What is commonly recommended to take if someone has ingested poison?

Activated charcoal is commonly recommended for individuals who have ingested poison because it can effectively bind to certain types of toxins in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. By doing so, it helps prevent the absorption of the poison into the body, thereby reducing its harmful effects. The use of activated charcoal is a standard practice in emergency medicine for treating many types of poisonings, as it can help limit the toxicity when administered soon after ingestion.

On the other hand, water may not be helpful in all cases, as it can dilute the poison and potentially allow it to be absorbed more quickly. Some substances might also react negatively with water. Apple cider vinegar is not a recognized treatment for poisoning and can sometimes exacerbate the situation depending on the poison. Milk is occasionally thought to soothe the stomach but is not effective in stopping the absorption of most poisons and may even be contraindicated with certain substances. Therefore, activated charcoal stands out as the most effective and widely accepted intervention for cases of poisoning.