Food poisoning occurs as a result of consuming food or drink contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. If left unchecked, this condition can get worse, even to cause dangerous complications. Therefore, it is important to know how to deal with food poisoning properly.
Food or drink that is not processed or stored hygienically can be contaminated with germs. When this happens, the germs in the food or drink can produce toxic substances. If the food or drink is consumed by a person, then he will experience food poisoning.
Food poisoning can cause several symptoms, including:
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
- Weak
- Fever
- Abdominal pain or cramps
These symptoms can appear within hours to days after consuming food or drink contaminated with germs.
How to Overcome Food Poisoning at Home
In most cases, especially in food poisoning caused by a virus, this condition clears up on its own within a few days. However, the symptoms of food poisoning can be uncomfortable and can be severe.
To overcome food poisoning, there are several steps that can be taken, namely:
1. Sufficient body fluid needs
Diarrhea and vomiting due to food poisoning can make the body lose a lot of fluids. You need to replenish this fluid by drinking more water to prevent dehydration.
In addition to drinking water, you can also consume electrolyte drinks and soup or soup to restore lost fluids and electrolytes in the body. Drink little by little but often, so as not to be nauseous.
2. Eat the right food
When new symptoms appear, it is advisable not to eat any food first for a few hours.
Once you feel more comfortable, try eating foods that are easy to digest, namely foods that are low in fat, low in fiber, and without a lot of added spices. Some examples of these foods are rice or porridge, potatoes, bananas, and honey.
You should also avoid spicy, oily, and overly seasoned foods, as well as acidic foods and drinks as they can exacerbate symptoms. Also, avoid consuming beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine, or milk.
3. Avoid using drugs without a doctor's prescription
Diarrhea and vomiting during food poisoning are natural processes by the body to rid the digestive tract of toxins and harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Therefore, you should avoid the use of diarrhea drugs, such as: loperamide in the early stages of food poisoning. Taking diarrhea medicine can actually prolong the symptoms of poisoning.
In addition, symptoms of diarrhea due to food poisoning do not always need to be treated with antibiotics. This is because antibiotics cannot treat food poisoning caused by viruses.
To determine whether food poisoning needs to be treated with diarrhea medication and antibiotics, it is best to consult a doctor first.
4. Consume ginger water
To help relieve nausea and stomach discomfort, try drinking ginger water. Ginger drink is known to have a calming effect on the digestive tract.
In addition to ginger, food poisoning can also be treated by consuming intakes that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, which can restore the digestive tract. Even so, yogurt is better consumed when the body's condition has improved.
5. Get enough rest
When experiencing food poisoning, get plenty of rest so that the immune system can work optimally to fight the germs that cause poisoning. In addition, the symptoms of food poisoning can also make the body weak. Therefore, it takes adequate rest to restore energy.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning That Need to be Treated by a Doctor
Symptoms of food poisoning usually subside within a few days to a week. Immediately see a doctor if the symptoms of food poisoning do not improve or are accompanied by:
- High fever
- Severe cramps in the stomach
- bloody CHAPTER
- Blurred vision
- Body muscles feel weak
- Tingling or numbness
- Vomiting every time you eat or drink
- Very weak or faint
You may need an intravenous drip and hospitalization if your doctor assesses that your food poisoning is severe and accompanied by dehydration. The doctor will also give antibiotics if the food poisoning is caused by bacteria.
So that food poisoning can be avoided, keep the food to be consumed clean, wash food ingredients before processing, cook food until it is completely cooked, wash hands before eating, and don't eat food that smells bad, is slimy, or moldy.