Salmonella Recovery Diet: Best Things to Eat While Sick from Salmonella

Posted in Salmonella on November 28, 2023

Here’s a guide to the Salmonella recovery diet, focusing on foods that can aid healing and ease discomfort.

Electrolyte-Rich Foods

Loss of fluids because of diarrhea can imbalance your electrolytes. Try to consume foods rich in electrolytes, like bananas, coconut water, and sports drinks, to replenish vital minerals.

Bland Foods

When you can handle solids, choose foods that are bland and easily digestible, such as plain rice, boiled potatoes, and toast. They can provide a gentle source of carbohydrates without taxing the digestive system.

Lean Proteins

When you can, include lean proteins like well-cooked chicken or turkey, which can help you rebuild strength and muscle. Both of which may be compromised during illness.

Probiotic-Rich Foods

Salmonella infections can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria so try to eat probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.

Avoid High-Risk Foods

During recovery, avoid high-risk foods that may exacerbate symptoms, such as raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, and unpasteurized dairy products. Stick to well-cooked and pasteurized options. Also try to limit or avoid spicy, greasy, and heavily processed foods, as they can worsen symptoms.

Small and Frequent Meals

Instead of large meals, consider eating smaller portions and more frequently throughout the day. This can give your body extra time to digest while also helping keep up energy levels.

Hydration is Paramount

Preventing dehydration is critical, especially when you are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Drink plenty of water and clear liquids such as herbal teas and broths.

Concerned? Speak to Your Doctor

If you’d rather have a diet plan based on your specific need, you can always consult your healthcare provider or a nutritionist. They can then base a meal plan off of your symptoms.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Salmonella?

The recovery time from a Salmonella infection is generally as follows:

Mild Cases

In cases where symptoms are relatively mild and there are no complications, individuals may start to feel better within a few days to a week. Full recovery typically takes around 1 to 2 weeks.

Moderate to Severe Cases

For more severe cases, especially those involving complications such as bacteremia or septicemia, the recovery time is often longer. As a result, it can take several weeks to months for a full recovery.

The recovery timeline can vary from person to person as factors such as age, overall health, and the presence of underlying medical conditions can also come into play.

Post-Recovery Follow-Up

After the worst is over, you still may need to attend follow up visits so your doctor can continue to monitor your symptoms. Follow-up appointments are important to ensure that the infection is fully resolved and there is no potential for further complications.

If you suspect you have a Salmonella infection, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Your doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. Severe cases of persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever can require hospitalization, especially if there is a risk of complications.