Activated Charcoal in Gout: Is it SAFE or Not?
Short Answer: Activated charcoal is bad for gout because it has ash and fiber that can increase or decrease your uric acid levels, respectively. Gout is a condition that affects your joints, especially the big toe, but also the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers. In gout, your body produces too much uric acid or your kidneys excrete too little uric acid. This causes uric acid to build up in your blood and form sharp crystals in and around your joints. These crystals cause pain, inflammation and swelling during a gout attack. One of the key factors in managing gout is diet. What you consume can affect your uric acid levels, which can impact your gout symptoms and overall health. To effectively manage gout, you should consume foods rich in vitamin C like oranges, strawberries and bell peppers, and foods rich in fiber like oats, beans and nuts. You should also drink plenty of water to help flush out uric acid from your body. You should avoid foods rich in purines like red meat, organ meats, shellfish and beer. Purines are substances that break down into uric acid in your body. Now, activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed to have many tiny pores that can trap chemicals and toxins. People usually take activated charcoal capsules or powder as a supplement for detoxification, gas relief or teeth whitening. Activated charcoal is bad for gout because it contains ash and impurities that can increase your uric acid
