5-Minute Health Tip: Detoxify with Activated Charcoal

We’re not talking about the charcoal you use on the BBQ; we’re talking about 100% pure, medicinal quality activated charcoal that can help you detoxify, tone your heart health, and protect against cognitive decline. Activated charcoal is negatively charged carbon that has been treated with oxygen, and you can apply it topically (it’s great to brush with because it whitens stained teeth), drink it up, or take it in capsule form.

activated charcoal benefitsActivated Charcoal Antidote

Ancient Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine used activated charcoal to purify the body of poisons and enhance gastrointestinal function, helping to cure digestive issues such as gas and bloating. Even Western Medicine acknowledges activated charcoal as a powerful antidote to help rid the body of poisons and toxins. Studies show that activated charcoal can decrease the body’s absorption of poisonous substances by 60%. Hospitals use it to help eliminate poisons from the body because it adsorbs most inorganic and organic chemicals, pesticides, mercury, and lead. Adsorption means the toxins and poisons bind to the activated charcoal and pass through your body without being absorbed.

Detoxify and Tone with Activated Charcoal

A daily activated charcoal detox can help clear up skin ailments and eliminate body odor and bad breath. Activated charcoal helps to protect cells, tissues, and organs from the effects of aging, boosting the function of major organs such as the liver, kidneys, and adrenals. Activated charcoal has also been shown to protect cognitive function by slowing the rate at which the brain becomes vulnerable to toxins.

Studies have shown that activated charcoal can help improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. One study found that patients with high cholesterol who took activated charcoal three times a day lowered their total cholesterol by 25% and doubled their HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio (meaning the balanced was tipping in a more favorable direction of good cholesterol). Another study showed that activated charcoal protected against the hardening of heart and coronary blood vessels.

Taking Activated Charcoal

It’s important to supplement with high quality, food-grade activated charcoal, which is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic; preferably one made from coconut shells. Wait two to three hours before or after eating or taking medications/vitamins so that the activated charcoal doesn’t interfere with the body’s absorption of these other supplements.