Activated charcoal is a medicine in the form of capsules or tablets that acts through the adsorption of toxins and chemicals in the body, thus having several health benefits, contributing to the reduction of intestinal gas and abdominal pain, teeth whitening, treatment of intoxications and hangover prevention.
However, this remedy also prevents the intestine from absorbing vitamins, minerals and medicines, so it should be used in moderation and at different times from other medicines.
1. Eliminates the gases
Activated charcoal has the ability to adsorb the intestinal gases, reducing swelling, pain and intestinal discomfort.
2. Treats intoxication
Since activated charcoal has a great adsorption power, it can be used in emergency situations in cases of chemical intoxication or food poisoning, for example.
3. Removes impurities from water
Some impurities in the water can be removed with activated charcoal as pesticides, traces of industrial waste and some chemicals, and are therefore widely used in water filtration systems.
4. Clear teeth
Activated charcoal helps whiten teeth stained by coffee, tea or tobacco smoke for example, and improves oral health by balancing the pH of the mouth, helping to prevent cavities, bad breath and problems with the gums.
The charcoal can be used 2 to 3 times a week by placing it on the brush and brushing the teeth. In addition, there are already toothpaste for sale in pharmacies, which have activated carbon in its composition.
5. Helps prevent hangovers
Activated charcoal prevents the absorption of other chemicals that make up alcoholic beverages, such as artificial sweeteners, sulfites and other toxins, so it helps to reduce hangover symptoms.
In addition, activated charcoal can also be used in cases of enteritis, colitis and enterocolitis, aerophagias and meteorism. However, it is not able to absorb alcohol, derived from petroleum, potassium, iron, lithium and other metals.
How to take
The mode of use of activated charcoal consists of ingestion of 1 to 2 capsules, 3 to 4 times a day, the maximum daily dose being 6 tablets per day for adults, and 3 tablets for children.
For hangover prevention, the recommended dose is 1 g of activated charcoal before the consumption of alcoholic beverages and 1 g after consumption.
The tablets should not be mixed with saline, but may be taken with water or fruit juice.
Main side effects
The main side effects of activated charcoal include stool dimming, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation when consumed in excess. The use
can reduce the intestinal absorption of used medicines at the same time, so if it is necessary to take some medicine, it must be ingested up to 2 hours before taking activated charcoal.
When not to take
Activated charcoal is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula in case of intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal problems or in patients who have ingested corrosive caustic or hydrocarbon substances. It is also not indicated for people who undergo surgery in the gut recently or when there is a marked decrease in intestinal transit.
Intake of activated charcoal during pregnancy or during breastfeeding should only be done under medical supervision.
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