Food Poisoning And Stomach Flu Prevention And Treatment

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Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement

Source: https://www.chinookmed.com

The most important treatment for food poisoning is fluid replacement therapy. Our bodies lose water and important electrolytes during bouts of diarrhea and vomiting, which is why we should drink plenty of liquids, preferably mixed with oral rehydration salts, to replenish our stores.

Oral rehydration salts contain salt, glucose and minerals essential for the body to function normally. These electrolytes have a number of uses, the most important of which are heart muscle contraction and muscle movement. Losing too much of these electrolytes can lead to heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), weakness and even death.

Holding down liquids can be a bit of a challenge, especially if a patient has persistent vomiting. You can have a patient sip small amounts of water to gradually rehydrate them. If that still doesn’t work, give them ice cubes to melt in their mouths to ensure that they still receive liquids despite their condition.