It’s been quite a week so far and it’s not over yet! Yes, it’s that time of year when we tend to overindulge with food and drink. However, there is a way to avoid feeling that “morning after” with this simple trick. It’s something that is completely natural and effective–and not just for hangovers.
Take activated charcoal before you go to bed to sop up all those alcohol toxins (sorry folks-alcohol can be fun, but is considered to be toxic…). Charcoal is classified as an “absorbent” substance, which means particles stick to the outside of the structure, rather than being sucked inside as with “absorbent” material. Charcoal has been shown to be more effective for drug overdoses or poisonings than Ipecac and quite effective for alcohol “poisoning” as well.
We can see how activated charcoal is very helpful in preventing hangover symptoms by taking several capsules (6-8) the night before to absorb alcoholic toxins. Having had college age kids, this has been tried, tested and true! And maybe I do have a little experience with this as well…
Charcoal reduces the amount of poison absorbed into the blood stream from the stomach; charcoal also significantly absorbs toxins in the enterohepatic (intestinal-liver) circulation: charcoal has been found to attain its maximum effectiveness of absorption within approximately one minute, working instantly on contact and charcoal has been found to eliminate 50-75% of the poison, increasing another 10% if vomiting is induced by stimulating gag reflex with the finger. According to information published in the Archives of Environmental Health, activated charcoal forms a strong bond with absorbed substances preventing them from becoming dislodged and reabsorbed in the body.
Homeopathic doctors have used charcoal for over 200 years to absorb and expel intestinal gas. In fact, according to an article published in 1981 in Science News, charcoal has been given a rating of 1—safe and effective—by the FDA for acute toxic poisoning.
The list of substances absorbed by activated charcoal is extensive, but among the more common overdoses or poisoning treated are aspirin, barbiturates, carbon dioxide, cocaine, cyanide, gasoline or kerosene, narcotics, penicillin, pentobarbital, potassium cyanide, radioactive substances, strychnine, Tylenol, tricyclic antidepressants such as ativan and triavil, and valium.
Charcoal is also a well-known remedy for diarrhea, intestinal gas, nausea, and vomiting. Studies have shown charcoal also helps relieve the production of gas by as much as 75%.
Activated charcoal is also good for absorbing cholesterol. A European study showed 7,000 mg of activated charcoal taken daily for one month reduced LDL cholesterol by 41%.
Charcoal has also been studied for its use in treating diabetes mellitus. Charcoal absorbs glucose in the bowel, which has enabled some individuals to reduce their insulin intake.
To date, there have been no confirmed scientific findings to substantiate the loss of nutrients as a result of ingesting charcoal. In fact, research students have consistently shown there is neither a loss of nutrients nor interference in the absorption of nutrients, even after taking charcoal daily for extended period of time.
Charcoal applied topically helps draw out poisons and other toxins from insect bites and stings, poison ivy, skin infections, and wounds. Care should be used in administering a charcoal poultice on freshly broken skin, as a “tattooing” effect is possible.
In terms of dosaging for cases of food poisoning, Dr. James Balch, author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing recommends taking 6 activated charcoal tablets, the equivalent of 3 charcoal capsules every six hours until symptoms subside. The earlier one begins charcoal treatment, the less severe the symptoms will normally be.
I can attest personally to the many effective uses of activated charcoal. I have used it on bee stings, to stave off hangovers and with a few incidents of food poisoning. One time, when traveling to Italy, my daughter, her friend and me got food poisoning from the flight over. One by one, we all turned white and were on the verge of getting quite ill. We pumped the activated charcoal (we took 8 caps twice 15 minutes apart). We couldn’t believe how quickly it worked. Now, I never travel without it and always have activated charcoal on hand in the house.
So, keep the holidays happy! Be sure to have that bottle of activated charcoal in your bathroom ready to take before diving into bed after a fun night.
