How to Treat Salmonella
Commonly referred to as "food poisoning," salmonella is caused by ingesting foods contaminated with the salmonella bacterium. The infection causes the lining of the stomach and intestines to swell and results in diarrhea, cramping, vomiting and overall misery. You can are treat the infection by following these steps.
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Instructions
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Stay away from antibiotics unless directed by your doctor. Antibiotics don't shorten the length of your illness and can actually keep the infection in your body longer. Your doctor could come up with a combination of antibiotics that could aid your recovery, but antibiotics shouldn't be the first choice for the average food poisining patient.
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Eat foods or supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bulgaricus or Bifidobacterium. These can be found as powders, drinks and pills in health food stores or in yogurts specializing in digestive health, such as Dannon's Acitivia.
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Expect to feel better within a few days. Immediate relief can be expected within 24-48 hours, with normal temperatures returning in 3-5 days and overall recovery in 10-14 days.
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Stay hydrated. Prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration. Even though the last thing you want to do is put more food or liquids in your mouth, staying hydrated will do wonders for your recovery. Water, sports drinks and clear juices are best.
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Wait it out. Most salmonella poisonings will heal themselves in time. Even though you feel like you're on the verge of death, hang in there and know that relief is in the near future.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you begin to feel better, ease back into your regular diet by eating bland foods such as bananas, toast, rice, clear soup, potatoes and applesauce.
