How To Drink Activated Charcoal Powder the Right Way

There are lots of uses for activated charcoal powder, from skincare to oral care and even pet care. It’s a natural alternative to over-the-counter antacids when you’re burdened with indigestion. For drug overdoses, activated charcoal powder can help lessen the worst of it before medical assistance arrives.

To get the most out of that activated charcoal powder sitting in your pantry, learn how to drink it under different circumstances. Namely, during digestive upsets and mild poisonings.

Why You Should Drink Activated Charcoal Powder

Many of us know that activated charcoal powder is the go-to home remedy for detoxification. In a process known as adsorption, the highly porous surface of activated charcoal binds to positively charged molecules like toxins and gases. Because your body doesn’t absorb activated charcoal, the supplement and the attached molecules are discharged from your body, cleansing it of unwanted harmful substances.

For that reason alone, activated charcoal is often used to counteract food poisonings and drug overdose. For example, taking 50-100 grams of activated charcoal within five minutes of drug ingestion boosts the odds of diminishing drug absorption by a whopping 74%.

If you, or a loved one, are suffering from stomach flu, you’ll be happy to know that 10 milligrams of activated charcoal adsorbed E.coli bacteria, a common culprit behind stomach bugs and food poisoning.

Last but not least, activated charcoal is also a potential fighter against gas and indigestion. Research indicates it effectively reduces intestinal gas leading to bloating and cramping. So, the next time you overindulge at lunch, consider drinking activated charcoal powder for some tummy relief.

How To Drink Activated Charcoal Powder for Stomach Issues — The Do’s and Don’ts

If you’re drinking activated charcoal powder for your stomach issues, here’s how to do it right:

• Follow the dosage instructions as specified on the product packaging or as recommended by your doctor. For example, we recommend using 1-2 teaspoons of our Activated Charcoal Powders.
• Add the powder to a glass of plain water or non-acidic fruit juices (avoid citrus flavors like orange), and mix it well.
• Take the mixture at least 2-4 hours after a meal. This is to prevent activated charcoal from binding to water-insoluble nutrients, like unsaturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Similarly, avoid taking medications for at least two hours from the time you drink the mixture.

If you only have activated charcoal pills in your medicine cabinet, twist or cut the pills in half to empty the powder into a glass of your chosen beverage.

How To Drink Activated Charcoal Powder for Minor Poisonings

Using activated charcoal powder to treat minor poisonings is similar in some ways to tackling digestive issues. Before drinking activated charcoal powder for the poisoning, consult your primary doctor or the emergency department first.

Once you’ve had the green light from a medical professional, you can either take activated charcoal powder in a single dose or repeated doses based on your individual situation.

For single-dose administration:

• Adults and adolescents: 25-100 grams of activated charcoal powder per glass of water.
• Children (1-12 years old): 25-50 grams of activated charcoal powder per glass of water.
• Infants (up to 1 year old): 10-25 grams of activated charcoal powder per glass of water.

An alternative dosing form for children below 12 years old is to base it on their body weight. The recommended dosage would be 0.5-1 gram per kilogram of body weight. Use only plain drinking water and make sure that you (or your child) drank all the liquid for the full dose. Check that there is no powder residue at the bottom of the glass.

For multiple-dose administration:

• Adults and adolescents: The first dose is typically 50-100 grams of activated charcoal powder per glass of water. Subsequent doses may vary depending on the frequency in which the supplement is administered — check with your doctor for the recommended dosage.
• Children (1-12 years old): The first dose is typically 10-25 grams of activated charcoal powder per glass of water. Subsequent doses of 1-2 grams per kilogram of body weight can be administered every 2-4 hours with water.

Keep in mind that these recommendations are just a general guideline. If your doctor prescribed different dosages, it’s best to follow their instructions.

Also, take note that activated charcoal powder is not a treatment option for poisonings related to:

• Alcohol
• Acids and alkalis
• Electrolytes, like sodium and potassium
• Heavy metals, such as iron and lithium

If you experience any of the above poisonings, immediately visit the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

FAQs: Drinking Activated Charcoal Powder

A glass of blackish liquid can make anyone think twice before downing it. Just like many people, we understand you may have a few reservations about drinking activated charcoal powder. That’s why this section is dedicated to answering frequently asked questions about this popular health drink.

Will Drinking Activated Charcoal Powder Make Your Teeth Go Black?

Perhaps the no. 1 concern about drinking activated charcoal powder is the fear of black teeth stains. Rest assured that this is an unfounded worry as the occasional charcoal-based drink is unlikely to permanently stain your teeth. As an added precaution, you can swish some water in your mouth afterward. 

While stained teeth isn’t high on the list of side effects related to drinking activated charcoal powder, some people may experience:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dehydration
• Constipation
• Blackened stools

To be on the safe side, consult your primary doctor before taking activated charcoal.

Is It Safe To Take Activated Charcoal Powder Daily?

According to health experts, it’s safe to occasionally drink activated charcoal powder, but you shouldn’t make it a daily habit. As mentioned earlier, activated charcoal has powerful adsorptive abilities. Not only does it bind to harmful toxins, it can also leach useful nutrients, like vitamins and fats, from your body and diet.

To prevent nutrient deficiency, only use activated charcoal powder when you really need to. For example, to resolve the occasional stomach upset or drug overdose.

Who Should Not Drink Activated Charcoal Powder?

Activated charcoal powder isn’t ideal for people with slow or infrequent bowel movements. The reason being, the powder is known to cause constipation and may worsen your existing condition.

If you’re on long-term medication, such as beta-blockers for high blood pressure, or take a dietary supplement like collagen peptides or protein powder, adding activated charcoal powder into the mix may make these drugs and supplements futile. Remember, the porous substance is highly adsorptive.

Healthcare professionals also caution pregnant and breastfeeding women to use activated charcoal powder sparingly. In fact, Drugs.com specified usage of the supplement “only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.”

If you aren’t sure whether you should be drinking activated charcoal powder, it’s always best to check in with your doctor.

The next time you feel bloated or suffer from food poisoning, drink activated charcoal powder to iron out these minor health ailments. It’s easy, effective, and available everywhere.

If you’re in the market for a high-quality option, try Zen Principle® Coconut Activated Charcoal Powder and Hardwood Activated Charcoal Powder. Certified food-grade, these finely milled powders easily dissolve in hot and cold liquids to help you get back in shape.