Bloated After Eating? Why Activated Charcoal Could Offer Fast Relief—Plus When To Avoid It
This time-tested remedy has been used for thousands of years
Over 87 million of us struggle with bloating after we eat, and the internet is crowded with nearly as many potential solutions. One that got our attention recently: Activated charcoal for bloating. Even doctors like Sarasota-based plastic surgeon Alberico J. Sessa, MD, insist the pitch-black stuff offers fast relief. “It’s the greatest thing that I know of for bloating and reflux,” Dr. Sessa shared in a TikTok video. “I put it in some water, drink it down.” Within 10 to 15 minutes, reflux or bloating “is gone.”
Can it really be this easy to get rid of discomfort and a distended belly? Keep reading to learn what other experts have to say about the benefits of activated charcoal for gas and bloating—and how you can safely test the remedy yourself.
What is activated charcoal?
Made mostly from carbon that’s left after burning wood or coconut shells at high temperatures, activated charcoal is specially treated to purify it and open up millions of tiny pores within its molecules. Inside our systems, these pores trap impurities and toxins, making it easier for them to be eliminated from the body.
Woman's World Answers
There’s evidence that activated charcoal has been used by healers since 1500 BC, “and it’s been used to treat poisonings and overdoses since the 1800s,” says Robert J. Malcolm III, MD, a Pennsylvania-based gastroenterologist with St Luke’s University Health Network.
Today, you can find activated charcoal products such as skin care, toothpastes promising to whiten teeth and more. You can also simply purchase activated charcoal powder or capsules on their own. As for Dr. Malcom, he most often recommends activated charcoal to patients with tummy trouble.
Activated charcoal benefits for bloating
When it comes to bloating, studies show that activated charcoal may provide real relief. In the 1980s, two interesting studies in the American Journal of Gastroenterology suggested activated charcoal may help with everyday GI woes.
“We’ve been using it ever since for periodic relief of excessive bloating, gas and abdominal distention,” notes Dr. Malcolm. “It seems to absorb chemicals and gasses from the digestive system, which can help you feel better.”
Puffiness around your belly goes away too. Though the existing research is limited, UCLA experts confirm that it’s promising. And activated charcoal is considered generally safe for occasional use.
When to use it
When we eat certain carbohydrate-containing foods—including apples, watermelon, onions, garlic, wheat, milk, yogurt, honey—tiny sugars travel deep into the gut and begin to ferment. Everybody is a little different, but for many “this releases gas and can cause bloating and discomfort,” says Dr. Malcolm. “Your belly might swell, your pants might get tight.”
He personally experiences the problem, particularly after a high-carb or high-dairy meal. “If it’s bothering me, I’ll sometimes use activated charcoal,” he adds. “I usually feel back to normal within an hour.”
How to get the benefits of activated charcoal
“You can find activated charcoal in capsules or powder, and both work equally well,” says Dr. Malcolm. If you opt for powder, just mix a serving in water and drink; it typically has a very mild smoky and earthy taste. Choose a brand you trust (such as CVS brand capsules or Nutricost powder) or look for brands that offer third-party testing or certifications to ensure purity and quality (such as Nature’s Way).
You can take your dose after you notice symptoms. Alternately, taking activated charcoal before eating a gas-producing food may actually prevent bloat in the first place. A typical dose is about 500 mg, but always check with your doctor before taking any supplement.
Wondering how to make activated charcoal? While technically it’s possible, it’s messy and time-consuming (involving burning wood and adding “activating chemicals”)—not something we’d recommend.
Potential side effects of activated charcoal
While activated charcoal is generally considered safe to use in the short term, there are some possible side effects you should be aware of. Common side effects include constipation and very dark stools. More research is needed to know if it’s safe to use long term.
“We do caution against using it frequently, because it can prevent the body from absorbing essential vitamins and minerals,” adds Dr. Malcolm. “But if you’re looking for natural relief from occasional bloating, it can be a great option.”
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