Enhance Your Health

Health Tip of the Week: Charcoal

Back in the day, before propane gas grills became the backyard norm, grilling food was done on an open flame with charcoal and lighter fluid.  I have vivid memories of my dad lighting the grill at our backyard barbecues.  Spraying lighter fluid onto the charcoal and throwing a match into the mix and then a huge flame popping up (Lol, this would be repeated numerous times and with cursing until the charcoal lit).  It is probably not debatable that lighter fluid on charcoal and cooking food on top is not the healthiest of cooking options (grill enthusiasts do argue that food is much tastier on charcoal rather than propane gas).

The point of this week’s article is not about grilling, but about charcoal.  Not the Kingsford Briquets kind, but the activated charcoal made from coconut shells.

Activated charcoal is a tasteless, odorless powder that has the ability to absorb substances.  When taken in the body, activated charcoal acts like a filter and can remove toxins from the body.  Harmful drugs, toxins and poisons all attach to the charcoal and are eliminated from the body.  That is one reason activated charcoal is used for drug overdose or poisoning.

As far as your health is concerned, activated charcoal is great for digestive bloating and diarrhea. The charcoal binds with the gas and the toxin causing the diarrhea and puts and end to it right away.  In addition, if you have suspected that you have eaten tainted food, a few capsules of charcoal will prevent food poisoning.  If you do have food poisoning, the charcoal will help end your suffering.

If you are concerned about activated charcoals safety, don’t be.  It has been used as a health remedy since the 1700’s.  I consider activated charcoal an essential part of my health “medicine cabinet.”  I personally use organic coconut activated charcoal.  It is made from the slow roasting of coconut shells.

Pregnancy and Chiropractic News

According to the British Medical Journal, women who are pregnant and or trying to conceive should avoid all caffeine. It seems that caffeine increases the risk of miscarriage, still born birth and low birth weight.  Doctors have always said that a small amount of caffeine daily as in drinking tea or coffee during pregnancy was not harmful to the baby.  Based on this analytical study of 1237 peer reviewed research articles, doctors will be more than likely be changing their caffeine and pregnancy recommendations.  At least this chiropractor will be.

Children and Chiropractic News

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health recently reported that chiropractic can have a positive effect on enuresis also known as bedwetting. Subluxated vertebra (spinal bone structural shifts) place pressure on the nerves to the bladder and can effect bladder and bowel function.  By correcting spinal alignment, chiropractors take pressure off the nerves that control these areas, allowing better function.  This in turn can help eliminate this problem in children.

 

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