Many people turn to activated charcoal for stomach bug issues and find great relief. Natural remedies can relieve the stomach virus and charcoal pills are a great way to combat diarrhea and upset stomach when you are feeling unwell.
This post isn’t about getting rid of traditional medicine. It’s not about being against doctor’s visits or refusing to listen to your pediatrician because believe me – these steps should always be on your list.
I like to use activated charcoal as a supplement or a first course of action. As soon as I see any form of symptom, consider this natural remedy as something you can keep on hand and at home.
Activated Charcoal For Stomach Bug Issues
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As someone who has three children in school, we are plagued with the stomach flu and constantly look for different ways to help our children find quick relief.
Typically, this illness doesn’t last very long. However, as a parent, we want to do as much as we can. The theory behind Activated Charcoal is that it can absorb the bacteria responsible for the stomach flu – similarly to the way it absorbs poisons.
As a reminder, be sure to drink plenty of fluids during this time – as you would during any cold. Dehydration is something you need to monitor while sick with the stomach flu. SO, while we are worrying about toxins, we also have to be worried about our hydration.
If you are curious about how activated charcoal works on a stomach bug, the process is quite simple. The product traps toxins and chemicals in the gut within the charcoal which prevents any absorption from the body and your system.
As a reminder, you cannot absorb the charcoal into your system which means that you will carry out those toxins from your body through your feces. The charcoal acts as a vehicle to drive the toxins directly out of your body.
What Else Does Activated Charcoal Help With?
Believe it or not, while activated charcoal is known to help out with the flu, it can also help out with food poisoning, act as a natural water filter, and tend to bug bites (if placed topically).
People also use charcoal to help whiten their teeth and deal with skincare issues. So, there’s not only a health-related focus here! You can benefit in the beauty department as well – especially with charcoal mask benefits.
Related: Biore Charcoal Strips Review
What Are The Side Effects?
There are some side effects that you should be made aware of when it comes to activated charcoal and they include constipation and black stool. Monitor accordingly.
Do not take these pills if you are allergic to charcoal or have:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- any type of serious illness
You should always consult your doctor should you have any concerns.
How Should I Take Charcoal?
If you are ready to try activated charcoal for stomach flu or food poisoning, you should follow a certain protocol. Please consult a doctor before starting any new routine. I want to kick off this section with that piece of information! Now, let’s get down to specifics.
Do not take these pills in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Simply follow the directions on your prescription label.
When taking this charcoal, be sure to do so with a full glass of water. Never crush, break, or chew the capsule. Take them whole at all times.
It is important to note that you should not take this product long term. If you think about what it is doing – absorbing – there is a chance that you can absorb important vitamins and minerals from your diet. Use what you need and then stop.
Where To Find Activated Charcoal For Stomach Bug
You can get Activated Charcoal at your local health food store or you can find Activated Charcoal on Amazon (which seems to be a lot cheaper).
Have you tried to prevent the stomach flu or relieve symptoms from the stomach flu or a stomach bug with activated charcoal before? What are your thoughts? Did you have any success? Would love to hear your thoughts.
What Is The Quickest Way To Get Rid Of A Stomach Bug?
Drink plenty of liquid every day. Not in any large doses. You must make sure that you take them in small, frequent sips. And it’s very important for you to ease back into eating with bland food such as crackers, bananas, and rice.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between The Stomach Flu And Food Poisoning?
You should absolutely consult a physician for a definitive answer, but there are several ways you can tell the difference between the stomach flu and food poisoning.
- Bloody diarrhea is more likely to be a symptom of food poisoning.
- Projectile vomiting and stomach cramps are often caused by the norovirus.
Activated charcoal is known to be good for diarrhea and can be used as an emergency treatment for certain kinds of poisoning as well. It is always smart to keep some on hand at home.
Can you take too much activated charcoal?
As with all things, you can absolutely take too much of a product which will result in a negative effect on your body.
If you are taking Activated Charcoal at home to treat diarrhea, stop taking it and call your doctor if your diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days or you also have a fever.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this product. Just so you know, an “overdose” is not likely to cause any life-threatening harm.