Best Activated Charcoal Supplement To Detox Your Body
Do you feel like you need to detox your body?
If so, consider using an activated charcoal supplement, which can help improve your overall health and well-being. It is a safe and natural way to detoxify your body and remove harmful toxins.
This article will discuss the benefits of using an activated charcoal supplement and provide information on the best activated charcoal brands available on the market.
My Selection Process
Taking the guesswork out of supplements can be tricky, but don't worry—I've done all the hard work for you!
After pouring over mountains of research and reaching out to dozens of companies, I've compiled a list of the best activated charcoal products on the market.
These products have been thoroughly tested and are guaranteed safe and effective thanks to clinical studies and third-party certifications ensuring ingredient potency and testing for heavy metals, pathogens, and microorganism contamination. Continue reading and exploring the various companies to find the best activated charcoal.
Biocidin Botanicals G.I. Detox+
Best gastrointestinal detox and supports mold clearance.
Why I Dig It
Biocidin Botanicals G.I. Detox+ combines activated charcoal, zeolate clay, and silica to help your body detox naturally. Plus, it's made with premium ingredients — no gluten, dairy, soy, corn, animal products, or artificial coloring/flavoring.
These activated charcoal capsules can do wonders for improving overall digestion and providing symptom relief for occasional gas and bloating, not to mention their ability to support full-body cleansing and mold clearance!
It even includes humic powder and organic aloe vera — a great way to neutralize histamine production for those who struggle with allergies or sensitivities.
The Data Dump
Biocidin Botanicals activated charcoal capsules are based on sound scientific principles to ensure maximum efficacy.
This natural detoxifying agent utilizes select botanical ingredients rigorously tested for purity and potency by third-party testing services, providing added assurance of its quality and safety.
Also, they hold a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certification, confirming that the facility complies with the dietary supplement GMP regulations.
When I contacted the company, they informed me that you could request Certificates of Analysis - so you have peace of mind knowing what you put into your body.
Biocidin Botanicals – G.I Detox+ is tailored for those that seek natural detox solutions.
MaryRuth Organics Activated Charcoal
Best activated charcoal for natural detoxification.
Why I Dig It
MaryRuth's activated charcoal capsules will help you stay healthy and provide protection from harmful chemicals. This activated charcoal is derived from organic coconut shells and is vegan friendly and non-GMO.
With each serving, you get 950 mg of activated charcoal. This supplement is dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and sugar-free! Plus, the capsule is made from pine trees, so it's eco-friendly.
The Data Dump
MaryRuth's activated charcoal capsules can help bind unwanted chemicals in your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.
Best of all, MaryRuth's products are third-party tested for microbial and heavy metal content. That means you can trust that you are getting a safe and pure product.
Quicksilver Scientific Ultra Binder Powder
Best for detoxification and digestive health.
Why I Dig It
Quicksilver Scientific's activated charcoal powder — a multi-toxin binder comes in a convenient powder form and contains activated charcoal, zeolite, bentonite clay, and chitosan to support optimal health.
With aloe vera and acacia gum added to help prevent constipation, you can rest assured that you'll get all the benefits without any ill effects. Mix 1 teaspoon of this magical charcoal powder with 8 ounces of water and enjoy.
These unique ingredients are created by an incredible team of experts in their Colorado facility! Their talented staff is composed of Ph.D's, pharmacists, nutritionists, Naturopathic medicine doctors, and licensed acupuncturists — all working together to craft world-class supplements.
All products are dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and tested allergen-free, so there's no need to worry about unpleasant reactions or unknown substances entering your body.
The Data Dump
Quicksilver Scientific's Ultra Binder Powder uses GMP-certified manufacturing and follows FDA guidelines, ensuring that your product is of the highest quality and potency.
Additionally, every batch undergoes in-house and third-party testing to ensure safety, quality and potency. Every single ingredient is tested for pesticides, herbicides, solvents, and heavy metals — a promise, not many brands can make!
If you're interested in further assurance of the product's quality, you can contact Quicksilver Scientific directly for Certificates of Analysis.
Quicksilver Scientific's Ultra Binder Powder is the perfect choice for detoxing without disruption.
