They are commonly used to treat stomach problems such as bloating and stomach upset. To know more about charcoal tablet uses, scroll down…
Charcoal tablets that are extensively used for various medicinal purposes contain activated carbon that is known for its porous nature. Being very porous, it displays amazing absorption properties. This type of carbon (activated) is not naturally occurring but has to be processed for turning it porous, thereby making it an effective absorbent. They can be purchased over the counter and have proved to be effective for some common medical conditions.
What are the Uses of Charcoal Tablets?
Is flatulence or bloating bothering you? Wanting to ease pain that commonly accompanies stomach upset? Charcoal supplements are an easy way to overcome this stomach problem. Apart from relieving aching stomach, they can also help to counteract the effect of drug overdose. It is elaborated below:
Relieves Stomach Bloating
Stomach bloating or belching is a condition in which there is too much of intestinal gas. Taking charcoal tablets may help to get relief from the discomfort associated with bloating. In fact, it is the fastest way to cure stomach bloating. The problem of excess gas resolves with use of activated charcoal tablets. The way magnet attracts metals, similarly charcoal exerts a force of attraction on the intestinal gas. As a result the excess gas sticks to the charcoal tablet, thereby giving us immediate relief from bloating. It acts as an effective binding agent in the gastrointestinal tract. The binding action of charcoal promotes absorption of gas into the charcoal tablet. The tablet is then eventually eliminated out of the body through bowel movement.
Cures Stomach Upset
Looking for an easy way to beat stomach upset? Well, you could rely on these tablets for this purpose. An upset stomach that is typically marked by indigestion, stomach pain and heartburn, does respond quite well to charcoal tablets. It is certainly useful to improve tummy ache as it soaks out substances that are troubling the stomach.
Treats Drug Overdose
In some cases, patients unknowingly take a medication in high doses. This can be fatal as it predisposes a person to severe adverse reactions. To reduce the impact of high dose, taking charcoal tablet is a good option. Being an excellent absorbent, its ability to bind substances to itself works effectively to treat cases of poisoning and drug overdose. This is because, once inside the belly, it absorbs the drug and prevent it from entering the bloodstream.
Alleviates Food Poisoning
Eating spoiled food or foodstuffs that are preserved improperly causes food poisoning. Severe cases of food poisoning are also successfully treated with charcoal tablets. If one experiences symptoms of food poisoning, gulping the tablet along with a glass of water can be helpful to improve the patient’s condition. As aforementioned, charcoal’s excellent absorbing property allows it to soak the poisonous substance, in turn keeping the patient away from life-threatening consequences.
Points to Ponder
The FDA has not yet approved charcoal for the ailments that it is being used for. Even though they are effective, one should first contact a doctor before using them. Secondly, as mentioned above, activated charcoal contributes substantially in absorbing harmful toxins from the stomach but it cannot distinguish between good and bad. In other words, the essential nutrients in the stomach and the intestine that support health may also get attached to these tablets and eventually thrown out of the body. So, since charcoal interferes with your ability to absorb nutrients, it should be used occasionally and not frequently. Also, cases of food poisoning should not be treated with these tablets without medical advice. Seek medical help immediately and preferably go for charcoal powder when it comes to treating any sort of poisoning.
There have been reports of diarrhea patients experiencing relief from use of these tablets. However, there is no scientific evidence to back such claims and so taking the consent of a health care provider prior to using these tablets for diarrhea is a must.
