Self-Care Tips for Nausea and Vomiting

If you experience brief episodes of vomiting and limited diarrhea lasting less than 24 hours, you can usually manage these symptoms at home.

• While feeling nauseous or vomiting, avoid consuming solid food, but make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
• Stay hydrated by taking small, frequent sips of clear liquids (ones you can see through).
• Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugary drinks. If available, consider using over-the-counter rehydration products designed for children, like Pedialyte and Rehydralyte, as they are effective but may be more expensive.
• For adults, you can use diluted sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade to stay hydrated. At full strength, these drinks contain too much sugar, which can exacerbate diarrhea.

Once you can tolerate fluids without any issues, you can slowly reintroduce food when the nausea and vomiting have ceased. Start with plain, stomach-friendly foods like rice, wheat, breads, potatoes, low-sugar cereals, lean meats, and non-fried chicken. Milk can be consumed safely, although some individuals with lactose intolerance may experience mild stomach discomfort.

In most cases of food poisoning, you won't need over-the-counter medications to control diarrhea. However, these medications are generally safe to use as directed. It's important to note that they should not be given to children without consulting a doctor. If you have any questions or concerns, it's always best to seek medical advice.