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Activated Charcoal for Staph Infections

Staph infections are commonly caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Upon entering the bloodstream, staph can cause infections of the intestines, urinary tract, lungs, heart and skin. The results may be minor or more complex, even leading to death. Activated charcoal can be used to absorb bacterium that causes such harm in the body.

  1. What is Activated Charcoal?

    • Activated charcoal is an odorless, colorless, tasteless enzyme produced from carbon. Treated with oxygen to open its pores, activated charcoal is naturally absorbent to various poisons and bacteria. Considered to be the most effective single agent available, according to eMedicineHealth, this powerful enzyme is estimated to reduce absorption of poisonous substances up to 60 percent.

    What is Staph?

    • Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, is bacteria that can invade the body due to a weakened immune system, a cut in the skin, food poisoning, or tampon use. A staph infection occurs anywhere in the body at any age. Typical skin infections include folliculitis, boils, impetigo and styes. Staph infections can also result in sinusitis or ear infections. More severe outcomes include toxic shock syndrome, and infections of the bone and heart valves. Staphylococcus aureus can also cause pimples, food poisoning, diarrhea, cellulitis, abscesses, meningitis and pneumonia.

    How It Works

    • When the body is threatened by poisonous bacteria or parasites, activated charcoal prevents staph from growing by absorbing the harmful substances inside the gastrointestinal tract. The body does not digest activated charcoal, allowing it to be efficient at reducing toxic properties before being eliminated through the bowel. This process is called adsorption, not to be confused with absorption.

    Considerations

    • Activated charcoal should be taken under the guidance of a physician. Only a medical professional can regulate proper dosage, determine adverse reactions with medications, and monitor blood levels, symptoms of pain and side effects. You should not take activated charcoal if you have an intestinal obstruction.

    Prevention

    • Staph is contagious and typically passed from person to person. Capable of living on surfaces, staph is also transferred to countertops, clothes, sinks and other objects. Practice proper hand-washing, especially when working with food. Good hygiene and sanitary conditions are just as important in the prevention of staph. Individuals that share common space such as dorms or locker rooms are at higher risk of infection. Sharing towels and other personal items is discouraged.

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