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Too much Charcoal?

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Posted 12/27/2014 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
My doc has me on (8) 560mg charcoal (activated) capsules per day all taken at once. Based on the research I've done that seems extremely high. Has anyone else been recommended to take that much? I'm starting to think she may have made a mistake when writing this down... Any input is greatly appreciated!
Posted 12/27/2014 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
holy buckets! thats a lot.

Remember charcoal sucks up a lot of stuff.
Posted 12/27/2014 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
I took 4 charcoal twice a day for awhile… I think that was about the same as your dose.

When you started taking it, did you feel better or worse or the same? Are you drinking enough to help flush? Do you have regular BMs? And are you respecting the buffer periods (take charcoal no sooner than an hour after food or meds and wait two hours after taking it before consuming anything else)?

-p
Posted 12/27/2014 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
My LLND (Dr C) has me on 5 -8 activated charcoal twice a day (260 mg each). Due to constipation issues I am taking 5 twice a day. My levels of trichothecene were 3.5 times the acceptable limit. I get retested to see if it is helping after 5 weeks.
Posted 12/28/2014 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
P - thanks for the reminders! Yes, I've been using a 2 hour buffer on both sides. Haven't noticed any change to either the BM or the way I feel. My doctors orders were drink like a fish - 100+ oz per day. I drink at least an 12oz with the pills. Think, I'm going to cut the dose in half as it just seems excessive. Is more always better or at some point do you reach a diminishing return or tip the scale to a level that is unhealthy?
Posted 12/28/2014 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Well… it is a tar derivative, so considered a carcinogenic. ;)
But many people take it successfully. There are other binders like bentonite clay (also a tar derivative) and cholestyramine (Rx required). As long as you stick to the buffer periods are not feeling a herx or worse when taking the charcoal, your dose is probably ok. But yes, you can take too little and too much of any binder. If you're more comfortable with a lower dose try it and see if there is much change.

-p
Posted 12/28/2014 11:19 AM (GMT 0)
Many Thanks P!!!
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