Activated Coconut Shell Charcoal

Activated Coconut Shell Charcoal for Digestive Health

Activated charcoal has become a trendy supplement taken for improved gut health, digestive issues, and even hangovers. On our online store, you’ll find activated coconut shell charcoal capsules and powders to mix into drinks. Read on to learn about how activated charcoal works internally and its proven benefits.

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a fine, black powder made from heating regular charcoal to very high temperatures. This “activation” process expands the charcoal’s surface area by creating millions of tiny pores that allow it to trap chemicals, toxins and gases for removal from the body.

The activated charcoal we use in our digestive health products comes specifically from coconut shells. Coconut shell charcoal contains less ash than other forms, making it safer for ingestion.

How Does Activated Charcoal Work Internally?

When taken orally in appropriate doses, activated charcoal travels through the gastrointestinal tract, where it binds to toxins, chemicals, gases and other harmful substances. It then carries those substances safely out of the body through bowel movements without being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Through this process it can provide numerous digestive and gut health benefits:

Benefits of Activated Charcoal

Here are the top proven ways ingesting activated coconut shell charcoal can improve digestive issues, immunity and wellbeing:

Relieves Bloating and Gas

By adsorbing excess gas in the intestines, activated charcoal provides rapid relief from bloating, abdominal pain and flatulence.

Alleviates Diarrhea

The porous powder adheres to infectious microorganisms and organic toxins to stop diarrhea associated with food poisoning, viruses or takeaway meals.

Reduces Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Activated charcoal calms symptoms associated with acid reflux by clearing acid from the esophagus and soothing inflammation internally.

Cures Hangover Symptoms

When taken before or after drinking, activated charcoal prevents the body from absorbing alcohol by-products that make you feel so terrible.

Removes Toxins

From insect and snake bites to mould, activated charcoal emergency treatment helps neutralise harmful toxins until the victim can seek medical care.

May Lower Cholesterol

Some research indicates activated charcoal may reduce LDL and total blood cholesterol levels similarly to prescription medication. Much more research still needed.

Improves Immunity

By eliminating toxins and promoting a healthy balance of gut flora, activated charcoal boosts immune function to help ward off disease.

Is Activated Charcoal Supplementation Safe?

When used correctly under the guidance of a health practitioner, activated charcoal supplements are considered safe by most experts. Side effects are rare but may include constipation, black stools, vomiting, diarrhoea or a temporary decrease in good gastrointestinal bacteria.

Check with your doctor before taking activated charcoal if you suffer certain health conditions or take medications, as charcoal can interfere with absorption of some prescription drugs. Unless under medical direction, limit use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to Take Activated Charcoal as a Supplement

Activated charcoal works best on an empty stomach between meals or at least 90 minutes before eating.

Capsules: Take 2-4 capsules with 12-16oz of water. Can increase to 5-10 capsules per dose if needed.

Powder: Mix 1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon into 6+ oz of water or nondairy juice and drink immediately. Stir rapidly as charcoal settles quickly. Can add up to 2 teaspoons per drink as needed.

Allow full doses to work for a minimum of 90 minutes before eating. Start slow and increase dosage gradually if symptoms are chronic. Maintain good hydration always when supplementing.

Is All Activated Charcoal Equal for Internal Use?

While activated charcoal generally has similar adsorbent qualities, the quality, safety and purity can vary dramatically between brands. Caution should be used when sourcing charcoal intended for ingestion or gut health purposes.

Beware of products made from inferior starting materials like coal instead of coconut shells. Contaminants like heavy metals, sulphur, ants, termites and toxic solvents may be present. Only high quality activated charcoal that is lab verified as safe for internal use should be considered.

Frequently Asked Activated Charcoal Questions

If you’re new to activated charcoal as a supplement, chances are you still have some questions lingering about precisely how and when to use it. Below we answer the most common inquiries from our customers:

When should I take activated charcoal?

For general gut health, take it 90 mins before or 3 hours after meals. To alleviate gas, bloating or acid reflux take it 30 minutes after eating. For food poisoning, diarrhoea or hangovers take it immediately at onset of symptoms for fast relief.

Does activated charcoal remove nutrients?

Because activated charcoal is not selective about what it adsorbs in your gastrointestinal tract, some important nutrients can get bound up and flushed out in stool if supplementation is excessive. Minimise nutrient depletion by leaving 90+ minutes between charcoal doses and meals.

How long does activated charcoal stay in your system?

On average, activated charcoal only stays in the digestive tract for 8-10 hours before it is eliminated through bowel movements - but effects can last 24+ hours. It does not enter the bloodstream or build up in other organs over longer periods.

Is it okay to take activated charcoal long term?

Unless directed by a physician for a specific condition, activated charcoal should only be taken for stretches of 3 weeks or less with at least 3 weeks off in between. This gives the gut microbiome time to recover and replenish between doses.