Understanding food poisoning
Food poisoning usually occurs when pathogens contaminate consumable food or drinking water. Food poisoning is common and makes a person feel uncomfortable. Food poisoning is also called a food-borne illness.
When the toxins enter the body through food, it can create uneasiness and make a person feel sick. The symptoms of food poisoning will kick in within hours after consuming the contaminated food.
Food poisoning symptoms will vary depending on the contamination and make a person exhibit symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stools with blood
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle cramps and
- Fever.
What causes food poisoning?
Few pathogens are responsible for causing various food-borne illnesses or food poisoning.
- Norovirus
- Salmonella
- Staphylococcus
- Clostridium and
- Campylobacter is a pathogen commonly causing food-borne illness.
Norovirus is commonly found in food like fruits, vegetables and oysters. Salmonella is found in meat, eggs and various dairy products.
Staphylococcus and Clostridium are pathogens found in animal products. Campylobacter is found in undercooked meat or contaminated water.
What steps should a person take after food poisoning?
Allowing the stomach to settle after experiencing symptoms of food poisoning is the best way to let the gut rest.
Some of the ways in which a person can heal the stomach and recover are as follows.
Hydration
Liquid intake is essential for the body to fight against food poisoning effects. Due to vomiting and diarrhoea, the body can experience dehydration.
Drinking water or electrolytes is the best way to prevent dehydration during such times.
Consuming bland food
When a person feels hungry during or after food poisoning, it is better to consume food that is gentle to the gut. Consuming food that is bland, low in fat and less fibrous is easier on the stomach.
Fat is hard for the stomach to digest. An upset stomach will find it more difficult to digest fat.
Consuming food like
- Bananas
- Egg whites
- Honey
- Cereal
- Jell-O
- Potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Toast
- Rice and
- Apple sauce would be gentle on the stomach.
If a person approaches a doctor during food poisoning, they might recommend the BRAT diet.
Natural remedies
When a person has food poisoning, it is vital to follow natural ways to cleanse the digestive tract to get rid of harmful bacteria.
A person should minimize using over-the-counter diarrhoea medication as it is not an excellent way to treat food poisoning.
While the symptoms are at their peak, drinking ginger tea can help deal with them. Ginger is known to suit the stomach and help with food poisoning symptoms.
Probiotics
To replace the intestinal flora in the stomach, a person can consume natural yoghurt or probiotic capsules. By consuming them for at least a week, there are high chances that a person can replace their normal intestinal flora.
Doing so can help the body re-generate the healthy bacteria present in the cut that are lost due to food poisoning.
When the bacteria are re-generated, it will bring the immune system and digestive system back on track.
Restricting particular food or drinks is also essential to eliminate the chances of worsening food poisoning.
What are the foods or drinks to avoid during food poisoning?
Food poisoning can disturb the stomach. Eating the right food is essential. Avoiding food that can worsen the symptoms is very important. Restricting food and drinks like:
Alcohol, spicy foods, foods high in fibre, dairy products, caffeine, fatty foods, fried foods, foods with seasoning nicotine and fruit juices are recommended.
Restricting oneself from over-the-counter medications is advised.
Who are at a higher risk of developing complications?
Children
Food poisoning is common in children, and it can be a concern. Children who are below a year old are vulnerable to Botulism. Even though Botulism is rare, it can lead to paralysis. If left untreated, it can also cause death.
Any child, if seen exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning, needs to be addressed by a doctor.
Pregnant woman
Pregnant women should be extra cautious with their food intake. Food poisoning can hurt the growth of unborn babies. Proper nutrition is essential to ward off health conditions like Listeria.
People with long-term health conditions
People who live with chronic health conditions like liver diseases, Diabetes or HIV are at greater risk of exhibiting severe symptoms of food poisoning. Such people can develop health complications.
Undergoing treatments like chemotherapy can suppress the immune responses in the body and put a person at risk of food poisoning.
Older people
Older people are at a greater risk of developing health complications after food poisoning. It can make them sick and lead to complex health conditions if left untreated.
Is medical supervision necessary?
Usually, the symptoms exhibited by a person last for a few hours. If the symptoms last more than 48 hours, medical assistance is required. Diarrhoea for more than two days is a symptom not to be ignored.
Due to nausea and vomiting, the body can get dehydrated and exhibit symptoms of dehydration. Symptoms like muscle weakness, dizziness, blood in stools and stomach cramps must be taken seriously.
In such cases, medical assistance is necessary, irrespective of how severe the symptoms are.
To sum up
Food poisoning is unpleasant. Typically, the uneasiness lasts for a few hours to a couple of days. Ideally, the health of a person should improve after a few days.
A person can incorporate bland food and follow a BRAT diet to ease the symptoms of food poisoning. It is also important to stay hydrated by consuming enough water.
Consuming and avoiding specific food is necessary to keep the stomach happy.
However, if a person exhibits symptoms of food poisoning for more than two days or if it is severe, consulting a doctor is advised. A doctor may suggest personalized diet and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms and recover from the health condition.
People at a greater risk need to pay extra care to their intake as food poisoning can lead to further health complications.
FAQ
How do I fix my stomach after food poisoning?
· Allowing the stomach to settle
· Not consuming food for a few hours
· Consuming probiotics
· Following BRAT diet
· Restricting certain foods and
Adequate rest.
How long after food poisoning can I eat regular food?
After the symptoms subside, a person can return to normal eating gradually.
