We can all agree that food poisoning is not fun. It happens to those of us who are willing to explore new places and new foods, but nothing throws a spanner in the works like a bout of food poisoning. It is a common ailment, and most foodies have likely suffered from it more than once. However, it is one of the most commonly undiagnosed symptoms, even in hospitalizations around the world. We just pop an antibiotic and wait a few days until the symptoms stop. There are some foods that work just as well at relieving food poisoning symptoms.
The basics are important at this stage. If you’ve had food poisoning, you’ve probably lost a lot of fluids, so you need to hydrate and replenish electrolytes. Think water, apple juice, cranberry juice, etc. They are great sources of easily digestible vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system. Fruit juices contain easily digestible carbohydrates that provide energy. You can then turn to thicker fluids like milk or cream soups. Then you can progress to soft, bland foods until you’ve recovered enough to have normal food. Avoid spices, high fiber, and strong tastes for a few days.
For mild cases of food poisoning, you can help the body recover by consuming the following foods:
1) Bananas
Soft, sweet, and filled with potassium, this fruit is great for your immune system and your digestive system. Bananas help control nausea and vomiting and prevent diarrhea and acidity. Have a ripe banana twice a day until your body heals fully.
2) Mashed Potatoes
Another soft, bland food that is easy on the digestive system They’re easy to make: boil the potatoes, then remove the peel and "mash" them. If desired, season with a pinch of salt. This easy-to-digest food also helps you feel full.
3) Rice Water
Food poisoning causes severe dehydration. Staying hydrated is a very important part of full recovery. Rice water helps restore body fluids and also leads to less frequent emptying of the bowels. It also has a relaxing effect on the digestive system because of how easy it is to digest. Add two cups of water to three tablespoons of rice. Boil this until the mixture turns milky. Then, strain it and drink the water.
4) Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is rich in soluble fiber. This fiber is good for your stomach and your digestive system. It is filled with immune-boosting potassium that is also useful in replenishing your body’s electrolytes. It helps improve gut bacteria as well, which reduces inflammation and abdominal distress. It can be prepared in the same manner as mashed potatoes: boil, mash, and add salt to taste.
5) Oranges
Oranges are great at settling the stomach when suffering the aftereffects of food poisoning. As soon as you start feeling the symptoms show up, pop in a few slices of orange. Not too many, though, because they can cause acidity and reflux. Oranges should not be eaten on an empty stomach when recovering from food poisoning.
6) Cinnamon
Cinnamon is effective against symptoms of nausea. This spice can fight against E. coli bacteria, which helps treat the food poisoning you’ve been suffering from. Boil a few pieces of cinnamon in water, and add some honey for taste. Drink this concoction once a day to help relieve the symptoms.
7) Coconut Water
The old favorite Coconut water is excellent for hydration. It is one of the first choices for replenishing electrolytes the natural way in many parts of India. A loss of electrolytes can cause vomiting or diarrhea, so drinking coconut water can help put a stop to the worst parts of food poisoning. The lauric acid in coconut water helps kill pathogens that may enter the body through the food we eat. Early mornings (on an empty stomach) are the best time to drink coconut water.
8) Tulsi Juice
The Tulsi plant is filled with active compounds that provide many health benefits. The antimicrobial properties in Tulsi can slow down or stall the growth of bacteria that cause food poisoning. They also provide relief from the stomach pain that is caused by the microbes in food. Boil a handful of Tulsi leaves with water. Crush the leaves to extract the juice. Add some honey to the mixture and drink it for a tasty, refreshing, and healing beverage.
9) Lemon Juice
Another popular choice when we want to stay hydrated is lemon juice. It also has antimicrobial properties that help treat food poisoning. Research indicates that it can help remove microbes from the body. Making lemon juice is simple: squeeze some juice from a lemon into some warm water. This juice is best had in the morning on an empty stomach.
