Food poisoning is a common gastrointestinal ailment that usually occurs after consuming contaminated food or water. The symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

The condition can range from mild to severe, and it can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. One of the most important things you can do when you have food poisoning is to stay hydrated. This means drinking plenty of fluids and consuming foods that are easy to digest.

Fluids to Drink

When you have food poisoning, your body loses fluids rapidly through vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, it is essential to replace these fluids to prevent dehydration. Some of the fluids you can drink to stay hydrated include:.

1. Water

Water is the best fluid to drink when you have food poisoning. Drinking water helps to replace the lost fluids, prevent dehydration and flush out toxins from your system.

It is recommended that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day, but when you have food poisoning, you may need to drink more.

2. Electrolyte Solutions

Electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte, Gatorade or sports drinks can also help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

These solutions contain a balanced amount of salts and minerals that help maintain the proper balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body. They also contain sugar to give you energy, which may be depleted when you are sick.

3. Broth and Soup

Clear broth and soup are also good options when you have food poisoning. They provide fluids and electrolytes and are easy to digest. Chicken noodle soup or vegetable broth soup are great options as they also provide some nutrients.

Foods to Eat

When you have food poisoning, your body needs energy to fight off the infection and repair the damage caused by the toxins. Therefore, it is essential to eat foods that are easy to digest and provide energy.

Some of the foods to eat when you have food poisoning include:.

1. BRAT Diet

The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is often recommended for people with diarrhea or vomiting because these foods are low in fiber, easy to digest, and provide energy.

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Bananas are a good source of potassium, which can help regulate fluid balance in the body. Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy. Applesauce is rich in pectin, which can help soothe the digestive system. Toast is a good source of carbohydrates and may help absorb excess fluids in the digestive system.

2. Cooked Vegetables

Cooked vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are good options when you have food poisoning. They are easy to digest, provide nutrients, and can help with hydration.

Avoid raw vegetables, as they may be difficult to digest and can irritate the digestive system.

3. Lean Protein

Lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs are good options when you have food poisoning. They are easy to digest and provide energy and nutrients.

Avoid red meats, as they may be difficult to digest and can irritate the digestive system.

Foods to Avoid

When you have food poisoning, it is essential to avoid certain foods that can worsen the symptoms. These foods include:.

1. Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and ice cream can worsen the symptoms of food poisoning, especially if you are lactose intolerant. These foods can be difficult to digest, and they can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

2. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate the digestive system and worsen the symptoms of food poisoning. Avoid foods that are high in spices, such as curry, chili pepper, and hot sauce.

3. Fried and Fatty Foods

Fried and fatty foods can be difficult to digest and can worsen the symptoms of food poisoning. Avoid foods that are high in fat, such as fried foods, processed meats, and junk foods.

Conclusion

Food poisoning can be a miserable experience, but it is essential to stay hydrated and eat foods that are easy to digest. Drinking fluids such as water, electrolyte solutions, and soup can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Eating foods such as the BRAT diet, cooked vegetables, and lean protein can provide energy and nutrients. Avoid foods that can worsen the symptoms, such as dairy products, spicy foods, and fried and fatty foods. If the symptoms persist or become severe, seek medical attention immediately.