While most bouts of food poisoning can be treated at home, severe foodborne illness may require the attention of a medical professional. One of the easiest ways to speed up food poisoning recovery is by resting. Suppressing vomiting or diarrhea with over-the-counter medication is not usually recommended, since these food poisoning symptoms often help expel microorganisms from the body. Staying hydrated by drinking water or herbal tea is also recommended, and meals should be light and bland.
Food poisoning can be extremely uncomfortable, but sufferers can usually ride out the symptoms at home. Some common symptoms of food poisoning may include nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients experiencing severe symptoms, however, should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Doctors are typically able to help people experiencing mild to moderate food poisoning symptoms as well.
Rest is extremely important during food poisoning recovery. Allowing the body to rest helps it to fight off the illness more quickly. People suffering from food poisoning should not strain themselves. They should not go to work or to school, for instance. Ideally, they should stay in bed.
Vomiting and diarrhea are some of the most common symptoms of food poisoning. While these symptoms can be very uncomfortable for most people, stomach medications designed to stop these symptoms are usually not recommended. These actions are the body's methods of getting rid of the harmful microorganisms causing the illness. Suppressing these symptoms during recovery from food poisoning allows this harmful microorganisms to stay in the body, possibly causing a longer recovery period.
Dehydration can also occur during food poisoning recovery, since the body expels a large amount of water through vomit and diarrhea. Some signs of dehydration may include dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue. To prevent these symptoms, it is important to stay hydrated. Water is the best fluid to drink to help combat dehydration.
While caffeinated beverages should be avoided, herbal teas can help food poisoning recovery. Not only will these help prevent dehydration, but they can also help calm an upset stomach and promote proper digestion. Ginger tea and mint tea are two types of teas that can benefit a food poisoning sufferer.
After the initial symptoms subside slightly, a food poisoning sufferer may begin to feel like eating again. Complex foods and meals are typically not recommended at this time, however, since the digestive system is still weak and sensitive. Simple foods, such as dry toast and plain rice, are usually recommended. Sugars, on the other hand, should be avoided during food poisoning recovery, since they can exacerbate symptoms.