When considering complementary treatments or supplements, be open-minded yet skeptical. Learn about the potential benefits and risks.
Keep in mind that natural substances can also have toxicities, adverse side effects and treatment interactions. Supplements are not regulated and can be marketed without rigorous clinical testing.
Activated charcoal is used in the emergency treatment of certain kinds of poisoning. It helps prevent the poison from being absorbed from the stomach into the body. Activated charcoal has not been shown to be effective in relieving diarrhea and intestinal gas.
The side effects of taking charcoal are nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. It is not known how charcoal might affect the balance of gut bacteria in the body, especially long-term.
Read more from Mayo Clinic here https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/charcoal-activated-oral-route/description/drg-20070087
A reminder about guideline number 1 in the Community Guidelines:
1. Be careful about giving out medical advice
- Sharing your own experience is fine, but don't tell other members what they should do.
- Experiences and information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
- Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/
From Shelley
Colleen, I apologized to Teresa, mentor/volunteer also.
I have had such great success with charcoal for gas, for years. I felt it was safe enough to use with my children. I would never ever use anything for them that I didn't absolutely trust. I thought I was clarifying my suggestions as working for me, but I obviously didn't do a very thorough job. I apologize that my post was done in the wrong way. I would never suggest to anyone to use any product I had not had great success with. I suffer from CIC💩, so I don't, can't take any chances on anything that might cause it to be worse. I will be much more cautious in my posts. Shelley