Because this is so absorbent, this should not be taken with food, unless you have food poisoning. in which case you should take 6 - 12 capsules with water. For regular detox, take 2-4 capsules. You don’t have to take this all the time- maybe every other day during a cleanse. Make sure you take lots of water with this because it acts like cement and will clog you up if you don’t drink enough water- also do colon cleansing if you can while taking this (enemas/colonics). Charcoal and Bentonite absorb all kinds of bad toxic things from your body, and the more you can help move it out, the better. It does contain herbs to help move it through, but if you feel you need even more help, add some Colon Formula.