Food Poisoning: An Overview
Have you ever consumed and enjoyed your favorite food but later faced symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea? This could be due to an onset of foodborne illness, more commonly referred to as food poisoning, although it’s quite uncomfortable, food poisoning isn’t unusual. It is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled or toxic food.
Food poisoning or foodborne illness, occurs when you eat contaminated food that is infected with a toxic organism or its byproducts such as a bacteria, fungus, parasite or virus. Furthermore, the consumption of contaminated foods results in purging the toxins out of the body through vomiting, diarrhea, fever or all of these.
Food poisoning often irritates and inflames the stomach and intestines. Consequently, after food poisoning, it is better to choose foods that are easier to digest and therefore less likely to cause stomach upset.
Foods to Include After the Onset of Food Poisoning
- Bananas — They are rich in potassium and fiber, they are easy to digest which makes it reliable, quick, healthy cure for food poisoning.
- Popsicles — Popsicles can be consumed as they provide hydration and nutrition, without the discomfort of chewing solid food.
- Saltine Crackers — These provide electrolytes in the form of salt and they’re bland and easy to digest.
- Chicken Soup — It is anti-inflammatory, with its sodium and water content, that aids in rehydration, helping to replenish lost fluids.
- Plain or Mashed Potatoes — They are excellent to consume as mashing them breaks down the fibers and make them even more digestible.
Additionally including the BRAT — Banana, rice, applesauce and toast diet is beneficial in treating diarrhea, stomach flu and other stomach complaints when suffering from food poisoning.
Foods to Avoid During Food Poisoning
- High-Fat Foods — Fried foods such as fried chicken, french fries and other high fat items are difficult to digest which delays gastric emptying, slowing the digestion process. These foods contribute to feelings of bloating or nausea.
- High Fiber Foods — As in most cases, high fiber foods such as avocado, broccoli and apples have digestive benefits but with food poisoning, is is better to temporarily limit their intake as they are tough to digest.
- Spicy Foods- As foods prepared with hot peppers or spices can irritate the stomach while recovering from food poisoning, it is important to avoid spicy foods until the stomach is fully healed.
- Dairy Foods- Foods such as cheese and ice cream should be avoided as they are high in fat, which can upset the stomach in food poisoning.
Guidelines to Prevent Food Poisoning
- Make sure to Check Expiration Dates on Food Products — It is crucial to check expiration dates on highly perishable items such as dairy, meat and poultry products. Additionally, avoid any packaged food that has a broken seal or wrap and do not buy food in cans that have been dented or are bulging, as this may be an indication of bacterial contamination, which can be deadly.
- Ensure to keep the Surroundings/ Kitchen Premises Clean — It is important to hand wash before and during food preparation to prevent food poisoning caused by bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.
- Wash Fresh Produce (Vegetables & Fruits) — Fresh produce can be a surprising source of foodborne illnesses they can be contaminated by animals, their growing conditions or the people they encounter before they end up in our kitchen. Henceforth, washing fresh produce helps remove harmful bacteria like E. coli from the surface of fruits and vegetables.
- Minimize Restaurant Risks — When dining out, you can lower your risk of food poisoning by checking a restaurant’s inspection score, certificates of food safety training. It is also crucial to make sure your food is fully cooked such as avoiding rare hamburgers and other partially cooked dishes.
Food poisoning is an infection or irritation of the digestive tract that spreads through foods or drinks. Food poisoning is most often acute and most people get better on their own without treatment. However, Following certain dietary guidelines such as drinking fluids with electrolytes, eating bland foods like pasta, potatoes and rice after a bout of food poisoning will be easier to digest in the early phases of recovery.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154555https://www.healthline.com/health/food-poisoning
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-poisoning
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/what-to-eat-after-food-poisoning
