10 Natural Foods to Help Relieve Food Poisoning at Home

What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is an illness caused by food or water contaminated with harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, or toxins. Food poisoning is commonly caused by mishandling of food, undercooked food, food left unrefrigerated too long, etc. Symptoms will usually consist of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and possibly stomach cramps. The majority of food poisoning is mild and will get better within several days, but severe cases of food poisoning can lead to dehydration and require medical attention. Good hygiene, cooking food properly, and proper food storage are the most effective means of preventing food poisoning and keeping your health in general.

Food Poisoning Symptoms

Food poisoning often shows quick and uncomfortable signs after eating contaminated food. Here are some signs of food poisoning that you must look out for:

• Nausea and Vomiting: feeling sick or throwing up food.

• Diarrhoea: having watery stool voluntarily or involuntarily.

• Stomach Cramps: painful discomfort in your abdomen or stomach.

• Fever and Chills: the body's answer to an infection of a bug/virus.

• Headache: most often corresponds with dehydration or fever.

• Weakness and Fatigue: a feeling of lethargy comes from your issue.

• Loss of Appetite: hunger with decreasing ability to eat.

• Dehydration: dry mouth, light-headedness, or little to no urination.

• Muscle Aches: body aches as a part of body infection/illness.

• Sweating: fever may lead to sweating, and/or a condition of the stomach may signal sweating.

Food Poisoning Causes

Food poisoning occurs when harmful germs or toxins contaminate food or water.

• Bacteria: such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria.

• Viruses: norovirus and hepatitis A.

• Parasites: such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium.

• Toxins Produced by Bacteria: caused by improper food storage.

• Raw or Undercooked Meat or Seafood: hosts harmful organisms that can make you ill.

• Unpasteurised Dairy Products: with a higher risk of contamination.

• Contaminated Fruits & Vegetables: from poor washing or handling.

• Contaminated Water: the source for most people, especially when hygiene and practice are lacking.

• Unsafe and Poor Food Hygiene Practices: dirty surface area, dirty utensils, or dirty hands when preparing food.

Home Remedies for Food Poisoning

There are several home remedies that can help relieve food poisoning naturally, regain energy, and aid in efficient recovery at home. Use these home remedies to help alleviate your food poisoning symptoms.

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger helps reduce nausea and stomach irritation caused by food poisoning. Drinking warm ginger tea can ease cramps and improve digestion. Fresh ginger slices boiled in water with a little honey make a soothing remedy.

2. Lemon Water

Lemon has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking warm lemon water can help flush toxins from the body and soothe the stomach. Adding salt and honey makes a better, more effective drink that restores electrolyte balance. This very simple remedy reduces unwanted feelings and helps speed recovery from the symptoms of food poisoning.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has an alkaline effect in the body, which will relieve discomfort and naturally clean out the harmful bacteria in your gut. Just stir one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into warm water and sip on that before a meal. It can help lessen indigestion, bloating, and pain associated with food poisoning. However, do not abuse it and avoid it if it irritates.

4. Bananas

Bananas are soothing to the stomach and a good source of potassium, which helps to restore electrolyte losses from diarrhoea and vomiting. Bananas are easy to digest and keep you from getting weak while you recover. You're going to get good energy by eating a ripe banana or blending it in a smoothie, and it is easy to digest.

5. Cumin Seeds (Jeera Water)

Cumin seeds contain anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that cool and settle the stomach. Boil a teaspoon of cumin seeds in water (1 cup), and drain the seeds. It helps with any bloating, cramps, and indigestion caused by food poisoning. Sip regularly helps with rehydration, and the provided quick methods will settle discomfort naturally.

6. Yoghurt with Fenugreek Seeds

Yoghurt contains probiotics that restore healthy gut bacteria, while fenugreek seeds reduce stomach upset. Taking a spoonful of fenugreek seeds with yoghurt can provide relief from cramps and diarrhoea. The probiotics help balance the digestive system, making this a safe and effective home remedy for easing food poisoning symptoms.

7. Garlic

Garlic is an incredible anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Eating a small clove (raw) with a small amount of liquid, or adding it to a dish, will help combat dangerous microbes. Garlic can help reduce stomach pain and aid in recovery. If raw garlic is too intense, then use crushed garlic mixed with honey for easier consumption.

8. ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)

With food poisoning, dehydration is one of the biggest risks. ORS is done with (clean) water, salt, and sugar to replace lost fluids and electrolytes quickly. If an individual drinks small sips frequently, he/she can replenish fluids and electrolytes to limit weakness, dizziness, and other complications. ORS is one of the most effective ways to stay hydrated and recover safely at home.

9. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint has relaxing properties that may help soothe the stomach and relieve nausea. Drinking warm peppermint tea will relax intestinal muscles and relieve intestinal cramping or spasms, and it is beneficial for indigestion. Peppermint also refreshes the mouth and reduces bloating. This soothing herbal tea is very useful when you don't want other remedies to feel heavy in the stomach.

10. Rice Water

Rice water is a traditional remedy that helps reduce diarrhoea and stomach upset. Boil rice in extra water, then strain and drink the liquid once cooled. It can provide energy, hydrate the body, and is easy to digest. Furthermore, rice water adds a protective barrier in the stomach and soothes irritation.

Conclusion

Although food poisoning can be annoying, most people get better quickly with the right attention and some simple home remedies. The first step is drinking plenty of fluids, eating little, and thinking about how natural home remedies like ginger, yoghurt, and rice water might work for you to help you feel better and restore your strength and balance. Please note that some food poisoning cases could result in severe illness and might require medical intervention, especially if you are having symptoms after several days and/or if you are becoming severely dehydrated.

The Department of Internal Medicine at Manipal Hospitals Salem provides medical care, treatment, and monitoring to help ensure your recovery is speedy and safe. If your food poisoning symptoms persist or get worse, seek prompt, professional attention.