Activated Charcoal for Stomach Bug | Is It the Right Solution?

Do you know that Norovirus cases (a common cause of stomach bugs) in England are currently more than double the expected number for this time of year? To address it, many people tend to use activated charcoal. But does activated charcoal for stomach bugs work? What are its benefits and side effects? Here's an explanation! 

What is Activated Charcoal? 

Activated charcoal actually refers to a black powder that's odourless. It is produced by burning wood and plants at high temperatures, resulting in a residue with a high carbon content. 

In the past, people used activated charcoal to treat poisonings, as this material can absorb harmful substances and remove them from the body. Medical professionals, today, still use it to treat certain drug doses, but it might not always work. 

Does Activated Charcoal for Stomach Bugs Work?

No, activated charcoal for stomach bugs isn't useful. It's because the primary culprits behind a stomach bug are bacteria, parasites, or viruses and not toxins. However, it can really help in treating diarrhoea, as it is often caused by toxins. 

Activated charcoal can soak up these toxins and fluid from the stool, making it more solid. 

There's research that also supports this claim, suggesting that it prevents the body from absorbing adverse entities. It adsorbs the drugs and toxins on its particles, making it a viable treatment for diarrhoea. 

How to Use Activated Charcoal for Stomach Bugs? 

If you have eaten questionable food and are experiencing stomach issues or diarrhoea symptoms, you can mix activated charcoal in a glass of water and take it. 

Typically, the recommended dosage of activated charcoal is 500 to 1000 mg, taken 2 to 3 times per day. 

You can easily find it in supplement and powder form at nearby pharmacies. However, before purchasing, make sure the product is FDA-approved or meets the GMP. 

Note: The use of activated charcoal for stomach bugs is still limited to medical facilities, and it's advised to consult your doctor before taking any such ingredient. 

What are Some Other Ways to Prevent a Stomach Bug? 

If not activated charcoal, you can also tend to some other ways to prevent stomach bugs, such as: 

• Wash Your Hands: You should wash your hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds, particularly after using the bathroom or changing diapers. 
• Don't Touch Your Face: In case a stomach bug has made its way to your household, you shouldn't touch your face to avoid germs from entering your body through your face, nose, and eyes. 
• Clean Frequently Touched Surfaces: Use a disinfectant to clean frequently touched surfaces, like countertops and door knobs, to prevent the spread of germs. 
• Wash Eatables: Whenever you bring veggies or fruits, thoroughly wash them before eating to ensure you don't get a stomach bug.

Some other things you can do include staying away from people who have a bug and cooking food to safe temperatures. 

Conclusion

Activated charcoal for stomach bugs isn't always effective, so getting medical professional advice is recommended. To enhance your health knowledge, visit HealthEssent today and sign up for our newsletter!