Digestive disorders are a source of many inconveniences: halitosis, diarrhea, nausea, pyrosis, bloating, gas, belching, abdominal pain, etc. Usually related to stress or junk food, these disorders and symptoms can be embarrassing and inconvenient in daily life. There is, however, a powerful, easy-to-find and inexpensive natural supplement to help us remedy this: charcoal! For most of us, it goes hand in hand with barbecue and fireplace. If the idea of ingesting it seems strange for many people, it is nevertheless an undeniable ally with multiple facets.
Charcoal is a substance obtained after calcination without oxygen and at very high temperatures - between 600 and 900 degrees! - of vegetable materials such as wood, bark or coconut shells.
We speak of activated carbon when it is heated again to the same temperature, this time with the addition of water vapor, air or oxidizing gases that allow the development of numerous micropores. The porosity is thus maximally increased, giving activated charcoal its reputation as one of the most absorbent natural substances. It is, in fact, capable of absorbing up to 100 times its volume in carbon dioxide! Unwanted and toxic substances remain fixed in the porous surface of the carbon; it is not by chance that this material is one of the most used in commercial filters (kitchen hoods, vacuum cleaners, water purifiers, etc.), as well as in hospitals to evacuate anesthetic gases.
Charcoal is able to retain many substances such as heavy metals, toxins, agricultural chemicals, food additives, but also gaseous elements and bacteria that may be responsible for unpleasant intestinal gases. This is why it is often used in cases of flatulence, belching and aerophagia due to excessive intestinal fermentation, in addition to being a great detox ally. The bad digestive breath is, therefore, also eradicated.
Activated charcoal also acts by regulating the activity of the digestive system and calming stressed digestive systems.
It is thus very useful and quite indicated in the event of slow and tiresome digestion. It fights effectively against the diarrhoeas by forming a true intestinal bandage. In case of indigestion and food poisoning, its effects are felt very quickly.
As you can see, activated charcoal provides multiple benefits. The best part is that it has almost no downside! It is neither a drug nor a nutrient. It does not act directly on the body, but only draws toxins, bacteria and gases out of the body, after they have been properly mopped up. It does not cause any vitamin and mineral deficiencies, does not alter the pH and has almost no side effects, making it a safe and easy to use supplement. Even pregnant women can benefit from its many qualities.
Be careful, however, if you have a tendency to constipation, because if activated charcoal is very effective against diarrhea, it can also have a slight constipating effect on some people, which is why it is important to consume plenty of water. Don't worry if your stools are darker than usual; charcoal can stain them slightly.
Also be careful when taking medication or oral contraception. Indeed, due to its impressive adsorbing capacities, activated carbon is a powerful inhibitor of chemical molecules. It is absolutely necessary to space out your medication by 3 hours in order to avoid this inconvenience.