August 13, 2020
Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers
Food poisoning is an unpleasant experience at the best of times, but it can feel even worse if you don’t know what to do to feel better. It strikes unexpectedly—sometimes you may not even know what food caused the episode.
Once you feel symptoms set in, you’ll want to decide whether you should see a doctor or recover at home. Depending on how severe your symptoms are and your personal health risks, you may need to seek medical care.
If you decided to recover at home, however, there are plenty of tactics you can use to feel better and recover more comfortably.
It may seem counterintuitive, but don’t reach for the Imodium, yet. Your symptoms are ways that your body flushes itself of toxins. Your body reacts strongly to food poisoning to kill whatever caused the poisoning. Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and other common OTC aids may only prolong your illness.
Instead, focus on replacing fluids and resting.
Two of the main symptoms of food poisoning, diarrhea and vomiting, can leave you severely dehydrated. Your stomach may not feel like it can handle large amounts of water. Taking small but frequent sips can help you keep your fluid levels up.
Some victims of food poisoning have their own personal remedies, including decaffeinated tea, 7-Up, and ginger ale, but most of the time water is the most efficient hydrator.
Your electrolytes often go hand in hand with dehydration. Electrolytes regulate many vital processes in your body. They help your cells operate and keep your heart beating and your muscles working. If you have too few electrolytes, you may feel weak or dizzy, or have a rapid heartbeat.
The main electrolytes you may have heard of are potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Other electrolytes include phosphate, calcium, and chloride. Electrolytes can be found in food like bananas, spinach, and kale, along with many in-store supplements.
Drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, and Pedialyte tout their electrolyte replenishing powers, and natural options like coconut water can also help you stay hydrated and comfortable.
You may not want to start eating right away, but as you begin to feel better, certain bland foods may help you settle your stomach and keep your energy up. The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is gentle on your stomach and nutritious. BRAT foods are low in fiber and unlikely to irritate your stomach.
Avoid spicy foods, oily foods, and raw foods that could trigger more discomfort. Most dairy is off-limits, but you may want some plain yogurt to replace your gut microbiome once you are feeling better.
If you have been a victim of food poisoning, you may be eligible for financial compensation. A law firm can help you receive compensation and protect others from the same fate. Food poisoning cases can be complex, but our team can help you navigate the facts of the case, communicate with other parties, and determine whether you have standing to pursue compensation. At OFT, we work with our clients to get real results.
Call us today at (888) 828-7087 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation.
