Food Poisoning

Health Disease

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What is Food Poisoning?


Food poisoning that is also known as foodborne illness. This is an illness that is caused due to eating contaminated food. Some harmful Infectious organisms such as parasites, viruses and bacteria as well as their toxins at times are the most common food poisoning causes. These organisms tend to contaminate the food at any given point of time during production or processing. There are chances of food contamination in case you handle food inappropriately. Food poisoning symptoms include, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, etc. Usually Food poisoning treatments are available. However, in some extreme cases, you might need to visit the hospital.


Causes of Food Poisoning


Mentioned below are the most common food poisoning causes:


Bacteria


Bacteria is known to be one of the prevalent causes of food poisoning. Bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli and Listeria are the most harmful ones that leads to food poisoning. Some lesser known types of bacteria such as Campylobacter and Botulinum also can lurk in our food.


Parasites


Parasites are very dangerous and are easily spread through food. One of the common parasites named as Toxoplasma is the main reason of food poisoning and is usually a part in cat litter boxes. These harmful Parasites can make your digestive tract as home for many years. But, many people who have a very weak immune system as well as expectant mothers can have some serious side effects in case the parasites enter their intestines.


Viruses


Virus is also one of the major reason of Food poisoning such as Norovirus. Certain viruses such as Hepatitis A can be easily transmitted through food.


Types of Food Poisoning


Mentioned below are some of the most common types of food poisoning bacteria:


  • Salomonella
  • Staphylococcus
  • Campylobacter
  • Clostridium

Treatment


What should you do in case your Food Poisoning worsens?


In case your food poisoning worsens, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention to be safe. Your doctor may prescribe you medications accordingly or put you on IV depending on your medical condition.


What are the available Food Poisoning treatment options?


Usually food poisoning cases are mild and tend to clear up in a few days. But, dehydration is the main goal that needs to be prevented. This is because Dehydration leads to the loss of fluids as well as electrolytes that your body needs. Therefore it is advisable to avoid consuming solid foods as well as dairy products till the time vomiting and diarrhoea have passed.


Once you feel better, you can gradually start eating and drinking again. You may try bland foods like crackers, toast as well as bananas. You should also avoid consuming spicy foods such as fried foods, dairy as well as foods that are rich in sugar.


Consume a lot of fluids, however it is best to avoid milk or any caffeinated beverages.


Your doctor may prescribe you to take medications that are available over-the -counter such as Imodium or Pepto-bismol to take care of diarrhoea as well as suppress nausea as food poisoning treatment. These medicines for food poisoning would help you to get relief and control diarrhoea.


At times, when the food poisoning is severe, you may be required hydration with intravenous (IV) fluids in a doctor’s clinic or a hospital.


Are there any natural or homemade remedies for Food Poisoning?


Mentioned below are some of the homemade remedies or natural remedies for food poisoning:


  • Apple cider vinegar: This helps in curing food poisoning because of its alkaline properties
  • Ginger: Boiled ginger water with honey is recommended as a home food poisoning treatment
  • Yoghurt and fenugreek seeds: Swallow the seeds of fenugreek along with 1 teaspoon of yoghurt.
  • Bananas: One banana a day or a milkshake of bananas is also considered as food poisoning cure.
  • Honey: Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, honey is said to be a food poisoning cure.
  • Rehydration mixture: De-hydration is one of the major side effects of food poisoning. Therefore this mixture of 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, salt and sugar in a litre of water in order to rule out dehydration.

When to see a doctor?


You should see a doctor immediately to seek medical attention in case you come across the mentioned food poisoning symptoms.


  • Very frequent vomiting
  • Unable to handle or digest liquids
  • Passing blood in stools or vomit
  • Diarrhea for three days or more
  • Severe abdominal cramping
  • An oral temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher than that
  • Blurry vision or muscle weakness
  • Excessive thirst or dry mouth
  • No urination, excessive weakness
  • Dizziness, or lightheadedness

These food poisoning symptoms are enough for you to be alarmed and visit a doctor asap.


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