This is the Right Way to Overcome Food Poisoning

Food poisoning results from eating food or drinks that are contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. If left unchecked, this condition can get worse, even to the point of causing dangerous complications. Therefore, it is important to know how to deal with food poisoning appropriately. Food or drink that is not processed or stored hygienically can be contaminated by germs. When this happens, the germs in the food or drink can produce toxic substances. If the food or drink is consumed by someone, then he will experience food poisoning. Food poisoning can cause several symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Diarrhea
• Limp
• Fever
• Abdominal pain or cramps

These symptoms can appear within a few hours to several days after consuming food or drink that is contaminated with germs.

How to Overcome Food Poisoning at Home

In most cases, especially in food poisoning caused by a virus, this condition can resolve on its own in a few days. Even so, the symptoms of food poisoning will cause discomfort and can be severe. To overcome food poisoning, there are several steps that can be done, namely:

1. Inadequate body fluid needs

Diarrhea and vomiting due to food poisoning can make the body lose a lot of fluids. You need to refill this liquid by drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration. In addition to drinking water, you can also consume electrolyte drinks and soup foods or soups to restore lost body fluids and electrolytes. Drink a little but often, so as not to nausea.

2. Eat the right foods

When new symptoms appear, it is recommended not to eat any food first for several hours. After feeling more comfortable, try consuming foods that are easily digested, which are foods low in fat, low in fiber, and without a lot of extra seasoning. Some examples of these foods are rice or porridge, potatoes, bananas, and honey. You should also avoid foods that are spicy, oily, and too much seasoning, and acidic foods and drinks because they can worsen the symptoms. In addition, also avoid the consumption of beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine, or milk.

3. Avoid using drugs without a doctor's prescription

Diarrhea and vomiting during food poisoning are the body's natural processes to cleanse the digestive tract from toxins and harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Therefore, you should avoid using diarrhea drugs, such as loperamide in the early times of food poisoning. Taking diarrhea medicine can actually prolong symptoms of poisoning. In addition, diarrhea symptoms due to food poisoning also do not always need to be treated with antibiotics. This is because antibiotics cannot treat food poisoning caused by viruses. To determine whether food poisoning needs to be treated with diarrhea medication and antibiotics, you should consult a doctor first.

4. Consumption of ginger water

To help relieve nausea and stomach discomfort, try drinking ginger water. Ginger drink is known to have a calming effect on the digestive tract. In addition to ginger, food poisoning can also be treated by consuming intakes containing probiotics, such as yogurt, which can restore the digestive tract. Even so, yogurt is better consumed when the body's condition has improved.

5. Get enough rest

When experiencing food poisoning, multiply rest so that the immune system can work optimally to fight germs that cause poisoning. In addition, symptoms of food poisoning can also make the body limp. Therefore, adequate rest is needed to restore energy.

Food Poisoning Symptoms that need to be treated immediately by a doctor

Symptoms of food poisoning will generally subside in a few days to a week. Immediately see a doctor if the symptoms of food poisoning do not improve or are accompanied by:

• High fever
• Severe cramps in the stomach
• Bowel bleed
• Blurred vision
• The muscles of the body feel weak
• Tingling or numbness
• Vomiting every time you eat or drink
• Very weak or faint

You may need to be infused and hospitalized if the doctor assesses that the condition of food poisoning is quite severe and is accompanied by dehydration. The doctor will also give antibiotics if food poisoning is caused by bacteria. In order to avoid food poisoning, keep food clean, wash food before it is processed, cook food thoroughly, wash hands before eating, and do not eat food that has a bad, slimy or moldy smell.