Food poisoning is a situation that occurs due to the ingestion of food or drinks contaminated with microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. This contamination can happen during the handling and preparation of the food or during the process of storing and preserving the food or drink.
Symptoms usually appear about 3 days after consuming the contaminated food and disappear after a short time. However, it is common for some signs and symptoms to appear, such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and colic, for example. In the case of children, the elderly or pregnant women, if the symptoms are persistent, it is recommended to go immediately to the emergency room so that they do not become dehydrated.
It is also possible to combat food poisoning at home through some homemade measures, some of which are:
1. Take charcoal
Charcoal is a remedy that works by promoting the adsorption of toxins in the body, reducing symptoms of intoxication. Thus, in food poisoning, activated charcoal is able to adsorb toxins produced by the microorganism responsible for the infection and relieve symptoms. In addition, activated carbon also helps to reduce intestinal gases.
For charcoal to have an effect on food poisoning, it is recommended to take 1 capsule of charcoal for 2 days.
2. Drink lots of fluids
The consumption of plenty of fluids during food poisoning is very important because it prevents dehydration, replenishes the fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea and makes recovery happen faster. Thus, it is important that during the day water, teas, natural fruit juice, coconut water, oral rehydration salts, which can be found in the pharmacy, or isotonic drinks, for example, are taken during the day.
See great homemade options to help replace lost fluids and relieve symptoms.
3. Rest
Rest is essential to help treat food poisoning, as the body needs to save energy due to the loss of fluids and nutrients by vomiting and diarrhea, also helping to prevent dehydration.
4. Eat lightly
As soon as the vomiting and diarrhea are decreasing or passing, you should eat lightly, starting with chicken soup, mashed potatoes, vegetable cream or cooked fish, for example, according to the person's tolerance.
In addition, it is important to avoid processed, fatty and spicy foods, preferring fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish always cooked. Find out more about what to eat to treat food poisoning.
Generally, food poisoning goes on in 2 to 3 days only with these measures, and it is not necessary to take any specific medicine. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to see a doctor.
