Food Poisoning Recovery – What You Need to Know

If you have ever suffered from food poisoning, you know that the only thing on your mind is getting relief as soon as possible. Going through hours or even days of distress is no fun. While there is no way to determine the time frame of recovery, there are some things that may help make the recovery process smoother.

Food poisoning occurs when you consume food or beverages contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six people living in the United States will experience foodborne illness, like food poisoning.

How long does food poisoning last?

While there is no set timeline for how long food poisoning lasts, most people only go through symptoms for 24 to 48 hours. However, there have been severe cases where people experience symptoms up to four weeks after initial contact.

The recovery period varies from person to person, but the symptoms are generally similar, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach. A major cause for concern during food poisoning is dehydration, which can occur due to the rapid loss of fluids from the body without proper replenishment.

If you experience signs of dehydration and are unable to replenish your body fluids, it is recommended to visit your neighborhood ER & hospital for an IV solution.

Can you speed up food poisoning recovery?

There is no plan for a perfect recovery from food poisoning. It is a medical condition where you need to let your body take its natural course. The duration of your recovery depends on your body and the time it takes you to eliminate the toxins. As mentioned above, the most important thing to aid in your recovery is to stay hydrated by replenishing your body with fluids.

Some recommended items to consume are:

• Water
• Electrolyte Solutions with Low Sugar
• Broths
• Sports Drinks
• Pedialyte

What to Eat During Food Poisoning Recovery

When you have food poisoning, the thought of eating anything or even drinking water may make you feel sick to your stomach. However, replenishing your energy is the key to recovery. Knowing what foods and drinks you should avoid and what you can try during your next meal is important to not irritate your stomach and prolong your condition.

Here are some tips on what you should eat and drink with food poisoning: 

• The First Six Hours: This will be the time when the body loses the most fluids. Ice chips and popsicles are effective rehydration food items during this period.

• More Than Six Hours: Once you notice that water is beginning to stay down, you may move on to clear liquids with calories, like fruit juices or broth.
  
  It is important to note that if you can’t keep water down after six hours, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

• After 24 Hours: Here is where most people feel their body return to a state of normalcy. It is recommended to start with bland foods – crackers, toast, plain oatmeal – when introducing whole foods into your diet.

• The Next Few Days: Your body should feel back to normal, however, certain symptoms may linger for a couple of days, and it is important not to irritate your stomach. It is recommended to avoid caffeine, fried foods, fatty foods, spicy foods, and alcohol.

After a week, your diet should be back to normal. It is important to personalize your recovery meal plan based on what you can handle and to ease back into things without overdoing it.

If you find your food poisoning symptoms unbearable or notice signs of dehydration, Cabot Emergency Hospital is here for you. We pride ourselves on compassionate care without the wait to get you feeling better quickly. Our expert team is here 24/7 to provide you and your loved ones with the care you deserve. 

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Cabot Emergency Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.