Amy Meyers MD Coconut Charcoal
Best for supporting healthy detoxification pathways.
Why I Dig It
Amy Meyers MD's activated charcoal capsules are the perfect fix to detoxify your body from environmental and chemical toxins, mold exposure, or even gluten exposure.
This activated coconut charcoal is made with premium ingredients that are non-GMO and free of corn, wheat, soy, and yeast. Each serving contains a whopping 560 mg of activated coconut shell charcoal to help support detoxification in the body.
Additionally, this product was formulated in part with Dr. Amy Meyers – a functional medicine doctor who specializes in autoimmune disorders and thyroid function.
To complement each product she sells, Dr. Meyers also provides helpful videos to understand how to make the most out of her supplements.
The Data Dump
Amy Meyers MD coconut charcoal is rigorously tested for heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
To ensure it meets the highest safety and purity standards, Amy Meyers MD tests each batch for mold, yeast, bacteria (like E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus) and follows FDA Good Manufacturing Practices for quality control.
Furthermore, the company sends out random samples of its products to third-party NSF-certified labs to confirm these test results and verify that each product meets strict quality specifications before making them available to customers.
With Amy Meyers MD coconut charcoal, you can trust that it is safe and pure to get the best out of your health supplements.
Bulletproof Coconut Charcoal
Best for detox and gas relief.
Why I Dig It
Bulletproof's coconut charcoal is a perfect choice if you want to detox. Just two capsules provide 1,000 mg of activated charcoal, so you can tackle whatever comes your way with a clean, healthy mind and body!
These charcoal capsules were my go-to when my husband and I renovated our house; they kept us from being bogged down with added toxins and chemicals. Also, it can provide heartburn relief and reduce occasional gas!
These capsules are vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free AND there are no added dyes.
The Data Dump
Bulletproof's coconut charcoal is made with clinically proven ingredients.
As an extra measure of quality assurance, all ingredients used in the product undergo standardized quality assurance testing. Before being included in the formulation, they must pass strict heavy metal and toxin standards.
The rigorous testing process allows Bulletproof to guarantee that each batch of coconut charcoal is free from contaminants and safe for daily use – giving you peace of mind as you work towards strengthening your health.
Benefits of Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is no ordinary charcoal! This odorless and flavorless black powder is NOT the same as the charcoal you use while barbecuing.
It is composed of carbon-based compounds from coconut shells and peat (vegetable matter) that have been activated with oxygen at high temperatures, making it very porous with a large surface area. Its porous structure allows toxins and chemicals to bind to the surface of the activated charcoal molecule, which is eliminated from the body.
Because of this, activated charcoal has been used for centuries as a natural treatment for patients who have ingested poison or overdosed. Emergency rooms around the world still use activated charcoal to this day!
A study in 2004 found that activated charcoal was effective in binding mold and significantly reduced intestinal absorption in animals. Also, activated charcoal can be used as an over-the-counter product for treating gas-related symptoms and helping individuals who have been exposed to mold.
Thus, activated charcoal is an incredible tool to support detoxification.
Activated Charcoal FAQs
Many people are curious about activated charcoal but need help knowing where to start or who to trust.
Activated charcoal is a popular natural remedy and detoxification agent. Still, knowing how often you should take this supplement and what it can be used for can be challenging. I've researched extensively and included the best answers to common questions about activated charcoal.
My goal is to provide you with accurate information so that you can make an informed decision about whether this natural detoxifier is right for you.
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The terms "charcoal" and "activated charcoal" are often used interchangeably, but there is an essential distinction between the two.
Although both materials are derived from the same primary source material – carbonized wood, coal, or other organic matter – there are significant differences in their composition and use.
Charcoal is created by burning organic materials such as wood with a limited oxygen supply until all volatile compounds are burned off. This makes what is known as 'charred carbon' - porous chunks of mostly pure elemental carbon that remain after the destructive distillation of organic matter.
However, charcoal does not possess a high porosity or surface area per unit volume due to its inherent bulkiness compared to activated charcoal (carbon).
On the other hand, activated charcoal is produced through a process called activation, which increases the surface area by introducing oxygen at extremely high temperatures.
