Food poisoning typically occurs when pathogens contaminate food or drinking water. Though uncomfortable, food poisoning is relatively common.But what steps should one take after food poisoning?

Let your stomach settle. After you experience the most explosive symptoms of food poisoning, like vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach, experts recommend letting your stomach rest. That means avoiding food and drink altogether for a few hours.

▪️Stay Hydrated: Liquid intake is crucial for helping your body fight off food poisoning effects. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, so sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water is a good starting point. Sports drinks that contain electrolytes are the best way to prevent dehydration during this time. Other suggested liquids include:
•- non-caffeinated sodas, such as Sprite, 7UP
•- ginger ale
•- decaffeinated tea
•- chicken or vegetable broth

▪️Eat Bland Food: When you feel you might be able to hold down food, eat foods that are gentle on your stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Stick to bland, low fat, low fiber foods. Fat is harder for your stomach to digest, especially when it’s upset. Avoid fatty foods to prevent upsetting it further.

▪️Try Natural Remedies: During an episode of food poisoning, it’s important for your body to follow its natural reaction to cleanse and purge the digestive tract to get rid of the harmful bacteria. That’s why an over-the-counter (OTC) diarrhea medication isn’t a good way to treat food poisoning.
•— While your symptoms are at their peak, you might want to try drinking ginger tea, as ginger is known to soothe the stomach.



After you’re feeling well again, you may wish to replace your normal intestinal flora with natural yogurts or probiotic capsules for at least 2 weeks. This will help your body regenerate the healthy bacteria lost in the food poisoning purge and get your digestive system and immune system back on track.

▪️Foods that are gentle on the stomach include:
•— bananas.
•— cereal.
•— egg whites.
•— honey
•— Jell-O.
•— oatmeal.
•— peanut butter.
•— plain potatoes, including mashed potatoes.
•— rice.
•— saltines.
•— toast.
•— applesauce.