Why This Detox Ingredient Is Everywhere Right Now + Exactly How To Use It

Activated charcoal is made from substances like bamboo or coconut shell that are treated at a high heat, making it extremely porous at the cellular level, which is what allows the charcoal to attract substances like toxins and carry them out of the body.

It can help remove heavy metals and poisonous substances1 from the body. "With its ability to trap toxins and chemicals, activated charcoal can be used as a detoxifier that flushes toxins from the body through absorption—the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface," says Dr. Frank Lipman.

"We usually recommend taking about 1000mg when you've accidentally ingested a food you're sensitive to, or when you are eating unhealthy, processed foods, or consuming alcohol," Lipman said. 

It can also be used externally to brush and whiten your teeth, as part of a bath salt potion or as a natural face mask.It can help remove heavy metals and poisonous substances from the body. "With its ability to trap toxins and chemicals, activated charcoal can be used as a detoxifier that flushes toxins from the body through absorption—the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface," says Dr. Frank Lipman.

"We usually recommend taking about 1000mg when you've accidentally ingested a food you're sensitive to, or when you are eating unhealthy, processed foods, or consuming alcohol."

Charcoal can interfere with nutrient absorption and tax your system.

"Although activated charcoal can be a useful detoxifying agent," Lipman says, "it's important to use it only when needed as its powerful binding abilities can lead to vitamin and nutrient deficiencies if used long term. Do not take charcoal with other supplements or medications because it can block the absorption of those substances."

Dr. Amy Shah agrees, "Activated charcoal is used often as medicine for poisoning and overdoses but it's not so useful in everyday wellness. The problem is that it will inactivate any of your medications including birth control pills and vitamins!"

One key rule: Do not consume it within two hours of medication.

Ariane Resnick and Brittini Rae are the coauthors of The Thinking Girl's Guide to Drinking use it for hangover prevention. "This is the most common supplement used to pull toxins out of your system. Please DON'T take it before you drink, as hangover-preventing products containing it recommend on the label. Take one or two activated charcoal pills either while out and feeling tipsy or when you get home. Taking it earlier will tax your system because you still have to process all that booze."

Dr. Lipman says, "Ideally you take it with whatever you are looking to detox, so for example, if you are having an alcoholic drink, take it shortly after. Or if you eat something that makes your belly upset, take it asap."

It's true that supplementing food with charcoal should be done so with caution, as Coco Bliss in Australia does with their Black Bowl, which includes acai and banana—they urge customers on the menu not to eat this particular bowl within two hours of taking any medication.

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin with coconut oil or line with paper or reusable muffin cups.

2. Mix dry ingredients (flours, charcoal, baking powder, cinnamon, salt) in a medium bowl. In another bowl, mash bananas, then mix in coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla, and maple.

3. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until everything is well-combined. Fold in chocolate chips.