Contents:
- Medical Video: 4 Reasons to Use Activated Charcoal
- What is activated charcoal or activated charcoal?
- Various uses of activated charcoal (activated charcoal)
- 1. Whiten teeth
- 2. Relieves flatulence and colds
- 3. Bid poison
- 4. Expel body odor
- 5. Treat acne
- 6. Overcome insect bites
- 7. Cleansing the digestive tract
- 8. Prevent premature aging
- Risks that may arise from activated charcoal
Medical Video: 4 Reasons to Use Activated Charcoal
In the world of health and beauty, there is one newcomer who is rumored to be very powerful to cleanse the body of various poisons and harmful substances. The newcomer is alias active charcoal activated charcoal. However, the charcoal referred to here is not charcoal that is used to make coals, but carbon or charcoal produced from natural ingredients. Usually this activated charcoal is available in pill or powder form. To find out what its uses are, read on the following information.
What is activated charcoal or activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal has long been known as a binder and antidote in the body. This substance is usually produced from old palm shells or wood powder. Charcoal will then be activated to enlarge the surface area and increase its binding capacity. The activation process is carried out by soaking the charcoal in certain chemicals. Then activated charcoal will be processed and packaged in pill or powder form. One of the active charcoal products that can be found at a pharmacy or shop is norit. This product is usually used as a digestive medicine.
Various uses of activated charcoal (activated charcoal)
This versatile substance is not only able to bind and remove toxins in the body. There are various other benefits that you can get. These benefits are listed below.
1. Whiten teeth
Your teeth will turn yellow if you smoke and often consume coffee, tea, or alcoholic beverages. Activated charcoal is able to restore the natural color of bright teeth while maintaining oral health. This substance serves to balance the acidity in the mouth, prevent cavities, expel bad breath, and relieve gum disease.
Wet your toothbrush and apply it to the active charcoal powder. Brush your teeth as usual, especially on yellowing or stubborn spots. Rinse thoroughly and make sure you drink enough water afterwards.
2. Relieves flatulence and colds
A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology shows that activated charcoal can bind substances that can produce excess gas in your digestive system. These substances usually come from food or drinks you consume. You can drink one norit grain and drink as much water as possible so that it can speed up the process of removing excess liquid or gas in the body.
3. Bid poison
The most widely known use of activated charcoal is bargaining for poisons. No wonder if activated charcoal is usually always provided at the emergency department. To bid on poisons, activated charcoal will bind poisons or chemicals such as mercury and pesticides in the body. However, it is best to consume this antidote immediately after poisons or chemicals enter the body, before entering the small intestine and absorbed by the body. Activated charcoal will not be left in the body, so that after successfully binding poisons and chemicals, activated charcoal will also be wasted from the body along with urine or feces. Keep in mind that not all poisons or chemicals can be bound by activated charcoal. Alcohol, cyanide and lithium poisoning are some examples that cannot be overcome by consuming activated charcoal, so you should contact emergency services immediately.
4. Expel body odor
The problem that is the cause of body odor or bad breath is because of the disposal of poisons and toxins in the body. To get rid of unpleasant body odor, try to regularly consume active charcoal pills and drink as much water as possible. By maximizing the disposal of poisons, the body will be clean of various bacteria and the remains of substances that can cause body odor.
5. Treat acne
Activated charcoal is also effective for relieving zits. Mix the activated charcoal powder with two teaspoons of aloe vera gel and apply it to the pimpled facial skin. Let stand for a few moments and rinse thoroughly. Charcoal that has been activated can bind and remove dirt and bacteria that can cause acne.
6. Overcome insect bites
When you are bitten by an insect, the toxins produced by these insects will enter the skin layer and cause various problems such as swelling, redness, and itching or burning. Immediately overcome with activated charcoal before the poison damages skin tissue. Mix the charcoal powder with coconut oil evenly. Apply to insect bites and surrounding areas. Let it sit and rub again every half hour until the symptoms subside.
7. Cleansing the digestive tract
Without your realizing it, the digestive tract is usually filled with remnants of substances or poisons that are at risk of causing certain allergic reactions if not cleaned. By consuming activated charcoal pills, you can cleanse the digestive tract. This can help relieve joint pain, increase energy, and improve mental health.
8. Prevent premature aging
Aging is a natural and natural process that happens to anyone. However, some external factors such as chemicals from foods and beverages that you consume, exposure to pollution, and unhealthy lifestyles can accelerate this process. To maintain the normal function of the kidneys and liver from the premature aging process, clean all poisons and harmful chemicals by consuming activated charcoal. So after you consume it junk food, non-organic vegetables or fruit, or inhaling cigarette smoke, immediately take pills with activated charcoal.
Risks that may arise from activated charcoal
Although activated charcoal offers a variety of efficacious effects, you need to pay attention to some of the possible side effects. So far, activated charcoalnot able to distinguish which substances are dangerous and which are needed by the body. As a result, not infrequently this substance will also bind various nutrients in your body and dispose of them. When you are poisoned, this is not a major concern because you must immediately remove toxins first. However, if you consume it along with foods and drinks that are rich in nutrients, chances are that your body has difficulty absorbing the nutrients because it has been bound by charcoal. This also applies when you are on certain medications. It is best to avoid consuming this substance if you are taking medications prescribed by your doctor.
In addition, activated charcoal is also at risk of causing dehydration. So, every time you use activated charcoal either as an internal medicine or an external medicine, don't forget to drink as much water as possible, even a few hours after you consume it. Do not let a long pause where you do not drink enough water. Some people also report side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, and in very rare cases, the digestive tract becomes obstructed.
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