Food poisoning is an acute condition that occurs suddenly within 24 hours after eating food contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, toxins or viruses. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and cramps in addition to possible chills and fever. Food poisoning can be a serious condition and should be medically attended to, particularly if you experience dehydration or bloody stools. It is imperative that you eat a healthy diet after food poisoning to help strengthen, nourish and heal your body.
Step 1
Eat soft, mild and plain tasting foods that can be easily digested in the body. These foods are typically soft and don't require a lot of chewing, where digestion begins, increasing the ease with which they can be broken down by the stomach and digestive tract. Include foods like pudding, porridge, cream of wheat or softly cooked rice in a light broth.
Step 2
Avoid foods that are spicy, fatty and high in sugar such as chili, hot peppers, fried foods, pastries, candy and alcohol. These foods may irritate the stomach lining and intestines causing further digestive upset and sickness.
Step 3
Drink water and light herbal teas to help hydrate the body. Vomiting and/or diarrhea from food poisoning combined with the inability to keep anything down may cause severe dehydration and a disruption in the body's electrolytes. It is essential to replace lost fluids with low-calorie, mild tasting beverages. Drink at least eight to 10 oz. of water a day. Ginger and mint tea prepared without milk may also help soothe an irritated stomach and quell nausea.
Step 4
Avoid eating any meat or heavier sources of protein. It may be best to avoid heavier meats such as beef or chicken thighs for a few days after food poisoning as the higher protein and fat content takes longer to digest, stressing the digestive system. Stick to lighter sources of meat, such as white meat chicken breast or fish that has been baked or steamed in a light broth or drizzle of olive oil. Avoid preparing dishes in heavy oils or sauces that may be difficult to digest.
Step 5
Avoid any foods that have not been thoroughly cooked. Raw or undercooked foods are a potential source of harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Cook foods like meat, fish and eggs thoroughly to kill off any harmful bacteria.
