What to Eat After Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a health condition caused as a result of eating contaminated food. Usually it is bacterial, or parasitic pathogens which transfer through unhealthy food into our system. The food may have been contaminated because of unhygienic manufacturing or processing, or due to unhygienic preparation. Some common pathogens which cause this condition are salmonella and E.coli. Whatever may have caused the poisoning, the fact remains that the complications caused by this condition can be very disabling and can leave the person weak and without an appetite. Some of the food poisoning signs include diarrhea, stomach aches, severe vomiting, headaches, fever, and weakness. It is imperative that you eat foods which give plenty of rest to your stomach and provide some basic nourishment to your body during this sickness.
Foods Recommended During Food Poisoning Treatment
Drink Lots of Fluids
One of the foremost symptoms of food poisoning is dehydration, which usually becomes evident after the initial bouts of throwing up. Dehydration sets in because the body tends to lose much of its water and nourishment due to vomiting often. Which is why, it is important to soothe the stomach by having some fruity ice chips, which help this discomfort. Try to have small sips of cold water or juice, as this will prevent any foul aftertaste from developing in the mouth.
This foul taste is a result of toxins being released by the pathogens within the body as well as the reaction of our own immune system trying to defend itself against further infection and disease. It's this bad taste which makes it almost impossible to eat and drink anything during this illness. You may gradually shift to sweeter drinks such as fresh coconut water, a saline and sugar solution with some fresh lemon juice in order to cope with the dehydration. If possible, try to avoid aerated drinks and instead opt for mild energy drinks so that they help you feel a bit more recharged and chirpy. Drink plenty of fresh fruit juice, and try to avoid drinks such as coffee as these may dehydrate you further.
Light Foods
After a few hours or after a whole day of being ill, you can begin eating small portions of fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, pear, or papaya. You may also try eating some boiled rice cooked along with some pulses, so as to provide some nourishment to your stomach. This is also the duration when you can include lighter foods such as toast, bun and rusk into your meals. If you're feeling a bit hungry and do not mind some non-vegetarian at the moment, you may enjoy a bowl of chicken soup or very light broth. Chicken soup is rich in nutrition and has its own medicinal properties. Add fresh herbs to the soup such as peppermint or cinnamon as these help sooth the stomach to quite a large extent. Try avoiding heavy foods and fats as these will be difficult for the stomach to digest, just yet. This rule applies to milk and other dairy products as well except barring yogurt. Yogurt is, in fact, light and good for health, especially those who are suffering from stomach disorders.
Boiled Vegetables
It's very important to not starve yourself, and it's even more important to eat healthy so that you get the required amount of essential nutrients. Which is why you must include boiled vegetables into your diet. You can make a preparation by simply boiling some vegetables and adding the necessary condiments, without making the dish too spicy. Use nutritious oils such as olive oil so as to give some flavor to the food. Or you could bake the vegetables if you prefer the dish being prepared this way.
The only way to avoid coming down with this condition is to avoid eating from restaurants and small food joints which seem unhygienic to you. It always helps to cook your meals from scratch at home, which ensures that meat and other food products are well cooked and not made in haste. Ensure that you wash your hands before every meal and always make it a point to check your food cans and throw away the cans which look puffy or are smelling bad on opening the lid.
