Food is supposed to make us feel better. It is the primary source of nourishment for our bodies so while we don’t expect every morsel we take in to revitalize us, none of us are expecting the unpleasantness we get when we consume tainted food. So, we are often caught off guard when that nauseous feeling overtakes us, when that low-grade fever starts to bring us down, or when we find ourselves spending an evening with the porcelain throne. We want relief right away.
What Not to Do
Food poisoning’s most common symptom by far is diarrhea and our first reaction may be to bring it to a quick halt with some over the counter medication. However, doctors say that if you’re really dealing with food poisoning, you need to trust your body and allow its immune system to run its course. The diarrhea is a result of the body trying to rid itself of the bacteria that has invaded it. Taking medications can actually interfere with that process and keep the pesky little bugs around longer than they need to be.
Instead, they recommend that one of the best remedies for food poisoning should be to stay hydrated. It’s important to replenish any fluids you’re losing so you don’t become dehydrated. In addition to water, drink fluids that are rich in electrolytes like coconut water, broth, or Gatorade. If you’re having trouble keeping those fluids down, slow down your drinking and only take small sips.
You also need to gradually reintroduce food to your system. Start with things that don’t require a lot of gastrointestinal activity but will still give you good nutrition. Foods included in the BART diet – bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast – may seem bland and boring but they don’t irritate the already inflamed digestive system. You can gradually introduce other foods as your body gradually recovers.
When to Get Medical Help
Even the best remedies for food poisoning will fall short if you’re dealing with a severe case. You may need to get medical assistance if the symptoms do not get better. You should seek help if your fever goes over 101 degrees F and is accompanied by diarrhea. If you begin to feel light-headed, feel extreme thirst, or the symptoms persist for more than five days, consult a doctor.
Some types of food poisoning cannot be treated at home no matter what you do. If you are experiencing symptoms from eating mushrooms, shellfish, or some type of canned food, these toxins can cause some pretty severe reactions that could even be life threatening. In those cases, you should not wait but go straight to the emergency room for treatment.
No one expects to suffer from food poisoning, but when you do, one of the best remedies for food poisoning is common sense. Our bodies are remarkable machines that can do wonders when it comes to self-healing. It is always best to allow our body to do what it does best whenever possible. However, there are times when our systems may need a little help with the healing process. So, always use good common sense and seek out professional help when you need it. Food poisoning is no joke and it could be very harmful if it is not treated properly.
