Is it Fab or Fad?
Is Activated Charcoal Just a New Fad?
For centuries, the human diet has been a subject of discussion. New discoveries are made, and fads come and go. The new craze is “detoxing,” the notion that we ought to eat fruit, spices, minerals and vitamins to help our body get rid of waste and free radicals. Activated charcoal is one of the most common detoxifiers flying off the shelves today.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal usually comes from carbon sources, such as coal, coconut or wood. Activated charcoal has been dubbed “black magic,” because of its color, of course, and because it is highly absorbent. This absorbency allows the charcoal to remove harmful impurities, such as chemicals, oils and other toxins, making it like a big sponge in the body.
Activated charcoal is used to make toothpastes, face masks and body soaps, or it can be consumed as a capsule or powder. It has been utilized by medical practitioners in the past to aid in drug abuse, including overdoses, and gastrointestinal well-being.
But, the new craze encourages using smaller amounts both internally and externally to aid with general body detoxification.
Charcoal Supplement Uses
Here are some of our favorite ways to use activated charcoal. Enjoy!
1. Whiter smile
Brush with a charcoal toothpaste every other day to rid the teeth of pollutants and eliminate stains from the enamel.
2. Body odor
Use activated charcoal deodorants and soaps to eliminate the contaminants that are linked to “B.O.”
3. Improve digestion
Absorb pollutants and contaminants in the digestive system and breaking them down. Activated charcoal can reduce bloating, gas and help you stay “regular.”
Does Activated Charcoal Work?
Research has shown the dynamics of activated charcoal’s absorption property. You can take activated charcoal capsules sparingly; some people swear by activated charcoal as a hangover cure.
Topical activated charcoal can be used more liberally, generally once or twice a week. It should be noted that activated charcoal is NOT a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. If you seem to be using activated charcoal too often you may want to re-evaluate your health decisions.
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