How to Treat Food Poisoning

Food poisoning occurs when you consume food contaminated with bacteria, toxins, or naturally occurring poisons. The pain usually subsides within a few days as the toxins are eliminated from the body. However, you should take certain measures to feel better and speed up recovery. In severe cases, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Identify the cause of food poisoning. Before addressing the symptoms of food poisoning, it's crucial to pinpoint the 'culprit'. You need to recall what foods you ate in the last 4-36 hours. Did you try any new foods? Was there any unpleasant odor? Did you eat with others who are experiencing similar symptoms? Below are some common causes of food poisoning:

• Food contaminated with E. coli, salmonella, or other bacteria. These bacteria are killed when food is properly cooked and handled, so food poisoning often results from undercooked meat or improperly stored food.
• Poisonous fish, such as pufferfish, can also be a cause of food poisoning. Do not eat pufferfish unless it is prepared in a licensed restaurant with permission to serve it.
• Poisonous wild mushrooms, which resemble regular mushrooms, can also lead to food poisoning.

Seek medical attention immediately if necessary. Food poisoning caused by bacteria, especially when affecting otherwise healthy individuals, is typically treatable at home. However, depending on the cause of the food poisoning and the age of the affected person, seeking immediate medical care is necessary before addressing the symptoms. Consult a doctor immediately if any of the following occur:

• The person suffering from food poisoning has consumed poisonous fish or mushrooms.
• The person affected by food poisoning is an infant or young child.
• The person with food poisoning is pregnant.
• The person affected is over 65 years old.
• The person is showing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, or vomiting blood.

Avoid solid foods. Food poisoning often leads to vomiting and diarrhea, two natural body functions that help expel toxins. Eating solid foods may exacerbate vomiting and diarrhea, so it's best to avoid eating until you feel better.

• Obviously, avoid the foods that caused the poisoning. If you're unsure of the cause, refrain from consuming undercooked foods.
• If you're not fond of broths or soups, you can try simple, gentle foods like bananas, plain rice, or dry toast that are less likely to irritate your stomach.

Drink plenty of fluids. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it is essential to drink water and other fluids to stay hydrated. Adults should aim to drink at least 16 cups of water daily.

• Herbal teas, especially peppermint tea, have soothing properties for the stomach. Drink peppermint tea to stay hydrated and help control nausea.
• Ginger ale or lemon soda can also aid in rehydration, and the carbonation can help settle the stomach.
• Avoid coffee, alcohol, and other fluids that may worsen dehydration.

Replace electrolytes. If you've lost a significant amount of nutrients due to dehydration, you can purchase electrolyte solutions at the pharmacy. Gatorade or Pedialyte also work well for this purpose.

Rest as much as possible. After experiencing food poisoning symptoms, you may feel weak and exhausted. It is crucial to get plenty of sleep to help your body recover faster.

Avoid taking medication. Over-the-counter medications that stop diarrhea and vomiting can hinder the recovery process by interfering with the body's natural healing mechanisms for food poisoning.

Wash your hands, dishes, and kitchen surfaces thoroughly. Food poisoning often occurs when bacteria contaminate food via unclean hands, dishes, cutting boards, utensils, or kitchen surfaces. To prevent this, take these actions:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap before preparing food.
• Wash dishes and utensils with warm water and soap after each use.
• Use a cleaning agent to wipe down kitchen counters, tables, cutting boards, and other surfaces after preparing food, especially after handling raw meat.

Store food properly. Keep raw foods, such as chicken or beef, separate from ready-to-eat items to prevent cross-contamination. Meat and dairy should be refrigerated as soon as you bring them home from the store.

Cook meat thoroughly. It is essential to cook meat until it reaches an internal temperature that can eliminate harmful bacteria, thus preventing food poisoning caused by bacterial contamination. You need to be familiar with the required cooking temperatures and use a thermometer to check before finishing the cooking process.

• Chicken and other poultry should be cooked to 75°C.
• Ground beef should be cooked to 70°C.
• Beef steaks and roasts should be cooked to 60°C.
• Pork should be cooked to 70°C.
• Fish should be cooked to 60°C.

Avoid wild mushrooms. The consumption of wild mushrooms has gained popularity in recent years, but unless you're guided by an expert in mushroom identification, it is wise to avoid picking and eating them. Even scientists find it challenging to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms without conducting a biological test.

• Avoid eating food that has been stored in the fridge for an extended period. If you're unsure about its safety, it’s better to discard it!
• Suck on ice or drink fruit juices to help alleviate nausea and maintain proper hydration.
• Limit eating out frequently.