Are you wondering about the meaning of food infection? Millions of people fall prey to it irrespective of the source, be it a home-cooked meal or food bought from outside. Food poisoning symptoms can vary with the type of food poisoning you have and need not always be the same. Read this extensive article to learn more about the different types and ways of food poisoning along with home remedies for food poisoning.
Table Of Content:
- What is Food Poisoning
- Types of Food Poisoning
- Causes of Food Poisoning
- Food Poisoning Symptoms
- Precautions To Prevent Food Poisoning
- Home Remedies For Food Poisoning
- Frequent Food Poisoning
- Risks And Complications
- Foods For Food Poisoning
What is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning refers to illness caused by bacteria or other toxins via food occurring with vomiting and diarrhea. It results from eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria, toxins, viruses, or pesticides. Symptoms usually begin within 2-6 hours, along with abdominal cramping, fever, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, nausea, and weakness. A quick remedy for food poisoning is what you can do immediately at home with what is available right in our kitchens. One must exercise caution while treating children and pregnant women while trying out home remedies to treat food poisoning as they may have side effects.
Types of Food Poisoning:
Bacterial Food Poisoning: This kind of poisoning is common among the elderly because of their weaker immune system. The infection caused mostly by eating contaminated food due to improper handling during, preparation of the food and poor hygiene. Salmonella food poisoning is an excellent example of this kind of food poisoning.
1. Staphylococcus Aureus Food Poisoning:
- Source: Sliced meats, pastries, puddings, and sandwiches.
- Time of Appearance: 30 minutes to 6 hours
- Symptoms: Nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.
2. Botulism Food Poisoning:
- Source: Not correctly canned or fermented food.
- Time of Appearance: 18 minutes to 36 hours
- Symptoms: Blurred vision, dry mouth, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and paralysis
3. Clostridium Perfringens Food Poisoning:
- Source: Poultry or beef.
- Time of Appearance: 6 minutes to 24 hours
- Symptoms: Diarrhea and stomach cramps
4. Campylobacter Food Poisoning:
- Source: Undercooked or raw poultry, raw milk.
- Time of Appearance: 2 to 5 days
- Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, stomach pain
5. Norovirus Food Poisoning
- Source: Fresh fruit, shellfish, leafy greens, Not correctly canned or fermented food.
- Time of Appearance: 12 minutes to 48 hours
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
6. Shigella:
- Source: Seafood, can spread from an infected food handler.
- Time of Appearance: 24 to 48 hours
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
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Causes of Food Poisoning:
Food Poisoning causes are the following:
- Bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria, commonly found in meat, unpasteurized dairy, and poultry. Consuming undercooked meat or products infected by these bacteria is the leading cause of food poisoning.
- Food is infected easily when the water used to produce them gets contaminated due to being exposed to animal feces or the growth of bacteria and ends up being the main reason for food poisoning.
- Meat and dairy products get contaminated if not stored at the right temperature. The consuming these products, even when cooked, are foods that cause food poisoning.
- Food poisoning also occurs with unwashed fresh fruits or vegetables.
- Due to long hours of shipping and other ways of handling, the food gets easily infected with bacteria and turn out to be one of the main reason for unwashed vegetables food poisoning.
- Some harmful parasites found in fruits and vegetables cause food poisoning. It is essential to wash them thoroughly before consuming or cooking.
- People who eat raw shellfish get infected by Hepatitis A virus. This is also very harmful because the symptoms do not make their appearance until 15-20 days.
Nonbacterial Food Poisoning:
Non-bacterial food poisoning may take place after eating poisonous food, that occurs naturally.
- Ingestion of poisonous mushrooms cause abdominal cramps, severe thirst, diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, dizziness, coma, confusion, and sometimes convulsions.
- Ingestion of immature potatoes can cause food poisoning because it contains solanine.
