Rich in potassium and fibre, bananas are easy to digest and make for a reliable, quick, healthy cure for food poisoning.
The most recommended foods to eat after the stomach flu, food poisoning, or a regular stomach ache are part of what's known as the BRAT diet. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These particular foods are ideal because of their blandness and they're easy to digest.
People suggest this diet is ideal for helping a person recover because the four foods are bland in taste and high in starch. As a result, they help bind stools together and reduce the incidence of diarrhea. There is some evidence that cooked green bananas and rice benefit children with diarrhea.
Bananas can help relieve an upset stomach by stimulating the production of mucus from the stomach lining. The mucus creates a barrier between the stomach lining and the acidic gastric substances that cause heartburn and stomach upset.
Once you are able to keep fluids down, you can move on to fruits. Fruits consist of complex carbohydrates and natural sugars which provide your body with energy. Not all fruits will benefit you after having food poisoning, but a good place to start would be with bananas.
Simple rest is one way to help your body heal from food poisoning. Take it easy until you are feeling better. Additionally, do not eat or drink for a few hours after the onset of symptoms.
If you think someone has food poisoning, advise them to lie down and rest. If they're vomiting, give them small sips of water to drink as this will help prevent dehydration. If they have accompanying diarrhoea or diarrhoea only, it is even more important to try to replace lost fluids and salts.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning are: Diarrhea. Stomach pain or cramps. Nausea.
Avoid spicy or acidic foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol after food poisoning. Foods that are high in fats, protein, and fiber may also be hard to digest.
Most people fully recover from the most common types of food poisoning within 12 to 48 hours. Some types of food poisoning can cause serious complications. Death from food poisoning in people who are otherwise healthy is rare in the United States.
Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast are easy to digest, and eating these foods will help you hold down food. The fiber found in these foods will also help solidify your stool if you have diarrhea.
Gradually incorporate bland, easy-to-digest foods into your system, but be sure to back off if your nausea returns. Foods to eat include clear broths, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken.
The Most Important Thing to Do When You Have Food Poisoning
Yes, a bite of toast, a handful of Saltines, or a few spoonfuls of rice might help soothe your tummy, but hydration is key! Liquid solutions like Pedialyte are effective and might also be the most palatable.
Your body is using a lot of energy to recover, and taking time to rest is one of the best ways you can help it. When you feel well enough, you should also consider showering. Showering is a good way to make you feel better mentally and physically after food poisoning. It can also wash away any lingering bacteria.
You should drink plenty of liquids. If vomiting is a problem, try sipping small amounts of clear liquids. Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the most important treatment for food poisoning. Eating saltine crackers can also help replace electrolytes.
Do not eat or drink anything for several hours after vomiting. Sip small amounts of water or suck ice chips every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Next, sip clear liquids every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Examples include water, sports drinks, flat soda, clear broth, gelatin, flavored ice, popsicles or apple juice.
You can drink water or try Gatorade or Pedialyte. You may be tempted to try over-the-counter medications, but Dr. Feckoury says food poisoning usually needs to run its course. In the meantime, he also advises rest and a BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
Vomiting often. Diarrhea that lasts more than three days. Symptoms of dehydration — excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
People often get diarrhea or start throwing up within a few hours after being infected. The good news is, food poisoning usually goes away quickly too. Most people recover in a couple of days with no lasting problems. In a few cases, severe food poisoning can mean a visit to the doctor or hospital.
Try bland foods, such as crackers, toast, and bananas. Avoid spicy foods, fried foods, dairy, and foods that are high in fat and sugar. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid milk or caffeinated beverages.