If you have food poisoning, your digestive system is irritated and sensitive to irritants such as caffeine. Food poisoning typically causes excessive vomiting and diarrhea, which can leave your stomach uneasy. The most effective treatment for food poisoning is to modify your diet, eat bland foods, get more rest and increase your fluid intake, according to MedlinePlus. Food poisoning can cause general symptoms that may be related to another digestive condition. See your health care provider for a medical evaluation and diagnosis.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a condition that occurs when you consume food or beverage contaminated with infectious organisms. This condition is also referred to as food-borne illness and typically causes symptoms for up to 10 days, according to MayoClinic.com. The food or beverage may become contaminated during harvesting, processing or preparation. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, which can begin within four hours of ingesting the infected food or beverage, but could take up to 24 hours before symptoms develop. Avoid certain foods like caffeine and dairy.
Caffeine's Effect
Food poisoning causes your intestines and stomach to become inflamed and very sensitivity to what you eat. Caffeine is a harsh chemical that stimulate your central nervous system, increasing energy and mental alertness. Consuming caffeine while you have food poisoning can cause your symptoms to get worse and increase the longevity of your symptoms. Caffeine can lead to nausea, vomiting, an upset stomach and diarrhea. Caffeine is commonly found in chocolate, energy drinks, coffee, tea and certain medications.
Other Avoidance Foods
If you cannot stop vomiting, stop eating all solid foods until the vomiting subsides. Sip on fluids, such as herbal tea, broth and water and slowly increase the amount of food you consume. FamilyDoctor.org recommends the BRAT diet; bananas, rice, apples and toast. These foods are bland, provide nutrition and promote solid-forming stools to help alleviate diarrhea. Avoid foods that are spicy, dairy, high in fat, fiber, contain alcohol or caffeine.
Considerations
MedlinePlus warns to not use over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications without first talking with your doctor. The use of these medications may cause your symptoms to be prolonged or could cause further health complications. Increase the amounts of fluids you drink to prevent dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body is depleted of the essential amount of fluids it needs to function.
