Food poisoning is a disease caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites. Depending on the type of infection, symptoms may begin hours, days, or weeks after ingestion and include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Here are 10 effective home remedies to treat food poisoning naturally.
Organisms that cause food poisoning
- Campylobacter found in poorly processed foods and beverages
- E. coli in raw vegetables and undercooked meat
- Listeria in sausages and soft cheeses
- Norovirus found in undercooked shellfish
- Salmonella in Undercooked Poultry and Raw Eggs
- Staphylococcus aureus in dairy products, canned foods, etc.
Home Remedies to Treat Food Poisoning
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV as it is commonly known, is a vinegar made from apples. Due to its alkaline effect, it is one of the best treatments for food poisoning. The alkaline effect reduces the acid in the stomach, which can help relieve symptoms of food poisoning. Mix 2-3 teaspoons of ACV in a cup of hot water. Drink this solution before eating. If the problem persists, you can have 2-3 teaspoons of undiluted ACV for better results.
2. Ginger
Ginger plays a very important role in reducing symptoms of food poisoning. Because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can soothe your stomach lining. Boil a glass of water with about a spoonful of minced ginger. Add honey or sugar to taste. Or else, you can just eat the ginger slices.
3. Yogurt and fenugreek seeds
Yogurt and fenugreek seeds are a very effective way to treat food poisoning. Yogurt has antibacterial (bactericidal) properties that help fight bacteria which causes food poisoning. Additionally, fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool, allowing food to move better. This lubricating property of fenugreek seeds can help treat abdominal discomfort. Consume about a teaspoon of yogurt and fenugreek seeds. It is recommended to just swallow the seeds instead of chewing them.
4. Lemons
Lemons are considered the “king of cures” for food poisoning. The powerful anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling), antiviral (kills viruses), and antibacterial properties in lemons can kill bacteria that cause food poisoning. Mix about a teaspoon of lemon juice with sugar and have this mixture immediately. Besides, you can also dilute it with warm water.
5. Bananas
Bananas are very light and easy to digest, and are a good remedy for food poisoning. Eat at least one ripe banana every day, or you can also drink a banana smoothie or shake.
6. Garlic
Garlic is known for its antipyretic (means preventing or reducing fever) and cardiac properties. Because of its powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can relieve symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Simply swallow a clove of garlic with a glass of water every day. Alternatively, you can also drink garlic juice if you can’t stand the smell of garlic. Or else, prepare a mixture of garlic and soybean oil to massage on your abdomen after dinner.
7. Honey
Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, honey is one of the most effective treatments for food poisoning. Eat about a teaspoon of pure honey three times a day. Otherwise you can have it with tea or lemonade.
8. Hydration mix
Food poisoning is often accompanied by dehydration, which deprives your body of essential fluids and salts. Therefore, drinking lime water can hydrate and replenish essential salts in the body. Combine 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice with sugar and salt to taste in a liter of water. Drink it daily to prevent dehydration.
9. Cumin
Cumin or “Jeera” is a very popular home remedy for food poisoning. It increases the activity of digestive enzymes, which break down food in the body, and helps speed up digestion. Boil cumin seeds in a cup of water, add freshly extracted coriander juice, and have it twice a day. You can also eat a mixture of salt, cumin and asafoetida (Hing). Have this drink 2-3 times a day.
10. Basil
Basil or Tulsi leaves are the best herbs to cure food poisoning. Basil leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and have a positive effect on the digestive tract. Besides, Basil also helps in restoring the body’s correct pH balance (pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid) by balancing the amount of acid in the body.