- Mussels and clams can also become poisonous after eating poisonous plankton. It remains poisonous even after cooking.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning:
Common symptoms of food poisoning majorly depend on the source and level of contamination of the food. The symptoms of food poisoning may vary from slight to severe, depending on the bacteria or virus and the individual’s immune system. Most common signs of food poisoning are –
- Abdominal Pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Watery and bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
In most cases, food poisoning is treated easily with home remedies and cured in a few days and sometimes may take a week. A medical doctor or professional should address anything beyond that. Pregnant women should ideally reach out for professional help at the very earliest.
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Precautions to Prevent Food Poisoning:
- Washing hands regularly before cooking, after cleaning and after touching raw meat is essential to prevent food poisoning.
- Thoroughly wash the dishes that contained raw meat, poultry, eggs, and fish that will also remove away any bacteria, if any.
- Wash fruits, vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
- Cook vegetables and meat thoroughly to kill bacteria or viruses.
- Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours.
- It is best to avoid drinking water from open streams. Drinking boiled water or filtered water is ideal.
- Using clean utensils for cooking helps prevent food poisoning.
By following and maintaining these precautions, we can eliminate the sources of food contamination and poisoning to a certain extent.
See Also: Junk Food Side Effects
15 Home Remedies for Food Poisoning:
Ginger | Lemon | Peppermint Tea | Apple Cider Vinegar | Basil Leaves | Bananas | Water | Yogurt And Fenugreek | Cumin Seeds | Garlic | Cloves | Cinnamon | Honey | Rice Water | Onion Juice
Natural Ways To Cure Food Poisoning At Home:
While the stomach is upset, it needs rest. However, here are some effective natural remedies for food poisoning to control the symptom, and cure it.
1. Ginger:
To cure the inflammation and stomach pain due to food poisoning associated with food poisoning (1), the best thing to do is to take a teaspoon of ginger juice with honey until the problem subsides.
Requirement:
- Ginger
Preparation Instructions:
- Take a bigger piece of fresh ginger and grate it. Squeeze the grated pieces to extract the juice.
- Add this to your regular tea.
- (Or) Add grated ginger to a cup of boiling water and let it boil for a minute.
- Once the solution is ready, add some honey and drink it up.
When And How Long To Do:
- Take this at regular intervals for the relief you desire.
- One can also have a cup of ginger tea for relief from cramps and pain.
Precautions:
- Ensure not to overdose on ginger as it may cause miscarriage.
- It is safe for children to take this concoction as a remedy for food poisoning at home.
2. Lemon:
The anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory qualities of lemon make it a perfect home product for the cure of food poisoning. The acid content in the lemon helps in expelling accumulated bacteria that are causing the crisis. For vomiting due to food poisoning, lemon in moderate quantity is entirely safe for pregnant women. For children consuming lemon juice is one of the best home remedies to clear out the poison.
Requirement:
- Lemon Juice
Preparation Instructions:
- Take a glass of warm water
- Squeeze in little lemon juice
- Add a few grains of sugar or some honey to add to the taste.
When And How Long To Do:
- When you think you have had food poisoning, just drink this immediately.
- Otherwise, you may also drink this as your early morning beverage on an empty stomach to keep your stomach healthy!
3. Peppermint Tea:
Peppermint oil has soothing benefits for the stomach and the digestive system. The same is valid for the peppermint leaves. Peppermint oil is helpful in nausea due to food poisoning.
Requirement:
- Peppermint oil
Preparation Instructions:
- You can prepare a cup of fresh peppermint tea for treating food poisoning (OR).
- Add some peppermint oil to your regular tea.
When And How Long To Do:
- Drink this immediately when you feel you have a bout of food poisoning.
Precautions:
- During pregnancy, it is best to avoid peppermint oil, especially during the first trimester.
- Avoid giving it to children below 3 years of age.
See Also: Peppermint Tea Benefits During Pregnancy
4. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Among home remedies for food poisoning, the alkaline quality of apple cider vinegar makes it an efficient home product for many health issues, including food poisoning. Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits, even among pregnant women. It is better to check with a doctor before consuming ACV. This concoction is an entirely safe home remedy for food poisoning in children.
Requirement:
- Apple cider vinegar
Preparation Instructions:
- Add in 2 tablespoons of ACV to a cup of warm water
When And How Long To Do:
- Consume this solution not more than twice a day for good relief!
