Cramps caused by food poisoning can be particularly uncomfortable. Antibiotics are the preferred treatment for food poisoning, because these drugs can kill the organisms that cause the condition. To manage the painful cramps that accompany the infection, however, patients can drink ginger or chamomile tea, or drink small amounts of apple cider vinegar. It is important to consume plenty of fluids during a bout of food poisoning to prevent dehydration.

Treatment for cramps from food poisoning include the administration of antibiotics. Since cramps from food poisoning are typically caused by a bacterial organism, taking antibiotics will generally eradicate the systemic bacteria, relieving cramps. The entire course of antibiotics needs to be finished or the infection may not resolve. It may be difficult for a person to tolerate antibiotic therapy, however, because antibiotics can sometimes cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, further worsening symptoms.

Causes of food poisoning include the consumption of undercooked meat and fish, contaminated water, and unpasteurized apple cider and milk. In addition, food poisoning can be caused by food handlers, bacterial growth on food, and even from improperly canned foods. It is also important to note that cramps from food poisoning can occur as a result of foods that have been left out of the refrigerator for too long, generally for more than two hours.

Other methods of easing cramps from food poisoning include drinking chamomile tea, which can help relax the gastrointestinal tract and relieve abdominal spasms and cramping. In addition, over-the-counter medications for diarrhea can also help relieve cramps from food poisoning, but the patient should check with his doctor before taking them to make sure doing so is appropriate for this condition.

When cramps from food poisoning are especially severe, the patient will probably not be able to tolerate eating much. He must drink fluids however, so that dehydration does not occur. In addition to causing cramps, food poisoning can cause significant nausea and vomiting, making eating and drinking a challenge. Drinking ginger tea and eating small amounts of fresh ginger can keep nausea at bay, but again, this should be discussed with the physician prior to doing so.

Apple cider vinegar can help ease cramps from food poisoning because it might contain antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate the actual infection, thus relieving symptoms. Mixing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a cup of water and consumed a few times per day may help eliminate abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Although apple cider vinegar is considered safe, consuming large amounts may contribute to stomach upset.

Although home remedies to reduce cramps from food poisoning may help significantly, if relief is not obtained after a few days, medical intervention may be necessary. Prolonged symptoms may indicate a more dangerous type of food poisoning, that if not quickly recognized and treated may lead to multiple organ failure and carry a poor prognosis. In addition to cramps and nausea and vomiting, other symptoms of food poisoning may include chills, fever, fatigue, and weakness. In addition, numbness and tingling in the extremities can occur, which may signal the beginning of neurological complications.