What to eat and what not to eat when suffering from food poisoning?

Food poisoning is a common issue that can occur at any age when we consume contaminated or toxic food or drinks. Depending on the cause and severity of food poisoning, symptoms can range from mild to severe. So what should you eat after food poisoning to recover quickly? Let's find out in the following article!

1. Nutrition regime for those affected by food poisoning

To accurately answer the question of what to eat after food poisoning, you need to grasp the following nutritional principles:

• Ensure adequate hydration: Help replenish lost fluids due to food poisoning. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The body becomes weakened due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
  
• To adjust your diet, avoid pushing yourself to eat too quickly or too much. Patients should start gradually with gentle foods such as bananas, bread, or saltine crackers to soothe the stomach and avoid triggering nausea.
  
• Divide meals into 4-6 small portions throughout the day, avoiding forcing the patient to eat too much in one meal.
  

Even when suffering from food poisoning, it's important to maintain a balanced diet

• Ensure adequate and balanced intake of nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
  
• Foods should be prepared in liquid form, easy to eat and digest to avoid straining the digestive system and promote quick recovery.
  
• Avoid engaging in strenuous activities when the body is fatigued. Patients need to take time to rest and recover their health.
  

2. What to eat when suffering from food poisoning?

Patients affected by food poisoning should supplement the following foods to provide nutrients and recover quickly:

2.1. Those with food poisoning should eat bland foods

When symptoms of nausea and diarrhea decrease, it indicates that the body has begun to recover. Food poisoning can deplete a lot of energy, making the body feel hungry. At this time, you should start eating bland foods such as: rice porridge, soft bread, soups, oatmeal,... to soothe the stomach and avoid triggering the return of nausea.

To provide enough energy for the body, you can supplement with salty foods such as mashed potatoes, saltine crackers, stewed vegetables... These are light foods that do not cause irritation and are suitable for the stomach of those affected by food poisoning. Note to always prioritize choosing soft, easily digestible dishes and foods.

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2.2. Those affected by poisoning should consume probiotic-rich foods

Probiotics, also known as beneficial bacteria, have many positive effects on the body and brain, improving digestive health, reducing depression, and promoting heart health. In fact, there are many foods containing beneficial probiotics for health, such as fermented soybeans, yogurt.

Supplementing with more probiotic-rich foods

In addition to the mentioned foods, you can also use probiotic supplements. They can be purchased at pharmacies at reasonable prices.

2.3. What fruits should you eat when suffering from food poisoning?

For those suffering from food poisoning, the two fruits to eat the most are:

• Bananas
  

Bananas are a potassium-rich fruit that can help reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting while being easily digestible. With complex carbohydrates and natural sugars, bananas provide energy to the body. And the low acid content in bananas will not harm the stomach.

• Apple
  

Apples contain components that can inhibit bacterial growth in the stomach and provide immediate relief when suffering from food poisoning. Apple cider vinegar also contains alkaline substances that can reduce various symptoms of food poisoning, making you feel more comfortable.

Soft, juicy fruits with low acidity are also good choices for those affected by food poisoning. Examples include: persimmons, watermelon, cantaloupe, pears, cherries, grapes,...

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3. What should you avoid eating after being affected by food poisoning?

The condition of food poisoning can worsen if it puts too much strain on the digestive system. Below are some foods to limit consumption of:

3.1. Foods excessively high in protein

Foods rich in protein are considered harder and take longer to digest than carbohydrates. Since the stomach is still weak after experiencing food poisoning, supplementing with protein-rich foods such as seafood, red meat, animal organs,... can be 'too much' for the body.

3.2. Acidic foods

Limit foods with high acidity levels

Acidic foods can increase symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, and discomfort for those affected by food poisoning. Therefore, after experiencing food poisoning, you should limit consumption of tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pickles... Pickled vegetables like pickled eggplant, pickled cucumbers,... should also be limited as they can pose a risk of recontamination.

3.3. Fat

Compared to protein, fat is even harder to digest. Therefore, those affected by food poisoning should also limit consumption of high-fat foods during the recovery process. For example, avoid chocolate, pastries, candies, fried foods, and oily foods...

3.4. Spicy food

Food poisoning can make the intestines more sensitive. That's why it's important to avoid consuming spicy foods to avoid interfering with the recovery process.

3.5. High-fiber foods

Usually, fiber is beneficial for digestion and reduces constipation. However, after experiencing food poisoning, supplementing with a lot of fiber may not be beneficial for the intestines, and may cause bloating, difficulty digesting,... Choose easily digestible high-fiber foods such as: sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, beets,...

3.6. Stimulant beverages

Avoid consuming stimulant beverages when affected by food poisoning

Beer, alcohol, soft drinks, coffee,... are not good for digestion especially when you are experiencing food poisoning. So say no to these beverages if you want to recover quickly.

Along with proper care and rest, choosing the right foods after experiencing food poisoning is very important. And hopefully, the sharing above has helped you answer what to eat after food poisoning. However, the best thing is still to prevent food poisoning by paying more attention to food selection, storage, and preparation.

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