Most cases of food poisoning are mild, don't require professional medical treatment and are over within 48 hours. Try to rest and relax, stay hydrated if you are vomiting or have diarrhea, and reintroduce foods slowly, starting with easy to digest meals that won't tax your digestive system.
Step 1
Stay hydrated. Suck on ice chips or take small sips of water or other clear decaffeinated liquids. Sports drinks will help replace electrolytes but contain sugar, which may make diarrhea worse. Dilute sports drinks with water. You'll know you're hydrated if you urinate regularly and your urine is light in color.
Step 2
Get plenty of rest. Sleep as much as you can to allow your body to recover.
Step 3
Introduce foods gradually. Start with plain bread, or try to eat rice, bananas and crackers.
Step 4
Mix 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with a cup of hot water to drink before eating, which will help prevent acid indigestion.
Tips and Warnings
- Food poisoning can be more serious if there are pre-existing health conditions or if it affects a child under the age of 3. In those circumstances, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, very spicy foods or anything that might upset your stomach.
- Do not try to start eating solid foods until the nausea has passed. Don't use anti-diarrhea drugs, which will slow down your system from flushing out the toxins. See your doctor if you have a fever over 101 degrees, bloody stools, blood in your vomit, develop a skin rash or if symptoms persist for more than 72 hours.
