Activated Charcoal: What It Is, Why people Take It, and How It Works

Activated Charcoal might sound like something you'd toss in a grill in your backyard, however it's actually one of the most popular natural remedies out there and has a surprising number of uses and potential benefits. Whether you're looking for a detox, looking to settle your stomach, or just curious why people take these black capsules, this blog post will cover everything you wanted to know and more about activated charcoal. 

What is Activated Charcoal?

Activated Charcoal is a form of carbon which has been treated to make it ultra porous and its usually made from materials like coconut shells, wood, or peat, and then "activated" at very high temperatures. This process creates tiny holes in the charcoal and increases the surface area making it super absorbent and like a sponge for toxins. 

Why Do People Take Charcoal Supplements? 

People take charcoal supplements for a variety of reasons but its most commonly taken to help reduce gas and bloating, to relieve occasional stomach discomfort, to detox after overindulgence in too much food or alcohol or to support skin health or oral hygiene ie some use it in topical face masks or in toothpaste. Hospitals will also sometimes use activated charcoal in emergency settings to treat certain types of poisoning or drug overdoses, though they'll generally use higher dosages than most supplements contain. 

What Are The Benefits of Activated Charcoal?

Gas & Bloating

Activated Charcoal can trap gas causing compounds in the gut and may help to reduce bloating and discomfort, especially after a big meal.

Digestive Detox

While Activated Charcoal doesn't "detox" the liver or bloodstream, your body does that naturally, it can help remove unwanted materials in the digestive tract. 

Hangover Help

Some people take Activated Charcoal after drinking to help ease the next day fog or other hangover symptoms. Years ago there was a popular hangover prevention and relief product sold at Walgreens and liquor stores called Chaser Hangover Pills which were essentially just activated charcoal pills. While research is mixed, it may help bind to some byproducts of alcohol metabolism. 

Skin Support

Used topically activated charcoal is popular in masks and cleansers for acne prone or oily skin. 

Oral Health

Activated Charcoal is also sometimes added to toothpaste to help whiten teeth and absorb bacteria, though you should use it gently to avoid damaging your tooth enamel. 

Does Activated Charcoal Make You Poop?

Yes it can. Activated charcoal can cause changes in bowel movements. For some people it might slow things down and lead to constipation, however in others, especially those who take larger doses, it may lead to dark or black stools. That's normal and a sign the charcoal ismoving through your system. 

Can You Give Activated Charcoal to Dogs?

Yes, activated charcoal is actually used by vets for the same reason it's used in humans, to bind to toxins or harmful substances if your dog eats something they shouldn't. That said, talk to your vet before giving activated charcoal to your dog. Dosage matters a lot and is based on your dogs size, and timing is key in emergency situations. 

How to Use Activated Charcoal Supplements

If you're thinking about taking activated charcoal here's a few tips...

Take it Between Meals

Because activated charcoal can bind to nutrients and medications it's best to take on an empty stomach, away from food and other supplements. 

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water helps it move through your system and reduces risk of constipation.

Don't Overdo It

Most people take 250-500mg of activated charcoal per serving as needed, not everyday. Activated Charcoal is meant for occasional use, not a daily detox. 

Wrapping Up

Activated Charcoal is a powerful natural tool for supporting digestion, reducing gas and helping with the occasional detox. Just remember it's not a magic cure and timing and dosage makes a big difference. Whether you're using it to recover from a night out on the town, to deal with bloat or to help your dog in a pinch, its a great supplement to keep around just in case. 

Author

John has been helping people in the fitness and nutrition industry for over 10 years. He is an avid biker, hiker and fitness enthusiast. Most notably, you can find him on Youtube instructing viewers about the newest products to hit the supplement industry.

John Frigo