{"id":8984,"date":"2020-02-27T13:00:30","date_gmt":"2020-02-27T18:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=8984"},"modified":"2026-05-12T11:01:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T15:01:18","slug":"activated-charcoal-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/activated-charcoal-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"The benefits of activated charcoal and how to use it safely"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/charcoal-activated\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">activated charcoal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is everywhere now. You can find it in everything from activated charcoal toothpaste and beauty products to beverages and supplements. It&#8217;s even in ice cream. People are using activated charcoal in their daily lives more frequently, hoping to benefit from its powerful detoxifying qualities, but should you really be eating it? This guide will shed light on the risks and health benefits of activated charcoal, and you&#8217;ll learn how to use it safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-activated-charcoal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is activated charcoal?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is made from the process of burning materials like wood, coconut shells, or peat at very high temperatures. When carbon sources, like wood, burn, it creates small particles that have a large surface area. The superfine activated charcoal (a black powder) that results from this process can bind to and remove heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins because of its large surface area. Activated charcoal can be used topically on a porous surface\u2014such as the skin\u2014or internally through the digestive system.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-activated-charcoal-used-for\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is activated charcoal used for?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humans have been using activated charcoal for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4767212\/pdf\/BCP-81-482.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hundreds of years<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because of its ability to remove toxic substances from the body. It is still commonly used in hospitals for emergency overdose treatment. Its use for this purpose is well established.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides that, research is not strong enough to support other uses. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides drug overdose and poisoning, some people use activated charcoal to try to treat:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High cholesterol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney function<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acne<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bug bites and bee stings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal is also used in water filtration and is a popular ingredient in teeth-whitening products, among other things. However, evidence varies, so ask your healthcare provider for more information before using activated charcoal, and never use it as a substitute for your prescription medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"7-activated-charcoal-benefits\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7 activated charcoal benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people question whether activated charcoal really works. Has it become so popular because of good marketing or its efficacy? There&#8217;s no doubting the power of a good marketing campaign, but some studies have shown that activated charcoal may help support certain health conditions. Here are some activated charcoal uses and more information.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-emergency-treatment-for-poisoning-overdose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Emergency treatment for poisoning\/overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While some uses of activated charcoal are debatable, its use in overdose is well-established and researched. Hospital and emergency departments sometimes use activated charcoal to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/11867980\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">counteract certain drug overdoses and poisonings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482294\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of these drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include Tylenol (acetaminophen), aspirin, phenobarbital, theophylline, Dilantin (phenytoin), and tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline). The key is acting quickly. If healthcare providers are able to treat the patient before the toxic substance has entered the bloodstream, activated charcoal can be effective. However, many people who are hospitalized from ingesting a toxin will absorb too much of the substance before being admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t try to treat an overdose at home. Call 911 and have an ambulance take you to the emergency room right away. According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.poison.org\/articles\/activated-charcoal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Poison Control Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, \u201cIt is not recommended to use activated charcoal at home to treat an overdose. If a poisoning is serious enough to warrant the use of activated charcoal, the person should be monitored in an emergency room. Over-the-counter products might not be as \u2018activated\u2019 as the activated charcoal used in the emergency room, so they might not be as effective.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-gastrointestinal-tract-uses-including-diarrhea-or-indigestion\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Gastrointestinal tract uses, including diarrhea or indigestion<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal may help relieve diarrhea by preventing bacteria from being absorbed into the body. It may help decrease the frequency and severity of diarrhea associated with certain <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18253955\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chemotherapy treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal may effectively reduce intestinal gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps. In one particular <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/3521259\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, activated charcoal was more effective than a placebo (inactive medicine) and reduced symptoms of abdominal cramping and flatulence. Using activated charcoal combined with the over-the-counter (OTC) medicine <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/does-activated-charcoal-help-with-gas-and-bloating\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">simethicone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also have benefits in reducing symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYou have a few options to relieve bloating and gas,\u201d says Carrie Lam, MD, a fellow of Anti-Aging, Metabolic, and Functional medicine and co-founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lamclinic.