Page 20 - Florida Sentinel 7-5-19

Health
Whitens Teeth
Struggling with unsightly tooth stains? Fret not. Activated charcoal can help whiten teeth while changing the pH balance in the mouth, promoting good oral health by preventing gum disease, cavities and bad breath.
Method: Wet your tooth- brush. Dip toothbrush into powdered activated charcoal. Brush teeth as normal, paying close attention to areas stained from your favorite beverage (ahem, coffee). Rinse well, until spit is clear. For best results, re- peat the treatment two-three times per week
How it works: The acti- vated charcoal brightens your smile by adsorbing plaque and microscopic morsels that create unsightly stains.
Reduces High Cholesterol
In one study, seven patients with hypercholesterolemia were treated with activated charcoal for 4 weeks. Each participant received a dose of 8 g three times a daily. Per their findings, plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased by a considerable 25 percent and 41 percent respectively.
Alleviates Gas & Bloating
Per a study published in the American Journal of Gastroen- terology, scientists found that using activated charcoal, signif- icantly reduced bloating and ab- dominal cramps following a hearty meal.
Method: To alleviate gas and bloating, take 500 mil- ligrams one hour prior to a hearty meal, with a full glass of water. After the meal, drink an additional glass of water to ac- tive the charcoal, in your sys- tem. The charcoal will then bind with gas-producing elements; in turn, eliminating symptoms.
Emergency Toxin Removal
In one study, seven patients with hypercholesterolemia were treated with activated charcoal for 4 weeks. Each participant received a dose of 8 g three times a daily. Per their findings, plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased by a considerable 25 percent and 41 percent respectively.
Believe it or not, activated charcoal is also used as a treat-
ment for emergency toxin re- moval. Per the University of Michigan, “activated charcoal can chemically attach, or ad- sorb, to a variety of particles and gases, which makes it ideal for removing potentially toxic substances from the digestive tract.” That of course, includes pesticides, mercury, fertilizers and bleach.
The fine, black powder made from wood or other natu- ral materials also comes in handy in the event of an acci- dental overdose of many over- the-counter medications such as aspirin, opium, cocaine, mor- phine and acetaminophen, ex- perts say.
Because it’s crucial to ad- minister the proper dosage as quickly as possible — within an hour of ingestion – call 911 im- mediately for proper procedure.
Method: Meanwhile, ex- perts suggest administering 50 to 100 grams in cases of poison- ing in adults and 10 to 25 grams in cases involving young chil- dren.
Soothes Hangovers
While activated charcoal doesn’t adsorb alcohol, it can aid in removing toxins which
contribute to alcohol poisoning. According to Princeton Univer- sity’s First Aider’s Guide to Al- cohol when consumed at the same time as alcohol, activated charcoal can also significantly reduce blood alcohol concen- trations, including if the indi- vidual is unconscious or showing signs of acute alcohol poisoning.
Activated charcoal is becoming more popular for its health benefits – think anti-aging, gut health, toxin re- moval and so much more. But, if you’re new to the trend you may be wondering, ‘where do I begin?’ For five ways to use the popular potent natural treatment like a pro, read on.
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-B