Activated charcoal is a special kind of charcoal that has been treated with high heat and oxygen. This process makes it more porous, giving it a larger surface area while reducing its size.
Did You Know Charcoal Has Health Benefits?
Activated charcoal is used in many products, including food like ice cream and non-food items like toothpaste. However, regular charcoal, such as the kind used for grilling, is unsafe to eat or use on the body.
Benefits of Activated Charcoal
1. Reduces Fishy Body Odor
Some people have a condition called trimethylaminuria (TMAU), which makes their sweat, breath, and urine smell like fish. This happens because their bodies cannot break down a strong-smelling chemical called TMA.
Activated charcoal can absorb TMA and help remove it from the body, reducing the bad smell.
2. Helps in Poisoning Emergencies
Since the 1800s, activated charcoal has been used to treat poisoning. It can stop harmful substances from being absorbed into the body.
Studies show that taking 50–100 grams of activated charcoal within five minutes of swallowing poison can reduce how much the body absorbs by up to 74%. It works best when taken within the first hour after poisoning.
3. Supports Kidney Function
People with kidney disease have trouble removing waste from their blood. Activated charcoal can help by reducing the amount of waste the kidneys need to filter.
This may improve kidney function, especially in people with long-term kidney problems.
4. Lowers Cholesterol
A study found that taking 24 grams of activated charcoal daily for four weeks reduced bad cholesterol (LDL) by 25% and increased good cholesterol (HDL) by 8%.
Activated charcoal binds to cholesterol and bile acids in the gut, stopping them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
5. Reduces Gas and Bloating
Activated charcoal may help with stomach gas. A 2012 study showed that taking 448 mg of activated charcoal three times a day for two days improved the visibility of organs during an ultrasound scan by reducing gas.
Also, 34% of people in the study reported less bloating and discomfort after taking activated charcoal.
6. Improves Skin Health
Activated charcoal can draw out toxins, bacteria, and dirt from the skin. This is why people use it in face masks and baths to get clearer and smoother skin.
7. Whitens Teeth
Some toothpaste brands use activated charcoal to help whiten teeth. It works by attaching to stains on the teeth and lifting them away.
However, it may not be suitable for dental work like crowns or veneers. Also, it should not replace your regular oral care routine and should only be used a few times a week.