Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Kim Kardashian endorses charcoal drink – Is it safe for you?

Known for her support of charcoal’s health advantages, she was seen drinking a cup of grey charcoal tea on her Instagram story.

Kim Kardashian endorses charcoal drink – Is it safe for you?

Activated charcoal is a black, tasteless, and odourless powder with a history of use for various health issues. It is commonly used in medical settings for drug overdose treatment and as an antidote for poison.

Additionally, it is believed to provide benefits such as reduced gas and bloating, decreased cholesterol, enhanced kidney function, teeth whitening, water filtration, and hangover relief, Healthline informs.


The focus on improving health and fitness usually intensifies in the month of January due to "new year, new me" promotions from companies and influencers. And although health trends change frequently, experts state this is one to watch out for, particularly if you take medication.

Kim Kardashian, known for her support of charcoal's health advantages, was seen drinking a cup of grey charcoal tea on her Instagram story, which is a common sight for the 42-year-old, the Mirror reports.

But despite its popularity among influencers and celebrities, nutrition experts are warning against the charcoal trend due to its potentially harmful effects.

What is activated charcoal?

Charcoal is known for its ability to absorb chemicals and toxins, reducing their absorption in the body. This makes it a popular detox ingredient, often consumed in powder form mixed in hot drinks or smoothies to boost their effects.

Activated charcoal is a type of charcoal that has undergone high-heat oxygen treatment, making it more porous. The process enhances its internal structure by decreasing pore size and increasing its surface area.

Activated charcoal is sold in its powder form or as a supplement, and is used in the production of various food and non-food items, such as ice cream, toothpaste, etc.

However, activated charcoal is not the same as charcoal briquettes used for grilling or barbecuing, which are not treated with high heat and can contain harmful toxic substances.

Lead nutritionist, Hannah Macey at Feel Complete, reportedly told Yahoo, "Active charcoal acts like a binder, so it essentially acts as a sponge, soaking up different chemicals from within the body and on the skin.

"It has been used to support the recovery of people who have been tested for certain toxins such as mould. It is also used in medication to treat drug overdoses and accidental poisoning.

"When the correct dosage is given by a professional it can bind to the drugs and poisons, and reduce how much is absorbed in the gut."

But she also cautions that there is limited research on the long-term impact of activated charcoal and although "small amounts should not cause any harm or side effects, the long-term impacts of higher doses have yet to be studied," she said.

Another concern regarding activated charcoal is its binding properties, which can interfere with oral medications such as contraceptives, anti-depressants, etc., and reduce their effectiveness.

Is activated charcoal safe?

Activated charcoal is generally considered safe, with rare adverse reactions, an earlier report in Healthline explains.

Common side effects include vomiting. Also, in very uncommon instances, bowel blockages may occur, particularly in individuals with gut motility issues, taking opioids or antimuscarinic meds, or receiving multiple doses of activated carbon.

The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT) cautions against using activated charcoal in cases of gut bleeding, blockages, or holes in the gut.

Additionally, if used as an emergency poison treatment, activated charcoal can accidentally enter the lungs instead of the stomach, especially if the person is vomiting, drowsy, or semi-conscious.

Thus, it should only be administered to those who are fully awake. It's also important to note that activated charcoal can reportedly decrease the absorption of some medications.

So, before taking it, experts advise consulting a doctor, if you're on other medications.

More For You

Spain earthquakes

Almería airport sustained damage in its departures lounge

CSmonitor

Spain earthquakes: What we know about the 5.4-magnitude tremor that shook tourist regions

Highlights:

  • A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Almería, southern Spain, at 7.13 am on Monday
  • The tremor was felt in over 50 towns, including tourist destinations like Malaga
  • No injuries have been reported, but building damage occurred in airports and showrooms
  • The quake follows a weekend of floods and severe weather in Spain
  • No UK Foreign Office travel warnings have been issued, but travellers are advised to check local alerts

Southern Spain was rocked by a 5.4-magnitude earthquake on the morning of Monda,y 14 July, with tremors felt across several provinces, including popular tourist destinations.

The earthquake struck at 7.13 am off the coast of Almería, nearly two miles below sea level, according to Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN). Despite its intensity, there have been no reported injuries, although some structural damage has occurred.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India flight crash
Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
Getty Images

Air India chief says crash report opens new questions, no conclusions yet

A PRELIMINARY report into last month's Air India plane crash that killed 260 people has raised further questions, and the investigation is still ongoing, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said in a memo to staff on Monday.

The initial report, released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday, pointed to confusion in the cockpit shortly before the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump Jr and girlfriend Bettina Anderson

Donald Trump Jr and Bettina Anderson turn heads with intense PDA before Trump’s Club World Cup appearance

Getty Images

Donald Trump Jr and girlfriend Bettina Anderson flaunt PDA ahead of FIFA Club World Cup final​

Highlights:

  • Donald Trump Jr and Bettina Anderson were seen getting intimate at Teterboro Airport before heading to the FIFA Club World Cup final.
  • The couple matched in white shirts and embraced publicly while awaiting President Donald Trump and Melania Trump.
  • Anderson defended Don Jr online earlier this year after a New York Magazine article criticised him.
  • Trump Jr’s ex-fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle was recently appointed US Ambassador to Greece, while ex-wife Vanessa is now dating Tiger Woods.

Donald Trump Jr and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson turned heads over the weekend with an unabashed public display of affection on the tarmac in Teterboro, New Jersey, just before President Trump and Melania Trump landed ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup final. The couple, who have been together since mid-2024, looked inseparable as they hugged, kissed, and held hands openly, seemingly unconcerned by the presence of others or nearby cameras.

 Donald Trump Jr and girlfriend Bettina Anderson All eyes on Donald Trump Jr and Bettina Anderson as their PDA grabs attention before Trump’s arrivalGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump-Getty

Trump will become the first elected political leader in modern times to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

King Charles to host Donald Trump for state visit in September

KING CHARLES will host US president Donald Trump in September for a second state visit to Britain, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday.

The visit is scheduled to take place from 17 to 19 September.

Keep ReadingShow less
southend london plane crash

A plume of black smoke rises from an area near the runway after a small plane crash, as seen from inside a building at London Southend Airport on July 13, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Southend Airport closed after plane crash

LONDON Southend Airport in Essex has been closed until further notice after a small plane crashed at the airport on England’s south-east coast on Sunday, according to police.

In a post on X, London Southend Airport said all flights to and from the airport have been cancelled while emergency services, police, and air accident investigators are at the scene.

Keep ReadingShow less