Knowledge plays a vital role in safeguarding our well-being, especially when it comes to understanding food safety and the risks of food poisoning. Despite being a common experience that most individuals encounter at least once in their lifetime, food poisoning can have serious repercussions if not handled properly.
In this blog, we will explore the ins and outs of food poisoning, including its causes, remedies, prevention strategies, and more. Empowering ourselves with this information will enable us to make better choices and protect our health proactively. So, let’s delve into this essential topic and ensure we stay safe and informed!
Did You Know?
Food poisoning comes with symptoms. They show up in a few hours to several days once you eat tainted food. Knowing these signs can help manage it.
The common symptoms include:
Severe cases can lead to nervous system symptoms, like:
Infants and kids can get worse with vomiting and diarrhoea, causing quick dehydration. This causes:
For adults, getting quick medical help is needed for:
Based on my experience, I have observed that children under five years of age are more susceptible to foodborne diseases. It is crucial to prioritize food safety and hygiene practices to protect your child’s health. By ensuring proper food handling, storage, and cooking techniques, you can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure better health.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Foodborne diseases often arise due to careless food handling practices. Factors such as inadequate handwashing, improper cleaning of utensils, or incorrect cooking temperatures can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and pathogens on food, leading to potential health risks.
In most cases, contamination happens from:
Apart from these, there are times when food gets spoiled from other sources, such as:
For a closer look at the common causes, here’s a table:
| Causes of Contamination | Description |
|---|---|
| Poor hand hygiene | Fecal remains on hands after using toilets, cross-contaminating food |
| Insufficient disinfection | Use of uncleaned utensils, cutting boards, or kitchen surfaces resulting in bacterial spread |
| Incorrect storage | Food leaving at room temperature or the refrigerator for too long, causing spoilage |
| Using Contaminated Water | Use of water contaminated with faeces, chemicals or harmful substances in farming. |
Over the years, I have observed that maintaining the proper refrigeration temperature is crucial to avoid food poisoning. To allow this, make sure the temperature in the main section of your refrigerator is always below 4°C and that the freezer temperature remains below -18°C. Such low temperatures help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and increase the shelf life of the food stored in your refrigerator, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Traits that can increase one’s chance of foodborne illnesses are:
Systemic disease complications can be a challenging aspect of managing food poisoning. Infections resulting from foodborne illnesses have the potential to cause serious implications, including the development of blood clots and sepsis, further underscoring the importance of prompt and effective treatment.
During pregnancy, there is a higher risk of infection from listeria, which can lead to serious complications. These include miscarriages, stillbirths, and potential infections in newborns like sepsis and meningitis. Taking necessary precautions is crucial to safeguard both the expectant individual and the baby during this time.
Occasionally, after experiencing food poisoning, certain chronic conditions may arise, such as:
In my experience, I have observed that reheating food or heating partially cooked food to a minimum temperature of 74°C is essential to ensure the stored food is edible. This temperature allows the harmful bacteria in the food to be effectively killed, reducing the risk of food poisoning. Ensuring thorough heating helps eliminate any potential pathogens making the food safer to consume.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
With careful steps and checks, food poisoning can be avoided.
To prevent food poisoning, always:
Folks at high risk should go above and beyond to stay safe:
Most often, food poisoning is caused by toxins, bacteria, viruses, and parasites hiding in our food and drinks. Let’s talk about the big three – bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Bacteria are the top cause of food poisoning. They create toxins that make us sick. Some of the key players are:
Viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and hepatitis A can also cause food poisoning. They can get passed on through spoilt food and water, infected food handlers, and infected seafood.
Parasites, though less common than bacteria and viruses, can still cause food poisoning. The well-known ones include:
For a clear understanding, here’s a brief table:
| Classification | Example | Typical Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteria | E.Coli | Raw or undercooked meat and contaminated water |
| Virus | Norovirus | Shellfish, fruits, and ready-to-eat foods handled by infected individuals |
| Parasite | Giardia | Food and water contaminated with faeces |
While food poisoning often resolves on its own, taking certain steps can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. The primary goals are to effectively address symptoms and ensure proper hydration to avoid dehydration.
Drinking plenty of fluids helps maintain hydration, especially if vomiting and diarrhea are present. Rest is essential for a quicker recovery.
Certain over-the-counter medications can help control nausea and vomiting, but it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using them.
In more severe cases, antibiotics and specific antitoxins may be necessary, especially in instances of botulism.
In severe cases, hospital stays might be needed, where IV fluids would be given to deal with dehydration.
Eating the right foods can help you recover faster from food poisoning.
Smaller servings of simple, low-fat meals are helpful. Examples are:
Lean meats are cooked thoroughly without added fat until recovery and plenty of liquids like diluted fruit juices, teas without caffeine, and sports drinks.
