Eating spoilt food can lead to stomach cramps, diarrhea or vomiting  manifesting as symptoms of  food poisoning.   Let us explore some home remedies for food poisoning before it takes a toll on the body system.

Home Remedies through diet

• Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. So while struck with food poisoning, make sure to keep the body well hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and oral re-hydration solutions.

• It is important to remember that while fluids do get lost during food poisoning some of the important minerals such as potassium get depleted as well. After 24 hours of the onset of the symptoms of food poisoning, ensure to include potassium in the diet by eating bananas or through sports drinks.

• Eat warm foods, which are not oily or spiced up, as an irritated stomach cannot “stomach” irritant foods.

Home Remedies from the “culinary corner”

• Chicken soup is a good home remedy for food poisoning. Once the symptoms ease out a bit, bland chicken soup can warm up the digestive system and bring up energy levels as well.

• Cold black Tea with a squeeze of lemon juice can be soothing for food poisoning symptoms. The combination helps to stop runny stools.

• Arrowroot powder with its high starch content has binding properties, which can help in food retention and prevent runny stools. Make arrowroot porridge by adding a teaspoon of the powder to a cup of water and, bring to a boil, while stirring at the same time to avoid lumps. Add sugar to the porridge and have it twice or thrice in a day till diarrhea stops.

• Herbal teas such as chamomile tea, black berry tea are good assuaging agents for the stomach, which can prevent nausea and reduce the cramps as well.

Over and above, it is important to practice good personal hygiene during convalescence, take ample rest to help the body system recover faster and be doubly watchful about outside food.

Points of caution

• If the symptoms persist despite the home remedies, then it is imperative to consult with the physician.

• The above-mentioned home remedies may not be applicable to pregnant women.

Even as science explores different avenues to battle the harmful microbes, which are responsible for food-spoilage, there are the home remedies for food poisoning, which show the route to both protection and prevention.

Photo Courtesy: foodpoisoningsigns.info