Introduction
Food poisoning is a common ailment experienced by many people at some point in their lives. It occurs when we consume contaminated food or water containing bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms range from nausea, diarrhea, vomiting to fever, and can last a few hours to several days. It’s essential to be cautious when handling and preparing food to avoid food poisoning. However, if you have already been struck by it, here are some tips on how to cure food poisoning.
Identifying Symptoms
The symptoms of food poisoning are diverse, but the common ones include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some people may also experience fever, chills, and headache. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if you have food poisoning accurately.
It’s crucial to quickly and properly self-diagnose food poisoning symptoms to avoid further complications. Dehydration is one of the common complications associated with food poisoning. The symptoms of severe dehydration may include decreased urine output, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness. It’s essential to get rehydration and seek medical attention as soon as possible in severe cases.
Hydration
Hydration is one of the critical strategies to cure food poisoning. Our body loses fluids during vomiting and diarrhea episodes, and getting enough fluids can help restore electrolytes lost during the period. Plain water may not be enough to replace lost minerals. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are recommended to help the body replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
Some sports drinks may also be beneficial because they contain electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that help replace lost nutrients. Drinking fluids can help flush out toxins from your body and accelerate the healing process. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or any other drinks that may dehydrate you further.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that can be beneficial to our health. When we have food poisoning, they help to restore the balance of good bacteria in our gut. Probiotics may be found in fermented foods such as kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut or in capsule form.
The recommended course of treatment for probiotics is three to five days. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any probiotics, especially if you have a weakened immune system or are taking antibiotics.
Avoid Greasy or Spicy Foods
During a food poisoning episode, our stomach is already inflamed and irritated. Consuming greasy or spicy foods may irritate the lining further and delay the healing process. The recommended foods are plain, bland foods that can soothe an upset stomach. Some of these foods include rice, toast, oatmeal, and crackers.
Avoid dairy products as they may be difficult to digest during this period. Also, stay away from fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol. These foods can trigger acid reflux and further irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Address the Root Cause
It’s essential to address the root cause of food poisoning to avoid future episodes. Poor food handling, contaminated food, or drinking contaminated water are some of the root causes of food poisoning.
Addressing the root cause means adopting essential food safety measures such as washing hands before handling food, storing food correctly, and cooking food well. Ensure the kitchen and cooking utensils are clean and disinfected regularly.
Medical Intervention
If the symptoms of food poisoning persist for more than a few days, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Some symptoms may require hospitalization, such as severe dehydration, high fever, and bloody diarrhea. Your healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. It’s essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if you start feeling better.
Further, if you experience severe abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, get medical attention right away.
Conclusion
Food poisoning is an unpleasant experience. However, it’s preventable by taking essential food safety measures such as washing hands before cooking, storing food correctly, and cooking food well. When you get food poisoning, it’s crucial to be cautious when it comes to rehydration, food intake, and addressing the root cause to avoid future episodes. In severe cases, medical intervention is essential. We hope these tips helped you learn how to cure food poisoning accurately.