Until you recover, don’t have:
Here’s a handy table for you:
| Recommended Foods & Drinks | Foods & Drinks to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Saltine crackers | Dairy products |
| Bananas | Alcohol |
| Cooked Potatoes | Nicotine |
| Sports drinks | Caffeine |
| Easy to digest lean meats | Spicy foods |
| Diluted Fruit Juices | Sugary foods |
Finding the cause of food poisoning is needed to give the proper treatment. Doctors use patient history and a physical exam for this.
To diagnose food poisoning, doctors will inquire about your recent food intake and the onset of symptoms. They’ll carefully examine signs such as stomach pain and signs of dehydration. Additionally, specific tests like blood tests, stool cultures, or urine tests may be conducted to further assess the condition.
Get medical help fast in these cases:
Reporting symptoms is needed to prevent potential outbreaks.
Refer to this table for actions during symptoms:
| Symptoms | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| Fever above 102°F(38.9°C) | Seek immediate medical attention |
| Bloody stools | Seek immediate medical attention |
| Dehydration | Seek immediate medical attention |
| Chronic illness | Consult with a healthcare provider |
| Symptoms persist beyond three days | Consult with a healthcare provider |
The majority of food poisoning cases typically resolve quickly without any long-term consequences. However, the outlook can vary based on individual factors.
Generally, healthy individuals experience a full recovery within a few days. Although rare, some cases may lead to chronic conditions. Severe instances of food poisoning, such as those involving intense dehydration or botulism, may necessitate hospitalization.
Adopting preventive measures can significantly reduce the occurrence of food poisoning. Practicing proper hygiene, safe food handling, and staying informed about food recalls are crucial steps in ensuring food safety.
Amidst the common occurrence of food poisoning, we tend to overlook essential food safety tips. While recovering from most cases of food poisoning is simple and swift, why not aim for the best? Prevention, though requiring effort, always trumps the cure. Emphasize good hygiene, cautious food handling, and proper storage to significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Most food poisoning cases typically last between 1 to 3 days. The duration may vary based on the type of pathogen causing the illness and an individual’s immune system response. In severe cases, symptoms can persist for up to a week or more.
Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea are the initial common symptoms.
Both have similar symptoms, but food poisoning shows up a few hours after eating spoiled food, while virus symptoms may take more time.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Eating light during recovery also helps.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Food poisoning also called foodborne illness, occurs when we consume food that has been contaminated either by microbes. These microorganisms can contaminate the food during any part of their processing journey till it reach us and causes illness. Food poisoning is not necessarily caused by outside food, it can also occur when food is incorrectly handled or cooked at home too. The symptoms of food poisoning can begin within a few hours of eating contaminated food. It may resolve without any treatment as well in mild cases, which is often the case, but sometimes in severe cases, a person might require hospital admission too.1
Most often food poisoning is seen in a large group of people who have all consumed the same, contaminated food. It can also occur in individuals. Food poisoning is mainly the result of contamination of food, which can occur due to: 1
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Did You Know?
Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms by people suffering from food poisoning are:
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Did you know that there are more than 250 known diseases that can be transmitted through food? Surprisingly, it is estimated that about 68% of all food-borne illnesses and related hospitalizations are caused by unknown or undiscovered agents. This highlights the importance of practising safe food handling and hygiene procedures to protect ourselves from potential food-borne illnesses.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Anybody can get affected by food poisoning, by consuming food of unknown origin. The symptoms can range from mild to very serious, depending on the type of microorganisms we get infected by and each body’s individual defence system.2 A few home remedies for food poisoning are as follows:
As vomiting is one of the common symptoms experienced, rehydration becomes very important.2 Oral rehydration solution (ORS) can also be prepared at home by adding sugar, and salt, to a bottle of clean drinking water as per WHO guidelines. This homemade electrolyte-rich solution should be sipped every few minutes and should be used up within a day. Adding a pinch of cinnamon to coconut water and consuming it is also helpful for vomiting.3
Lemon juice can be consumed by people when they experience food poisoning. It can be consumed by taking one glass of drinking water and squeezing half a lemon in it. It is a refreshing liquid and seems to make one feel better after consuming it.
Apple cider vinegar is another popular home remedy being used for food poisoning. Add a few spoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and consume two to three times a day to reap its benefits.
This is one of the more uncommon remedies used but is quite effective. Oregano oil or thyme oil, one of these two oils can be used. These oils seem to provide relief from the discomfort caused by food poisoning. To use it, we must add a few drops of the oil in water and consume it one to two times a day. How or why this works is not very clear.
Also Read: How Long Does Food Poisoning Last? A Complete Guide To Recovery
Banana is extremely helpful in restoring the lost electrolytes during diarrhoea. Therefore, it is used to treat food poisoning as well. Some people consume banana by mixing it with curd, for better effects, but it can be consumed directly as well. It provides relief from symptoms, energises us and replenishes lost salts.
