What causes food poisoning: Know its symptoms and treatment
Consuming contaminated food or drinks can lead to mild stomach cramps, diarrhea, and other complications.
With the global food supply chain becoming increasingly complex, the risk of food poisoning is higher than ever. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial to preventing and managing food poisoning and reducing the risk of long-term health consequences.
What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, occurs when we consume food or drinks that are contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
These pathogens can cause a range of symptoms, like mild stomach cramps, diarrhea, kidney failure, and other life-threatening conditions.
Causes of food poisoning
Food poisoning can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Bacterial contamination
:
Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter can contaminate food and cause food poisoning.
Viral contamination:
Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus can also cause food poisoning.
Parasitic contamination:
Parasites such as
Trichinella
and Toxoplasma can contaminate food and cause food poisoning.
Food handling and preparation:
Poor food handling and preparation practices, such as not washing hands or utensils properly, can lead to food contamination.
Food storage and refrigeration:
Improper
storage and refrigeration of food can allow bacteria to grow and cause food poisoning.
Common symptoms of food poisoning
The symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the type of pathogen and the severity of the illness.
Many people experience
nausea and vomiting
as a result of food poisoning.
Diarrhea
is a common symptom of food poisoning and can range from mild to severe.
Abdominal cramps and pain
are common symptoms of food poisoning.
Some people may experience a
fever
as a result of food poisoning.
Some people may experience
headaches and fatigue
as a result of food poisoning.
Treatment of food poisoning
According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment options include:
Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte-rich beverages, can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Getting plenty of rest can help the body recover from food poisoning.
In some cases, medications such as anti-diarrheal medications or antibiotics may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
In severe cases, medical attention may be necessary to treat food poisoning.
Food poisoning prevention
To prevent food poisoning, be mindful of food handling, preparation, and storage. Here are some helpful tips for preventing food poisoning:
Wash hands and utensils
with soap and water properly, before and after handling food.
Cook food to the recommended internal temperature to
kill any bacteria
and pathogens, and keep things clean.
Store food
in sealed containers and refrigerate perishable items as soon as you can.
Keep raw foods
separate
from ready-to-eat ones to avoid cross-contamination.
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