It's the bane of your family reunion picnic: food poisoning. The result of bacteria or parasites contaminating your food, food poisoning is most prevalent when food is being shared or is not properly refrigerated. While it's a fairly common occurrence, you'll still be uncomfortable as your body works to expel the offending bacteria from your digestive system. Over the course of 24 to 48 hours, you may experience vomiting, diarrhea and general fatigue. Support the healing process by caring for your body and preventing further distress or dehydration.
Step 1
Drink as much fluid as possible. You might not be able to eat or keep food in your stomach when you're sick from food poisoning. While it's fine to go one or two days without eating, going without fluid can result in dehydration and further complications. Drink water, pediatric electrolyte drinks and clear soda, but avoid caffeine or excessive sugar, as they can draw water into the intestines and make your diarrhea worse. Avoid also milk, since your sensitive digestive system may suffer from temporary lactose intolerance.
Step 2
Eat solid foods when you feel ready. The best solid foods are those that are bland and easy to digest, such as saltine crackers or dry toast. If you begin to feel sick again, wait a few hours until the feeling passes before you attempt to eat again.
Step 3
Rest as much as possible. The vomiting and diarrhea that often accompany food poisoning can make you feel weak and tired due to a lack of energy. Rest your body and avoid exertion until your symptoms begin to subside.
Step 4
Skip taking any sort of anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medications, such as loperamide, MayoClinic.com cautions. Your body is working hard to expel the bacteria and contaminated food particles from your body and by slowing the process through medication, your food-poisoning symptoms could last even longer.
Step 5
Contact your doctor if your symptoms don't subside withing 24 to 48 hours. If you have severe food poisoning, you could be at risk for dehydration and need intravenous fluids to stay healthy. If your food poisoning is the result of consuming toxins, such as poisonous mushrooms, your doctor may suggest pumping your stomach to remove them and expedite the healing process.
