If you’ve ever dealt with food poisoning, you know how awful it feels. Ever since I experienced it myself, I’ve kept natural remedies in my medicine cabinet. Most of these were already there for other uses.
After a nice dinner with my husband on a Wednesday night, I felt an odd sensation in my stomach. I tried apple cider vinegar, my usual go-to for any tummy trouble, and it seemed to help—at least until 3 a.m.
At 3 a.m., I woke up feeling like I needed to vomit but couldn’t. The next few hours were full of intense stomach cramps and nausea, followed by relentless vomiting. I won’t go into graphic details, but for about 8 hours, I couldn’t hold down anything, even water, and felt dizzy, chilled, and cramped. It was textbook food poisoning.
Food poisoning happens when bacteria, viruses, or parasites in contaminated food make their way into your system. While raw meat and some animal products are common culprits, any food can be contaminated if not handled properly. I’m diligent about food safety at home, but it’s tougher to control when dining out. We always pick restaurants with clean track records to minimize the risk of incidents like this.
The usual suspects behind food poisoning include certain pathogens, though there are others responsible for such illnesses. Symptoms are often easy to spot, but they can resemble a stomach bug. However, food poisoning usually hits hard and fast, typically within a few hours of eating. The presence of bloody diarrhea is a telltale sign of food poisoning, unlike a stomach bug, which can develop more slowly and isn’t usually as severe.
When I was down with it, I was thankful for the natural remedies I had on hand. Here are some common ones:
At one point, I considered going to the hospital for an IV since I needed fluids to nurse my baby. Remembering how apple cider vinegar provided relief earlier, I tried it again—and it worked! You might also consider using ACV in gummy form.
A study from 2018 highlighted apple cider vinegar’s ability to kill germs and pathogens, like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. This is crucial because we aim not only to alleviate symptoms but also to eliminate the pathogens causing them. ACV does both, providing symptom relief while fighting the underlying cause.
Apple cider vinegar is generally safe for most people, even kids and pregnant or nursing women. However, long-term use might affect potassium or insulin levels or damage tooth enamel, so it’s best used judiciously. An adult dose consists of 1-2 teaspoons mixed in water or juice, while children should take half.
When symptoms began, I took equal parts water (or juice) and organic apple cider vinegar with “the mother,” which helped significantly.
I also recalled from a class that activated charcoal is an effective quick remedy for food poisoning. It works by binding to pathogens and removing them from the body. Activated charcoal is safe for most people, including pregnant or nursing women and children.
It’s recommended to take activated charcoal soon after consuming contaminated food for the best outcome. The dosage varies—0.5 to 1 g/kg for children and 50 g for adults. It’s wise to taper off the dosage if needed and consult a doctor for personal advice.
I took a small amount—less than the advised dose (about 1/2 tsp)—mixing it into applesauce after having ACV. Within minutes, I felt much better, repeating the method until symptoms vanished.
Another remedy to consider is herbal tea. While it doesn’t tackle the root cause, a soothing cup can offer comfort to an aching stomach in the short term. Here are some of my favorite stomach-friendly herbal teas:
These herbs are typically safe in small amounts for children and pregnant or nursing women, but it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider. Besides easing discomfort, sipping these teas in small amounts is a good way to stay hydrated once the vomiting subsides.
As symptoms lessen, be cautious about what you eat. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers tips for bouncing back from food poisoning:
The main takeaway: Give your body time to recover before resuming a normal diet and daily activities.
Pregnant women, kids, and seniors are at greater risk for complications from food poisoning. It’s wise to seek medical advice right away. If you’re nursing, keep an eye on hydration and consider getting an IV for fluids if necessary. Also, reach out to a doctor if you experience symptoms like:
Trust your instincts. If you feel the need for additional support, make the call and get medical attention.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Lauren Jefferis, who is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. This is not personalized medical advice, so it’s recommended to consult with your doctor or another healthcare provider.