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5. Basil Leaves:
Basil leaves can cure infections, including food poisoning. And Basil is power food for pregnant women; however, it should be washed thoroughly before consuming, and also in limited quantity. Basil is a superfood for children packed with many nutrients. This is one of the best natural remedies for food poisoning in children.
Requirement:
- Basil leaves
- Honey
Preparation Instructions:
- Use freshly plucked Basil.
- Take a few basil leaves, add a few drops of honey
- An easier method would be to buy edible basil oil – Ocimum sanctum
- Add 4-5 drops in a liter of water
When And How Long To Do:
- Eat the basil leaves with honey several times a day (OR)
- You could drink up the water with basil oil every day to get rid of all kinds of illnesses, especially bronchitis, and even food poisoning.
See Also: Easy Solution To Avoid Snoring
6. Bananas:
The high levels of potassium in bananas are what make it the best home remedy for food poisoning. It reduces the signs of the problem. Bananas are one of the most recommended natural treatments for food poisoning during pregnancy. It also prevents anemia in pregnant women and children. Bananas have several health benefits and are gentle on the stomach. Hence, for children, they are entirely safe to consume as a home remedy for food poisoning.
Requirement:
- Bananas
- Apple
Preparation Instructions:
- Peel a banana and eat (OR)
- Chop the banana into pieces along with an apple to enrich the power of the remedy.
When And How Long To Do:
- Eat a banana every day
- When you suspect food poisoning, consume a banana immediately.
- If an apple is readily available, add it with the banana and drink it.
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7. Have Water:
Water is a quick remedy for food poisoning and helps in making up for the lost fluids of the body in food poisoning, thus maintaining the hydration of the body. It also helps in flushing out the toxins and bacteria from the digestive system. It is one of the most convenient ways to treat food poisoning. During pregnancy, drinking water is vital as it helps to keep the body hydrated, as the body loses a lot of water during food poisoning. Children must drink an adequate amount of water to keep themselves well hydrated and are one of the safest and best remedies to cure food poisoning.
Requirement:
- Water
- Sugar and Salt
Preparation Instructions:
- In a glass of water, add equal portions of salt and sugar to the water to make a hydration drink
When And How Long To Do:
- Consume this solution for the day.
8. Yogurt and Fenugreek:
Yogurt has anti-bacterial properties that can treat diarrhea caused by food poisoning. Fenugreek seeds are a natural way to combat gestational diabetes and food poisoning among pregnant women. It will relieve the pain and vomiting. Yogurt is a natural probiotic packed with other nutrients and is entirely safe to consume during pregnancy. Children and pregnant women can safely consume this mixture as an effective home remedy for food poisoning.
Requirement:
- Yogurt
- Fenugreek seeds.
Preparation Instructions:
- The combination of yogurt and fenugreek is magical.
- Take a tablespoon of yogurt and add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to it.
When And How Long To Do:
- Do not chew on the seeds. Gulp them with yogurt for maximum benefits.
Precautions:
- Pregnant women should take this spice with doctor’s advice as over consumption may induce labor.
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9. Cumin Seeds:
Cumin seeds aid in healing by reducing the inflammation in the stomach, as well as working on the tenderness. These seeds help curb nausea during pregnancy. It helps in stomach pain due to food poisoning. It is advised to consume it with caution and go easy with the quantity. Cumin seeds are one of the safest and best home remedies to cure food poisoning in children.
Requirement:
- Cummin seeds
Preparation Instructions:
- Take 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds and add to boiling water.
- Once the solution is ready, strain it and consume.
When And How Long To Do:
- Drink this solution when you suspect food poisoning
- Add cumin seeds to any recipe you cook in general.
See Also: Natural Remedies For Loss Of Appetite
10. Garlic:
Garlic is a beneficial home remedy for food poisoning due to the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties in them. They help cure symptoms like diarrhea and stomach cramps. Garlic is a good home remedy for food poisoning in adults, so it can be consumed in limited quantity. It is entirely safe for children to consume garlic as an effective remedy for food poisoning.
