Social Media Recipe... Does Grape Juice with Activated Charcoal Succeed in Treating Gastroenteritis?

SadaNews - Social media platforms are witnessing the circulation of a home remedy suggesting that drinking grape juice with activated charcoal can treat stomach flu. However, according to a report from "Verywell Health", nutrition and medical experts confirm that this method is ineffective and may hinder recovery.

Can grape juice and activated charcoal treat gastroenteritis?

There is no scientific evidence proving that grape juice, activated charcoal, or their combination can treat stomach viruses or alleviate their symptoms.

Nutrition specialist Christine Carly clarifies that "no scientific research has been conducted to confirm this trend. This belief often stems from a misunderstanding of how activated charcoal works."

Activated charcoal is sometimes used in emergency medicine, but it is specifically designated for very particular cases, such as binding certain toxins before they are absorbed into the body.

As for viruses that cause stomach flu, such as norovirus or rotavirus, they spread within the body's cells, and activated charcoal cannot "absorb" or eliminate them.

Potential Risks

Activated charcoal may bind to the nutrients or medications that the body needs for recovery, which could hinder treatment and prolong the illness.

Grape juice may help in maintaining hydration and providing antioxidants, but it does not directly treat the virus.

Why do some people believe the remedy works?

The popularity of this trend can be attributed to a mix of partial facts and speculation:

- Activated charcoal is known in medical environments for its "absorption" abilities, giving it a reputation as a powerful cleansed for everything.

- Grape juice is always associated with antioxidants and immune support.

- The combination gives the impression that they can neutralize any cause of intestinal disturbances.

Additionally, stomach flus often improve spontaneously within 24 to 72 hours, making it easy to attribute improvement to the remedy, even if the body is recovering on its own.

More Effective Ways to Alleviate Gastroenteritis Symptoms

While there is no quick cure for viral gastroenteritis, symptoms can be alleviated and recovery supported through simple steps:

Focus on fluids

Drink small, frequent amounts of water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broth to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Eat light foods

Such as toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce, which are easier on the stomach.

Rest as much as possible

The immune system needs energy to fight infections, and fatigue may prolong the illness.

Avoid irritating foods and drinks

Such as fatty foods, caffeine, and overly sugary drinks, which may increase diarrhea and nausea.

Be cautious with supplements

Products such as activated charcoal may interfere with medications, and are advised only under medical supervision.

Know when to seek medical advice

If severe dehydration, high fever, blood in stools, or symptoms persist for more than four days appear, medical care should be sought.