Recover from Food Poisoning Fast

There are few things that can disrupt your day like a bout of food poisoning. Mild to severe symptoms, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and cramps, can begin anywhere from an hour to several weeks after you ingest tainted food. In many cases, toxins or bacteria are transferred due to improperly processed, stored, or handled food. Most people will overcome food poisoning in a few days after it passes naturally through their system; however, infants, pregnant women, and the elderly must be especially careful in avoiding food poisoning because of the potential for irreversible damage. Knowing how to recover from food poisoning fast will help you to minimize discomfort and to get back on your feet as soon as possible.

Steps

Adjusting Your Diet

1. Drink plenty of liquids and fluids. If you're experiencing frequent vomiting and diarrhea, your body will quickly lose fluids which will result in dehydration. Drink as much liquid as you can to replace lost fluids. If you find it difficult to drink a lot, take several small sips frequently.
   • If you cannot keep down liquids because you are too nauseous, contact a doctor immediately. You may need to be taken to the hospital for intravenous fluid provision.
   • Try drinking water, decaffeinated tea, or juice. Sipping broth or soup is also a good way to get nutrition and fluids.
2. Drink a rehydration fluid. These are powders that you mix into water and drink. They help to replace minerals and nutrients that your body is losing through vomiting and diarrhea. You can usually buy them from pharmacies.
   • To make your own rehydration fluid, mix 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 4 tablespoons of sugar into 4 1/4 cups (or 1 litre) of water. Stir until the ingredients are dissolved before drinking.
3. Gradually begin eating bland foods. Once you're feeling a bit hungry and nausea has subsided, start nibbling BRAT foods: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.. These foods can calm your stomach and shouldn't trigger nausea or vomiting.
   • Saltines, mashed potatoes, and soft cooked vegetables are also gentle on an upset stomach. Remember, don't force yourself to eat or rush into eating too much.
4. Take a break from dairy products for a few days. As your body fights against the food poisoning, your digestive system will experience a temporary state of lactose intolerance. Because of this, any dairy products that you consume--e.g., butter, milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.--will result in further complications. Avoid consuming dairy until you are sure that your body has returned to normal.
5. Avoid foods that can trigger nausea or vomiting. Chances are these won't sound appealing if you already have food poisoning, but take care to avoid spicy or fatty foods which can be difficult for you to digest.
   • You should also cut out high-fiber foods that can also be tough on your stomach. High-fiber foods include: citrus, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and produce with the peel.
6. Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol will both alter your body chemistry in ways that may make you more uncomfortable. They're also diuretics, which means that they will cause you to urinate more often. Frequent urination leads to dehydration, which can cause serious problems when combined with frequent vomiting and diarrhea.

Trying a Home Remedy

1. Drink barley or rice water. This is helpful in soothing an upset stomach and relieving indigestion. It also has the added benefit of keeping you hydrated, when you're likely to need it.
2. Take some probiotic supplements. They can help restore the good bacteria in the intestines and speed up the recovery process. If you have a weak immune system, however, taking probiotics may not be the best treatment for you; consult your doctor before taking any.
3. Take some apple cider vinegar. Another popular home remedy, apple cider vinegar may contain antimicrobial properties. To use it, mix two tablespoons in a cup of hot water and drink before eating any solid food. You can also drink the apple cider vinegar straight, if you prefer.
4. Use herbs. Some herbs may have antimicrobial properties and several can alleviate the symptoms of food poisoning. Try drinking basil juice or adding a few drops of basil oil in water. Cumin seeds can also be eaten straight or brewed into a hot beverage.
   • Thyme, rosemary, coriander, sage, spearmint, and fennel are also herbs that may have antimicrobial properties, though more research is needed.
5. Soothe your stomach with honey and ginger. Honey contains antimicrobial properties and can control stomach acid, while ginger can reduce stomach pain and indigestion.
   • Brew fresh ginger in hot water, then stir in honey and sip slowly. You can also drink ginger juice with honey mixed in.

Giving Your Body a Break

1. Take time off. Don't go to work if you're experiencing food poisoning, especially if you work in food service. Give yourself plenty of time to recover before you return to work (usually 48 hours after your symptoms disappear).
   • If you work in food service and begin experiencing food poisoning while at work, immediately notify your supervisor and leave the food prep area. Never handle food when dealing with food poisoning.
2. Get plenty of rest. It is likely that you will feel fatigued as your body fights to rid the toxins from your system. It is recommended that you rest as much as you can so that your body can use its energy to recover. Take frequent naps, which will also keep you from overexerting yourself.
   • Avoid strenuous activity. Participating in strenuous activities while fatigued can result in injury.
3. Give your stomach a break. Don't eat large meals or lots of solid food. Chances are these won't sound good anyway, but your body needs a chance to recover from whatever toxin or bacteria has made you sick. Avoid eating very much for the first day or two that you have food poisoning symptoms.
   • Instead, consume lots of liquids, broths, or soups. Wait several hours after experiencing nausea or vomiting before consuming more food.
4. Take ibuprofen or paracetamol.Take the recommended dosage of ibuprofen or paracetamol if you're experiencing a slight fever or headache. It can also alleviate general aches and pains.
   • Avoid taking anti-diarrhea medicine. While diarrhea from food poisoning can be inconvenient, it is a mechanism used by the body to quickly expel the toxins within. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not take any anti-diarrhea medicine.
5. Wash your hands frequently. If you're experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, it's important that you wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs. Don't share towels or handle other people's food.
   • It's a good idea to keep disposable cleaning wipes in the bathroom. Once you've used the bathroom, wipe clean any surfaces you touched.

Warnings

• If the food poisoning persists for more than a few days, call a doctor. A doctor should also be contacted if you experience a high fever, vision problems or difficulty breathing and swallowing.
• If the food poisoning was caused by ingested mushrooms or seafood, get medical attention right away. Some toxins found in certain varieties of mushrooms and seafood can be deadly and require immediate attention.

Related Articles

• Stay Hydrated if You Have Food Poisoning
• Get Rid of Food Poisoning
• Treat Salmonella
• Avoid Food Poisoning from Undercooked Beans

Sources and Citations

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001652.htm

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