Believe it or not activated charcoal has many useful applications. It is commonly used in emergencies when a person has ingested a poisonous substance. This can be done by mistake, or in hospitals activated charcoal will be used for patients who may have attempted to ingest certain drugs for negative effects. Bulk activated charcoal has saved the lives of many who have consumed toxic levels of chemicals (including household cleansers) and drugs (including sedatives, narcotics, and painkillers).
Activated charcoal is a powerfully adsorbent element. This adsorption process describes the way in which molecules or atoms move from a bulk phase, like gas, liquid or solid, onto a liquid or solid surface. In other words, the toxic substance attaches to the surface of the charcoal. Because it is not "digested," it stays inside the GI tract and eliminates the toxin when the person has a bowel movement. Activated charcoal is an extremely effective way of stopping dangerous toxins from being absorbed into your system.
Apart from this function there are other reasons you should buy activated charcoal. In addition to being a natural anti-poison first-aid remedy, many non-emergency uses have recently been discovered. It has been shown to eliminate fungi, viruses, and bacteria from the body. It can also adsorb gases, especially in the lower intestine, and thus help to relieve flatulence and gas pains.
Activated charcoal can also be used to help with different stings and insect bites. By simply mixing activated charcoal powder with water to make a paste you can give instant relief to those pesky bites and stings. Research has begun to show that activated charcoal may reach even farther into its potential health benefits like; helping lower cholesterol or improving general cardiovascular health.
There are obviously a lot of benefits to be had from activated charcoal, but before you run out and buy some bulk activated charcoal you should remember a few things. While using activated charcoal you will dehydrate faster, be sure to consume plenty of fluids. Also, it should not be taken in combination with other medications as its absorption factors may render them ineffective.
Some less common side effects may include pain or swelling of stomach, constipation, and vomiting. If you experience any of these it will probably be because you failed to stay hydrated. One last point to make is that milk products will also decrease the ability of the charcoal to work, so stay clear of them when using it.
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