EvanHinkle
Member
- Joined
- May 2, 2021
- Messages
- 359
It kinda depends. There’s some research that says it interferes with nutrient absorption, (and some that says that research is poorly designed). I keep in mind it “could” affect nutrient absorption and so typically take it at night before bed.
However, if I eat or take something and it generates a terrible reaction my mindset has been that suffering the pain of the endotoxin is not worth “properly absorbing my nutrients.” Nothing is worth suffering for, and another nutritious meal or helpful supplement will be coming soon. Therefore, if I have a poor reaction and it’s early in the day, I’d take the charcoal anyway even if I had resolved to take it at night. Let’s face it, if something is generating endotoxin symptoms what’s the chance I’m “properly absorbing” my nutrients anyway?
When I first realized the charcoal was helping I took 2 tablespoons in 8oz of water after every meal, (again, I spent years with keto, carnivore, fasting, vegetarian, and veganism, so to be concerned about any deleterious effect from charcoal at this point is moot for me-it made me feel better, and that was enough for me). I did this for about 2 weeks, and then moved to once a day at night, or as needed.
Currently I take it only as needed and that tends to work out to maybe 2-3 times a month. Still dermatitis free, but I also know the familiar itchy sting that is a prelude to the oozing scales, so then I reach for the charcoal.
In some people it is constipating. I’ve found baking soda, (1/2 teaspoon dissolved in a small amount of water a few times a day) to keep my bowels moving. For a real treat I will use baking soda in orange juice, grape juice, or apple juice. Mixed with orange juice it makes sodium citrate which is great for acid base balance as discussed in the famous Amazoniac thread that my phone isn’t allowing me to link right now.