Based on my experience, once you can tolerate fluids without nausea or vomiting, it’s a good idea to start reintroducing plain, easily digestible foods in small portions. Foods like rice, wheat, whole-wheat breads, potatoes, low-sugar cereals, lean meats such as chicken (not fried) are gentle on the stomach and can be a good starting point. While milk is generally safe to consume, some individuals may experience stomach upset due to lactose intolerance.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
Also Read: How to Make Yourself Throw Up: Necessary Techniques and Precautions
Ginger (adrak) has been used in Ayurveda since centuries to relieve vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhoea. A basin is made using amlaki and black gram around the navel. To this the juice of fresh ginger is added once daily and retained for some time, to treat diarrhoea. As a cure for vomiting, ginger juice must be mixed along with lemon juice and consumed fresh.4 We can mix ginger (juice) in warm water and add honey to it as well. These home remedies are not just safe and natural, but also very tasty.
Swallowing fresh cloves of garlic with water is said to have beneficial effects on our bodies as garlic acts like a cleansing agent. If consumed in a juice form, garlic is said to be even more effective, that is, if the pungent odour can be tolerated by you! It is said to be effective in the case of food poisoning.
To use jeera as a remedy for food poisoning, we can take a little bit of jeera in water and boil it. After it boils we can add a little coriander juice and salt to taste. This liquid preparation can be consumed a few times a day safely.
It is also known as Risht (in Hindi) or Indian soapnut, it is used in Ayurveda as a remedy for food poisoning. To use it, we need to soak a few of these aristhtaka seeds in a bottle of water and consume the water. This is said to reduce the poisoning.4
The following remedies are also recommended to use for diarrhoea in Ayurveda:
In my experience, if you have food poisoning and are feeling nauseous or vomiting, it’s important to avoid eating solid food. Instead, focus on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. The best approach is to take small, frequent sips of clear liquids that you can see through, as this helps replenish your body’s fluid levels and steer clear of dehydration.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
It is wise to visit your doctor or a local healthcare provider if the following symptoms are noticed:
Food poisoning is a common condition occurring as a result of eating food that has been contaminated by microorganisms; it can sure be the source of a lot of discomfort. It can be quite unsettling with symptoms nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. It drains the body of vital water and minerals. Therefore, home remedies for food poisoning mainly consist of replenishing our body and relieving the distress. Rest and proper nutrition are what will help you regain your strength and eliminate the disease causing germs.
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A) Yes. A cup of ginger tea is known to reduce vomiting.3 Ginger juice can also be consumed to relieve symptoms of food poisoning like vomiting and diarrhoea.
A) Food poisoning can cause dehydration which may cause dizziness. Make sure to increase your water intake and consume oral rehydration syrup (ORS) if you feel dizzy.3
A) Food poisoning mainly effects the stomach and causes diarrhoea, vomiting, etc.2 It is not reported to have any effects on the kidney.
A) Puffed rice/popped rice, locally called as poha, can be soaked in water. It is known to be effective in relieving vomiting.3
A) There is no evidence stating loss of hair being caused due to food poisoning. More evidence in the form of research is required to correlate the two.
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1. MADDOCK EC. Food poisoning. Pharm J [Internet]. 1947;104(4344):87. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001652.htm
2. Food Posisoning Symptoms [Internet]. CDC.gov. 2022 [cited 6 May 2022]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html
3. Healthcare R. Management of Common Ailments Using Home Remedies 1. [Internet]. p. 1–12. Available from: https://vikaspedia.in/health/ayush/iec-material-for-frontline-workers/management-of-common-ailments-using-home-remedies
4. AYUSH. Ayurveda Offering Herbal Healing [Internet]. 1–128 p. Available from: https://www.esic.nic.in/attachments/publicationfile/7d11b02e5abb4717d53b4ce05efabd21.pdf
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Food poisoning is a broad term for illnesses caused by consuming spoiled or infected food or drink. It’s normally caused by bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella or viruses like norovirus. At times the food or drink that is infected may taste normal and hence it is important to practice safe handling, cooking and storing of food and drinks to avoid food poisoning in summers.
The symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the underlying cause, but most people report one or more of the following symptoms of food poisoning-
The symptoms of food poisoning can begin within a few hours or up to a few days after eating the contaminated food. In rare cases, it can take weeks for symptoms to appear.
Most cases of food poisoning can be treated at home by following the treatment prescribed by a doctor. The symptoms may be unpleasant but they generally pass after a week or so and you should be able to manage your symptoms by resting and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
However, you need to be more vigilant and talk to your doctor immediately in the following cases-:
Foodborne sickness is the last thing you want to bring in from the outside. It might not be ok to pack your food again and consume it later if it has been sitting out for some time during summer. Hence, in my opinion, never hesitate to throw away any food that has been exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. Place coolers in the shade so they can stay cool and your food will stay cool as well.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
In my experience, food poisoning rates rise throughout the summer months because germs grow quicker in warmer temperatures. Eating food that has been left in a warmer place for an extended period may make people sick. Hence, I recommend keeping food refrigerated in the fridge or in an enclosed cooler below 40°F until used.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Thus, by keeping these precautionary steps in mind, you can avoid getting food poisoning and can also prevent your loved ones from falling sick.
Also Read: How Long Does Food Poisoning Last? A Complete Guide To Recovery
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
