How to Treat Diarrhea with Activated Charcoal: Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions | Real Food RN

How to Treat Diarrhea with Activated Charcoal: Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions

How to Treat Diarrhea with Activated Charcoal: Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions | Real Food RN

Diarrhea is a common condition that can range from a mild inconvenience to a more serious health concern. It can be caused by a variety of factors including infections, food poisoning, medications, or even stress. In many cases, diarrhea is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms like dehydration, bloating, and abdominal cramping.

You should always be vigilant to observe what the stool looks like, to ensure there is no evidence of blood. Also watch the person experiencing the diarrhea to make sure they are stable and can be treated at home without issue. This is not meant to be taken as medical advice, always check with your care provider.

Also to note, diarrhea is the body’s natural response to evict anything that might be causing the body issues. So, taking an anti-diarrheal will only halt the body’s natural process of elimination. Keep this in mind.

One natural remedy that is often used to treat diarrhea is activated charcoal. This substance is known for its ability to bind toxins and other harmful substances in the digestive tract, potentially offering relief for gastrointestinal issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore how activated charcoal works to treat diarrhea, recommended dosages for both adults and children, and important precautions to keep in mind when using it.

How Activated Charcoal Works to Treat Diarrhea

Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase its surface area. This highly porous structure allows it to adsorb (not absorb) toxins, chemicals, and other substances from the stomach and intestines.

When activated charcoal is ingested, it can bind to toxins and pathogens that are causing gastrointestinal distress, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. In cases of diarrhea, this helps to remove harmful substances that may be responsible for the digestive upset, such as bacteria, viruses, or chemicals. By adsorbing these harmful compounds, activated charcoal may help reduce symptoms like watery stools, cramping, and bloating.

Dosage of Activated Charcoal for Diarrhea

The dosage of activated charcoal varies depending on the age of the person taking it, as well as the severity of their symptoms. It’s important to follow appropriate guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness.

For Adults:

  • Typical dosage: 25–50 grams of activated charcoal, taken once. Some people may need a second dose after 2-4 hours if symptoms persist, but this should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
  • Form: Activated charcoal is typically available in capsules, tablets, or powder form. If using powder, mix it with water as instructed on the packaging.
  • Administration: Activated charcoal should be taken on an empty stomach, ideally 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, to maximize its toxin-binding properties.

For Children:

  • Children (1–3 years): 1-2 grams, up to 4 times per day.
  • Children (4–6 years): 2-4 grams, up to 4 times per day.
  • Children (7–12 years): 4-8 grams, up to 4 times per day.
  • Administration: If black liquid is not something that your kiddo will drink, try mixing it in some applesauce. It will still be black in color, but will taste like applesauce, as the charcoal is flavorless.

Note: It’s always important to consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider before giving activated charcoal to a child, as there may be other factors or health conditions to consider.

Where to buy:

Activated charcoal can be bought over the counter at places like Target and Walgreens, some grocery stores even carry it. I like mine to be made from coconut shells, so I buy this brand online.

Precautions and Safety Concerns

While activated charcoal can be an effective remedy for diarrhea in certain situations, it is important to be aware of the following precautions and safety considerations:

1. Potential Drug Interactions

Activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of medications, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and even some supplements. If you are taking any medications, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, it is essential to speak with a doctor before using activated charcoal.

2. Not a Cure for All Causes of Diarrhea

Activated charcoal is primarily helpful for treating diarrhea caused by toxins, food poisoning, or infections from bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. It is less effective for diarrhea caused by chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. For persistent or severe diarrhea, it’s important to seek medical attention.

3. Dehydration Risk

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, and activated charcoal may contribute to this risk if not properly managed. It’s crucial to drink plenty of fluids—especially water or oral rehydration solutions (ORS)—while using activated charcoal to prevent dehydration.

4. Not for Use with Certain Substances

Activated charcoal is effective for certain toxins but not for all. For example, it does not bind to alcohol, metals like iron, or certain medications such as lithium. If you suspect poisoning or an overdose, seek immediate medical help rather than self-treating with activated charcoal.

5. Side Effects

While activated charcoal is generally considered safe when used appropriately, side effects may occur, including:

  • Constipation
  • Nausea or vomiting (rare)
  • Black stools (a harmless but common effect)
  • Abdominal discomfort

If you experience any severe side effects or if symptoms persist, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a doctor before using activated charcoal. While it’s generally considered safe, your healthcare provider may offer specific recommendations based on your individual health needs.

Conclusion

Activated charcoal can be a helpful tool in managing diarrhea, especially when it’s caused by toxins, food poisoning, or bacterial infections. It works by adsorbing harmful substances in the digestive tract, potentially reducing symptoms and helping to restore normal bowel function. However, it is important to use it with caution, as there are potential risks and side effects, especially for children or individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Always consult a healthcare provider before using activated charcoal, especially for children or if you have any concerns about its safety or effectiveness. With proper use and precautions, activated charcoal can be an effective and natural remedy to support gastrointestinal health during bouts of diarrhea.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

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How to Treat Diarrhea with Activated Charcoal: Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions | Real Food RN

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