Charcoal is activated when wood or a similar material is super-heated in the absence of oxygen. The end result is a black, porous material that sponges up any and every molecule it can find.
It is this ask-no-questions molecular sponge-like behaviour that makes activated charcoal the ideal detoxification agent. As such, it is nowadays mostly used in emergency centres to deal with overdose situations.
The problem with activated charcoal powder is that it is both yucky and messy to swallow.
Our Activated Charcoal Capsules are the answer to a sticky situation. Easy to dose, easy to swallow, no mess. Each capsule contains 260mg of Pure Activated Charcoal. This is more than any other charcoal product in South Africa. And milligram for milligram, our price per capsule is better than any other.
Quick summary of benefits:
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Clears toxins from the body. This includes alcohol and medication, but also environmental toxins and toxins produced by the body, especially the liver.
* Reduces gas and abdominal bloating.
* Treats for diarrhoea.
* Lowers high cholesterol levels.
* Improves kidney function.
Directions:
Adults and children older than 12 years old: Take 1-2 capsules first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Do not eat or take medication / supplements for at least an hour afterward, to avoid these being compromised by the charcoal. The dose may be repeated at night, if needed (for example, when using it to treat diarrhoea). Again, wait at least an hour before or after taking the charcoal before eating something or taking medication / supplements.
Safety: Activated charcoal is extremely safe, also during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Since it may interfere with the absorption of medication / supplements, always ensure there is enough time (at least an hour) between taking activated charcoal and the other pills. Do not take daily over a long term, in case it interferes with the absorption of key nutrients.
Detail on benefits and how it works:
1. Detox Support: Your Internal Trash Removal System
Every day, we're exposed to herbicides (RoundUp, we're looking at you) pesticides, plastics, household cleaners, sketchy air fresheners and food additives that belong on Dr Mengele's lab shelves, not dinner plates. AC is the one-stop shop when it comes to binding and trapping these toxins.
AC can latch onto:
* Pesticides, herbicides and industrial pollutants
* Mould toxins and bacterial by-products
* Chlorine, fluoride and other impurities in drinking water
* Certain medications and chemical compounds
In laboratory studies, AC has been shown to reduce toxic load by about two-thirds when used correctly and consistently (link).
Fun fact
When a massive industrial benzene spill contaminated the Songhua River in China and threatened the drinking water of 10 million residents, the Chinese government used AC to filter the water.
Spoiler alert: it worked.
2. Digestive Support and Gas Relief (Because Bloating Isn't a Personality Trait)
If your stomach has ever turned into a rock-hard balloon after eating the "wrong thing,' AC might be your new BFF.
Inside your gut, AC binds to:
* Fermentation gases
* Candida and yeast toxins
* Parasites and harmful bacteria
* Chemicals that irritate the digestive tract
When used properly, it can help reduce:
* Bloating
* Gas
* Nausea
* Digestive discomfort
Hospitals call AC the "universal antidote" because of its ability to bind poisonous substances before the body absorbs them. And, unlike some harsh detoxes, it doesn't disrupt the gut lining.
Just remember: AC works best when you drink enough water.
If you don’t, things slow down … dramatically.
3. Inflammation Control: Inside and Outside the Body
Toxins => Inflammation
The more toxins in your body, the higher the levels of inflammation. Fortunately, most toxins cycle from the blood to the gut and back to the blood again via a mechanism known as the "entero-hepatic cycle". AC interrupts that cycle by sticking to toxins in the gut, preventing their re-absorption.
This phenomenon, known as back diffusion, is why AC is used both internally and topically (on skin).
Topical benefits include:
* Relief from bug bites (yes, including spider bites)
* Faster recovery from skin irritation
* Adsorption of toxins from rashes and environmental exposure
Internal benefits include:
* Reduced inflammatory reactions in the gut
* Less immune stress
* Lower systemic inflammation
Translation:
AC acts like a bouncer for your body, escorting unwanted chemicals out of circulation.
4. Cholesterol Support Without the Fear Tactics
Cholesterol fears are overblown. Having cholesterol isn't the problem - oxidised cholesterol is more problematic.
AC supports cholesterol balance by binding to bile acids (which are made from old cholesterol). The body then pulls more "old" / oxidised cholesterol from the bloodstream to make new bile, which results in naturally lower LDL and VLDL levels.
A 1989 study (link) found that participants taking AC experienced:
* 41% reduction in LDL cholesterol
* 29% reduction total cholesterol
(Note: the participants took up to 32g of AC daily, which few of us mere mortals will attempt. However, even 4g a day has a measurable impact on blood cholesterol.)
Bonus: removing old bile also reduces oxidative stress in the gut and helps maintain a healthier microbiome. It may also help reduce the risk for bile stones, though no clinical data for this exists.
How to Use AC (Safely and Effectively)
AC is powerful, but because it binds to everything, you have to use it the right way.
Do This:
* Take AC on an empty stomach or 3 hours after eating. This enables maximum detox effects.
* Drink LOTS of water with your AC. This prevents constipation and helps flush toxins out the kidneys.
* Eat fibre with every meal. This keeps the bowels moving for better detox of fat-soluble toxins.
* Use AC short-term or intermittently. After all, it's a detox tool, not a daily forever supplement.
Avoid This:
* Do not take AC with medication or supplements. It will bind to them and reduce their effectiveness.
* Do not use AC without hydration. Your rear end will regret it.
* Do not assume "more is better". Start low and let your body adjust first.
Dosage
Recommended starting dose: 500–1000 mg / day
Higher doses only when guided by a wellness practitioner or for short-term detox events (e.g., food poisoning or accidental exposure to toxins). A typical food poisoning dose would be 1500 – 2000 mg at a time, repeated every couple of hours until the problem subsides.
When To Consult a Professional First
* Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
* Anyone on essential daily medication
* Anyone with chronic constipation or dehydration
Activated Charcoal is a tool, not a fashion trend.
Used strategically, it can transform how your body handles toxins.
Summary: Why AC Belongs in Your Wellness Toolkit
1. A powerful detoxifier
2. A gut health supporter
3. A natural inflammation reducer
4. A cholesterol-balancing aid
Always keep a bottle of Mother Nature's Darkest Secret in the dark recesses of your medicine cabinet.
