Stomach Bug And Activated Charcoal

The dreaded stomach bug has hit your home. What can you do to stop it? Activated charcoal is an age old remedy that gets little attention. This article reviews activated charcoal and how it can help with stomach bugs.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD 

Activated Charcoal Defined

Activated charcoal is a black, odorless powder made from wood or other materials. It is processed in high temperatures and “activated,” which allows it to adsorb various substances.

Activated charcoal absorbs particles, which means they are attracted to the powder and become attached like a magnet resting on its surface. This is different from absorb, when materials combine and become one.

Activated charcoal was first used to adsorb toxins in 1800 B.C. by the Ancient Egyptians. Today, it can be used to help treat stomach viruses.

Stomach Bug Defined

A stomach bug and stomach flu are viral infections that can cause inflammation and discomfort in the intestines. Also known as viral gastroenteritis, common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Common Causes of Stomach Bugs

A stomach bug is typically caused by either food poisoning or a virus.

Food Poisoning

According to the CDC, 1 in 6 Americans (48 million people) suffers from food poisoning annually.

The most common causes of food poisoning include the following:

• Raw, undercooked, or contaminated meat
• Undercooked rice
• Contaminated water
• Unpasteurized beverages
• Raw fish or oysters
• Fruits or vegetables that aren’t rinsed thoroughly
• Soft or unpasteurized cheeses

Viruses

Viruses such as norovirus, adenovirus, and rotavirus are highly contagious. The norovirus is the most common, affecting up to 21 million people in the U.S. annually. A stomach virus is typically spread by coming into direct contact with someone sick. GI viruses can also be transmitted by touching an infected person’s saliva, stool, or vomit.

How Activated Charcoal Works

Toxins that come into contact with activated charcoal bind to it, which prevents them from being absorbed in the body. Activated charcoal is not digested. Instead, it goes directly to the colon where it is eliminated in the stool, along with the harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins that are attached to it.

When to Take Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is most effective when taken within 1 hour of experiencing symptoms of food poisoning or a stomach virus. During this time, the toxins are still primarily in the stomach and can be adsorbed by the activated charcoal before it is absorbed and spreads throughout the body.

Hospitals around the world use activated charcoal: In 2016, German hospitals administered activated charcoal to nearly 5% of poison cases. The administration of the charcoal was to treat “moderately severe to life-threatening intoxication.”[1]

Activated Charcoal Effectiveness

Activated charcoal may be an effective remedy for a variety of stomach bugs:

• Common causes of food poisoning include the bacteria E. coli, salmonella, and the parasite Cryptosporidium. Activated charcoal is a good adsorbent for each, effectively removing them from the body. [2] [3]
• In addition to toxins, activated charcoal can bind to the gas that causes bloating. Studies in the efficacy of activated charcoal show it significantly reduces symptoms of bloating and abdominal cramps attributed to gaseousness. [4]
• Activated charcoal has can also be used to control diarrhea.  Diarrhea has many potential causes, ranging from food allergies, food poisoning, stress, and side effects from medications. A study on diarrhea in children caused by the cancer drug irinotecan found activated charcoal reduced the frequency and severity of irinotecan-induced diarrhea. [5]

Activated Charcoal Dosages

Activated charcoal comes in powder, pill, or liquid form. There is no set standard for how much activated charcoal a person should take. However, there are several factors to keep in mind:

• Age of person
• Number of doses taken per day
• Length of time it is taken/li>
• Strength of dosage

The following are typical activated charcoal dosages:

• Gas and bloating: 1,000 mg taken after eating meals
• Diarrhea: 500 to 1,200 mg two to four times per day
• Stomach bugs: 500 to 1,200 mg, two to three times per day.

For children, the Mayo Clinic suggests dosages of 25 to 50 grams, or .23 to .45 grams per pound of bodyweight.

Always consult with your doctor on dosing.

Activated Charcoal Side Effects

Activated charcoal could cause the following side effects:

• Electrolyte imbalance
• Constipation
• Black stools
• Nausea and vomiting

Note: Drinking plenty of water while consuming activated charcoal could help ease feelings of constipation. In addition, activated charcoal could interfere with the absorption of medications. To decrease this risk, do not take medicine and activated charcoal within two hours of each other.

Activated Charcoal Supplements

Activated charcoal supplements are available at Revelation Health:

TrueCarbonCleanse

TrueCarbonCleanse is highly activated carbon, powerful humates (humic and fulvic acids), Cleanoptilite™️ (Clinoptilolite - Zeolite Crystals), and other Gut Detoxifiers that can attach to and eliminate toxins.

TrueCarbonCleanse™ contains many other potent toxin binders & fighters, including:

• Baozene® Baobab Fruit Powder— promoting a healthy gastrointestinal tract to eliminate toxins and has a high pectin content to support further binding of heavy metals.
• Magnesium Oxide, to bring water into your intestines, pushing out pathogens, and diluting the toxic load...
• Apple Fiber—to provide beneficial pollution absorption and elimination...



GI Detox Gentle and Effective Cleanse





GI Detox Gentle and Effective Cleanse is specifically designed to remove debris and toxins from the gastrointestinal (G.I. tract). This product contains a powerful blend of natural ingredients, including activated charcoal, apple pectin, and aloe vera.

GI Detox Gentle and Effective Cleanse binds to various toxins including metals and LPS. It may also provide nutritional support to help the body remove mold and mycotoxins.




Summary




The medicinal properties of activated charcoal were first discovered by the Ancient Egyptians. Today, it has many uses, including adsorbing harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins in the gut caused by food poisoning and the stomach flu. In addition, hospitals administer activated charcoal to patients suffering from drug intoxications. Activated charcoal has minor side effects and is generally safe for all ages. Activated charcoal can interfere with medications, so check with your doctor before use.

 

Medical Disclaimer: This article is based upon the opinions of Revelation Health. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Revelation Health and associates. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD for accuracy of the information provided, but Revelation Health encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.




References:




[1] Tobias Zellner 1, Dagmar Prasa, Elke Färber, (et al). The Use of Activated Charcoal to Treat Intoxications.   Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019 May 3;116(18):311-317. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0311. [PMID: 31219028] PMCID: PMC6620762. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31219028/

[2] Joseph Ross, 1 Crystal Schatz, 1 Kendall Beaugrand (et al). Evaluation of Activated Charcoal as an Alternative to Antimicrobials for the Treatment of Neonatal Calf Diarrhea.  Vet Med (Auckl). 2021; 12: 359–369. Published online 2021 Dec 24. doi: 10.2147/VMRR.S337698. {PMCID: PMC8714008]. PMID: 34993127. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8714008/

[3]  K Naka 1, S Watarai, Tana, K Inoue, (et al).  Adsorption Effect Of Activated Charcoal On Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli.   J Vet Med Sci. 2001 Mar;63(3):281-5. doi: 10.1292/jvms.63.281. [PMID: 11307928]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11307928/

[4] N K Jain, V P Patel, C S Pitchumoni. Efficacy Of Activated Charcoal In Reducing Intestinal Gas: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial.   Am J Gastroenterol. 1986 Jul;81(7):532-5. [PMID: 3521259]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3521259/

[5] Gallegos-Castorena Sergio, Gaytán-Morales Félix, Juárez-Villegas Luis. Activated Charcoal To Prevent Irinotecan-Induced Diarrhea In Children.  Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2008 Jul;51(1):49-52. doi: 10.1002/pbc.21491. [PMID: 18253955] DOI: 10.1002/pbc.21491 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18253955/