Food poisoning is awful and if you have had it before, you know. Authorities say around 325,000 people actually experience this each year– not counting pets. But believe it or not, the solution may be easier than you think!
Activated charcoal is used as an emergency treatment across the United States in ERs for certain kinds of food poisoning. It adheres to toxins and helps prevent poison from being absorbed into the stomach and then into the rest of the body. It is a special form of carbon that binds substances (adsorption) and that is why we use it in our water filtration systems to clean water. (Read more about good water filters here.) It is also used to adsorb drugs in the gut so they won’t enter the body or bloodstream. In the hospital it is usually taken by mouth or feeding tube.
Typically people get sick from eating something contaminated, usually a bacteria of some sort. Maybe the food wasn’t stored correctly or handled properly. Some of the common sources of contaminates are E. coli, salmonella, listeria, Hepatitis A and the norovirus. Yuck! [Just so you know, sometime Hepatitis A can take up to a month to show symptoms.]
Depending on the amount of bacteria ingested, the effects can vary from mild stomach discomfort to becoming violently ill and dehydrated. Young children, those with compromised immune systems and the elderly are typically affected the most.
It is very important to call your health professional from the outset. Depending on the severity, blood pressure can drop. If a person’s blood pressure is low, IV fluids and medications may be needed to raise blood pressure. Listen to your body and get immediate help if necessary. Call 1800-222-1222 for the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Activated charcoal is available without a doctor’s prescription at your local pharmacy. The success of it depends on how quickly it is given and the type of poisonous substance. The sooner activated charcoal is given after a drug or chemical is swallowed, the better it works.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Because activated charcoal binds with nutrients, you should take it at least an hour before or after other supplements. I prefer before. Make sure to drink plenty of water with each dose and throughout the day if you want it to work properly and quickly to eliminate the toxins.
The texture to the activated charcoal is gritty and if it is not in capsule form, it is very messy as well. Make sure to read the directions on the back of the bottle. Three times a day before meals for severe cases may be a good option, but remember to consult your physician first!!
Lastly, with food poisoning often comes dehydration. You will need to rehydrate yourself. Gatorade has a lot of sugar, calories and coloring, so how about coconut water? It is rich in electrolytes and contains as much potassium as four bananas. So this activated charcoal may be a great solution to food poisoning and some have also used it as a natural remedy for gas, bloating, detoxification, and hangover prevention. Who knew?
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