What should you know about food after food poisoning?

Food poisoning can irritate the stomach and bowel, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Appetite may remain low even after vomiting stops. The immediate priority is replacing lost fluid and salts; Oral Rehydration Therapy can be useful when losses are significant. Once fluids stay down, the digestive system may tolerate small portions better than a large meal. There is no single required recovery menu, and personal tolerance matters.

Take small, regular sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. When ready, try plain rice, toast, bananas, soup, potatoes or other familiar foods that feel easy to digest. Add normal foods gradually as symptoms ease, including protein and cooked vegetables if tolerated. Avoid alcohol and limit very fatty, spicy or heavily sweetened foods if they worsen cramps or loose stools. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while you may still spread infection. Keep breastfeeding or usual infant feeds unless a clinician advises otherwise.

Get urgent help if you cannot keep fluids down, become confused or faint, have blood in vomit or stool, or develop severe abdominal pain. Seek prompt assessment for signs of dehydration such as very little urine, a dry mouth or unusual sleepiness, especially in a child, older adult or person with a long-term illness. Fever that persists or worsening diarrhoea also warrants medical advice. IV Fluid Therapy may be needed when drinking cannot replace losses.

How much should I drink, and would Oral Rehydration Therapy suit me? When can I return to my usual diet? Could my medicines or health conditions increase dehydration risk?