Four Ways to Help Yourself Recover from Food Poisoning

 Posted on April 16, 2017 in Food Poisoning

To say that food poisoning is unpleasant is an understatement. It can result in days or even a week of abdominal discomfort, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, and other painful, uncomfortable symptoms. In many cases, the only way to treat food poisoning is to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid making the symptoms worse by consuming foods that are difficult to digest. While you are recovering from food poisoning, keep the following four guidelines in mind to help yourself make a speedy, comfortable recovery.

Know the Symptoms of Your Condition

Although you might not know the exact condition from which you are suffering, you will know that you are experiencing food poisoning symptoms. Use your symptoms and knowledge of foods you recently consumed to make an educated guess about which condition, such as Listeria or Salmonella poisoning, you are facing. This will let you know what other symptoms to anticipate and when it is necessary to seek medical care.

You might determine that you are not suffering from food poisoning at all, but another condition, such as gastroenteritis or influenza.

Know When to Seek Medical Attention

By knowing your condition and its symptoms, you can know when to seek medical attention. Generally, if your symptoms have not resolved themselves within a few days or if they steadily become worse, you should speak with a doctor. Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, the elderly, and young children should receive medical care promptly after symptoms appear. Depending on your condition, you could be prescribed antibiotics or another treatment plan.

Stay Hydrated

Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which will make your recovery more difficult and put you at risk of suffering other health issues, like shock. When you are recovering from food poisoning, stay hydrated at all times. Avoid caffeinated beverages, milk, and sugary beverages; water is best. For a comforting pick-me-up, consider drinking tea. Avoid alcoholic beverages as well when you are suffering from food poisoning because these can dehydrate you and cause an upset stomach.

Be a BRAT

The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It is recommended for individuals suffering from food poisoning because these foods tend to keep sufferers' digestive systems comfortable, rather than worsening their symptoms. These foods can also replenish the electrolytes lost to diarrhea and vomiting while providing important nutrients, like fiber and potassium. As you recover, reintroduce other foods, gradually returning to your prior diet. Avoid foods like raw and undercooked eggs and seafood until you are fully recovered.

Work with an Experienced Mundelein Food Poisoning Lawyer

If you are suffering from food poisoning because of another party's negligence, consider working with an experienced food poisoning lawyer to pursue monetary compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. To learn more, contact our team of experienced food poisoning lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP to schedule your initial consultation in our office. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Lotte Lohr)