Food poisoning is a condition that results when you eat food that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. However, chemicals and other toxins can also cause food poisoning.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include abdominal cramps, headache, and fever.
While food poisoning can be a minor inconvenience, it can also be a severe health threat. In some cases, it can even be fatal. If you have a body temperature higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, bloody diarrhea, are unable to keep liquids down because of constant vomiting and dehydration, consult your doctor.
Remedies to relieve the symptoms of food poisoning
However, in the case of food poisoning with mild effects, several natural remedies can help relieve the symptoms of food poisoning and speed up the healing process.
These remedies include:
1. Apple cider vinegar
The antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar aid the body in suppressing foodborne pathogens. Also, apple cider vinegar is rich in enzymes and minerals that can help keep the body from being adversely impacted by infection.
To get the full benefits of apple cider vinegar, mix 2-3 tablespoons in a glass of warm water. Sip on this mixture every couple of hours to reap the benefits.
2. Basil
Basil is a popular culinary herb that has many medicinal uses. As a result, it can treat several different symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You can also use it to soothe an upset stomach.
You can either add it to your food or drink it as tea. You can add a tablespoon of freshly crushed basil leaves to hot water to make tea.
3. Apples
According to the proverb, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples can help treat food poisoning. Apples reduce reflux and heartburn. They also prevent bacteria from forming and causing stomach aches and diarrhea.
4. Honey and Ginger
Many ailments have been treated with ginger since time immemorial. You can relieve your symptoms by mixing honey with ginger for 1-2 inches and warm water.
Gingerol, an antimicrobial compound in ginger, is beneficial for digestion, improving the absorption of essential nutrients. Honey is used to speed up the process of recovery.
Foodborne illnesses such as nausea and vomiting are alleviated when these two supplements are together.
5. Cold Milk
When you get food poisoning, a glass of cold milk will soothe your stomach lining by reducing acidity in the stomach and inhibiting acid reflux.
For an upset stomach, it helps to drink ice-cold milk. While you can add any flavor for taste, cold plain milk is ideal for immediate relief.
6. Lemon Juice
Since lemon juice is a rich source of antioxidants, it is beneficial for the body’s overall health. Lemon juice also aids in digestion. You can treat food poisoning by adding ½ lemons to a glass of water.
7. Water
It is said that water heals everything in summer. It is imperative to drink a lot of water during food poisoning (approx. 2.5 to 3.5 liters a day) to effectively flush out all the toxins and bacteria in the body.
8. Fenugreek Seeds and Yogurt
You can treat food poisoning with yogurt due to its antibacterial properties. When taken together with yogurt, one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds will give you immediate relief from nausea and stomach pain.
9. Garlic
Among garlic’s many health benefits are its antipyretic (prevents or reduces fever) and cardiac properties. It provides relief for diarrhea and abdominal pain symptoms because of its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Drink one glass of water with one clove of garlic every day. Even if you can’t stand the smell of garlic, you can consume garlic juice. As an alternative, massage your stomach with a mixture of garlic and soybean oil after dinner.
10. Peppermint Tea
Dehydration can sometimes result from food poisoning. Peppermint tea can help you retain the water lost from your body, as well as help you feel better due to its cooling and soothing properties.
Prepare a cup of water by putting some peppermint leaves in it. Place it on the stove and wait for a few minutes. If you want the tea to taste better, add honey.
Food poisoning can cause significant inconvenience and hinder you from performing daily tasks.
However, if your symptoms are not accompanied by bloody diarrhea, a temperature higher than 102 Fahrenheit, dehydration, and consistent vomiting, you can try any of the above natural remedies to help relieve your pain.
Consult your primary health provider if your symptoms are severe.