My daughter is a parapalegic, 55 yrs. of age, and self-medicates with info from the Internet. She has been hospitalized several times for impaction of the bowel. Lately she she's been using deactivated charcoal. She mentioned liquid iron when I asked her about her hard period but for some reason decided the charcoal is best for her. She has just finished her period, said it was a heavy flow, and is so weak she has to stop talking on the phone to catch her breath. She says it's because of heavy blood flow but her weakness, and breathing problems have been going on for quite awhile now. She's very thin and does not eat a healthy diet. She now claims she's gluten intolerant & will only eat free range & organic foods. She's also used charcoal on an infected toenail for quite some time, won't show it to me or discuss what medications she takes, or what her doctors tell her. She's been diagnosed bipolar but won't deal with that & I'd guess because it is now openly called a mental illness. She did pot, cocaine etc. since she was a teen. Has been through several treatment programs and got sober only after falling 8 stories from the face of a tributary waterfall. She, the last few years wants alcohol at restaurants, drinks wine with her friends at her apt., and God only knows if she smokes pot "medicinally" with them. My number one question right now is...should I be trying to talk to her about the charcoal & her cleansing habits, and is it really safe? Should I try to go with her when she sees her doctor next? Though I doubt if she will let me. She lives in her own apartment and I'm now learning to deal with my husband's dementia (her step-father). I'm at my wits end! Any advice or help will be much appreciated. Thank you and sincerely, S.O.M. Phooey. I will consult my neighbor who is a doctor. I though this was anonymous and general info provided for the public. Amen.