How to Cure Food Poisoning

The nature and severity of food poisoning symptoms may vary with the type of pathogen or toxin, the health condition and age of the affected person, etc. While, some people may not develop any symptoms, some others have mild to severe symptoms. In some cases, these symptoms can be life threatening too. Even though, food poisoning is a common condition, at times, it can be fatal and may even lead to death. So, this condition must be treated without any delay, especially, if the symptoms are very severe. However, mild symptoms can be cured at home, if taken care of, at the initial stages itself. Here are some tips and guidelines about how to cure food poisoning.

Curing Food Poisoning

Food poisoning may cause symptoms like, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, dehydration, fever, chills, fatigue, aversion to food, etc. Severe symptoms include, blood in vomit, bloody stool, numbness, blurred vision, etc. If left untreated, these symptoms may lead to damage of the nervous system and may even lead to death. Mild symptoms may be treated at home with some simple remedial measures and no medications. But, moderate to severe symptoms need medical attention, so as to avoid complications. The following are some tips and guidelines about how to get rid of food poisoning.

How to Cure Food Poisoning at Home

As stated above, mild symptoms of food poisoning can be cured at home. No medications are needed in such cases, if you take care of the situation properly. Take a look at the following tips for curing food poisoning.

• The first and foremost point to note is that the affected person must avoid solid foods for sometime. It will be better to skip two to three meals, as this helps the digestive system to recuperate.
• Skipping meals does not mean that you should not have anything. In fact, you must stay well hydrated to compensate for the loss of fluids, due to vomiting and diarrhea. Use clear liquids for this purpose. Tender coconut water is said to be highly beneficial for those with food poisoning.
• It will be better to drink fluids frequently, but, in small amounts. Avoid drinking caffeinated and carbonated beverages. Even sugary drinks and alcohol must be avoided. You may also go for diluted sports drinks. Simple soups and herbal teas with ginger or lemon may also make the affected person feel good.
• Start solid foods in small amounts. For a few days, you have to avoid chilled food and those food items with oil and fat. Have simple foods, like, rice, potatoes, bread, for at least a week, and include probiotics (like, yogurt) in your diet.
• The affected person must avoid strenuous physical activities for a few days. Complete bed rest is often advised, so that the body can heal itself.

The above said self care measures are found to be sufficient in treating food poisoning symptoms at home. This is advisable only for those with mild to moderate symptoms. In case, the affected person is having severe symptoms, or if the condition is not improving with self care, then, medical attention is necessary.

Medical Treatment for Food Poisoning

Treatment for food poisoning is decided on the basis of factors, like, nature and severity of symptoms, causal agent, age and health condition of the patient, etc. But, in almost all cases, fluid loss due to incessant vomiting and diarrhea is tackled by administering intravenous saline. Even antibiotics may be administered along with the saline, in case of severe infection. The doctor may also prescribe medications for fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, etc. In some cases of severe food poisoning, the patient may have to be admitted to the intensive care unit, with life support measures.