Detox Binder Series: Week Two Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has become somewhat of a buzzword as of late. You can find it in toothpastes, face mask creams, powders, capsules, in deodorant and much more.
But what exactly is activated charcoal? And why do we want it to be in all of the above products? Read on!…
Activated charcoal is made from burning hardwood, bamboo, olive pits or coconut shells. The charcoal made from coconut shells is the most organic, and best in my opinion.
What makes the charcoal activated is being burned at a high temperature around 1200 degrees. With that being said, you can’t go out and grab some charcoal off your barbecue grill and ingest it…repeat…do not use charcoal from, your grill. The charcoal from your barbecue is laced with fuels to help it ignite and stay lit. Obviously not organic, not activated, and pretty toxic.
When the charcoal becomes activated it opens up the surface area of the charcoal. After activation a small piece of activated charcoal can have the surface area of a football field to pull in icky toxins…yep…a football field! What a detoxing powerhouse!
The toxins adhere to the charcoal through a process called adsorption, not absorption…adsorption.
Adsorption: The adhesion of atoms, ions or molecules from a gas, liquid or dissolved solid to a surface. This process creates a a film of the adsorbate on the surface of the adsorbent.
This process differs from absorption, in which fluid (the absorbate) is dissolved by or permeates a liquid or solid.
What are some of the many benefits of activated charcoal?
Detoxification:
Activated charcoal is a superhero when it comes to detoxing. As you read above it can have the surface area of a football field once it is activated. This all natural detoxing happens because of the porous huge surface of activated charcoal and its negative electrical charge that it carries. Toxins and gases are positively charge and attracted to the charcoal for easy safe removal from the body.
In hospitals world wide activated charcoal is the first step to treating poisoning and drug overdose because of its powerful adsorption powers.
Activated charcoal has also been used to help with alcohol consumption, and not having a hang over the next day. For this to work though you must take the activated charcoal before and while you are drinking. It won’t work if you take it the next day because the alcohol is no longer in your system, it has been processed. For the charcoal to work the alcohol has to still be in your system.
Anti-aging/Longevity:
With the awesome detoxing effects that activated charcoal has on the body it takes some of the load of your system. Meaning if your body does not have to work so hard to get all of the icky out that we put/breathe into it everyday, it is not going to “wear out” as quickly and will last longer helping you live longer.
Help Lower Cholesterol:
Some studies have revealed that activated charcoal can help lower bad cholesterol. This is done in the same fashion it works with toxins. The activated charcoal will attach or adsorb to and flush out the cholesterol in the intestine preventing its absorption in the bloodstream. A controlled study revealed that those with high cholesterol who consumed activated charcoal lowered their LDL cholesterol levels.
Helps With Digestive Health:
A double blind clinical trial uncovered reduced bloating and gas in subjects that consumed activated charcoal versus the placebo group in the study. Also the European Food Safety Authority has approved activated charcoal for the reduction of gas and bloating.
Radiation Effects Reduction:
Utilizing the same method as with toxins the activated charcoal attaches (adsorbs) to radionuclides and helps to safely get them out of your system.
Practical Uses For Activated Charcoal:
Water Filtration:
Most of the water filters on the market today utilize carbon (activated charcoal) as their primary filter. The activated charcoal helps remove solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals. It does not remove bacteria, viruses or fluoride, so you can start with a carbon filter and add the filters that will take out the above.
Air Purification:
In the same sense as baking soda that for many years we have been taught to clean the air with you can use charcoal bags. Charcoal bags are simply activated charcoal placed in a cloth bag. These bags can be used anywhere that baking soda has been used. For example the car, the refrigerator, stinky pet areas, workout areas, the bedroom, etc. The activated charcoal helps to neutralize odors and attack mold.
Insect Bites:
For insect and bug bites you can mix activated charcoal with some organic coconut oil and apply directly to the bite. This remedy will help to reduce the discomfort and itching.
Foods That Trigger Gas:
If you know certain foods always give you gas you can take activated charcoal about thirty minutes before you eat and again about an hour after you eat. This will help to alleviate the gas.
Natural Teeth Whitening:
You can purchase activated charcoal toothpaste or make your own at home to help whiten your teeth. To make your own mix organic aloe vera with a small amount of activated charcoal (1 teaspoon is plenty) in a bowl to a paste. Apply to your teeth and rinse accordingly.
Help With Acne:
Using the same method as above with the homemade toothpaste, you can use activated charcoal and organic aloe vera to help reduce acne.
Simply make the paste using the aloe vera and activated charcoal and apply it to the acne area. Let it detox/dry for around 30 minutes, and then peel it off.
Detoxing Facial Mask:
To make your detoxing face mask you will need organic honey and activated charcoal. Mix a teaspoon of charcoal with a tablespoon of honey to a paste. Apply to your face keeping out of your eyes. Let the mask dry for around 10 minutes, and peel it off. Once removed wash your face with some organic chemical free soap.
Digestive System Detox:
Your digestive tract can be holding some pretty icky toxins and chemicals and you may not even be aware of it. This ick can include heavy metals, pesticides, mold exposure, and chemicals from tap water. Clean nutrition, low sugar, eating everything organic, and clean water along with activated charcoal will help you to detox your digestive system better.
First Aid Kit:
Activated charcoal is a great addition to any first aid kit. It is great to absorb poisons or toxins through adsorption. If someone does ingest a poison you may still want to call 911, but having activated charcoal on hand will help start to remedy the situation for sure. (global healing)
Different Forms Of Activated Charcoal:
Powder
Capsules
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Air Purifying Bag
Soap
As you can see activated charcoal is an amazing thing. I hope you choose to add it to your wellness toolbox. Detox your body and improve your life. I utilize activated charcoal everyday and it helps to keep me feeling amazing.
Here’s to your health…
Cheers!
