Food poisoning is a very common problem that almost everybody has faced at some point in their lives. It strikes you immediately, causes a lot of stomach problems, and generally leaves you wondering what just happened. Food poisoning is basically when you get infected by eating or drinking spoiled food or beverages. However, it's not as simple as you think. In this blog, we'll discuss food poisoning symptoms, the causes of food poisoning, and, most importantly, how to treat and prevent it.
Food poisoning occurs when you consume or ingest something that contains harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. The common offenders are:
Contamination can occur at any point, like processing, packing, storage, or cooking. Inadequate washing of hands, undercooking of meat, unclean fruits and vegetables, and cross-contamination in kitchen operations are also some common causes.
You can start to see food poisoning symptoms hours or even days after consuming contaminated food. The severity and type of symptoms will vary based on the organism as well as your own health.
Here are some of the most common food poisoning symptoms to watch out for:
In serious cases, especially among infants, elderly, pregnant women, or those with compromised immune systems, food poisoning can lead to hospitalisation and even be life-threatening.
Most cases of food poisoning are self-limiting within a day or two. There are, however, some symptoms you should never disregard. Call for immediate medical help if you have:
Detoxification is necessary to get well. Certain food poisoning medications can be prescribed or advised according to the cause of the poisoning.
Reserved for when the bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria are identified through lab testing. Don't treat yourself with antibiotics since they won't resolve viral or toxin-based food poisoning.
Medications such as loperamide (Imodium) can slow down symptoms but are only indicated if there is no blood in the stool and no high fever. Sometimes diarrhoea actually helps flush out the toxins, so slowing down may hinder recovery.
Prescription or over-the-counter medications such as ondansetron can relieve intense nausea and vomiting.
Always seek advice from a doctor before taking any food poisoning medication, particularly in children, pregnant women, or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Prevention is much better than cure. The majority of cases can be avoided just by being mindful of mistakes in food storage, handling, or cleanliness. Simple as it seems, just adhering to a few simple safety measures can reduce your risk substantially. Here's how to protect yourself:
Always wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, especially when handling raw meat, eggs, or seafood. Clean kitchen counters, cutting boards, knives, and utensils thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination.
Undercooked poultry, ground meats, seafood, and eggs are all fertile grounds for bacteria. Use a food thermometer to make sure internal temperatures get to safe points:
3. Store Immediately in a Refrigerator
Bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F (the "danger zone"). Put food to be refrigerated in the fridge within two hours (or one hour if above 90°F). Store leftovers in covered containers and consume within 3–4 days.
Even foods that look "clean" may have dangerous organisms on them. Wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before consumption, cutting, or cooking. For harder vegetables like apples or potatoes, wash them lightly with a brush.
Steer clear of food from sources that are doubtful about cleanliness. When travelling, particularly abroad, stick to bottled water, avoid raw foods, and eat hot, freshly prepared food.
Most cases of food poisoning are mild. However, untreated or severe infections can lead to complications such as:
That’s why it's crucial to take even minor food poisoning symptoms seriously and monitor them closely.
The most important part of food poisoning treatments is managing the symptoms while your body flushes out the toxins or infection. Here's what usually helps:
You lose a lot of fluids through diarrhea and vomiting. Drinking water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), clear broths, and electrolyte drinks can help prevent or treat dehydration.
Let your body recover. Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of sleep to help your immune system do its job.
For mild food poisoning, bland foods such as Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast can help ease digestion and prevent further irritation.
Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, dairy, and greasy meals until you’ve fully recovered.
Food poisoning isn’t just a bad meal; it can be a serious medical condition. Being able to spot food poisoning symptoms, knowing what food poisoning treatments to use, and choosing the right food poisoning medication when needed can help you recover faster and avoid complications.
The best strategy? Prevention. Store your food properly, cook it well, and stay alert to hygiene because when it comes to your gut, being careful is always better than being sorry. If you frequently have to deal with upset stomach, vomiting, or upset stomach, then get tested immediately. Book a Food Intolerance Test with Pathkind and get screened for any problems now!