Food Poisoning Home Remedies

Most cases of food poisoning do not require medical treatment and can be treated at home with one or more simple home remedies. The symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea will usually disappear within a day or two. However, for infants, the elderly or people with chronic diseases or autoimmune disorders, food poisoning can be very serious. According to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," those people should be seen by their doctors at the first signs of food poisoning. For any person, if symptoms of food poisoning are severe or prolonged, consult a health care practitioner.

Fluids

The microbes or toxins from contaminated food and drink irritates the intestinal tract and will often cause a significant loss of fluids, usually through both diarrhea and vomiting. Thus, it is critical to try to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid daily to prevent dehydration. Water is the best, but diluted fruit juice and broth can also be taken. Sip the fluid slowly to prevent more vomiting.

Electrolytes

Along with fluid loss, important electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and glucose, can be flushed out of the body. If you happen to have a sports drink such as Powerade on hand, you could sip that to replace electrolytes. Or you can make this rehydration recipe at home, provided by MotherNature.com: Mix fruit juice for potassium, a pinch of salt for sodium and one-half teaspoon of honey for glucose.

Charcoal Tablets or Powder

At the first signs of food poisoning, take six charcoal tablets while sipping a full eight ounces of water. Or you can drink a quarter cup of charcoal powder mixed with the water. The charcoal agents will circulate through the bloodstream and help to neutralize and eliminate the poisons. After six hours, take six more tablets with at least eight ounces of water. Most health food stores carry the charcoal tablets and powder.

Goldenseal Extract

Take a dropper of alcohol-free goldenseal extract with the first symptoms of food poisoning. Repeat every four hours for one day. Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic that can assist in destroying the bacteria or virus. Caution: Do not take goldenseal for more than a few days and do not take it during pregnancy.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful detoxifier and natural antibiotic that can destroy unhealthy microbes in the intestines. Peel and cut a fresh garlic clove in half and put half a clove in your drinking water. Let it sit for several minutes and then drink the water only. You can also take two garlic capsules three times a day. Garlic capsules are available at most grocery and health food stores.

Bread

Eating bread can often provide quick relief from food poisoning symptoms. The bread will soak up the poison and diminish the intestinal irritation, according to Julian Whitaker, M.D., president of the Whitaker Wellness Center in California.