Indigestion (stomach upset) is the term used to describe pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest that can develop after a meal. The medical term for it is dyspepsia. Sometimes a burning feeling is felt in the center of the chest caused by reflux of the stomach's contents back up the esophagus. This is often referred to as heartburn. If severe, it may be mistaken for a heart attack. Often there is a loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, or flatulence, burping or belching. Most people have suffered from indigestion after a large meal at some time, and up to 20% of people suffer from heartburn at least once a week. Depending on the cause, the symptoms may occur for a short time only, they may return intermittently, or they may be regular and prolonged.
Indigestion may be triggered by several causes:
- Eating a heavy meal, greasy, spicy or rich foods
- Hurried eating or irregular mealtimes
- Drinking too many fluids at mealtimes
- Drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages and smoking stimulate acid production
- Stress and anxiety
- Drugs such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication used to treat arthritis
- Pregnancy, which commonly causes heartburn, indigestion or vomiting
- Peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer)
- Helicobacter pylori -
a bacterium, which lives in the mucus layer of the stomach, that can
cause irritation (gastritis). It is present in about half the
population, often without causing any symptoms
- Hiatus
hernia - part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm into the
chest cavity, which can cause pain and heartburn. Hiatus hernia is most
likely to occur in pregnant women and people who are overweight
- Stomach cancer
The benefit from using
activated charcoal is that it quickly adsorbs not only excessive
stomach acid but also many of the irritating substances produced from
half digested stomach contents.
In his mid-twenties, John’s
duodenal ulcers had become so bad that they were affecting his
marriage. After admitting he drank coffee, I explained that coffee
dramatically increases the acid production in the stomach. He said that
if he had to stop his coffee then he would live with the ulcers. “Well”
I said, “then you can think about having eroding ulcers”. That grabbed
his attention, so I told him about charcoal, and how it works amazingly
well to neutralize stomach acidity. Skepticism spread across his face
with that typical Cape Breton look that says, “Go ‘way!” Hoping it
would inspire a degree of confidence in my unusual remedy, I directed
him to the pharmacy, where they could order the charcoal, if there
wasn’t any in stock.
Then I realized that his going to the drugstore was not going to
happen. Just for such skeptical folks, I carry a small bottle of
charcoal capsules in the truck. I pulled it out, gave it to him with
some simple instructions, and said goodbye.
I didn’t see him until the following week. With a big grin, he
immediately announced, “I am totally free”. All his symptoms were gone.
I could tell just by looking at his face. Keep in mind that John had
had these severe pains for quite some time. I then had a chance to
mention other items he needed to be careful with, such as spices,
condiments, and smoking.
I saw John a month or two later and he said in a very confident manner
that not only had he stopped coffee, but that he had also stopped
smoking. Now, if he were to feel some acid indigestion coming on, what
do you think he will reach for, some brand name antacid with calcium,
which actually increases acid production? No, like many others, John
knows ‘relief’ can also be spelled: C-H-A-R-C-O-A-L
CharcoalRemedies.com page 30
My brother Ron has not always “appreciated” the value of my health
innovations, but today he has no doubt as to charcoal’s benefit when it
comes to stomach upset. As Canadian west-coast commercial fishermen, he
and his wife Gerrie worked long and hard seven days a week during
fishing season. “There was no time to prepare a proper meal, so then we
ended up having a big meal just before going to bed. That habit tended
to end in pain, with an upset stomach and gas. But we would take
several capsules of charcoal, and the symptoms promptly disappeared.”
Back on land again, they are careful to better plan their mealtimes. CharcoalRemedies.com page 32
Ben was, for years, a long
distance trucker traveling all over North America. “I didn’t go
anywhere without charcoal. If I got an upset stomach, if I had gas, or
diarrhea from something, I always had it on hand as a faithful quick
remedy. I simply carried a bottle of tablets with me or I would fill
some capsules with the powder if I couldn’t get the tablets. We keep it
right at hand here in the kitchen.” Oh yes, Ben’s wife Martha is an
Emergency Room doctor. CharcoalRemedies.com page 72
"One tablespoon of
activated charcoal powder can adsorb the amount of bacteria that would
completely cover a tennis court. I also take four capsules if I eat
something that gives me indigestion or stomach pain. I used it once in
the middle of a store when my son consumed an unknown amount of liquid
soap. We always carry a bottle in our glove box and in my purse for
emergencies. For children who can’t swallow pills, the capsules can be
opened into a small amount of water, stirred and sipped with a straw.
It doesn’t have any taste. Don’t try to put the powder on your tongue
and swallow with water. It is so light that when you take a breath,
you’ll be sorry!” Thanks Barbara for that motherly advice. CharcoalRemedies.com page 97
Recently I talked with
Yvonne. Some time ago she received a short pamphlet on charcoal, and
decided to try it for her long history of upset stomach. She reported
that she had gotten fast relief, and that she had had no more problems.
She was preparing to go on a trip to Mexico, and was apprehensive about
the reports of the Tourista Blues (diarrhea). I suggested that, in case
of an emergency, she take some charcoal with her. Fortunately she only
heard happy tunes, but she was thankful that she’d had a simple remedy
she could trust.
Most cases of chest pain, called heartburn, are nothing more than acid
indigestion that can be helped by taking charcoal. A slurry of charcoal
and water, or a little olive oil and charcoal mixed together, is often
all that is needed.
Pastor Emilio, now retired, was a popular public speaker. His speaking
engagements involved traveling extensively, including overseas. He
smiled as he told me, “I would catch every bug. If I noticed any
symptoms of upset stomach or diarrhea, I immediately would take
charcoal. Usually by the time my plane landed back in the U.S. my
symptoms would be gone.”
Ty is another world traveler. As a public speaker, director and field
representative for a prominent publishing organization, he is often in
the air on his way to some foreign country. With all his other
important luggage to keep track of, Ty never forgets his emergency kit.
“I take charcoal with me on all international trips, just in case. I
visit in many different places, with different foods. If I detect the
least upset stomach, I right away take some charcoal.” CharcoalRemedies.com page 161
How Do You Take Charcoal?
It's simple. Just mix 1 teaspoon or 1 Tablespoon of activated charcoal powder INTO a glass of water. Stir gently until the charcoal powder is mixed in. Then, just be a MAN and drink it back.
Find out more how charcoal can help you treat acid indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux and other common ailments, simply and naturally, right in your home. To order the book CharcoalRemedies.com now CLICK on the picture below.

