Charcoal caps can help prevent gas and bloating after a large meal.
Charcoal caps are capsules containing activated charcoal, a fine-grained black dust that is made from charred woods or other natural materials like coal and peat. Charcoal capsules contain processed or activated charcoal that is highly absorbent and able to soak up certain substances. This prevents them from being absorbed by the human gastrointestinal tract. As well as being available in capsules, activated charcoal can also be purchased in coated tablet, liquid or granule form.
History
For thousands of years, charcoal has been used for its medicinal properties. As long ago as 1500 BC, it was used in ancient Egypt to suppress odor from festering wounds. Hindu archives catalogue charcoal being used as a water purifier, and in 400 BC it was prescribed by Hippocrates as a treatment for epilepsy, anthrax and chlorosis. Charcoal's ability to absorb gases was discovered in 1773.
Everyday Uses
Under everyday circumstances, charcoal caps have several uses, and are commonly used as a remedy to reduce flatulence and the build up of intestinal gas. It is also taken for other ailments associated with eating, such as heartburn, diarrhea and constipation. However, prolonged use of charcoal caps for diarrhea should be avoided according to Drugs.com. When taken three times daily, over a period of several weeks, charcoal has also been found to be efficient in lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and increasing "good" HDL levels.
Emergency Usage
Charcoal caps are routinely used as a treatment after the ingestion of toxic substances, due to its ability to prevent the absorption of harmful substances in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the dosage required in cases of acute poisoning is far more than contained in standard charcoal caps, and if you suspect accidental poisoning or that someone may have taken a drug overdose, call emergency medical assistance immediately.
Studies
A 1981 study published by the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that charcoal is effective in treating flatulence and excessive gas caused by a gas-producing meal. However, a small study conducted by Current Opinion in Pediatrics in 2007, found there was no difference in morbidity rates or length of hospital stay when charcoal was used in treating acute poisoning.
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