Activated charcoal has become a trend in those seeking natural alternatives. It is currently used by hospitals with patients who have consumed poisons or overdosed on drugs. Now it is being seen as a possible remedy for more everyday cases of overindulging in food or alcohol.

Activated charcoal is being touted as a ‘detox’ according to the latest trends, but this potential treatment may do more harm than good.

While there are benefits, it is important to understand the limitations and risks of misuse. Additionally, patients should always consult doctors before trying something new like this. The charcoal comes from the burning of any material, rich in carbon. Wood, for example is burned to produce a fine, black powder. A manufacturer treats the charcoal to make it porous and increases its surface area so it can bind with more substances. This process makes the charcoal activated.

Activated charcoal detoxification happens when the activated charcoal is ingested and the charcoal binds with the poison or chemicals in the upper digestive tract. This prevents the person’s guts from absorbing the chemicals. Afterwards, the charcoal is made into a beverage. When using activated charcoal, it is important to do so within an hour after ingesting the specific toxins. If they ingest the charcoal any later, there will be no effect, because by that time, the substance will have left the stomach.

Life-threatening poisons which are combated with activated charcoal include acetaminophen, aspirin overdoses, dapsone, dextropropoxyphene and verapamil. But activated charcoal cannot bind with everything. Some metals such as salts of iron, paint thinners and gasoline cannot bind with activated charcoal. Additionally, despite pop culture’s belief, it cannot combine with alcohol, magnesium, potassium, and sodium; all very acidic substances.

It also cannot remove heavy metals from water. There are other uses of activated charcoal. One use is protecting users against harmful vapors in the workplace. It can be used to remove heavy metals from drinking water. Those suffering from chronic kidney disease have used it to remove excessive phosphorus. The biggest risk can come with ingesting too much activated charcoal. Doing so can cause blockages in a person’s digestive tract. It is best to talk to a doctor about the use of this substance before using it. Doctors themselves only administer it after certain criteria are met. Doctors do not recommend it for general use.

The bottom line: Experts do not recommend activated charcoal detoxes for general use. Unless the levels of toxins are high, the body is typically able to detoxify itself. Activated charcoal is only effective against certain toxins in certain circumstances. Doctors use it to remove specific poisons from the body shortly after ingestion. Also, the treatment is only effective while the toxins remain in the upper digestive tract. In addition, activated charcoal can remove some toxins from the air and water, and doctors have used it to filter excess phosphorus from the blood of people with chronic kidney disease. Activated charcoal can cause adverse effects, especially in large or repeated doses. A doctor will only administer it if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

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