Treatment For Food Poisoning- Home Remedies And Preventive Steps

Symptoms And Causes Of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness that can be mild and last a day or two or it could be serious and on occasion even prove fatal. This condition is symptomised by nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort (often described by patients as a tightness or heaviness) and pain, and diarrhoea. These symptoms are likely to appear within 48 hours of consuming the food or drink. In extreme cases, these symptoms are followed by fever, chills, dehydration, blood in the stool and may result in nerve damage. Food poisoning can be caused by either by infectious agents or toxic agents. The former include viral, bacterial and parasite attacks. The latter include toxic mushrooms, fruits and vegetables that have had pesticides sprayed on them and exotic food that has not been prepared properly such as barracuda or even shrimps. The contamination of food products can occur if the person handling it has not maintained proper hygiene such as washing hands thoroughly and with soap after going to the bathroom. If the food has not been packed properly and is put into a freezer at a non-conducive temperature, it can cause food poisoning. If the symptoms are mild, they can very well be taken care of at home. The treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids in the form of water, fruit juices (minus the fibre), clear soup or broth to compensate for the loss of water through the diarrhea and vomiting. Keep away from solid food and avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. If you are not intolerant to lactose, you may drink milk without any sugar in it. If the symptoms displayed include a swollen abdomen, respiratory problems, coughing up or vomiting blood, a yellow tint the skin or eyes and swollen joints, you will have to consult a doctor immediately.

Preventive Steps For Food Poisoning

As regards preventive measures, check for the expiry date on food products before buying them. Keep your kitchen clean and remember to wash your hands with soap every time you leave the rest room and before you begin to prepare food. Take care to wash all your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption. It would be advisable to soak them in a bowl of water to which a spoon of salt and half a teaspoon of turmeric has been added. Squeeze a lemon onto your food, especially chicken before preparing it. They usually help leech out poisonous substances especially pesticide to some extent. If available, switch to organic food products that are much healthier