How is activated charcoal beneficial?
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Because the surfaces of activated carbon particles are very porous, activated charcoal acts like a sponge. Toxins bind to the surface of activated charcoal, and that makes it less likely that they will be absorbed into one’s body. This works best with toxins that contain organic particles. Risk of overdoses or fatality from poison can be effectively avoided by taking a small dose of activated charcoal in good time.
Activated charcoal is also commonly found in respiratory masks and air filters. Just as it removes toxins from our body, the activated charcoal attracts and binds to contaminants in air including radon, fuels, solvents and many industrial and radioactive chemicals, and protects us against breathing or ingesting them.
Activated charcoal is also great for water purification, and can be done at home using very simple, inexpensive DIY methods. Activated charcoal can remove impure color, taste, and smell from water. Although some microorganisms will adhere to the charcoal or become trapped in charcoal filters, activated charcoal does not remove all microorganisms, and so in the case of filthy water, sieving and boiling first can be done to improve the purification process. One rational use of activated charcoal is to remove the color and taste of iodine or chlorine in water, purify stream water or unclear rainwater.
HOW IS ACTIVATED CHARCOAL ADMINISTERED?
-The most common way is mixed with water and consumed directly.
For drug overdose or poisoning:
50 to 100 grams of activated charcoal is given at first, followed by charcoal every 2 to 4 hours at a dose equal to 12.5 grams per hour. For children, lower doses (10 to 25 grams) are used.
Also, as an alternative to stomach pumping, eth is given via a feeding tube to clean out the gastrointestinal tract.
WHAT IS ACTIVATED CHARCOAL NOT GOOD FOR?
Teeth Whitening.
Activated charcoal is abrasive and when used to whiten your teeth, should be used in moderation, and not long term. Most charcoal-containing toothpastes are incredibly abrasive to tooth enamel and can lead to highly sensitive teeth, which are yellowed due to stripped enamel and more prone to dental decay. There are very few clinical studies that outline long-term benefits of charcoal on teeth.
All round detox/ Casual Home Remedy.
There is very little scientific evidence showing that activated charcoal is effective for things like high cholesterol, diarrhea or constipation, gas or indigestion, or that it prevents hangovers (activated charcoal does not bind with alcohol) or promote wound healing.
There's no research to suggest that activated charcoal should be consumed as part of a so-called "detox" diet, or that it's healthy to consume activated charcoal at all if you're not poisoned. In fact, it's probably unhealthy to consume it if you don't need it. A 2007 study published in the Journal of Food Quality found that activated charcoal eliminated the healthy vitamins found in apple juice.