How to Stay Hydrated After Food Poisoning

Since two of the most common symptoms of food poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea, water tends to evacuate the body at an accelerated rate, bringing on acute dehydration. By taking steps to stay hydrated after you have contracted food poisoning, you increase your chances for a quick recovery.

Things You'll Need

• Fluid with electrolytes
• Intravenous-fluid treatment

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink plenty of fluids while you are experiencing diarrhea and vomiting as a result of food poisoning. The rate at which fluids leave your body during a bout with food poisoning can be extremely quick, and you can experience the onset of dehydration in less than one hour.

• 2

  Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of dehydration. These include dizziness, headache, lack of energy, dark-colored urine, dry mouth or nose, nausea and inability to urinate.

• 3

  Consume fluids that have electrolytes, which are salts that help to maintain the balance of fluids in the body, in order to accelerate hydration after you have contracted food poisoning. Many sports drinks contain a high level of electrolytes. There are also many brands of bottled water that have electrolytes added.

• 4

  Seek medical assistance immediately if drinking water or other fluids does not effectively reduce the symptoms of dehydration. Your doctor will probably need to deliver fluids directly into your bloodstream via intravenous measures.

• 5

  Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated after you have been properly treated for food poisoning. Eat soft foods that are easier to digest in the days following treatment, such as applesauce, bananas and rice. Drink plenty of fluids, but ensure that you drink small amounts frequently in order to regulate the amount that is absorbed into the bloodstream.

• 6

  Avoid spicy food, dairy products, fresh fruit, caffeine and alcohol in order to stay hydrated after being treated for food poisoning. All of these substances can aggravate dehydration and should be eliminated from your diet until you have fully recovered. Usually, full recovery occurs in about one week.