When food poisoning strikes, your primary focus is on alleviating the distressing symptoms. Eating is likely the last thing on your mind. But as you begin to recover, understanding what to eat and what to avoid is crucial. This guide provides insights into managing your recovery, addressing the question of “Will Tums Help Food Poisoning?” and outlining a timeline for getting back to normal.
Hours 0-6: Focus on Rehydration
During the initial hours of food poisoning, your body loses fluids due to vomiting and diarrhea, increasing the risk of dehydration. Dr. Neeharika Kalakota, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist, recommends starting with ice chips or popsicles once vomiting subsides.
“In these first few hours, it’s best to avoid chewing or swallowing,” explains Dr. Kalakota. “And if you are more prone to dehydration, you might consider messaging your doctor to let them know your situation so they can provide specific recommendations, if needed.”
Infants, toddlers, older adults, and individuals with kidney disease or untreated type 2 diabetes are particularly vulnerable to dehydration.
Alt: Rehydrating with ice chips to combat dehydration after food poisoning.
6+ Hours: Clear Liquids are Key
Once you can tolerate ice chips, gradually introduce clear liquids. These can include water, apple juice, grape juice, or even broth. Ensure the liquids are flat and clear, avoiding carbonated drinks or anything you can’t see through.
“You can have water, or this could be apple juice, grape juice — some people even like to sip on broth,” says Dr. Kalakota. “Just be sure whatever you choose is flat and clear. Avoid drinks that are carbonated or you can’t see through.”
If you cannot keep water down after six hours, contact your doctor for advice. If your condition worsens, seek emergency medical attention. Emergency rooms can provide rapid rehydration through IV fluids and address any resulting esophageal irritation with antacids. This brings us back to the question: will Tums help food poisoning? While Tums can help with esophageal irritation from vomiting, it primarily addresses heartburn and indigestion, not the underlying causes of food poisoning.
After 24 Hours: Introducing the BRAT Diet
After the initial 24 hours, consider the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These bland foods are gentle on the digestive system. Other options include crackers, plain grits, or plain oatmeal.
“You can start with what’s called the BRAT diet, which stands for: bananas, rice, apples, toast,” says Dr. Kalakota. “And if you don’t like any of those, just be sure you’re choosing something bland — crackers, plain grits, plain oatmeal.”
Start slowly, monitoring how your body reacts to these foods.
Alt: Bland BRAT diet foods to soothe the stomach after food poisoning.
Days to Weeks: Foods to Avoid
Symptoms of food poisoning can last from a few days to several weeks. As you recover, gradually reintroduce foods while monitoring your body’s response.
Dr. Kalakota recommends avoiding these foods:
- Caffeine (unless it causes withdrawal headaches)
- Fried foods
- Fatty foods
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
“These are all things that can further irritate an already irritated stomach,” says Dr. Kalakota. “And fatty and spicy foods can also make vomiting and diarrhea even more uncomfortable if either come back.”
One Week and Beyond: Returning to Normal
Most individuals recover within a week and can resume their regular diet. However, recovery is personalized. Listen to your body, and reintroduce foods gradually. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. Remember, the effectiveness of medications like Tums in treating food poisoning is limited, as they primarily address acid-related symptoms rather than the infection itself.
Alt: Recovering and feeling better after a week of managing food poisoning symptoms.
Conclusion
Recovering from food poisoning requires a careful approach to rehydration and diet. While medications like Tums can provide relief from some symptoms, they do not address the root cause of the illness. Prioritize rehydration, follow a bland diet, avoid irritants, and listen to your body’s signals. If you are concerned about your symptoms, seek medical advice.
