Medical and Health Benefits:
- Emergency Toxin Removal: This is the only scientifically proven benefit, used in emergency rooms to treat certain kinds of drug overdoses and poisonings by trapping toxins in the gut and preventing their absorption into the bloodstream.
- Gas and Bloating Relief: Studies suggest it can help reduce uncomfortable gas and bloating by binding to gas-producing byproducts in the digestive tract.
- Kidney Function Support: Activated charcoal may help individuals with chronic kidney disease by reducing the amount of waste products the kidneys have to filter, though more research is needed.
- Cholesterol Management: Older studies suggest that activated charcoal may help lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels, but recent research is needed to confirm these findings.
- Fish Odor Syndrome (TMAU): Activated charcoal may help reduce the foul odor associated with trimethylaminuria, a genetic condition that causes the body to produce a fishy smell.
