Food Poisoning – Know 5 In-Home Treatments

Many a times, we cook plenty of food, irrespective of whether we have guests at home or not. However, we do not finish off eating the food and end up storing it in the refrigerator. If the extra food is not covered and kept properly, then it can get contaminated. If you consume the contaminated food or serve it to your family members, albeit without knowing, then it will definitely lead to food poisoning.

Irrespective of whatever the cause of food poisoning is, initially, it leads to dehydration. Thus, the initial treatment of food poisoning should be aimed at avoiding dehydration. However, you should clearly note here that there is hardly much to do in order to lessen the bouts of diarrhoea or vomiting. Also, it should be noted that in most cases, the severity of food poisoning can get over in around 24-48 hours. So, you will have to agree to the fact that time will be the ultimate cure.

Here are some suggestions which can help you keep vomiting and bouts of diarrhoea under control:

Do not do anything: When you get the first bout of food poisoning, don't do anything. Many people, without knowing, start drinking and eating right away. This, in turn, leads to more vomiting and  diarrhoea. Constant eating and drinking can make things worse. You will lose more fluids and electrolytes in this process. So, it will be better if you do not drink or eat anything for few hours.

Start sipping into water after few hours: After few hours have passed, start sipping into water. If required, you can even suck on a chip of ice. Never gulp down the ice cube. If you gulp down the ice cube, then you might end up bringing the fluids right back up.

Take ample rest: Food poisoning can lead to dehydration. Moreover, you will lose all your energy due to this. Thus, you should allow your body to use all its defenses to fight off this dehydration and low energy levels. In order to do so, you should take ample rest and keep yourself away from strenuous activities. Consider avoiding less essential activities.

Gradually drink more fluids: Once you can sip in some water and keep it within yourself rather than vomiting, then you can think of drinking more fluids. Water is the best fluid that you should consume when you suffer from food poisoning. You can even have ORS solution in order to regain the lost energy levels.

Don't start off with solid food immediately: Do not be in a hurry to start off with solid food. You should wait for around 24 hours after food poisoning before you start off with solid food. Before starting off with solid food, try eating bananas, rice, toast or applesauce and check out if you can retain them. You should also stay away from dairy products for few days.

Once you follow these home remedies, it will be easier for you to deal with food poisoning and its after effects. You may consult a doctor if you find that the symptoms of food poisoning is not reducing.