We all know about common charcoal or might have heard about it somewhere or used it. But do we really know about activated bamboo charcoal? How it is made and what are its uses? Common charcoal is obtained from wood, coal, petroleum and in some cases the coconut shell. Bamboo is the main source of activated bamboo charcoal. Bamboo which has grown for a period of five years is preferred. The activated bamboo charcoal is obtained from bamboo which had been grown for a period of about five years. It has a wide range of uses. One of the popular use which you might be knowing of is tooth whitening. So if you think you need your teeth to be whiter try the this charcoal. There are different varieties of the activated charcoal but we will today talk about the activated bamboo charcoal.
What is Activated Bamboo Charcoal?
Since it is adsorbent, it can bind ions and other molecules. There are more holes on each of the molecules when it is superheated.
Activated bamboo charcoal can come in different forms. Some are available in the form of granules, pills, cubes, powder. The popular form is activated bamboo charcoal powder. There are different reasons why people like the activated bamboo charcoal powder.
It is found in most of the grocery stores and preferred by most people due to a number of reasons.
What are the Benefits of Activated Bamboo Charcoal?
Used as a Teeth Whitener
In recent times, there has been an influx of brands of toothpaste that have infused charcoal. There also other dental products that claim to be having charcoal used to whiten teeth. There is no evidence to support this and in some cases, it can lead to damage of the enamel. In research carried out in 2017, it was revealed that activated charcoal when used independently can whiten teeth.
Used as a Water Filter
Most of the people use activated bamboo charcoal as a water filter. It absorbs toxins, drugs, viruses and any other germs available in water. It can be used to get rid of the organic compounds found in water which make it taste bad.
However, using activated charcoal bulk can sometimes fail to filter out all heavy substances from water. To ensure that the the charcoal is effective in removing the dirt, make sure you use adequate amounts of carbon.
Getting Rid of Intestinal Gas
In research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, it was discovered that taking activated charcoal can get rid of bloat. Participants were given the activated bamboo charcoal after taking a gas-producing meal. The results obtained showed that it is effective.
In another study, participants with a history of excessive gas took 448mg of activated charcoal. They took it three times a day for two days. After medical examiners, it was revealed that it was easy to carry out a medical examination. All the parts in the stomach were easily seen through the ultrasound process. Previously, they would not be seen since the excessive gases and liquids blocked them.
Used in Skin Care
Research carried out shows that bulk activated bamboo charcoal can be used to take care of your skin. It works by drawing the dirt particles in your skin to the surface. After being drawn to the surface of the skin, they are eliminated easily. It can also be used in making activated charcoal shampoo. It is used for the treatment of the skin for people suffering from the scalp. The soothing solution developed from activated charcoal treats scalps getting you away from stigma.
Used as a Deodorant
Excess moisture can also be absorbed by activated bamboo charcoal. This means it can as well control the level of humidity within your house or office.
Treatment of Diarrhea
Given that activated charcoal is used in cases of overdosing and poisoning, there is a possibility of use in diarrhea cases.
A recent study carried out on activated bamboo charcoal bulk showed that it can be used in the treatment of diarrhea. Bacteria and drugs that cause food poisoning will not be absorbed into the body.
However, the researchers pointed out that using activated bamboo charcoal has many side effects as compared to other drugs.
Maintaining Your Kidney Health
Most of the toxins found in urea can be eliminated by the use of activated bamboo charcoal.
There are a number of studies carried out on animals that show that activated charcoal can purify kidneys. In a study carried out on rats with chronic kidney disease showed its effectiveness. The rats were induced with 4g of the activated charcoal. At the end of the study, it was realized that there was reduced intestinal damage.
In another research carried out, rats with chronic renal failure were given 20% activated charcoal and at the end, there was improved functioning of the kidneys.
Used to Clean Molds
When you stay in a home which leaks, it can create a good environment for their growth. Poor ventilation can also cause the growth of molds. They are common in the bathroom, laundry and the basements. These are places where molds can easily thrive.
If it happens that there are molds in your home, you can eliminate them using the activated bamboo charcoal. When cleaning using this charcoal, it is important for you to wear the gloves and a protective mask to avoid inhalation of the molds. The activated bamboo charcoal powder will prevent the molds from growing again.
Prevent Alcohol Poisoning and Hangovers
Toxins that cause food poisoning can be eliminated from the body through activated bamboo charcoal. Most of the alcoholic drinks contain artificial sweeteners. Alcohol also contains many chemicals.
There are also other studies which show that taking activated bamboo charcoal with alcohol will reduce its concentration in blood.
Getting Rid of Bad Cholesterol
Using activated bamboo charcoal can play a great role in getting rid of the bad cholesterol from your body. It will increase the concentration of good cholesterol.
In a study carried out on 41 participants, they were informed to take 8g of the activated charcoal during the period of study. At the end of the study, it was realized that the total cholesterol decreased by 25%.
Used During First Aid
The activated bamboo charcoal powder can be kept in the first aid kits used at home. If an emergency happens such as ingestion of poison or chemical, you can administer the powder. But don’t forget to consult your doctor before using it. You can also inform the emergency services that you have activated bamboo charcoal powder to see how they will use it.
The dosages required will depend on the amount of the poison ingested.
Side Effects of Using Activated Bamboo Charcoal
Activated mambo charcoal is safe when it is used in adults for a short time. There are also other common side effects such as;
- An occurrence of black stool
- Constipation
- Blockage of the intestinal tract
- Dehydration
Safety Precautions When Using Activated Bamboo Charcoal
- Avoid using activated bamboo charcoal is you are having any intestinal medical problems.
- If suffering from reduced peristalsis which is slowing down of the passage of food, avoid using the activated charcoal.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with doctor before using it.
- Avoid taking this charcoal powder 90 minutes prior to or after having any medication. It will affect its absorption.
Common Interactions of Activated Bamboo Charcoal
- Activated bamboo charcoal can interact with drugs taken by mouth. It will affect the absorption of the medicine thus reducing its effectiveness.
- Activated bamboo charcoal can react with alcohol. In some cases, this charcoal is used to prevent poisoning. When you take it with alcohol, it will affect the working of the activated bamboo charcoal powder.
- It’s best to take a few hours after using any vitamin or mineral supplements, as it may interfere with their absorption.
Bottom-line on Activated Bamboo Charcoal
Activated bamboo charcoal has a wide range of uses. When you are seeking to buy it, make sure you buy the original product. It is not all the activated bamboo charcoal which is original. Make sure you take your time to know the source of the charcoal.
There are also some other brands of the activated bamboo charcoal which use artificial sweeteners. The artificial sweeteners are used to make it palatable. It does not make any sense when you take chemicals into your body while using this charcoal to get rid of them. Instead, you can think of using natural sweetener to make it palatable.
If you haven’t tried the artificial bamboo charcoal powder, you need to try it out. It has endless medical benefits which can improve your life greatly.
