Home Remedies for Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a common health problem globally, especially in a developing country like India. It is defined as acute gastroenteritis disorder caused by having food or drinks contaminated with living bacteria, toxins, chemical substances, and poison derived from plants or animals. However, with the help of Unani and Home Remedies for Food Poisoning, you can conquer the disease.

According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that there are more than 1000 million cases of acute Diarrhoea due to food poisoning annually present worldwide in developing countries, with around 3-4 million deaths. 

According to the Unani Perspective-

Food Poisoning (Tukhma) is a disease where undigested and purified food changes into food decay (Fasid-e-Giza). This Waste Food (Fasid Mavad) leads to Dyspepsia (Fasad Hazam) and Indigestion (Zof-e-Hazam). 

Causes of Food Poisoning 

Food poisoning occurs due to various causes. In Unani texts, there are 4 temperaments to examine the root cause of any particular disease.

The following are some common food poisoning causes as per Unani:

• Imbalanced dietary factors.
• Use of stale milk, fish, and meat.
• Extensive exercise just after the meal.
• Intake of raw food in excess amount.
• Drinking water just after the meal.
• Eating extra spicy food.

Causative Agents of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning and the stomach flu may or may not be the same thing, depending on if the causative agent is transmitted by contaminated food or if the agent is transmitted by non-food mechanisms such as body secretions. However, most healthcare professionals equate stomach flu to viral gastroenteritis.

1. Staphylococcal food poisoning: Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted through the hands of food handles to food such as dairy products, including cheese, and cooked meats.
2. Bacillus cereus food poisoning: Fried rice and freshly made sauces are frequent sources of Bacillus cereus. In this situation, patients suffer from rapid vomiting and Diarrhoea within hours of food consumption, which resolves within 24 hours.
3. Clostridium food poisoning: Its frequent sources are Spores of bacteria widespread in large animals & the soil incomplete cooked and stored food in anaerobic conditions.
4. Salmonella spp food poisoning: They are widely distributed and transmitted by contaminated water or food, particularly poultry and egg products.
5. Escherichia coli food poisoning: E.coli is present in the human gut. But the specific type of E.coli can cause severe food poisoning. Sometimes it leads to bloody Diarrhoea. It can occur due to farm contact visits, poor kitchen hygiene, and eating unwashed or uncooked food. 
6. Yersinia food poisoning: It is commonly found in pork, causing mild to moderate infection.

Signs & Symptoms of Food Poisoning

People suffering from food poisoning generally face issues such as pain, indigestion, vomiting, and more. The signs may be mild in the initial phase, but they may worsen if you don't pay attention to them.

The following are some common symptoms analyzed in food positioning patients:

1. Pain in the abdomen: One may suffer from abdominal pain around the body's trunk or the area below ribs but above the pelvis.
2. Nausea and vomiting: It's a protective mechanism that occurs as one’s body tries to eliminate the toxins it detects as harmful.
3. Diarrhoea: It is a typical symptom of food poisoning. It occurs as inflammation makes the bowel less effective at reabsorbing water and other fluids it secretes during digestion.
4. Abdominal cramp: The patient may suffer from abdominal cramps because of the activated immune system. During this process, the body releases histamine, a chemical that helps widen blood vessels to allow more white blood cells to get through to fight the infection.
5. Fever: Mild fever can occur as an immune response of the body against infection.
6. Headache: People can experience headaches due to various reasons, including stress, drinking too much alcohol, dehydration, and fatigue.
7. Dyspepsia: The patient may feel upper abdominal discomfort and heartburn (burning sensation in the upper digestive tract).

Home Remedies for Food Poisoning

If you are suffering from food poisoning, you can try any of the following home remedies to feel better:

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

ACV is acidic and has an alkaline effect due to its metabolization in the body. It also helps in soothing the gastrointestinal lining and killing the bacteria, giving instant relief.

How to take: Take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of hot water and drink it before eating food.

Basil (Tulsi) Leaves

Tulsi is an excellent herb to soothe the abdominal discomfort caused by food poisoning. It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight microorganisms.

How to take: Take some Tulsi leaves, some sea salt, a pinch of black pepper, and two to three tablespoons of plain yogurt. Eat this three to four times a day.

Cumin

Cumin seeds, also called Jeera, can help in abdominal discomfort and stomach inflammation due to food poisoning.

How to take: Boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in one cup of water, mix with one teaspoon of coriander juice extracted from fresh coriander leaves and a little salt.

Garlic

It is also very effective in fighting food poisoning due to its strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also relieves symptoms such as Diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

How to take: Eat one fresh garlic clove, swallowing it with water. If possible, you can make a mixture of garlic oil and soybean oil and rub it on your stomach after eating.

Ginger

It has been used to treat innumerable ailments due to its powerful therapeutic and preventive effects. Ginger also improves absorption of essential nutrients and helps indigestion. Hence, it works as a quick remedy for nausea and vomiting, thereby giving you instant relief.

How to take– Make ginger tea by boiling one teaspoon grated ginger and adding a little sugar or honey to it for sweetness.

Unani Treatment/ Ilaj-Bil-Dawa

Unani treatment of food poisoning includes these two principles. 

1. Evacuation of the stomach (Tanqiya-e-Meda) - This oral administration of lukewarm water mixed with common salt induces vomiting to evacuate toxins. This is similar to the Vaman (vomiting) process in Naturopathy. 
2. Strengthening natural body heat (Taqwiyat-e- hararat-e- Ghareeziya) - comes after the Evacuation of the stomach from infected food.

To implement these principles following are the medicines you may consider:

1. Jawarish Amla: 5 gm twice a day with water after a meal.

2. Jawarish Anarain: Take one teaspoon after a meal twice a day with lukewarm water.

3. Habbe Kabid Naushadri: Two pills twice a day after a meal.

4. Habbe Pechish B.khas: Take one pill with water twice a day.

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

Along with medications and home remedies for food poisoning, one should also modify their lifestyle and diet to get quick relief. These modifications will not only prevent food poisoning but also keep one away from other digestion-related issues.

Here are some changes to make in your diet and lifestyle:

• Buy vegetables and meat from hygienic shops.
• Do not eat expired items.
• Never leave cut vegetables or meat in the open; store them in the refrigerator or cook them.
• Wash utensils, counters, and cutting surfaces properly.
• Avoid using uncooked or partially cooked food.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Drink clean water, and eat fresh food.
• Add more fibrous fruits and leafy green vegetables to your diet.
• Sleep at least 6-7 hours daily.
• Eat a light diet at night.
• Walk at least 10 minutes at a slow pace after a meal.

Also Read: Constipation: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment with Ayurveda

Conclusion

Food poisoning intoxication is the most widespread global public health problem in the present scenario. However, the true incidence of food poisoning illnesses is unknown for many reasons. Therefore, every patient should observe precautions in diet, the time of usage of the medicine, and home remedies to avoid aggravation and obtain speedy results. The use of electrolytes, administration of antibiotics, and diet management are some Unani approaches that offer beneficial effects in food poisoning. Find lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar. All the products on-site are genuine, and one can also consult with the best Ayurvedic and Unani doctors.