If you have symptoms of food poisoning like vomiting, diarrhea, and an upset stomach, experts recommend letting your stomach rest. That means avoiding food and drink altogether for a few hours.
Food poisoning typically happens with contamination in food or drinking water.
Though uncomfortable, food poisoning is relatively common. Roughly
Let your stomach settle. The following strategies can help:
Stay hydrated
Liquid intake is crucial for helping your body fight off food poisoning effects. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, so sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water is a good starting point.
Sports drinks that contain electrolytes or oral rehydration solution (ORS) are the best way to prevent dehydration during this time. Other suggested liquids include:
- non-caffeinated sodas, including Sprite, 7UP, or ginger ale
- decaffeinated tea
- chicken or vegetable broth
Eat bland food
When you feel you might be able to hold down food, eat foods that are gentle on your stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Stick to bland, low fat, low fiber foods. Fat is harder for your stomach to digest, especially when it’s upset. Avoid fatty foods to prevent upsetting it further.
Foods that are gentle on the stomach include:
Try natural remedies
With food poisoning, it’s important for your body to follow its natural response to cleanse and purge the digestive tract, removing the harmful bacteria. That’s why an over-the-counter (OTC) diarrhea medication isn’t a good way to treat food poisoning.
While your symptoms are at their peak, you might want to try drinking ginger tea, as ginger is known to soothe the stomach.
Once you’re feeling well, you may wish to replace your normal intestinal flora with natural yogurts or probiotic capsules. Research shows this could be helpful.
This will help your body regenerate the healthy bacteria lost in the food poisoning purge and get your digestive system and immune system back on track.
Other tips to try
Delay brushing your teeth for at least an hour. Stomach acid expelled during vomiting can damage the enamel on your teeth, and brushing your teeth right after you vomit can further erode the enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with a mix of water and baking soda.
Showering helps cleanse your body of the unhealthy bacteria. You should also be sure to get plenty of rest. Getting sufficient rest can help make you feel better faster.
Your priority should be to avoid the foods that made you sick in the first place. Throw the suspected culprit into the garbage immediately, and keep it shut so the contaminated food is out of your pets’ reach.
Avoid foods, drinks, and substances that are tough on the stomach, including:
- alcohol
- caffeine, which is contained in beverages such as soda, energy drinks, or coffee
- spicy foods
- foods high in fiber
- dairy products (except yogurt)
- fatty foods
- fried foods
- nicotine
- seasoned foods
- fruit juices
Most people who experience food poisoning don’t require a trip to the hospital, but you won’t want to venture too far from the bathroom either.
Upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms. They typically subside after 48 hours. If you have a history of dehydration, heart disease, or other serious health problems, seek help and drink plenty of fluids.
Severe symptoms of food poisoning include:
- blood in your stool or vomiting
- severe abdominal cramping
- blurry vision or lightheadness
- diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days
- high fever above 102 degrees
These are all indications to seek medical care.
When to consult a doctor
The symptoms of food poisoning don’t typically last more than 48 hours. If diarrhea lasts
Remember that severe symptoms, such as bloody stool, dizziness, muscle weakness, and severe stomach cramping, should be taken seriously. Don’t wait for those symptoms to subside before seeing a doctor.
Call the Poison Help Line at 800-222-1222 if you experience severe symptoms, and they can advise you on whether you need to go to the hospital immediately.
Q: What can I do to prevent getting food poisoning when I go out to eat?
A: To avoid food poisoning at restaurants, choose to frequent ones that have few to no health code violations. Check your local county health and human services department for restaurants with recent infractions. Many departments have a rating or number system to help you choose a restaurant and minimize your risk.
— Natalie Butler, RD, LD
Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
You can take immediate steps if you begin experiencing food poisoning. This includes staying hydrated, eating bland food, and not taking over-the-counter medications that may complicate your recovery.
Recognize worsening or severe symptoms, to know when to seek medical assistance or go to a hospital.