Natural Supplements: Should You Add Activated Charcoal into Your Diet?

When you think of charcoal, you might think of grilling hot dogs on a camping grill or cleaning out your fireplace during the winter.

In fact, most of us--at least until recent years--would have never imagined that activated charcoal would be something we consume as a health supplement. Perhaps you’re still new to the idea.

If you are...you’re not alone.

Consuming activated charcoal (which, no worries, is much different than the stuff you grill with) started becoming trendy in the last 10 years. While it may simply seem like a popular fad, there are actually many health benefits associated with taking the supplement.

So, what exactly is activated charcoal and what can it do to improve your health. Keep reading to find out…

What is Activated Charcoal? 

Before we dive into the benefits, we think it’s important to define what activated charcoal actually is.

According to healthline.com…

“Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits or sawdust.

The charcoal is "activated" by processing it at very high temperatures. The high temperatures change its internal structure, reducing the size of its pores and increasing its surface area (1Trusted Source).

This results in a charcoal that is more porous than regular charcoal.

Activated charcoal shouldn't be confused with charcoal briquettes that are used to light your barbecue. While both can be made from the same base materials, charcoal briquettes have not been "activated" at high temperatures. Moreover, they contain additional substances that are toxic to humans.”

Health Benefits of Consuming Activated Charcoal

Over the years, exposure to environmental toxins can cause cell damage, inflammation, allergies, and aging.

The job of activated charcoal: to bind to and remove unwanted toxins from your body.

As a detoxifier, activated charcoal helps naturally flush out all the bad things in your system. Here’s a handful of the body systems the activated charcoal impacts…

Kidneys & Liver

As your probably already know, the kidneys and liver are your bodies naturally occuring “filtration systems.”

Studies have proven that activated charcoal can assist kidney and liver function by filtering out undigested toxins derived from urea, the main byproduct of protein digestion.

Over time, less strain will help prevent inflammation as well as help ensure your liver and kidneys aren’t overworked. 

Gut Health

If you experience regular bouts of gas, bloating, or diarrhea activated charcoal might be one of the simplest ways to ease those issues.

When consumed, activated charcoal counteracts excess gas and leaky gut symptoms by binding to byproducts and easing digestive issues.

It does this by absorbing gas and liquid into its porous, granular surfaces. 

Oral Health

Did you know that activated charcoal contains natural antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties?

This is why so many toothpastes and teeth whitening products now contain activated charcoal as an ingredient.

Because activated charcoal is also mildly abrasive, it can also help gently remove stains from your teeth leaving you with a whiter and brighter smile! 

Skin Care

By this point, you’re well aware that activated charcoal is a natural detoxifier and works by drawing toxins from your body.

This property is what also makes it a fantastic skin care product.

When applied to the skin, it has the power to pull toxins and other junk from out of your pores. And, because it’s slightly abrasive, it makes a great skin exfoliant.

Most people use activated charcoal in the form of a facial scrub or mask. However, if you have activated charcoal powder, you can simply add some onto a washcloth with warm water and gently scrub your face and body.

If you’re interested in adding activated charcoal into your diet, you’re in luck. We’ve got a large variety of activated charcoal products in our store.

Check out our activated charcoal products here.