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lam Clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cActivated charcoal can be taken in capsule, liquid, or powder form, and since it is tasteless, [it] can be mixed into a non-acidic juice of your preference. Tablet and capsule forms are the least expensive and often the best investment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, activated charcoal products are not considered first-choice treatments for diarrhea or indigestion. Always consult a medical professional before using.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-cholesterol-lowering\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Cholesterol lowering\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consuming activated charcoal has also been shown to help some people with high cholesterol by lowering <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/2874369\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LDL cholesterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> levels, as seen in older studies from the 1980s. &#8220;Studies around the world have demonstrated that the benefits of activated charcoal are equal to those of prescription cholesterol medications,&#8221; says Carrie Lam, MD at Lam Clinic. &#8220;Moreover, the use of activated charcoal has been shown to increase good cholesterol in the body while decreasing bad cholesterol by 25% in just four weeks.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, since <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/healthcare.utah.edu\/healthfeed\/2017\/10\/should-you-be-eating-activated-charcoal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recent research is lacking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, experts typically do not recommend the routine use of activated charcoal to treat cholesterol. Consult your healthcare provider for individual professional medical advice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/high-triglycerides-treatment-options\/\"><b>4 high triglycerides treatment options<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-kidney-disease\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Kidney disease<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation<\/span><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20061701\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published a study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> showing how combining activated charcoal with a low-protein diet can help treat renal disease in adults over 80. After almost a year of using activated charcoal, many patients had decreased blood urea and creatinine levels. Another <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30588573\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> showed that activated charcoal reduced complications in patients with chronic kidney disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-water-filtration\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Water filtration<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal can be used for water filtration to improve the taste and reduce lead and other contaminants. However, to ensure that filters continue to work effectively, it\u2019s important to follow instructions on changing them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6-teeth-whitener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Teeth whitener\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although activated charcoal may help remove stains and reduce bad breath, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com\/pros-and-cons-of-activated-charcoal-for-teeth-whitening\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dentists caution<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that it cannot whiten the teeth. What\u2019s more, it can slowly wear away at your enamel, which leads to tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, and gum disease. It\u2019s best to check with your dentist for an individualized oral hygiene regimen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"7-skincare\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Skincare<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there has not been <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bswhealth.com\/blog\/activated-charcoal-4-things-to-know-about-this-skincare-trend\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clear research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on activated charcoal for the skin, some people report benefits from products that contain activated charcoal. However, it\u2019s unclear whether these benefits are from the product&#8217;s activated charcoal or other ingredients. Your best bet is to ask your dermatologist for a personalized skincare recommendation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal may have potential health and beauty benefits. However, the degree to which it&#8217;s effective will likely vary from person to person on a case-by-case basis. Speaking with a doctor is always the best way to learn whether a drug or supplement will benefit you personally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-use-activated-charcoal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to use activated charcoal<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal has become so popular that it&#8217;s available in many forms, such as activated charcoal pills, powders, liquids, and personal care products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"topical-uses\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical uses<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal may be beneficial when applied topically. The charcoal works by binding to dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt on the surface of the skin. Skincare products with activated charcoal are popular and are available in the form of face washes, face masks, moisturizers, and body wash. Activated charcoal is now found in deodorant (charcoal deodorant may draw out bacteria and odors) and toothpaste, too. Because of the activated charcoal trend, activated charcoal products are easy to find and use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"internal-uses\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Internal uses<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consuming activated charcoal is associated with more potential risks than using it topically. Not all supplements containing activated charcoal are made the same or of the same quality, and they aren\u2019t regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way that prescription and OTC drugs are. Buying and consuming high-quality activated charcoal powder, pills, capsules, or tablets is important. In some cases, certain products have additives that contain unhealthy chemicals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our wellness newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Wellness Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"activated-charcoal-dosages\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal dosages<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal doses vary based on a person\u2019s condition or symptoms. Doctors might prescribe a single-dose treatment of 50-100 grams for adult gastrointestinal decontamination in hospitals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA does not strictly regulate activated charcoal, so get medical advice from your healthcare provider regarding use and dosage. Do not take activated charcoal without discussing it with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taking an activated charcoal supplement by mouth, follow the instructions closely and take it apart from all foods, medicine, and other supplements. Taking it at least one or two hours apart