Being a foodie means that I want tasty food all the time. Well, it does not happen every time. Because there are some barriers that can stop you from eating your favorite food, like food poisoning.
What is Food Poisoning?
Contaminated food and other Infectious organisms (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) result in food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It is also known as a foodborne illness. More often, mild food poisoning does not have any treatment but if it shows severe symptoms, you should seek medical help.
Your food may contain bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and salmonella, or a virus.
Symptoms of food poisoning involve:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Feeling sick
- Chills
- Aching muscles
- Lack of energy
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Symptoms of food poisoning may appear within one or two days of consuming contaminated food.
You may mix the terms of food infection and food poisoning.
Let’s find out:
What is the Difference Between Food Poisoning and Food Infection?
Microorganisms release the toxins after they are ingested, which causes food poisoning. While the presence of toxins in food before eating causes food infection.
How does Food Poisoning Occur?
Eating contaminated foods can result in such illnesses. It may also happen due to undercooked meat. Such foodborne illness can also be caused by:
- Contaminated water
- Undercooked eggs
- Raw fish
- Vegetables and fruits that are not washed
- Undercooked rice
- Raw oysters
- Soft or unpasteurized cheese
- Unpasteurized beverages, juice, cider, and milk.
Dehydration is one of the leading complications that happen due to food poisoning. You can learn if you have dehydration by the following symptoms:
- Low-blood pressure
- Fast heart rate
- Decrease in urine output
- Fast heart rate
- Dark urine
- Excessive thirst
- Dizziness
For a few hours, you need to avoid eating and drinking anything. It means that you should let your stomach rest and not go for foods that can worsen the condition.
Table of Contents
Ways to Treat Food Poisoning at Home
It’s time to explore what you should do to reduce the symptoms of food poisoning.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration in the body. It means that your body requires more liquids to replace the fluids. Experts also suggest staying hydrated because the liquid let your body fight off food poisoning effects.
You can suck up ice chips which can reduce dehydration. Avoid drinking too much water or any fluid as it can worsen your condition. Take small sips of water as it improves the effects of this illness.
There are electrolytes in sports drinks that prevent dehydration. But make sure that you drink non-caffeinated sodas. My grandma used to cook chicken or vegetable broth for me whenever I had food poisoning.
Consume Bland Food
When you notice that symptoms of food poisoning become reduced, it is time to eat some bland foods that do not put your stomach into trouble.
Your gastrointestinal tract needs easy-to-digest food, like bananas. Such bland foods are low in fibre and fat.
Avoid fatty and processed foods that can make it hard for your stomach to work on or digest.
Choose foods that your stomach can easily digest, including:
- Jell-O
- Rice
- Bananas
- Cereal
- Egg whites
- Plain potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Toast
- Saltines
Other Foods and Drinks
For a healing process, you need more nutrients and proteins that can prevent muscle breakdown. It may take two or more days to return to your favorite food but you need to be more careful as you are prone to an upset stomach now.
Beneficial gut bacteria is crucial for your health. You can restore this type of bacteria with some fermented foods, such as:
- Miso soup
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
- Tempeh
- Kombucha
Your body is already in offensive mode, so you should avoid the foods and drinks that can give your stomach a tough time.
Make a list of what drinks and foods you need to avoid. It is one of the best ways to trigger your food poisoning effects.
For oral rehydration solutions, you can consider the following drinks.
- Oralyte
- Ceralyte
- Pedialyte
When a person does not keep the diet down, it shows the requirement of oral rehydration solution.
You can also try ginger or lemon tea as they do not irritate your stomach but soothe the effects of food poisoning.
Intake of healthy bacteria through foods and drinks can help your body to fight off such illnesses. All you need is reliable information and knowledge about the right diet.
What Foods You Need to Avoid
It will be your worst experience if you eat or drink something that inflames or irritates your stomach and intestine.
This section will help you learn the trigger of food poisoning:
Spicy Foods
Foods with spices can upset your stomach even more than you think. Hot peppers cause discomfort and irritation that can inflame your stomach and intestine.
Other Foods
Foods that are rich in fermentable carbohydrates can lead to stomach irritation. Some foods cause irritable bowel movement (IBS) along with bloating. Such foods include:
- Beans
- Garlic
- Apples
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Onions
What Drinks To Avoid
Make sure that you do avoid the foods and drinks that can worsen your illness. These drinks include:
- Fruit juices
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated drinks, like tea, coffee, etc.
- Milk
- Dark sodas
Healthy Tips
According to CDC, on an average pregnant women, infants or babies, and other adults are more at risk of getting complications of food poisoning. When you experience the symptoms of food poisoning, you need to be more careful.
Make sure that you do not brush your teeth right after vomiting.
Studies explain that stomach acid expelled during vomiting is not good for teeth enamel. If you brush your teeth, it can damage the enamel. You can simply rinse your mouth with water and baking soda.
Take a shower to feel good. It will also help your body to get rid of unhealthy bacteria. Take some rest as it boosts the healing process.
There are some severe symptoms of food poisoning, such as blurry vision, blood in the stool, severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, etc.
Home remedies for food poisoning are all about what you should eat and avoid. For severe symptoms of food poisoning, you should seek medical help.
Best gastroenterologists in Karachi say that food poisoning often recovers within a few days. Always wash your hands before and after cooking and eating your foods.
