Activated Charcoal for Food Poisoning: How is Activated Charcoal Helpful in Food poisoning?
What is Activated Charcoal?
By intensely heating naturally occurring carbon-rich materials like sawdust, coconut shells, wood, etc., activated charcoal is produced. Tablets and powder forms of this activated carbon are available for packaging.
How does Activated Charcoal Work As a Detox Ingredient?
The activated charcoal particles are negatively charged and thus they have a tendency to attract substances with positively charged molecules. Most pollutants like toxic chemicals, molds, pollen, etc. possess positively charged ions.
This can be put in a simpler way” Activated charcoal attracts the toxins and prevents them from getting absorbed in the body”
How Does Activated Charcoal Work For Food Poisoning / Poison Control
Activated charcoal is used in some cases of food poisoning and drug overdose. According to a study,” Activated Charcoal must be administered promptly”. In order for it to work it is essential for the Activated carbon to come in contact with the toxic substance concerned.
If activated charcoal is given time it will reduce the bio-availability of the toxic substance or drugs, thus preventing them from entering the bloodstream.
Taking Activated charcoal for food poisoning is effective only in absorbing the toxins that are still available in the stomach, toxins that are already absorbed by the GI tract will not bind to the activated charcoal. The activated carbon will absorb the positively charged ions that are still available in the stomach, which also includes certain vitamins and minerals too.
Should You Pop a Charcoal Pill When You Have a Stomach bug?
If you go by the home remedy and old school remedies way, yes you can take the charcoal pill if you have a nauseating stomach bug. But the best road to take is seeking professional guidance.
Stomach bugs may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and even a low-grade fever. Activated charcoal will bind the toxins and as it cannot be digested it will take everything out through the digestive tract. The activated charcoal tablet is easily available in the market, even activated charcoal powder can be taken. Mixing Activated charcoal powder in apple juice makes it easy to consume for kids. Adults can mix it with water. It should be taken sip by sip.
Should I Take Activated Charcoal For Food Poisoning As A Home Remedy? Is It Safe?
The answer to this question is an absolute No. Before administering activated carbon in any form, weighing up the potential risks and benefits is to be performed essentially. This can only be done by a professional. The dosage and repetitions are also determined by the professional depending upon the poison/drugs in question.
Moreover, medical personnel will also determine the efficacy of activated charcoal pertaining to the toxin/ drugs which are to be eliminated.
Does Activated Charcoal Work on Every Toxic Substance?
Activated charcoal will bind the substances that have a positively charged ion. It will not absorb iron or petroleum products. heavy metal etc. This makes it very clear that Activated charcoal can work effectively on some events of food poisoning and may not work at all in some.
This is why in an event of emergencies like food poisoning administration of activated charcoal in any form should be done in an emergency room performed by medical personnel. It has to be preceded by a detailed analysis of efficacy and risk factors.
Medication and Activated Charcoal
In general Activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of the medication, thus reducing the effectiveness of the drug. If you are taking activated charcoal keep at least 1-hour gap between the charcoal pill and your other medication.
Other Uses of Activated Charcoal
The beauty and skincare industries have been completely transformed by activated charcoal. Given its capacity to draw toxins, it struck me as being both incredibly intriguing and really hopeful.
It is also widely utilized in the filtration of water. Activated charcoal is currently used as a layer to a variety of water purifier filters.
Where Can You Buy Activated Charcoal?
Tablet, pill, and powder forms of activated charcoal are all readily available. These forms are all very conveniently available online. You may find many different places to acquire activated charcoal by conducting an online search. You can also purchase it there by going to your neighborhood pharmacy.