Food poisoning is an all-encompassing term involving the
consumption of contaminated food, stomach flu, stress, drug interactions,
nutrient deficiencies or their excess.
It
can come on rather suddenly after eating; diarrhea or vomiting can begin 30
minutes to one hour after eating foods that are chemically poisonous; within
one to 12 hours with bacterial poisoning, and 12 to 48 hours with viral or
salmonella poisoning.
Food poisoning can be serious and a medical professional
should be contacted especially if it is accompanied by a difficulty in
swallowing, speaking or breathing; if there is a fever of 100 degrees F; if the
person can't even hold down liquids; if there is severe diarrhea of more than
two days.
The best remedy is to curtail eating until all the symptoms have
subsided and the toxins have had the chance to exit your system.
Drink plenty
of fluids - vitamin C and blackberry and peppermint teas can be taken then to
strengthen the stomach, along with yogurt that contains acidophilus to recolonize
the lost flora in the bowel.
Diluted sweetened drinks can also be consumed to
replace the body’s lost fluid and electrolytes, and the BRAT diet (bananas,
apples, rice and toast) can also be helpful in getting the toxins cleared from
the body.
As a precaution against food poisoning, great care should be
taken when preparing foods. Avoid
over-handling foods, and when in doubt, throw it out – don’t take a risk with
leftovers if you’re just not sure how long they’ve been in your refrigerator.
Mint, lemon, raspberry, chamomile or teas might also be helpful
in easing the stomach pain associated with food poisoning or stomach
cramping. Ginger tea is also good for
settling an unsettled stomach, and promotes good digestion.
Try to get plenty
of rest as food poisoning can be an exhausting and nutrient-depleting chore for
your body.
Once you’re feeling better,
be sure to eat a well-balanced healthy diet that includes foods rich in iron, zinc,
vitamin C to help your body get back to its old self again.