After days of food poisoning, you finally have the urge to eat again. While it may be challenging to get excited about food, it’s essential to nourish your body with something.

Experts recommend letting your stomach settle after you’ve experienced the most severe symptoms of food poisoning, like diarrhea and vomiting. That means avoiding food and drinks for a few hours.

When you’re ready to eat, ease into goods gently and avoid anything high in fiber, dairy, fat and sugar. This way, you can recover comfortably without experiencing more food poisoning symptoms.

Jump Ahead:

11 Foods to Help You Recover From Food Poisoning

When you’re at the point where you believe you can hold down food, eat foods that are gentle on the stomach. Stick to a bland, low-fat, low-fiber diet. Avoid fatty, fried foods, which are harder to digest and can upset the stomach more.

It’s also a good idea to avoid dairy products and most raw fruits and vegetables when recovering from food poisoning. Starting with the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, is a smart idea.

Here are 11 gentle foods to eat after food poisoning.

1. Toast

The best food to eat after food poisoning is low-fat and low-fiber, making toast an excellent option. White bread is better than high-fiber whole grains when you feel queasy. Whole grain has a type of fiber that’s good for when you’re not sick, but it can worsen an uncomfortable stomach, especially if you have nausea or diarrhea.

2. Bananas

Bananas are an excellent option when you can keep foods down, as they’re easy to digest and known to relieve stomach pain. This is because they produce a natural antacid effect and can relieve symptoms like indigestion. By increasing mucus production in the stomach, bananas can prevent irritation of the stomach lining, keeping you comfortable while recovering from food poisoning.

3. Cereal

Small portions of cereal are also a good option when dealing with food poisoning. In particular, warm cereals like cream of rice or cold cereals like rice crispies are gentle on the stomach. These cereals are easy to digest and helpful when recovering from foodborne illness.

4. Egg Whites

Egg whites are low in fat and easy to digest, making them ideal for food poisoning recovery. Scrambled or boiled eggs might slow bowel movements while providing protein and carbs needed for energy. Eggs are an example of small, light foods to eat after food poisoning for when you don’t have an appetite but need some sustenance.

5. Honey

what to eat after food poisoning

Honey is one of the best foods you can eat after food poisoning for several reasons. Research shows that honey shortens the duration of diarrhea in people with bacterial gastroenteritis. It also makes an excellent substitute for glucose in an oral rehydration solution containing electrolytes. Lastly, it prevents the stomach from producing too much acid. Honey can ease symptoms of food poisoning and provide much-needed hydration as you’re recovering.

6. Gelatin

Gelatin or Jell-O is another easy food to eat when recovering from food poisoning. It helps keep your blood sugar regulated, is gentle and light for the stomach and can give you the energy you need to recover. Gelatin includes glutamic acid that the body can turn into glutamine. The substance might help foster a healthier mucosal lining in the stomach to aid digestion.

7. Oatmeal

Low-sugar oatmeal is another bland option you can easily stomach after food poisoning. You can benefit from the nutrients oatmeal provides for digestive health, though consuming too much can cause stomach distress, so be sure to portion it.

8. Potatoes

Plain or mashed potatoes are excellent to eat after food poisoning. Starchy potatoes are easy to digest already. When you mash them, you can break the down the fibers and make them even more digestible. Avoid milk, cream or butter when preparing mashed potatoes, which can irritate the stomach.

9. Rice

Another food easy on the digestive system, rice is a great option when you’re recovering from food poisoning. White rice contains protein and about one-third of the fiber in brown rice, making it ideal for food poisoning symptoms like digestive issues and nausea.

10. Saltine Crackers

Saltine crackers are an example of a classic food that’s great for the stomach. They’re high in starch and absorb gastric acid while helping to settle an upset stomach. The bland nature of crackers helps satisfy hunger without the strong tastes or smells that can trigger nausea. They also contain salt, which can help replenish electrolytes.

11. Applesauce

Applesauce contains less fiber than apples, making them the better option when recovering from food poisoning. Applesauce also contains pectin, a soluble fiber that can improve digestive symptoms. However, it’s still unclear whether the amount of pectin can produce any meaningful effects on diarrhea symptoms.

What to Drink When You Have Food Poisoning

After experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, it’s essential to replace the fluids and salt you lost. A bite of toast, a handful of crackers or a spoonful of rice might soothe the stomach, but hydration is critical, so take small sips of water throughout the day. Liquid intake is crucial to help fight off the symptoms of food poisoning.

Aside from water, sports drinks with electrolytes are effective, as are non-caffeinated sodas, decaffeinated tea and chicken or vegetable broth. However, your body sometimes can’t replenish liquids quickly enough. A great solution is a food poisoning intravenous (IV) treatment, which can rehydrate the body while you’re recovering. These treatments introduce fluids and minerals back into your body.

Boost Your Recovery With a Food Poisoning IV

Boost Your Recovery With a Food Poisoning IV

Many foods and drinks are comfortable for the stomach and can relieve symptoms of food poisoning. However, if you find you need more rehydration, IV treatments can be an effective solution. Mobile IV Medics offers innovative IV packages designed to help improve health and other symptoms, including dehydration from food poisoning.

While food poisoning can make you exhausted and too sick to leave the house, we deliver our IV packages directly to your door. Whether you’re looking for hydration, energy and focus, hangover, migraine and headache or recovery packages, we have what you need. To learn more about our IV treatment packages or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.