What should you eat after food poisoning?

Vomiting and diarrhoea can remove fluid and salts from the body, while nausea and abdominal pain can make food unappealing. Once you can keep drinks down, try small amounts of toast, rice, bananas, potatoes, soup, porridge or plain pasta. These are examples, not a required diet; tolerance matters more than choosing a particular food.

As appetite returns, add normal foods gradually, including protein and vegetables. Rich, greasy or very spicy meals, alcohol and large portions may feel harder to tolerate early on. Food Poisoning can have different causes, so recovery time and advice may vary.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution. If you vomit, pause briefly and retry with tiny sips. Wash hands carefully, avoid preparing food for other people while unwell, and follow local food-safety advice. Rest, then eat when hungry rather than forcing a full meal.

If drinking is difficult, ask a clinician or pharmacist about Oral Rehydration Therapy. Severe fluid loss may need IV Fluid Therapy in a medical setting.

Seek medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, diarrhoea does not settle, or you have ongoing fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, blood or black material in stool, confusion, faintness, or very little urine. Babies, older adults, pregnant people and those with long-term illness may need earlier assessment.

How can I tell whether I am dehydrated? Which fluids are suitable for me? When should I return to normal meals? Do my symptoms require a stool test, treatment or review of my medicines?