Top 10 Fast-acting Home Remedies for Food Poisoning

Getting sick by eating contaminated, expired or stale food is something that most of us usually dread. But sometimes, the mouth-watering street food dish that you ate or the leftover food that you gobbled down can give you a food-borne illness, or food poisoning. The various kinds of bacteria, viruses and parasites that are present in the food are usually the cause of food positioning. The symptoms usually include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, tummy pain, fever etc. among others. As trivial it may appear, if not treated on time, food poisoning can become life-threatening. Here are some fast-acting home remedies for food poisoning.

Effective Natural Remedies for Food Poisoning

There are many over-the-counter medicines that one can use to feel better while experiencing a bout of food poisoning. However, if you believe in trying home remedial measures rather than popping allopathic medicines, you must take a look at some of our suggestions. In this section, we shall be discussing some age-old remedies that have proved their efficacy time and again, and we hope they work for you too. Following are some effective food poisoning treatments at home:

1. Ginger and Honey

Ginger and honey combination is very useful in dealing with a bout of food poisoning. Ginger is not only effective in aiding digestion, but the presence of antimicrobial properties present in ginger also helps in fighting the food-borne pathogens. Honey is loaded with similar properties, and together both these ingredients prove to be beneficial in speeding up the recovery process. Grate the ginger root and extract its juice. Mix honey in it and consume it. Have this three to four times a day to keep the symptoms at bay.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has active antimicrobial properties which aid the body to fight with the food-borne pathogens. Also, the enzymes and minerals present in apple cider vinegar are very fruitful in stabilising the body from the harmful impact of the infection. Take two to three tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar and mix it in a glass of warm water. Consume this mixture two to three times a day to feel better.

3. Garlic Cloves

The strong and pungent garlicky flavour is something that most of us like to add in our various culinary preparations, but thinking of gulping it raw may be something we may be sceptical about. But garlic is loaded with plenty of antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Such traits of garlic make it an ideal home-treatment to battle food poisoning. Take a few garlic cloves and chew on them. Drink warm water afterwards.

4. Peppermint Tea

Food poisoning may sometimes make you dehydrated. Sipping on some peppermint tea will not only help in resorting the lost water from the body, but the cooling and soothing effects of this tea may also help you feel better. Take some fresh peppermint leaves and put them in a cup of water. Allow the water to boil for a few minutes. Strain and have this tea a couple of times a day. You may add honey to make the tea more palatable.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon is known for its digestive properties, but the bactericidal properties of lemon also help in combating the bacterial pathogens in the body. Also, the presence of antioxidants helps in faster healing. Squeeze out the juice of half a lemon into a glass of water. Have this water at regular intervals to feel okay.

6. Holy Basil

This herb has ample amounts of antimicrobial properties which can reduce the impact or even kill the food-borne pathogens. You can simply chew on a few fresh basil leaves, or you can take the basil juice mixed with some honey for instant relief from the symptoms of food poisoning.

7. Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds have great relevance in Indian cooking, and these small aromatic seeds are also extremely helpful in fighting against the symptoms of this ailment. You may take a teaspoon of seeds and boil it in a cup of water for a few minutes. Have this mixture a few times a day to reduce stomach irritation. Alternatively, you may chew some roasted cumin seeds and sip warm water after chewing the seeds.

8. Natural Oils

Natural oils of herbs such as thyme and oregano are also a great way of dealing with food poisoning and these are also undoubtedly some of the best home remedies for food poisoning related vomiting. Both these oils have antimicrobial properties, which are very helpful in reducing the impact of harmful pathogens in the body and thus helping in dealing with food-borne illnesses. All you have to do is mix a few drops of the oil in a glass of water and drink it. Drink this water two times a day.

9. Yogurt and Fenugreek Seeds

Yogurt has good bacteria, which is great for fighting the bad bacteria in the body. Fenugreek seeds are known to treat digestive issues and also for soothing an upset stomach. Together both these ingredients act as one of the most effective home remedies for food poisoning related stomach pain. Take a teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds and two tablespoons of fresh yoghurt. Mix both these ingredients well and eat to reduce stomach ache and vomiting.

10. Bananas

Banana is a super-food and gives you an instant gush of energy. Your body gets dehydrated and loses its essential nutrients, thus making you feel tired and exhausted. Eating a banana not only helps you to regain your lost energy but also helps your body to feel replenished. For best results, you should eat banana mixed with some fresh yogurt. Banana will help you feel re-energised and yogurt will help soothe the stomach.

These are some tried and tested home remedies that have stood the test of time. However, while some of you may benefit greatly from these measures, others may feel their symptoms not improving. Under any such situation, you must act promptly and rush to your nearest health care centre for medical help. Food poisoning is not something that you should take lightly. Also, if you are not sure of any of the ingredients mentioned above or you are allergic to any ingredient, refrain from using that remedy to combat your symptoms.

FAQs

Any health ailment may make your mind wander, and you may have several questions in your mind. Well, here we have tried to answer a few of your questions or here are some frequently asked questions.

1. Can Food Poisoning Cause Fever in Kids and Adults?

Fever is our body’s mechanism of indicating that it is fighting an infection. Therefore, whenever a child or an adult is suffering from food poisoning, certain kinds of bacteria, viruses or germs enter the body. Our body’s defence mechanism becomes active in fighting the infection-causing germs. This process increases the thermostat level of our body, leading to a higher temperature than usual or fever.

It is very normal for a kid or an adult to experience fever if they are dealing with food poisoning. You may give paracetamol along with your home remedies to bring down the fever. However, if the fever is 102 degrees or more or is persistent for more than three days, you must visit your doctor for further investigation. There are chances that the infection may have gotten aggravated. Your doctor may conduct further tests to establish the cause of fever and give medication accordingly.

2. For How Long Can Food Poisoning Last?

In most cases of food poisoning, the patient may become okay within a couple of hours. However, sometimes it may take as long as few weeks to get your system back in place. How long it may last mainly depends on your age, your physical health, and the type of food-borne disease that you have got.

Usually, the symptoms of food poisoning become evident within a few hours only. We suggest you start our home remedial measures as soon as you suspect your symptoms associated with food poisoning. Most cases of this ailment may not be that severe and get better within no time. However, sometimes hospitalisation may be required in some cases. Therefore, if your symptoms do not show improvement or deteriorate further, call your doctor right away.

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