Is using activated charcoal just a trend or is it really good for you?

Activated charcoal has revolutionized natural medicine, as in recent years it has been proven useful for thousands of people, helping them alleviate discomfort and ailments such as indigestion, wound healing, viruses and bacteria, reducing cholesterol levels, as well as other aesthetic uses like teeth whitening.According to reports, some doctors also use it in large quantities to treat a patient who has overdosed or ingested poison.What is activated charcoal?Activated charcoal is regular charcoal that has been subjected to heating with gas, creating 'pores' inside it, which help trap chemical substances in the body, aiding in detoxification.How effective is it? Like any external substance, each body will react differently, and in some cases, it will be more effective than in others.Although it is approved by institutions such as the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and is commonly used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, flatulence, and hyperacidity, the NHS's own website states that it is not suitable for everyone and that some people should never take it, as it can interact poorly with other medications and prevent them from working properly.Benefits of activated charcoalThe first use of this remedy was for colon detoxification. Taking activated charcoal could help stop diarrhea and stomach bloating, as it would release excess gas and normalize intestinal activity.Recently, activated charcoal masks have gone viral, promising to help remove impurities and leave the face clean and smooth; in addition to helping delay the effects of aging, as ingesting it will provide support to the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands in their cellular processes.It is important to emphasize that it is not a magic remedy and that it is not advisable to abuse its use, as it could be counterproductive.If you have any illness such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, depression, or high cholesterol and are undergoing treatment, it is not advisable to ingest activated charcoal, as it could absorb the medication and not have the same effect.Remember that even if it does not have repercussions on your health, you should use activated charcoal under the supervision of a specialist.