If you suspect that you or someone else has food poisoning, consider taking the following steps: If symptoms of food poisoning develop, seek medical help immediately. At the same time, keep any remaining uneaten food, seal it, and store it in a cool place—but do not freeze it—as it may be needed for testing. In most cases, hospitals will notify the relevant health authorities.
If the person has lost consciousness, soak a gauze pad or cloth in vinegar and place it over their nose. The strong smell of vinegar may help them regain consciousness. If the contaminated food was eaten within the last few hours, the toxins may still be in the stomach.
Inducing vomiting can help expel the harmful substances and reduce toxin absorption. This can be done by stimulating the back of the tongue with a finger, the handle of a spoon, or chopsticks. Alternatively, drinking salt water (dissolve about one tablespoon of salt in ¾ cup of warm water, then let it cool) or ginger juice may help trigger vomiting.
Diarrhea is a common symptom of food poisoning and can help flush toxins from the body. Taking anti-diarrheal medication too soon can hinder the body’s natural detox process. It is generally best to avoid such medication unless diarrhea is excessive (more than 10 times in a day) and causing severe dehydration or weakness. After food poisoning, rest and hydration are essential. Drink plenty of fluids and eat small, light meals to avoid overburdening the digestive system. If you have no appetite, try to eat small amounts of food while ensuring adequate fluid intake.