ensures that the charcoal binds to toxins instead of food or medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: It is possible to overdose from taking too much activated charcoal, but it&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482294\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unlikely to be fatal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, you should call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you believe you or someone else has overdosed on activated charcoal\u2014or call 911 and go to the emergency room if the person is having seizures or not breathing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors, naturopathic doctors, and nutritionists will provide medical advice on how to take activated charcoal safely. If your healthcare provider recommends activated charcoal, you&#8217;ll likely be able to purchase it at their office, through a pharmacy, or online. Some companies like SingleCare offer consumers discounts on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/singlecare.com\/prescription\/charcoal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">activated charcoal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-activated-charcoal-safe\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is activated charcoal safe?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like with any other medication or supplement, there is always the potential for side effects. Consuming activated charcoal can cause side effects that you should be aware of. Here&#8217;s a list of some of the most common side effects that could happen from taking activated charcoal orally:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/constipation-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/diarrhea-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consuming activated charcoal may also cause more serious side effects. Activated charcoal can cause a serious condition called aspiration, where a person breathes foreign materials, like mucus and liquid, into the lungs (instead of being swallowed). This can be a serious medical condition and requires immediate medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal can also cause dehydration and severe electrolyte imbalances. Drinking a full glass of water when you take an activated charcoal pill, capsule, or tablet can help you avoid dehydration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, activated charcoal can interfere with the body\u2019s absorption of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/natural\/269.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A healthcare professional can tell you whether taking activated charcoal is a good idea (and help you figure out the best time to take it based on the timing of your other medications).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"where-to-buy-activated-charcoal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to buy activated charcoal<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before using an activated charcoal product, it\u2019s best to check with your healthcare provider regarding appropriate use. Ask if potential benefits outweigh possible risks and side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can find activated charcoal supplements and products from reputable sources at local drug stores and online. Always check the directions carefully, as directions and dosages vary from product to product. If your doctor issues a prescription, you can use a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to save up to 80% off the price of an activated charcoal oral supplement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever you do, don\u2019t try making your own activated charcoal. The Poison Control Center <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.poison.org\/articles\/activated-charcoal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">advises<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, \u201cThere are some internet sites that encourage making activated charcoal at home or using other carbon sources such as burned toast or charcoal briquettes. These products are not effective and should never be used.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faqs-about-activated-charcoal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs about activated charcoal<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"heading-19\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is activated charcoal used for?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal is routinely used in hospitals and emergency rooms to reverse an overdose or poisoning. It must be used quickly to be most effective. As outlined in the information above, activated charcoal has various other uses, from stomach ailments to health and beauty products. If you are interested in taking an activated charcoal supplement, ask your healthcare provider first to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you to take.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-it-okay-to-take-activated-charcoal-every-day\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it okay to take activated charcoal every day?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check with your healthcare provider regarding the appropriate use\u2014and length of use\u2014of activated charcoal products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-does-activated-charcoal-detox-your-body-in-the-event-of-an-overdose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does activated charcoal detox your body in the event of an overdose?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal works by adsorbing (binding to) toxic substances, stopping the gastrointestinal tract from absorbing these toxins, and reducing or preventing toxicity. Activated charcoal does not work for every medication. While it\u2019s effective for an overdose of certain medicines such as Tylenol, aspirin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or certain antidepressants, it does not work for alcohol, lithium, electrolytes like magnesium, and acids or alkalis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-activated-charcoal-eliminate-odors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can activated charcoal eliminate odors?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activated charcoal may help <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7672321\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eliminate odors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This ingredient can be found in various deodorant products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It seems like activated charcoal is everywhere now. You can find it in everything from activated charcoal toothpaste and beauty products to beverages and supplements. It&#8217;s even in ice cream. People are using activated charcoal in their daily lives more frequently, hoping to benefit from its powerful detoxifying qualities, but should you really be eating [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":9256,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[812],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-8984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellness","tag-supplements","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Activated charcoal benefits, uses, side effects, and dosages<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Activated charcoal can be used for certain drug overdoses. It also may improve digestion and help lower cholesterol levels. 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