Understanding the Function of Activated Carbon

Activated carbon is known as one of the very versatile absorbents capable of absorbing thousands of organic and non-organic materials. Its use can be dated back to WW1; it was used in military gas masks and solvent recovery systems. 

In a consumer survey in 2018, many people cited taking activated carbon for their overall health and wellness. It was a detox supplement that would help eliminate the harmful toxins in one’s body. In addition to this, more people are taking activated charcoal supplements to assist in ailments such as kidney failure, hangovers, yellow teeth, gas, diarrhea, among many other diseases. If you’re seeking activated carbon, you need to check out Pacific Coast Carbon and find out more about activated carbon.

In the meantime, here is what you need to know about activated carbon. 

It is Used as an Anti-poison Treatment

Activated carbon has lots of toxin-binding properties. It can trap the toxins found in the poison in the gut. This has enabled it to be used in poisoning cases, where it acts as an anti-poison treatment. Since the early 1800s, activated carbon was the number one trusted antidote. By binding the poison’s effects, activated carbon can act as an antidote, reducing the level of the impact from the poison. In a case where a person takes poison, taking 50-100 grams of activated charcoal within the five minutes of taking the poison may reduce the absorption of the poison in the body. However, activated carbon may not have a successful effect on poison treatment, especially if the poison had alcohol, lithium, or potassium.

Used to Treat Kidney Disease

Activated carbon is particularly beneficial in patients who may be suffering from chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a condition whereby the kidney cannot filter all the waste products properly. Therefore, using activated charcoal helps reduce the number of waste products in one’s body, those that the kidney could not filter out. In addition to this, when a patient uses activated charcoal, it binds toxins like urea, therefore helping one’s body eliminate them. A patient with end-stage kidney disease recorded a significant improvement after using activated charcoal in a study. The activated charcoal supplements helped lower blood levels of waste products like urea, assisting the patient in recording a significant improvement.

Reduce Symptoms of Fish Odor Syndrome (FOH)

For individuals suffering from unpleasant odors like trimethylaminuria (TMAU), activated carbon helps reduce the unpleasant smell. The smell, also known as the fish odor syndrome, is a genetic condition where the TMAU accumulates in one’s body, letting out a scent like a rotting fish. However, different studies have shown that the unpleasant smell can be done away with increasing the smelly compound’s excretion from one’s body by using activated charcoal. Using activated charcoal reduces TMA concentration in one’s body and allows the patients to pass urine with TMAU components.

Help Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Activated carbon has been known to reduce cholesterol levels in one’s body. This is by binding cholesterol and bile acids for the body not to absorb them. However, for the activated charcoal to be effective in one’s body, it will require one to be constant with their activated charcoal intake to prevent the body from absorbing cholesterol.

Used in Teeth Whitening

It is among the popular uses of activated carbon. Brushing one’s teeth using activated carbon helps whiten the teeth and remain that way for a very long time. Activated carbon absorbs the plaque and other compounds that may be staining one’s teeth. However, for the white teeth to be seen, one ought to continually brush their teeth using the activated carbon.

Used in Treating Wounds

When activated charcoal is used in wounds, it ensures that the harmful fluids and toxins are purged, enabling an injury to heal faster. However, activated charcoal is when the dressing of the wounds is done, and as noted, helping heal the wound by purging harmful fluids. However, for bedsore healing, activated charcoal is not as effective as when used in injuries.

There are many uses associated with activated carbon, from absorbing harmful toxins from the body to improving one’s healing; it is gaining popularity in medicinal purposes. It would be best to speak to a professional if you want to get activated carbon and learn more about its importance. Not only will you save time, but you will avoid mistakes. However, it is safe to note that many of the benefits associated with activated charcoal are yet to be 100% effective.