We all have a busy lifestyle, which sometimes compels us to eat unsafe and contaminated food which results in food poisoning. Unhygienic foods or unhygienic methods of food storage results in food poisoning. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common symptoms of food poisoning, which could aggravate depending on the severity of the condition.
Though over-the-counter medicines are available, they do come along with side-effects. In cases as such, using home remedies for food poisoning provides instant relief and are considered far more effective.
Stats
- Food poisoning affects 9.4 million Americans each year.
- Approximately 1 out of 6 people in the US are affected by foodborne diseases every year.
- Researchers have found two hundred fifty and more foodborne diseases with 5 major types of germs causing food poisoning.
Home Remedies for Food Poisoning
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Food poisoning can cause dehydration due to diarrhea. Therefore, to keep the body rehydrated, it is necessary to take plenty of fluids that too only water or rehydration drinks (Pedialyte).
One can take fluids like water, and rehydration drink (Pedialyte) during food poisoning(1). You should avoid sugary drinks like fruit juices and soda as it contains a large amount of sugar and is not suitable for rehydration of the body.
A cup of water or rehydration drink should be taken every time after a sizeable loose stool. You can consume water at a short interval of time.
[Also Read: Treat Food Poisoning Naturally]
2. Apple Cider Vinegar for Food Poisoning
People generally use apple cider vinegar in salads, food, and drinks. It has a lot of health benefits.
ACV is acidic but works on the alkaline-forming in the body. It gives instant relief by soothing gastrointestinal lining and kills bacteria.
Mixing the vinegar in hot water and drinking it before eating the food gives relief in food poisoning.
- You can mix two tablespoon apple cider vinegar in a cup of hot water for effective results.
- You can also consume two to three spoons of the undiluted form of apple cider vinegar and resolve food poisoning.
3. Ginger
Ginger is effective in reducing gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, because of the phytochemicals present in that. It helps in fighting infections caused due to diarrhea. It also gives relief by flushing out sources of diarrhea.
You can take it in a raw form by just chewing it and also can grate and add it in boiling water and have it as ginger tea.
Pieces of ginger can be taken twice a day directly. You can add one spoon of grated ginger in one cup of boiling water, and honey or sugar according to your taste as it helps in curing diarrhea(2).
4. Ice Cubes
Drinking water during diarrhea maintains water balance in our body and helps in keeping our body hydrated, which is a significant necessity for our system. Ice cubes, when sucked, keeps our stomach fresh during food poisoning.
You can crush ice can in smaller pieces known as chips or ice chips which can be swallowed. It melts in our stomach to keep our stomach fresh during the process.
You can suck Ice chips directly or put in half a glass of water. Then sip chilled water slowly with crushed ice.
[Also Read: Activated Charcoal for Food Poisoning]
Foods to Avoid
Food poisoning creates irritation and inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Therefore, you should avoid foods which upset the stomach. Recovery of the stomach takes some days; hence, you should also avoid certain foods like dairy food.
Foods, like dairy products, spicy food, high-fat food, should be entirely avoided for a few days.
Foods which cause bloating should be avoided entirely or can be taken in minimal amount if the stomach is curing gradually.
Food poisoning can come unannounced. However, we have various treatment options. Before going to the doctor and popping pills, trying home remedies for food poisoning is a more viable option. Moreover, store food in a hygienic place and do not leave it uncovered for an extended period. Also, drink enough water to keep the body hydrated. Ginger and garlic should be included in daily food habits.
[ Read: Home Remedies for Vomiting ]
FAQs
1. How Can You Prevent Food Poisoning?
Measurements to be taken to prevent food poisoning
- Wash your hands hygienically with handwash to keep away germs.
- Avoid heavy meals in the evening like fatty food, oily stuff.
- Avoid using unpasteurized milk.
- Do not consume soft cheeses such as feta, or other unpasteurized cheeses. Hard cheese like processed cheeses, cream cheese, and cottage cheese are safe.
- Also, check expiration dates on all the packaged food before consuming.
2. How Do Harmful Germs Get into My Food?
Some of the ways germs get into our food.
- Germs – Meat as it contains bacteria and which could affect our body.
- Water used for irrigation of fruits or vegetables contains animal manure and/or human sewage sometimes.
- Unwashed hands can transfer germs to the food being prepared.
3. How Is Garlic Helpful in Treating Food Poisoning?
Effects of garlic
- Garlic has potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties; therefore, it helps fight food poisoning. Hence It also relieves from symptoms of diarrhea and gastrointestinal pain.
- Eating one fresh garlic clove, or swallowing it with water helps keep gastric issues in control. You can also consume Garlic juice for better results.
4. Can I Eat Yogurt Food Poisoning?
Essentially, we aim to resort to a bland food after bouts of food poisoning. Dairy foods such as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt can upset the stomach after food poisoning, and hence should be avoided.
