Activated carbon is a fine, porous powder with an enormous surface area. It acts like a sponge in your gut, grabbing certain substances and carrying them out of your body.
People reach for it when they need relief from occasional gas, bloating, or digestive discomfort. In emergency rooms, doctors sometimes use it for specific poisonings, but only under strict medical supervision.
Take it on an empty stomach with plenty of water, either as capsules or powder. Activated carbon does not discriminate. It binds nutrients and medications just as readily, so keep it at least two hours away from other supplements or prescriptions.
Be aware it can cause black stools and constipation, and frequent use may block nutrient uptake or weaken the effect of many drugs.