How To Treat Food Poisoning
According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70 million Americans get some form of food poisoning each year. However, most cases still go unreported, especially when the symptoms are mild and resemble other common conditions. Food poisoning is caused by the presence of certain organisms or toxins in contaminated food. This often occurs when meat is undercooked, and dairy products such as mayonnaise are improperly stored. A majority of such cases are due to bacteria such as staphylococcus and E. coli. With the proper treatment, most patients will recover completely in a few days. However, cases involving botulism can lead to serious complications that are potentially fatal. Other cases of serious food poisoning are linked to mushrooms and shellfish. If any symptoms are noticed after eating these foods, medical attention should be provided immediately.
Food Poisoning Symptoms
One problem with effective diagnosis of food poisoning is that symptoms can occur hours and sometimes a day or two after ingesting the contaminated food. These include abdominal cramps, some level of diarrhea, fever, nausea, and general weakness. In some cases, vomiting will also be observed. If the diarrhea lasts for more than two days, or if the fever climbs above 101 F, a doctor should be consulted. Blood, stool, and vomit tests can help to identify the cause of the food poisoning, and suitable medication can be prescribed.
The most common complication caused by food poisoning is dehydration. This can be especially serious in the case of young children. Patients with food poisoning need to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Milk and dairy products should generally be avoided, since most patients develop temporary lactose intolerance. Over-the-counter electrolytic solutions are also an excellent choice, especially since the body loses many essential salts and mineral due to diarrhea. You can also make a basic solution at home by adding 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 teaspoons of sugar to 1 liter of water. For the first couple of days, it is best to avoid solid foods to avoid irritating the sensitive stomach lining. Bland foods like juices, soups, mashed potatoes or bananas, and toast can be consumed. Freshly prepared chicken soup is also good idea, since it is light, easy to digest, and very nutritious. For a week or so after the diarrhea, maintain a diet rich in fresh fruits and lightly cooked vegetables. These contain nutrients in a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Avoid eating processed or overcooked foods. Many natural nutrients and enzymes are destroyed by overcooking.
