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Activated carbon, also known as absorbent carbon, was still used by our grandmothers. It is a natural over-the-counter medicine. It is perfect for any problems with the digestive system. What is the secret of its effectiveness? How does it work on our body? And above all, how should we dose activated carbon? Find out below.
Activated carbon – characteristics and operation
Activated carbon is the amorphous form of carbon. This healing substance is formed during the incomplete combustion of organic matter. A characteristic feature of activated carbon is its ability to bind certain chemicals.
How does it work? Activated carbon binds compounds on its surface that our digestive system has not absorbed. This is why the time in which we give it matters. If we ingest a toxin, we should immediately reach for this drug. Moreover, the amount of carbon given also matters. The more we take it, the better it will remove toxins from our body. It should also be noted that coal absorbs fat-soluble substances much better than water.
When and how to use activated charcoal?
As we have already mentioned, activated carbon is great for problems with the digestive system. It is worth reaching for it if you are struggling with diarrhea, flatulence or indigestion. Activated carbon will also help us in case of drug and chemical poisoning. It is also helpful in the case of mushroom poisoning, as discussed in Medonet by the toxicologist, MD. Eryk Matuszkiewicz. The expert advised that in case of mushroom poisoning, resort to this drug. «If we do not have vomiting and diarrhea, it is worth taking activated charcoal. He will absorb some of the toxins, thanks to which less poison will penetrate the body »- he said.
What is the dosage of this drug? In the case of diarrhea, charcoal can be given to children from 12 years of age and adults. You should then take 4 g of this substance at a time. It is worth repeating this several times a day until the unpleasant symptoms cease. If the diarrhea has not resolved after two days, please consult your doctor.
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On the other hand, if we suffer from flatulence and indigestion, we should take from 800 to 1200 mg of activated carbon at a time.. We can do it several times a day. If problems persist after a week, see your doctor.
How to use activated carbon in case of drug or chemical poisoning? In this case, we should not do it on our own. This situation requires medical supervision.
Below we present the recommended dosage:
- children up to 1 year of age – 10-25 g or 0,5-1 g / kg body weight,
- children from 1 to 12 years of age – 25-50 g or 0,5-1 g / kg body weight,
- children from 12 years of age and adults – 25-100 g.
It should also be remembered that activated carbon does not work against all toxic substances. Some of them cannot be removed. They include, among others:
- amphetamine,
- paracetamol,
- atropine,
- ricin,
- strychnine.
Coal also has no effect on alcohols, inorganic salts, metals and their inorganic compounds, as well as acids and bases.
In pharmacies, we can buy activated carbon in various forms. If we choose tablets, it is best to crush them and mix them with water. In the case of capsules, things are a bit easier. We should just halve them and throw them into the water in a ratio of 1: 2.
Side effects of taking activated carbon
Due to the fact that activated carbon has strong absorbing properties, it can also reduce the absorption of drugs that we take on a daily basis. Therefore, at least two hours before or after taking this compound, we should refrain from taking other medications.
In addition, we must also be prepared for the fact that activated carbon will affect the color of our feces. Due to the fact that our digestive system does not absorb this drug, our stools will turn black. We should not be concerned about this. This is completely normal.
Other side effects associated with the intake of activated charcoal relate primarily to gastrointestinal disorders. We mean, among others, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
Other uses of activated carbon
Activated carbon helps not only with problems with the digestive system. It is also widely used in cosmetology. It is used, inter alia, in the fight against acne. It is the main component of masks and washing gels that fight blackheads and regulate the secretion of sebum. Try Bioherba Activated Carbon Cleansing Gel for oily and acne skin, which you can buy on Medonet Market at a promotional price. We also recommend Carbon natural soap for acne-prone skin. Mydlarnia FOUR SPACES.
Activated charcoal is also the basic compound of tooth whitening toothpastes. It can also be found in shampoos, shower gels and body scrubs.
What’s more, each of us can prepare a caring mask made of active carbon in the comfort of our own home. How to do it? All you have to do is mix thick natural yoghurt with three crushed activated carbon tablets. Then apply the mixture on your face for about 15 minutes, avoiding the eye area.
Important! Before applying this mask, it is a good idea to do an allergy test. Apply the mixture on the inside of your hand and wait a few minutes. If there are no skin changes or redness, you can easily apply the mask to your face.