Don’t Forget to Take the Black Potion Activated Charcoal Supplement for Your Holiday

We all love to try tempting local street food when we travel, but what we don’t realize is that our stomach is not always up for the challenge. Activated charcoal can help as Nathalie Djabrayan, Licensed Clinical Dietitian explains that charcoal is becoming a major health and wellness trend this year. So let’s find out what the fuss is all about…

Detox properties 

The World Health Organization includes activated charcoal as an “essential medicine”, but this is not new; these black pills have been used for years as a remedy for avoiding diarrhea, flatulence, or any form of food poisoning/digestive distress by eliminating toxins from the body. Now, it is being used as a new hot enhancement, giving a black twist to everything from cocktail juices to meats, pastries, ice cream, and buns. It really goes with just about anything and in fact, some combine it with their morning super foods like moringa, matcha, acai, and yogurt smoothie bowls to kick start mornings with its rejuvenating and purification property.

For Beauty

It’s not only found in an ingestible form; charcoal has become the main ingredient  in facial masks like the common one circulating on social media to remove blackheads, and shampoos or soaps to deep cleanse and prevent acne and greasy hair. But that’s not all…This detoxing powder can also be used with toothpaste to naturally clean and whiten teeth. It bonds with stains leftover from nicotine, caffeine, and plaque.

Remember: Sometimes activated charcoal isn’t the best solution. The US National Health Institute advises to always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Charcoal can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, and excessive intake may cause essential mineral loss and blockage in the intestines causing constipation and discomfort.  Activated charcoal isn’t a magic cure for optimal health, but it’s one hundred percent natural, and for the vast majority of people, it’s safe to use.

Written by: Nathalie Djabrayan, Licensed Clinical Dietitian at Djabrayan Chiropractic Care & Diet Center (Member at the United Nations Association Lebanon)