Intolerance following food poisoning

[OliviaBenson]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice before I head to my GP. In the last 7months I've had 2 severe episodes of food poisoning, one in sept and one in feb whilst on holiday. Both lasted over 3 weeks and required treatment.

I find myself now getting stomach pains a lot. I get a lot of cramping and sometimes can pass a motion up to 7times a day. I'm exhausted too- falling to sleep about 9pm in an evening. It's really getting me down now. I was talking to a friend who is a nurse and she wondered if it was IBD and suggested doing a food diary and cutting out dairy, she also wondered if the tiredness was linked, which I'd not considered until now. (she did say to see my GP and not just go on her advice)

Anyway, I just wondered if anyone here has had similar? I think I've been in denial and it's just starting to hit home as to how I'm affected day to day. Any advice is appreciated!

Best to see your GP. If you have had a few long-lasting bugs this could've affected your absorption of nutrients. You could also have developed secondary lactose intolerance.

Thanks, I'm doing a food diary and have got an apt booked for 2 weeks time.

I would also take a pro-biotic to rebuild your good bacteria. Or take a tonic - the Bio Strath whole food supplement may help.

I would ask for a coeliac test. Food poisoning can trigger the onset of coeliac in people with a genetic pre-disposition to it.

Sorry to come back to this late- thank you for the extra advice. I had to rearrange my appointment so it's now in aug (my dr is excellent but popular!).

My Mum had similar a couple of years ago and was found to have helicobacter pylori. Antibiotics cured that but she is still a bit sensitive to a few things. Garlic, onions, skin on peppers and has never quite regained her appetite. She is late 70s though so appetite reduction more likely.
Fingers crossed you get treatment and resolution.

This happens with my daughter - any time she is sick there are certain foods she cannot tolerate for about a week - mainly dairy. My paediatrician said it is common to become lactose intolerant temporarily if you have been vomiting or have had diarreah a lot. I would avoid dairy (and anything else that makes you feel rough) and take a probiotic - they are not proven to work but there is a lot of support for them out there and they can't hurt. Hopefully it's just a matter of your stomach needing to heal.