms to treat overdoses and remove poisons, and other dangerous toxins in the gut. Unsurprisingly, activated charcoal is frequently used to help treat candida.

Those who have candidiasis (pathogenic fungal overgrowth) often have comprised elimination systems and their inherent detoxification potential is severely lacking. This is where activated charcoal can help. Because candida yeast can release over 70 different toxic by-products into the body (that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms), it’s important to sequester them and eliminate them from the body. Because activated charcoal acts like a sponge, it's able to eliminate these toxins and metabolic by-products and, in turn, mitigate their effects on our health.

BENEFITS of ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

• Alleviates Gas & Bloating
• Digestive Health/Intestinal Health
• Eliminates Toxins
• Helps Reduce Cholesterol
• Treats Alcohol Poisoning/Prevents Hangovers
  
  

WHO NEEDS ACTIVATED CHARCOAL?

Activated charcoal is used in myriad applications from general detox support; to filtering out undigested toxins, medications, and drugs; to protecting kidney health, as well as improving kidney function and reducing gastrointestinal damage in those with chronic kidney disease; to helping absorb intestinal gas and relieving bloating; as a treatment for diarrhea; as well as to filter water and rid it of toxins and impurities (especially useful for travellers, campers and great adventurers). Activated charcoal is also effective to help lower cholesterol levels, as well as to treat acne (when used topically).

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL - POTENCIES, FORMS & FORMATS

Activated charcoal is available in capsules and powder in different potencies. The proper dosage depends on the condition that’s being addressed.

For poisoning or overdose, 50 to 100 g are initially administered, followed by additional doses every 2 to 4 hours up to approximately 12.5 g per hour. Of course, in such instances, it’s crucial to call 911 or your local Poison Control Centre for case-specific guidance.

For more everyday uses, such as relieving gas and bloating, upset stomach, hangovers, detoxification protocols, and cholesterol-lowering, the dosage range is usually in the 500 to 5000 mg daily, but may also be higher. Always follow the dosing recommendations on the label carefully, or consult a qualified health care practitioner.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Given its mode of action, activated charcoal reduces the absorption of medications and NHP’s in the stomach and intestines. This is why it is advised not to take activated charcoal at the same time as oral medications or supplements. As such, activated charcoal should be taken at least three hours after or 12 hours before oral supplements and medication (this includes birth control).