(NewsNation) — When you think of charcoal, you think of it being laid out on a grill for barbecues and such. What about it potentially being used to help people in health-related situations? Well, now the answer is yes.

Doctors can use what's called an activated charcoal detox to fight against certain toxins in certain substances.

So what is an activated charcoal detox? What are the risks of taking the substance?

What is an activated charcoal detox?

An activated charcoal detox is the use of more porous charcoal to help a person if they have ingested certain poisons.

It can only bind to certain substances, and can also filter impurities during food and drink production by removing color from certain foods, such as sugar or vinegar.

"The right amount of activated charcoal may depend on

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