Black Burger featured in Time magazine, more on this later |
If you’re thinking there’s always something “new”
in nutrition we’re supposed to take or use, it can certainly seem that
way. I roll my eyes at some most things that come our way. I am reassured
though when what’s old is new or there’s a long history behind an ingredient. Enter
charcoal.
I was excited when CBS suggested this segment because charcoal had just come into my life. you see, I’ve been brushing my teeth with a
charcoal powder. We’re also seeing charcoal pop up at juice shops with “dark
detox shots” and charcoal lemonade.
So you know, I’m not
suggesting you eat your BBQ charcoal. Activated charcoal is made when charcoal
(from wood or even coconut shells) is heated with a gas to expand its surface
area. It is this surface area (1tsp has 10,000 feet surface area) that’s
responsible for its “detox” action. Activated charcoal was used in ancient Egypt and
by Hippocrates in Greece. The appeal of activated charcoal is that it’s like a
sponge for chemicals and poisons; they adhere to it. ERs use charcoal because
it creates a “prison” for drugs such as cocaine. The debate, if there is one, is
whether activated charcoal should be used for less severe situations or every
day use
Activated charcoal comes in powder or capsules. I
love this one made from coconut shells for capsules and also this tooth powder. Charcoal
doesn’t discriminate will adsorb meds (such as anti depressants) and vitamins
too if you take it within an hour of taking them
Why would you use activated charcoal if you don’t
have to cocaine in your system? First, as I mentioned you can brush your teeth
with it. I would advise you to use a little and know that it’s messy.
Gas
Charcoal can also “adsorb” (adsorb means bind) intestinal gas. A study
found that activated charcoal reduces the amount of gas produced by eating
beans and other gas-forming foods. If you’re feeling especially gassy try two
charcoal tablets three times a day can help absorb the offending gases and help
give your stomach a flatter appearance.
Water
filtration and air filtration
Carolyn gave me this cool water filter as a
holiday gift last year (yes we joked I got coal in my stocking hmn).The charcoal is from tree branches. It absorbs
impurities such as chlorine and other water impurities In exchange, the
charcoal sends its nutrients (calcium, iron and magnesium) back into the water
And It also neutralizes the water's pH levels. Our office Ovopur filter (may look familiar to some of you) is also charcoal-based.
Diarrhea
Charcoal is great to travel with. It relieves
symptoms of nervous diarrhea or traveler’s diarrhea 1 tablespoon of powdered
activated charcoal up to 2-3 times a day between meals. Swirl the charcoal in a glass of water and
then drink it down; or mix it with olive oil and spoon it into your mouth.
I’m often asked what helps with hangovers. If you
feel you’re likely to have one, try popping a couple of charcoal caps before
bed. For any of these remedies I wouldn’t take charcoal too often or it can
constipate you (and make your poop black). In terms of “yay or step away” or
#YOSA I’d say yay but not every day.
And yes, the black burger pictured above is made
with cheese infused with bamboo charcoal; I’d “stay away”.
Do you use charcoal? Do you take it internally or use it topically? Have you been hearing about it lately?
oh so sad you didnt upload video of yourself brushing with charcoal :)
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