It has a much higher absorption capacity than regular charcoal since its molecular structure has increased surface area, allowing more contact points for molecules to bind. -
You can take activated charcoal if you are exposed to mold, toxins, or chemicals like pesticides or herbicides - or if you use standard cleaning supplies (i.e., bleach), drink alcohol, consume gluten or highly processed food, or experience bloating or gas.
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Activated charcoal doesn't absorb toxins. Rather, it works through the process of adsorption – a process when molecules attach themselves to the activated charcoal.
Because of its micro-porous structure, activated charcoal can remove unwanted toxins, such as drugs, pesticides, mold, and heavy metals. These toxins bind to the surface of the activated charcoal molecule and are eliminated from the body. -
Taking activated charcoal pills daily is not typically recommended.
Charcoal is a natural remedy that can be used to detox the body and reduce gas and bloating. You may want to use this "as needed" only for specific situations like exposure to mold or chemicals, helping alleviate gas or bloating, or after consuming alcohol.
Before you consider adding pure charcoal powder or capsules made out of activated carbon into your diet regularly, please discuss this decision with your doctor. -
Yes, activated charcoal can be used as an effective detoxifier for a variety of different toxins.
Activated charcoal has been used for centuries as an ancient medicine to treat digestive issues and detox from mold and toxins.
Today, it is still widely used to improve overall health by binding with bacteria and toxins in the body and eliminating them before they have time to cause any harm. -
Activated charcoal is a beneficial supplement, and side effects are uncommon and generally limited to mild stomach problems such as nausea, fullness, and vomiting.
In some cases, activated charcoal can interact with medications and reduce their effectiveness, so if you are taking any medications, please talk to your healthcare provider before beginning a new regimen involving activated charcoal. -
Activated charcoal has numerous health benefits for your body, one of which is its ability to support and protect the liver.
One study examined patients with elevated cholesterol levels while administering activated charcoal for 4 weeks. The researchers concluded that total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol significantly decreased while HDL cholesterol (i.e., good cholesterol) increased.
A study conducted on rats concluded that activated charcoal reduced inflammation and prevented the decrease in HDL cholesterol (the "good" type), which can help reduce disease risk as well as overall mortality rates.
All-in-all activated charcoal appears to be effective in supporting liver function. -
As stated above, taking activated charcoal daily is typically not recommended. However, the exact dosage is case-by-case - simply, it depends!
Studies looking at gas and bloating have used doses that range from 500 - 1,000 mg per day. For the elimination of a poison, activated charcoal should be given immediately. For adults, the initial dose is 50 g, followed by 12.5 g every 1-4 hours over 24 hours. However, if you think someone has come in contact with a poison, go to the emergency room or call Poison Control. -
Activated charcoal can be a powerful tool to help relieve gas and bloating.
It contains highly absorbent molecules that trap toxins, bacteria, and other impurities that may be causing your bloating. Studies have also found that activated charcoal helps reduce bloating after eating due to its ability to bind with gas-producing compounds in food.
You can experiment and take activated charcoal 1 hour before eating or when you experience abdominal discomfort or bloating. -
There are many ways to detoxify your body naturally, and your chosen method will depend on your specific needs and goals. However, some of the most popular and effective methods include intermittent fasting, sauna therapy, exercise, and consuming certain detoxifying foods and drinks.
Intermittent fasting is a great way to give your body a break from digesting food and allow it to focus on cleansing and repair.
Sauna therapy, one of my favorite tools, is another excellent way to detoxify the body. Infrared saunas, in particular, can help remove toxins and eliminate heavy metals from the body.
Also, exercise is essential for detoxification as it helps to improve circulation and promote sweating.
Finally, consuming detoxifying foods and drinks is helpful. Some of the best foods for detoxification include leafy green vegetables (such as kale or spinach), cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli or cauliflower), citrus fruits (such as lemons or oranges), ginger, turmeric, garlic, bone broth, and matcha - my personal favorite!
The Recap
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post; I hope it has been helpful.
Activated charcoal capsules or charcoal powder can be an excellent addition for anyone looking for a natural detox remedy.
If a more natural approach is what you're aiming for, I recommend checking out my list of the best activated charcoal supplements. I hope this helped better prepare you to make an informed decision about your purchase.
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