If you’ve ever suddenly felt nauseous, vomited, or had diarrhea, you may have wondered if you had food poisoning or a stomach bug. Both illnesses share rather similar symptoms, which can make it hard to know the source of your misery. By recognizing the main differences, though, you can help manage your symptoms and get the proper treatment.
Food poisoning results from eating contaminated food, usually the result of bacteria, viruses, or toxins that have been added to improperly cooked or stored foods. A stomach bug, which is also called viral gastroenteritis, however, results from a viral infection that is transferred by direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.
If you regularly find yourself with digestive distress, food sensitivity testing may assist in finding underlying causes that may be influencing your well-being. A great majority of people live with mild to extreme food sensitivities unknowingly, resulting in chronic inflammation and digestive discomfort. By taking the food sensitivity test, you are able to determine particular foods that may be the cause of consistent problems so you can make deliberate changes in diet.
In this article, we will learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for food poisoning and stomach bugs and how food sensitivity testing can give long-term solutions for better digestive health.
How to Recognize Food Poisoning Symptoms?
Food poisoning is when you eat food or drink that contains harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Within hours or days, depending on the contaminant, symptoms may develop.
The most common food poisoning symptoms are:
- Stomach cramps and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Sweating and excess thirst
In extreme cases, symptoms can progress to:
- Bloody stool or vomit
- Severe dehydration
- Loss of consciousness
- Shock
If food poisoning is suspected, staying hydrated and resting while your body clears the toxins is essential.
How to Identify Stomach Virus Symptoms?
An outbreak of stomach virus is most likely caused by norovirus or rotavirus and is very infectious. Unlike food poisoning, caused by tainted food, viral gastroenteritis spreads via person-to-person contact or dirty surfaces. The symptoms often include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps and muscle weakness
- Headaches
- Low-grade fever
- Lightheadedness
- Diarrhea
Individuals infected with a stomach virus are infectious as soon as symptoms show up and for a few days after recovery. Hygiene measures like hand washing and disinfecting surfaces help avoid infecting others.
How to Relieve Food Poisoning and Stomach Bug Symptoms?
Whether you have a stomach virus or food poisoning, the solution to recovery lies in managing your symptoms. The following are a few suggestions on how to get well quicker:
- Stay Hydrated: Diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration. Drink as much water as possible and try electrolyte replacement drinks to ensure that your hydration levels remain up.
- Eat a Bland Diet: When you’re ready to eat, opt for easily digestible foods such as crackers, toast, rice, and warm broth.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Sugary, fatty, or highly processed foods can worsen symptoms. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided until your stomach settles.
- Rest and Recover: Your body needs time to heal, so get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities.
- Be Careful with Medications: Anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medications must only be used with medical advice since they can actually extend symptoms or lead to complications.
If the symptoms last for over 48 hours or become worse, see a healthcare professional.
How IV Therapy Can Treat Food Poisoning and Stomach Viruses?
One of the most efficient means to fight dehydration and restore necessary nutrients is via IV therapy. IV hydration therapy introduces fluids, electrolytes, and vitamins into the body through a direct entry into the blood stream, eliminating the digestive process and offering instantaneous relief.
We provide specialized IV therapy at The IV Lounge aimed at relieving food poisoning and stomach bug symptoms. Our therapy sessions include:
- Saline Solution – Replenishes and restores lost fluids
- Vitamin B Complex & B12 – Maintains energy levels and decreases fatigue
- Vitamin C – Boosts immune system
- Zinc & Magnesium – Decreases inflammation and aids in digestion
- Glutathione – A heavy-duty antioxidant which assists in cleansing
- Zofran (Ondansetron) – Relieves vomiting and nausea
IV therapy helps bring about instant relief from the symptoms, letting you recover soon and with fewer discomforts.
The Role of Food Sensitivity Testing in Digestive Health
If you are consistently experiencing gastrointestinal distress, food sensitivity testing can be an excellent tool in determining foods that could be causing long-term problems. Most people unwittingly eat foods that cause inflammation, resulting in symptoms including:
- Bloating and gas
- Fatigue and mental fogginess
- Skin problems like acne or eczema
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Digestive discomfort
What is Food Sensitivity Testing?
Food sensitivity testing can determine the foods that can cause reactions in your body. Unlike food allergies, which cause the body to have an immediate immune reaction, food sensitivities can lead to symptoms that occur hours or even days later, making them hard to identify.
Benefits of Testing Food Sensitivities
- Detailed Testing – Careful testing to reveal subtle food sensitivities.
- Custom Dietary Guidelines – Detailed personalized guidance through your unique test results.
- Guidance for Supplements – Well-crafted supplement procedures for optimizing the health of the digestive tract.
- Ongoing Support – Ongoing monitoring and fine-tuning for long-term health.
Take Control of Your Digestive Health with The IV Lounge
If you experience recurring digestive problems, food poisoning, or inexplicable discomfort after meals, food sensitivity testing can be a lifesaver. Knowing your food triggers can enable you to make smart food choices, minimize inflammation, and enhance overall health.
At The IV Lounge, not only do we provide the best food sensitivity testing, but we also offer IV therapy to alleviate food-borne illnesses and hydration support. Our highly trained staff is here to make you feel your best, whether you’re seeking symptom relief or a long-term solution for digestive health.
Schedule your food sensitivity testing appointment today and begin the journey towards a healthier, symptom-free life!
