Activated charcoal is used as a natural remedy for a range of digestive problems, including acid reflux and heartburn, says the Wellsphere website. It is highly absorbent and is said to soak up the harmful or toxic substances that your system finds it difficult to digest and can, therefore, lead to flatulence, stomach upset and heartburn.
About Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a fine black powder that is usually taken in tablet form for digestive issues, but is also available as a liquid or powder, says the eMedicine Health website. The liquid and powder forms are most commonly used in the case of poisoning. Activated charcoal tablets are tasteless and odorless.
Activated Charcoal For Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux is a very common digestive condition caused by stomach acid moving back up your esophagus, says the NHS Choices website for England's National Health Service. This can lead to heartburn, which is characterized by a burning or painful sensation in your chest that is usually worse after eating or when lying down, says the NHS Choices website. Activated charcoal can help treat both conditions by soaking up the excess acid in your throat and stomach, says the Wellsphere website.
Dosage
The best way to take activated charcoal tablets is with a full glass of water, preferably distilled, as other liquids can interfere with the supplement, says the Wellsphere website. However, Mother Nature suggests that you can also take the powdered form for heartburn, by mixing 2 tbsp. into a full glass of water and then drinking it through a straw. While the website gives no explanation for using a straw, this is possibly to ensure you drink the liquid in measured doses rather than gulping it, which may exacerbate your reflux.
Precautions
As with any medication or supplement, you should check with your doctor before taking activated charcoal for a digestive issue such as heartburn, says the Wellsphere website. Always follow the product's dosage directions and, if you are taking any other medications, wait a few hours between taking them and taking charcoal. This will give your medications time to absorb into your system before the charcoal has a chance to soak them up.
Warning Signs
Activated charcoal is highly absorbent, but it doesn't discriminate between soaking up harmful substances and essential nutrients, says the Wellsphere website. It is particularly important to use this product with caution if you have a food allergy or vitamin/mineral deficiency because the absorbent nature of charcoal can make these conditions worse. If you experience constipation, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea as a result of taking activated charcoal--or your heartburn gets worse--stop taking the supplement and seek medical advice.
