Home Remedies for Food Poisoning

Most food poisoning gets better at home within one to three days. The goal is to replace lost fluids and let the stomach settle.

What helps

• Oral rehydration solution (ORS). Use ready-made ORS packets prepared with clean, safe water as directed. Take small frequent sips, about a few mouthfuls every few minutes, especially if vomiting.
• Other fluids. Clean water, clear soup, rice water and diluted fruit juice can help if you cannot get ORS, though ORS is better.
• Rest. Let your body recover.
• Small sips first, food later. Start eating when you feel hungry. Begin with bland foods.
• Hand hygiene. Wash hands after the toilet and before touching food, to protect others.
• Cool cloth on the forehead and a heating pad on the belly may ease cramps.

Children

• Give ORS as advised by a paediatrician, in small frequent amounts.
• Keep breastfeeding or normal feeds going.
• Do not give anti-diarrhoeal medicines or home remedies unless a doctor advises.
• Never give honey to infants under 12 months.

What not to do

• Do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicines such as loperamide if you have fever or blood in the stool.
• Do not take antibiotics unless prescribed.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy, oily or very sugary drinks until you recover.
• Do not force food while vomiting.
• Do not prepare food for others while you have symptoms.

Go to a doctor the same day if

Blood in stool, high fever, signs of dehydration, severe pain, vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down, diarrhoea over three days, pregnancy, infants, older age, weak immunity, or blurred vision or weakness. For emergencies, call 112 or 102.