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- $Unique_ID{BRK00619}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Can Activated Charcoal be Used to Reduce Belly Cramps?}
- $Subject{cramps fiber medication medications activated charcoal Digestive
- intestinal gas bloating diarrhea flatulence diet diets food foods}
- $Volume{I-26,R-26}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Can Activated Charcoal be Used to Reduce Belly Cramps?
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- QUESTION: I am on a new high fiber diet, but suffer a bit from some of the
- side effects of this new healthy diet. I've heard that relief from my problem
- may be obtained by using charcoal. Can activated charcoal be used to reduce
- my belly cramps?
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-
- ANSWER: Yes, it most certainly can. Clinical research has shown that
- activated charcoal can significantly lower intestinal gas and its related
- symptoms, which include abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. Activated
- charcoal may be helpful, particularly to those who eat high fiber diets, which
- are now widely recommended and becoming quite popular. Foods high in fiber
- consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables (lightly cooked or raw), whole
- grains (cereals and breads), and dried fruits (raisins, prunes, apricots), are
- recommended for the prevention of colon cancer as well as more common problems
- such as constipation. However, such diets can also cause excessive gas and
- flatulence. Activated charcoal may increase your ability to adjust to this
- problem, and may be taken without fear, since even when digested in large
- doses and for long periods of time, it is safe and without adverse side
- effects. This will allow you the best of both worlds; the benefits of a high
- fiber diet, and freedom from the discomfort some individuals experience when
- beginning such a diet. You will also be happy to learn that the problem
- becomes much less as your body adapts to the fiber.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-