The real recovery period for the body after food poisoning has been revealed

Anyone who has experienced food poisoning knows that it is an experience that no one wants to repeat, states CNN.

The time it takes the human body to clear everything depends on the amount of foodborne pathogens in the food ingested, according to Mitzi Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Disease, a public health organization that advocates for improvements in the food safety industry. Most cases of food poisoning are mild and go away with a few days of rest at home, although there are a few rare cases where a person will need immediate medical attention.

There’s no sure way to predict how long food poisoning will last, but there are ways to make the recovery process smoother, CNN notes.

Foodborne illnesses occur when you consume contaminated food or drink. Mitzi Baum explains that this can happen when microorganisms are exposed to an environment with optimal conditions for growth and division.

Most disease-causing bacteria or viruses grow exponentially in foods that fall within the danger zone, which ranges from 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be caused by eating foods left at room temperature for too long, as well as undercooked and raw foods, CNN emphasizes. Bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella can double in abundance in less than 20 minutes in food left in the danger zone, according to the USDA.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 1 in 6 people living in the United States will suffer from foodborne illness, including food poisoning, each year. The most common pathogens are norovirus, salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, campylobacter and Staphylococcus aureus.

People often think food poisoning happens instantly, but that’s not always the case, CNN says.

The time it takes for people to feel the effects of food poisoning depends on the type of bacteria, said Nima Majlesi, director of medical toxicology at Staten Island University Hospital. The incubation period for some bacteria can be one to two days.

Majlesi says that when people feel nauseous fairly quickly after eating, it’s probably due to Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria produce toxins that can cause nausea within 30 minutes to eight hours after consumption. Staph food poisoning usually begins with stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

If food poisoning is caused by toxins caused by staphylococcus, the illness should last no more than a day. People typically recover from food poisoning in one to two days, but cases can last up to two to four weeks after exposure, says Dr. Pratima Dibba, a gastroenterologist at Manhattan Medical Center.

“It all depends on the circumstances. Some cases of food poisoning can last 14 days, and you may just have continuous diarrhea,” adds Majlesi. “Generally speaking, the heavier, the shorter the duration.”

According to Dr. Dibb, there is no single treatment that will speed recovery. It takes time for the body to eliminate the toxins that cause food poisoning, usually 24 to 48 hours.

To stay comfortable and avoid dehydration, Majlesi recommends drinking water constantly. If you are topping up with an electrolyte solution, make sure the product is low in sugar. “Some electrolyte solutions contain too much sugar and this can actually make diarrhea worse, so you need to be careful with this,” says the expert.

As CNN notes, the US National Institutes of Health recommends that adults replace lost fluids with broths and sports drinks. It is also recommended to add fruit juices with water to make them more diluted. On the other hand, American experts advise children to use oral rehydration solution to relieve the symptoms of food poisoning.

You should also avoid solid foods for 24 hours, especially if you are having trouble digesting the food. Majlesi says this gives the digestive system time to rest and repair during periods of inflammation. Adults can take antidiarrheal medications.

After 24 hours, Majlesi recommends eating small amounts of soft, high-carbohydrate foods. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is good if you have to deal with diarrhea. Saltine crackers are also usually tolerable and can help replenish lost electrolytes.

If you suffer from nausea and vomiting, Dr. Dibba recommends avoiding highly seasoned foods, dairy products, gas-producing foods, and fibrous foods. “Many people think that eating salads will boost their immune system, but in reality, high-fiber foods can worsen symptoms and cause bloating and abdominal discomfort,” she says.

In some cases, a trip to the hospital is required. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems should see a doctor immediately for treatment of food poisoning. Additionally, Majlesi stresses that people should go to the emergency room if their symptoms persist for a week, if they feel dizzy or experience bloody diarrhea. A healthcare professional may administer intravenous fluids and perform a complete examination to determine if there are electrolyte imbalances or other problems.

“If symptoms become very severe or you do not respond to supportive care, contact your doctor immediately,” advises Dr. Dibba.