It’s hard to imagine that you would get sick by just simply eating your favorite food. When the food we eat is not well-prepared, harmful bacteria that is on the food affects our digestive system and can cause adverse effects. The condition for this is known as food poisoning.
Food poisoning is especially common in individuals who are fond of eating street food or public restaurants. Often, the ingredients for the food are handled in unhygienic and unsanitary conditions causing the bacteria to breed.
Raw meat and seafood are especially notorious in the food category to carry harmful pathogens from the unsanitary environment where it is handled. Certain vegetables and fruits are said to carry these bacteria as well.
Food poisoning – What is it and what are the symptoms?
Another term for food poisoning is food-borne illness. It is the result of consuming food that is toxic, spoiled or contaminated.
Anyone can get food poisoning at any time. This is especially common for people who eat food that is not prepared at home. Although food poisoning is not life-threatening, leaving it untreated can eventually lead to serious conditions. One of these conditions is severe dehydration.
Food poisoning symptoms do not usually go unnoticed. However, the appearance of its symptoms can depend on the source and severity of the infection from the bacteria. Its symptoms can also have different time lengths, sometimes ranging from below an hour to as far as one month.
However, to know that you have food poisoning is identifying at least two or more of the following symptoms:
– Diarrhea
– Painful abdominal cramps
– Loss of appetite
– Vomiting
– Nausea
– Lethargy
However, it is necessary that you see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of severe food poisoning including:
– Fever that goes above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit
– Persistent diarrhea that goes on for over three days
– Having blurred vision and difficulty speaking
– Severe dehydration symptoms like dry mouth and little to no urination
What are the causes of food poisoning?
When you have food poisoning, this is traced to one of these three significant causes:
- Viruses
Some cases of food poisoning are caused by a virus known as the norovirus. Even viruses that cause Hepatitis A can also cause food poisoning due to viruses transmitted to the food that we eat.
- Parasites
Rare cases of food poisoning can also be caused by parasites like the toxoplasma. Although it is not common, it can also be dangerous. The worst thing about parasites is that they can remain in your digestive tract unnoticed for a long time. People with weak immune system or women who are pregnant can have the risk of serious side effects when this happens.
- Bacteria
One of the most typical causes of food poisoning is bacteria. Names like salmonella and E. Coli are just some of the common bacteria that are transmitted through food.
How do you treat food poisoning?
The duration and severity of food poisoning vary among individuals. Some may experience them for as little as an hour while others may have them for more than a week.
The diagnosis of food poisoning will also be based on the symptoms you experience. Doctors would usually require tests from stool and blood in serious cases. Others would also opt for over-the-counter medicines that can help lessen the discomfort.
However, for mild food poisoning, there are home remedies to try to help treat and relieve the symptoms. Below are five effective and natural remedies you can try at home to help you ease the unpleasant experience of food poisoning.
- Ginger Tea
Ginger is known to be a helpful remedy since ancient times especially when it comes to stomach pains and indigestion. It is because of its antioxidant and therapeutic properties and the nutrients to help with digestion. It’s no surprise that ginger is used as an effective solution to ease vomiting and nausea and provide instant relief. Here’s a box of organic ginger tea that you can buy online: https://amzn.to/2Lm7ZoA
- Honey
Honey is also an effective natural solution for food poisoning. It is because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties especially when consumed in pure form or combined into your cup of herbal tea.
Take at least a spoonful of honey at least three times a day to help with your stomach pains and regulates excess stomach acidity. Here’s Nature Nate’s Raw and Unfiltered Honey. This is certified organic and can easily be bought here: https://amzn.to/2QxgRgU
- Yogurt
Foods rich in probiotics can also help fight off the bacteria that causes food poisoning. This is also helpful as you’re recovering from the condition and replace gut flora and strengthen your immune system again. Try Activia Probiotic Yogurt. It’s available in 3 fruitty flavors: peach, blueberry and strawberry. You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/2QUQ0uv
- Lemon
Lemons are also effective remedies when it comes to pain relief from upset stomach. It is because of the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties found in lemons that help kill the bacteria causing food poisoning. Take this by adding warm water and a bit of sugar to drink at least twice a day.
- Garlic
Because of its antibacterial and antifungal ability, garlic is also an effective remedy to relieve symptoms of food poisoning including diarrhea and pains. You can take this by eating one piece of fresh garlic clove and wash it down with water. Alternatively, you can also make this into a kind of juice if you can tolerate the strong odor.
Tips to avoid food poisoning
The simplest way to avoid food poisoning is to make sure that your food is handled safely. Avoid eating foods that are handled in unsanitary conditions especially street food.
Raw and seafood like meat, eggs, shellfish should also be prepared and cooked properly to prevent bacteria from lingering and passed on to your stomach.
When you have food poisoning, make sure also to avoid the following foods:
– Dairy and fatty foods
– Seasoned foods
– Sugary foods
– Spicy and deep-fried foods
– Coffee, soda and energy drinks
– Alcohol
Food poisoning is certainly not a pleasant experience. However, with the proper care, anyone with food poisoning can recover from its symptoms in as little as 48 hours.
Love reading this article? Share it on your social media by clicking the icons below.