Food poisoning is a very common medical condition that affects both adults and children, alike. It can occur anywhere between three and thirty six hours after the consumption of tainted food and the symptoms can last for anywhere between twelve hours to many days. The condition can be mild or severe and it occurs when foods that contain bad bacteria, germs and toxins are consumed.
Some of the common symptoms of food poisoning are diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramping. At times, food poisoning is also accompanied by fever. In most cases, food poisoning will run its natural course, however, there are a few remedies to help ease the discomfort caused by this ailment.
Make sure you sip clear liquids throughout the day, to avoid further problems as vomiting and diarrhea, often lead to dehydration. In addition to sipping clear fluids, try to consume electrolyte replacement drinks like sports drinks (either with less sugar or diluted). Flat ginger ale could also help in settling your stomach.
Avoid milk and dairy products, foods that are high in fat or fiber and caffeine for the first few days, as these foods are very difficult to digest. Stick to eating bland food, without any spices, grease or fat. Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast (BRAT diet) are the safest food options in this condition. Introduce regular foods gradually, only after vomiting stops and resume your usual diet after the symptoms of food poisoning disappear. In case you are suffering from severe vomiting and find it difficult to hold anything down, you could suck on ice cubes or ice chips, which will have a soothing effect.
Do not spend much time in the sun or in the heat. Sweating makes you lose more water and could dehydrate you faster. In fact, one of the most commonly recommended home remedies for food poisoning is complete bed rest. This is because your body needs to have enough strength and resources to combat the germs and harmful bacteria that enter your body, because of ingesting contaminated food. Therefore, if you are a victim of food poisoning, you need to reduce other activities to allow your body to heal.
Most cases of food poisoning run their course and do not require prescription or over the counter medication. However, if the symptoms of food poisoning are severe or are accompanied by acute abdominal pain or if the symptoms do not abate after twenty four hours of care, it could be a cause for concern and you will need to contact your doctor immediately.
answered by G R