Charcoal: A New Way to Detox

Charcoal is getting all the hype right now.

It is more than deserving, because it is a very strong absorber. When something absorbs, it essentially works like a magnet. Charcoal is an antidote, as it absorbs most organic toxins, chemicals and poisons before they can harm your body.

This product is a travel staple for me, because I love trying exoctic foods in foreign countries and I never know how my body is going to respond. When something hasn’t agreed with me, the charcoal is my quick fix.

You may be intimidated by the thought of drinking charcoal, and probably even think it is really bad for you! Interesting fact: Some emergency rooms administer large doses of activated charcoal for certain types of poisoning. It has been used as a detoxifying treatment for thousands of years.

Charcoal’s millions of tiny pores have the strength to capture and remove up to 100 times the charcoal’s own weight in toxins, increasing energy and overall well-being. Also, it relieves digestive issues, gas, and bloating by removing byproducts from the digestive tract. Its magnetic quality also allows charcoal to be a great remedy for food or chemical poisoning. The toxins will stick to the charcoal and be flushed out of your body.

Your cholesterol can also benefit from incorporating charcoal into your diet. Charcoal has been shown to interfere with the circulation of bile acids, lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Many cold pressed juice stores are incorporating charcoal into their favorite recipes. While that may make you crinkle your nose, it actually has a pretty neutral flavor. This week I tried a charcoal lemonade. It was a bit grainer than an ordinary lemonade, though I didn’t mind because it was refreshing and so purifying!

Charcoal also works topically to detoxify the skin. If you’ve been mixing medications together to rid of acne or oil, charcoal is a much gentler technique. Many brands are adding charcoal into their scrubs, masks, and soaps because it attracts the toxins and impurities from the skin and pushes them out.

Your teeth can also benefit from this versatile substance. It’s a teeth whitener without the expensive bill. After placing toothpaste on your toothbrush, dip it in charcoal, brush, and rinse thoroughly. You may have to rinse a few times to rid of the black residue and your teeth will be left newly polished.

In my long history of being a nutritionist, I have seen a million health crazes, but this one makes my list and will be here to stay!

Photo credit: Paul Delmont