If hunching over a porcelain bowl purging is not how you’d like to spend the rest of your day, why not raid your pantry for some all-natural items that will eliminate those nasty pathogens in your body.
Note: For extremely severe cases of food poisoning, it is strongly recommended that you seek medical attention immediately.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is akin to a miracle potion of sorts, and ACV helps with the body’s elimination channels to rid it of harmful wastes and toxins. Often prescribed as a home remedy for indigestion issues, ACV’s antimicrobial properties are so potent that the organic acids in vinegar (especially the acetic acid) actually pass into cell membranes to kill bacteria. A study also found acetic acid to be extremely lethal against E.coli strains, while lemon juice, or a combination of lemon juice and vinegar, battle salmonella well.
Combine two tablespoons of ACV with warm water and drink. Go for the raw, organic and unfiltered type that has the ‘mother’, or strands of protein and other helpful enzymes, still intact.
2. Rehydrate!
Food poisoning poses the risk of dehydration, due to the purging experienced during diarrhoea and vomiting. Mild dehydration is common and can be fixed by increasing your intake of fluids. However, severe dehydration may prove fatal, as the body has an insufficient volume of water to sustain normal physical functions and regulatory activities.
Replenish by drinking more fluids. Consume fresh, clean water as well as electrolyte-rich drinks. Instead of going for sports drinks saturated with chemical sugars, give an easy yet natural recipe like switchel a go. Another solution is to create your own Oral Rehydration Salts from a litre of water, two teaspoons of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar. A more flavourful option is to have chicken soup.
3. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal may sound peculiar as a prescribed remedy, but it is often administered to those with food poisoning. Activated charcoal works its magic by adsorping (and no, it’s not a typo!) the harmful bacterial. Adsorption is technically the property of a substance to attract and hold something to its surface. It’s a fast process that neutralises foreign invaders, and activated charcoal is an effective adsorbent that prevents the toxins from being absorbed into the body, hence stopping food poisoning from progressing. Activated charcoal does not irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal system. However, it is only able to retrieve the substances that are still in the stomach or intestines, not those already absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Pegaga By PurelyB Herbal Blend
This traditional Asian superfood has been used for generations for its natural effectiveness especially pertaining to gut health. Our blend of pegaga known as Pegaga by PurleyB is known to nourish the intestines with it’s high fibre, antioxidants, etc. so consuming pegaga when your tummy needs it most is a good idea. The other ingredients present in addition to pegaga (gotu kola) are turmeric, papaya leaf, habbatus sauda, green apples & dates.
5. Honey
A sweet yet sensational natural remedy for virtually anything, honey’s antifungal antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities has made it an invaluable staple in both the kitchen and our day to day lives. Manuka honey is known to be an extremely powerful variant of honey that is able to inhibit the growth of the bacterial strains causing the food poisoning. Add in to your tea, or dilute a spoonful in water for a sweet, energising yet soothing drink. Honey can be combined with several of the other natural remedies listed here for a one-two punch!
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another versatile natural remedy that is often used due to its immunity boosting, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The acidity of pure, undiluted lemon juice increases the acidity of the stomach, killing the microorganisms and toxins, such as E.coli, that are in the gastrointestinal tract. Add it to your tea, or drink a tablespoonful of pure lemon juice once every 4-5 hours to help cleanse and soothe your stomach.
7. Basil
Basil is another extremely powerful natural home remedy to curing acute stomach infections caused by tainted foods. Basil juice helps to stop vomiting instantly, and adding a teaspoon of honey, a fellow antibacterial and antifungal agent, provides quick relief. Another alternative would be to mix chopped or crushed basil leaves and sea salt to three tablespoons of yoghurt with a pinch of black pepper. Consume this three times a day until the symptoms of food poisoning stop.
Sources:
1. https://www.homeremedyshop.com/13-home-remedies-for-food-poisoning/
2. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/food-poisoning
3. https://www.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/how-treat-food-poisoning-naturally
4. https://ijrpb.com/current%20issues/1/v1_is3/ijrpb%201(3)%207%20page%20314-323.pdf
This article has been republished with permission from PurelyB.
