Activated coconut charcoal is made by burning coconut shells at a very high heat then activating the charcoal in a furnace at high temperatures. This creates millions of tiny pores on the surface. That is why it is used for water filtration. Taken orally, activated coconut charcoal’s pores can bind toxins and gas to escort them out of the body. The primary uses of activated coconut charcoal are in general detoxification, alleviation of bloating and gas, and lessening body odor from within. Here is a little more in depth discussion of these applications and others.
Detoxification Aid
Activated charcoal is used all over the world as a safe and effective solution for escorting unwanted substances out of the body. However, do not use activated charcoal at home to treat accidental ingestion of toxins unless instructed to do so by a physician.
Activated charcoal works well in promoting detoxification of the chemical process of adsorption, a reaction where positive charged toxins and gases bind to the negative charge of the porous activated charcoal. With its millions of pores, the surface area of activated coconut charcoal is able to bind to an incredibly large amount of common toxins and gas.
Internal Cleansing Agent
For the same reasons it is so helpful in natural detoxification, activated coconut charcoal can provide support as an internal cleansing agent. In addition to binding some forms of toxins for removal, it also is able to bind bile acids and escort them out of the body. This action is quite important for internal cleansing as many toxic compounds are excreted in the bile. By binding the bile acid the activated charcoal also helps eliminate any toxins that are also bound to the bile acid. Activated charcoal can also be helpful in naturally supporting your body's ability to bind and eliminate heavy metals like lead and mercury.
Digestive Aid for Gas and Bloating
One of the more popular and clinically validated uses of activated coconut charcoal is as a natural aid for excessive flatulence and bloating. This application takes advantage of activated charcoal in binding gas in its millions of pores. For best results, take 500 mg prior to meals. Furthermore, look for combination products that combine the activated coconut charcoal with alpha-galactosidase (an important digestive enzymes in fighting gas and bloating) along with ginger extract to ease intestinal discomfort. This winning combination is found in Enzymedica’s Purify Charcoal+ . If you prefer powder, check out Enzymedica's Activated Coconut Charcoal Powder.
Some Important Guidelines
Be sure to drink enough water each day when taking activated coconut charcoal, as it can promote dehydration if adequate amounts of water aren’t consumed.
Activated coconut charcoal is generally very well-tolerated. Because it can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, supplements and prescription medications, take activated charcoal on an empty stomach 60 to 90 minutes prior to meals, supplements and prescription medications.
