Recovering from food poison, electrolytes are low I think, can't walk a straight line feel dizzy

Food poisoning is caused by eating unhygienic food, infested with micro-organisms like bacteria and other toxic substances like stomach virus. Food becomes toxic due to improper food handling, preparation and storage methods. The common species of food poisoning bacteria are clostridium, salmonella, and staphylococcus, among others. The intake of infested food leads to improper digestion, thereby disrupting the digestive system. Some of the food poisoning signs are vomiting, nausea, dysentery, dehydration, headache, stomach cramps, weakness, and fatigue. If left unattended, it may result in exhausting the water content of the body, causing food poisoning fever and other severe consequences like the stomach flu. It is difficult to ascertain or specify food poisoning duration, but it may last for 3 to 4 days to a week or so, and even longer in case of severe infection.

Food poisoning remedies over the counter involve medication; however, it is advised that you consult a doctor and get proper medical treatment. Home remedies can be used alongside medication to relive the symptoms. Here are some of the food poisoning natural remedies:

• One of the most recommended food poisoning remedies is to consume a lot of fluids, including water and juices. You should particularly consume juice of citrus fruits as the acidic content of these juices will help cleanse the stomach and relieve food poisoning symptoms. Also, you must avoid the intake of carbonated or aerated drinks.
• The intake of water with salt, sugar and lemon juice helps restore the electrolyte balance of the body, thereby preventing dehydration and other associated conditions. This is an effective food poisoning remedy for children as well as adults.
• Drinking apple cider vinegar blended with equal amount of honey also helps relieve food poisoning. You can consume hot water with lemon juice and apple cidar vinegar as part of a food poisoning remedy.
• The intake of ginger ale in food poisoning also helps treat the condition on account of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, ginger helps fight food poisoning.
• One of the other useful food poisoning remedies is to consume yogurt. Yogurt is a rich source of good bacteria, which negate the effect of the harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning.
• Consuming mint essence with water every 3 to 4 hours also helps relieve the symptoms of food poisoning.
• Ginger tea also helps relieve various symptoms of food poisoning, including heartburn and nausea.
• One of the other food poisoning remedies is to consume charcoal tablets. Charcoal tablets absorb the toxins produced in the body as a result of the intake of infested food.
• Among the food poisoning remedies at home, one of them is to apply a blend of soya and garlic oils on the stomach; this will relieve stomach pain and cramps.
• Avoid consuming milk when suffering from food poisoning, as it causes indigestion and aggravates the problem. Also avoid red meat and chicken if you have food poisoning.

Food poisoning in pregnancy can particularly lead to adversities, affecting the health of the embryo. As such, maintenance of hygienic eating habits is quintessential. You must always consult a doctor if you have food poisoning when you are pregnant.

In cases of acute infection, you must drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Also, you must seek the advice of your healthcare provider and get proper food poisoning medication.

answered by A S

You’re quite right to assume that electrolyte levels may be low, as the biggest threat of food poisoning is in fact dehydration or the loss of fluids and electrolytes. This occurs as a result of excess fluid evacuation through diarrhea and vomiting. Whenever suffering from food poisoning or gastritis you need to be very guarded and look out for symptoms of dehydration like fatigue, nausea, darkening of urine, Cramps in the upper and lower limbs, dry mouth and nose, and dizziness. Food poisoning can at times be extremely severe and even require hospitalization, as a direct result of the dehydration.

The first thing you need to do when dealing with food poisoning is to begin consuming as much fluid as possible. This would include water and any natural juices. Aerated and carbonated drinks are best avoided. Electrolytes are basically salts that are needed to maintain the proper balance of fluids in your body. To improve and maintain hydration you need to replenish the loss of electrolytes by consuming fluids that have electrolytes. You can use electrolyte solutions available in medical stores or a number of sports drinks that have a high content of electrolytes.

If you do not have any electrolyte solution available at hand you can begin by simply adding a pinch or two of sugar and salt to a glass of water. This should help counter the loss of fluids.

Try and stay in a cool environment that does not cause any perspiration. The use of a humidifier in the room can also ensure minimal loss of fluids.

Avoid drinking milk and the consumption of dairy products like cream and cheese, as dairy products can at times enable the growth of salmonella in your body.

Consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic products is to be strictly avoided as they can cause your dehydration to take on a dangerous level because of the increased fluid loss.

Once you start to feel better, do not resume your normal diet. Instead continue to keep your fluid intake high and try to restrict your diet to soft foods like bananas, applesauce and rice, as they are a lot easier to digest. It would also be wise to avoid any spicy foods. Keep in mind that some types of food poisoning can even produce symptoms such as a difficulty in breathing. This can be terrifying and confusing for someone not expecting it. It is however possible as the virus responsible for the contamination can partially paralyze the lungs. In such situations immediate medical assistance is required.

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