Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 8 hrs ago
How to eat and drink while recovering from food poisoning
Food poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, and the worst symptoms often ease within a few days.
Vomiting and diarrhea drain water and salts from the body, so take small, frequent sips of water or clear broth.
Oral rehydration salts can help replace lost fluids, especially with intense symptoms, but seek medical advice promptly if you cannot keep liquids down.
When nausea eases and appetite returns, restart eating with small portions of foods such as rice, toast, oats, eggs or cooked chicken.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, fatty or spicy foods and sugary drinks until symptoms pass, as they can worsen discomfort.
Some people have trouble digesting dairy after an intestinal infection, so pause it if it causes pain, gas or loose stools and try again gradually once digestion has settled.
Hydration and a gradual return to usual foods are the main steps in recovering from food poisoning.
Vomiting and diarrhea can cause the body to lose water and salts, so frequent small sips of fluid may be easier to tolerate.
When appetite returns and nausea eases, small portions of foods such as rice, toast, crackers and oatmeal can help restart eating.
Alcohol, caffeine, sugary drinks, fatty or spicy foods, and dairy that causes symptoms may be best avoided until digestion improves.
The Pan American Health Organization estimates that 77 million people in the Americas become ill each year from contaminated food.
- Who
- People recovering from food poisoning.
- What
- Guidance on fluids and foods to choose or avoid during recovery.
- When
- After food poisoning, especially during vomiting or diarrhea and as appetite returns.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Food poisoning can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which lead to loss of water and salts and can leave the intestine unsettled.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Drink small amounts of fluid frequently to help replace water and salts lost through vomiting or diarrhea.
Resume eating gradually with small portions of foods that are tolerated.
Reintroduce foods that caused discomfort, such as dairy, gradually.
- Annual illness in the Americas
- 77 million people, according to the Pan American Health Organization
- Early fluids
- Water, clear broths and caffeine-free infusions
- Foods to try
- Rice, toast, crackers, oatmeal, eggs, chicken, fish and well-cooked vegetables
- BRAT diet
- May be used for one or two days but does not meet nutritional needs
- Drinks to avoid while symptomatic
- Alcohol, caffeine and drinks with a lot of sugar