You have probably heard of activated charcoal, but what is it?
It’s a form of carbon treated with oxygen, making it highly porous and adsorbent. This unique structure allows it to trap toxins and chemicals in its millions of tiny pores, making it a popular natural remedy for various health issues. Creating activated charcoal involves heating a substance, like coal or wood, to a high temperature and exposing it to steam or an activating agent, like an acid or base. This increases the surface area of the carbon and creates a porous, sponge-like structure with a large surface area and a network of tiny pores.
Activated charcoal is different from the charcoal you would use on a grill. Grill charcoal is typically treated with chemicals to make it burn more efficiently. On the other hand, activated charcoal is treated with oxygen to make it highly porous and adsorbent. While grill charcoal may have minor adsorption properties, it is not nearly as absorbent as activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is designed to absorb toxins, chemicals, and impurities from the body. In contrast, grill charcoal is primarily used as a fuel source.
So, what can activated charcoal do for you? Here are a few potential benefits:
- Detoxification: Activated charcoal can help absorb toxins and chemicals from the body. When ingested, it binds to these substances and helps flush them out of the body through the digestive system.
- Digestive issues: Activated charcoal may also help relieve digestive issues like bloating and gas. It can help absorb excess gas in the digestive system and reduce the frequency of bloating.
- Cholesterol: Some research suggests that activated charcoal may reduce cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids, which are produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. When bile acids are absorbed by activated charcoal, they are eliminated from the body, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Teeth whitening: Activated charcoal is a popular natural alternative to traditional teeth whitening products. Its abrasive texture helps to scrub away surface stains on the teeth, and its ability to absorb impurities may help to whiten and brighten the teeth.
- Hangovers: Activated charcoal is sometimes taken as a natural remedy for hangovers due to its ability to absorb toxins. It is thought to help reduce the severity of symptoms like nausea and headache.
Here at Bona Fide, we use activated charcoal in our Toxin Flush – in addition to lemon juice, coconut sugar & H20. This juice combines the detoxifying properties of activated charcoal with the refreshing flavor of lemonade. Not only does it taste great, but it may also help flush toxins and impurities out of the body and improve digestion. Whether you’re looking for a reset after a weekend of indulgences or want to support your overall health and wellness, Toxin Flush is a perfect choice.
It’s important to note that while activated charcoal may have some potential health benefits, it is not a cure-all and should be used with caution. It can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, so it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional before using it as a natural remedy.
Petre, A., MS, RD (2021, December 2). What Is Activated Charcoal? Benefits and Uses. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/activated-charcoal
