15% off €35 OR 20% off €45

Code:SAVE
 

15% off €35 OR 20% off €45

Code:SAVE

☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNovominsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouBioglanNatures AidWild NutritionDAME3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventOutlet3 for €18Short Dated August 2025Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSoya FreeAlcohol FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomCollagenCastor OilShiitake MushroomVitamin EAloe VeraMaitake MushroomNew inFood & DrinkVegan Food & DrinkDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksProtein ShakesJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeNakdPukkaHeath & HeatherManuka DoctorPerfectTedEgmont HoneyTREKBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 for €6OutletIntro OfferGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomChaga MushroomNew inSports NutritionProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoHolland & BarrettOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionPrecision EngineeredMyproteinGrenadeUSNNakdTriActiveSiSSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletIntro OfferShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeVitamin ENew inBeautyAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupDr OrganicFaith in NatureNaturtintWeledaTisserandQ+AMiaromaCetaphilTrilogyWildSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price2 for €233 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeVitamin CTea TreeRosemaryHyaluronic AcidVitamin EAloe VeraRosehipLavenderSeaweedSalicylic AcidNew inWeight ManagementSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportHolland & BarrettGrenadeOptimum NutritionHeath & HeatherPulsinUSNDiabloEat WaterKalloNudie SnacksSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventOutletShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inNew InTrendingSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €23Outlet2 for €6Intro OfferShop all Health & WellnessWomen's HealthMen's HealthImmunityJoints, Bones, & MusclesEnergyGut HealthSleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettDr OrganicFaith in NatureVitabioticsNaturtintOptimum NutritionWeledaApplied NutritionPrecision EngineeredQ+ASave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 for €23Outlet2 for €6Gluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeParfum FreeSoya FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeMilk FreeVitamin CApple Cider VinegarTea TreeLion's Mane MushroomHyaluronic AcidVitamin ERosehipAloe VeraLavenderRosemaryNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

Common food poisoning symptoms and how to relieve them

Glass of lemon water on a white background
Unsure if you have food poisoning? Here's the most common causes of food poisoning plus symptoms, relief & whether it can be prevented in the first place

Summary

1What causes food poisoning?

Food poisoning is something you can catch from eating or drinking something that is contaminated. This is most commonly contamination with bacteria...

2What are the signs of food poisoning?

Symptoms of food poisoning can depend on what caused it, but the most common are: feeling or being sick (nausea and vomiting)...

3How can I ease the symptoms of food poisoning?

Food poisoning is a horrid experience, but the only thing you can really do while you ride it out is find ways to help your body flush out your...

Explore related topics

While it is undeniably unpleasant to experience, food poisoning is not usually serious. And you should be able to ease your symptoms at home and get better within a week. Food poisoning is so common, in fact, that almost half the respondents in a UK survey said they have experienced food poisoning.1 Food poisoning causes inflammation of the lining of the gut, which is referred to as gastroenteritis, gastric flu, or stomach flu.

What causes food poisoning?

Food poisoning is something you can catch from eating or drinking something that is contaminated. This is most commonly contamination with bacteria or viruses, but affected food can also be contaminated with moulds, allergens, parasites, or other toxins. Food can become contaminated if it is not cooked, stored or handled properly. For example, if it is served past its expiry date, left out of the fridge, or it comes into contact with contaminated equipment.2 The main infections that cause food poisoning are:

Campylobacter bacteria

Campylobacter bacteria is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK. You can get this from raw meat, especially chicken.
 

Salmonella bacteria

You can become infected with this and come down with food poisoning from chicken and eggs, as well as other meat, vegetables and fruits, plus drinking contaminated water.
 

E. coli bacteri

Coli bacteria can be caught from undercooked beef, as well as some unpasteurised drinks. It spreads easily though faeces.
 

Norovirus

Norovirus spreads easily through food handled by an infected person, and can be found on raw fruit and vegetables, as well as seafood, such as oysters.
 

What are the signs of food poisoning?

Symptoms of food poisoning can depend on what caused it, but the most common are:
  • feeling or being sick (nausea and vomiting)
  • diarrhoea
  • stomach cramps
  • a fever (high temperature)
These symptoms normally occur a few days of eating the infected food, but it can take as little as a few hours or as long as a few weeks. The symptoms can last anything from a few hours to a few days. Diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days, and vomiting in 1 or two days.3

How can I ease the symptoms of food poisoning?

Food poisoning is a horrid experience, but the only thing you can really do while you ride it out is find ways to help your body flush out your system, and replace the salts and water it loses. Dehydration is the most serious complication of food poisoning, especially for those considered vulnerable, i.e. the very young and old, or those with underlying conditions.4

It is therefore important to stay hydrated, even though it may feel like drinking is the absolute last thing you want to do. It is important to try and take small but frequent sips of water, if a large drink is not something you can tolerate. Avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks, as they can make diarrhoea worse.5

Try ice and even very diluted squash if you are struggling to drink water. As well as keeping hydrated, the NHS advises that you stay home and rest. Some people may say that you should eat or avoid specific foods, but the current advice is to eat when, and what you feel able to. No need to seek out something “gentle on the stomach”. Hydration is the most important advice to aid your recovery.

Can food poisoning be prevented?

Many of the bacteria and viruses that cause food poisoning spread very quickly and easily, and can infect other people if food is not handled, cooked or stored properly. The Food Standards Agency’s 4Cs of food hygiene are useful reminders for how to maintain good food hygiene6 :
  • Cleaning
  • Cooking
  • Chilling
  • Cross-contamination
Remember that you too can spread an infection if you have food poisoning, so stay off school or work, to help make sure that you do not pass it on! So, while food poisoning really is no fun, you can mostly let nature run its course and stay hydrated and rested. If your symptoms are severe, you have a high fever or you are unable to take on fluids for an extended period of time, seek medical attention immediately.

Sources

1 https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2019/04/survey-finds-rise-in-people-affected-by-food-poisoning-in-uk/
2 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning/
3 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
4 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154555
5 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
6 https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/food-hygiene-for-your-business
 

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.