Requirement:
- Garlic
Preparation Instructions:
- Add some garlic cloves to boiling water
- Do this until the garlic cloves are soft, strain.
- Once the essence of garlic spreads to the water leaving the garlic cloves tender and soft, strain and keeps the water aside.
- Either you can boil garlic cloves in water and drink it up, or you can quickly chew on a clove of garlic and drink warm water following it.
When And How Long To Do:
- Drink this a few times in the day to relieve symptoms caused due to food poisoning.
Precaution:
- During pregnancy, garlic should be consumed in moderation, as it lowers blood pressure, and best to avoid during the first trimester.
11. Cloves:
Cloves have antiseptic properties that are excellent for the digestive system. They help curb nausea and are a good source of dietary fiber. It will help with the symptoms of severe food poisoning. Children benefit by consuming cloves, as they are very good for health and also help in relieving symptoms caused due to food poisoning.
Requirement:
- Cloves
Preparation Instructions:
- Take a big sized clove or two small-sized cloves
When And How Long To Do:
- When your food seems poisoned, one must quickly chew on cloves.
Precaution:
- Clove is a spice and is not suitable for pregnant women to consume especially in the raw form
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12. Cinnamon:
Cinnamon has properties that curbs vomiting due to food poisoning, hence works well to cure the symptoms caused due to food poisoning. It is an excellent ingredient to consume in moderate quantities during pregnancy to curb nausea. It is also very safe and convenient for children to consume to cure food poisoning at home.
Requirement:
- Cinnamon
- Honey
Preparation Instructions:
- Add a small cinnamon stick in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- You can add some honey to add flavour.
When And How Long To Do:
- Sip this cinnamon tea slowly to get quick relief from food poisoning.
13. Honey:
Honey has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which help in the easy digestion process and is also an excellent ingredient to cure common symptoms of food poisoning at home. It also prevents excess acids from forming in the stomach. Honey is very safe for children and pregnant women to consume as it boosts immunity and is an excellent home remedy to treat food poisoning.
Requirement:
- Honey
- Warm water
Preparation Instructions:
- Take a spoon of honey
- Add it to a glass of warm water.
When And How Long To Do:
- You can consume honey as it is for three-four times a day.
- If not, you can add it to your green tea or just to plain warm water and consume it for faster relief from food poisoning.
Precaution:
- Children below the age 1 year should not consume honey to avoid botulism.
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14. Rice Water:
Rice water is a popular Indian ingredient to help treat food poisoning and food infection at home. Due to stomach infection, there is a high chance of loss of water in the body. Rice water will restock all the lost water and help ease nausea and other symptoms of food poisoning. Rice water accelerates the growth of good bacteria in the stomach with easy digestion. Hence, it is very safe for pregnant women and children to consume rice water as an excellent Indian home remedy for food poisoning.
Requirement:
- Rice water
Preparation Instructions:
- Rinse rice with water to remove dirt
- Now place the rice in a vessel and cover with water. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Keep swirling until it turns cloudy.
- Take a glass of this rice water
When And How Long To Do:
- Drink this rice water twice a day to treat any after-effects of food poisoning.
15. Onion Juice:
Onion juice is a superfood packed with many medicinal properties. It helps boost immunity, treats diabetes, and many more. It is an excellent home remedy for food poisoning. There is not much research done to prove the harmful effects of onion juice on pregnant women, so it is safe to consume it moderately. It is entirely safe for children to drink this as an effective home remedy for common symptoms of food poisoning.
Requirement:
- Onion
- Honey
Preparation Instructions:
- Take a medium-sized onion
- Grate it well.
- Add half a teaspoon of honey and consume
When And How Long To Do:
- Consume it once or twice a day as required.
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Frequent Food Poisoning:
Causes:
Food poisoning is called as the foodborne illness caused by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated. Infectious organisms, bacteria, viruses, and parasites or toxins are the most common reasons for food poisoning disease. Contamination can take place even at home if the food is not handled properly.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of food poisoning and food infection range from vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, etc. These symptoms may begin within hours of eating or may start days later. These symptoms can remain from a few hours to several days. The symptoms of food poisoning can vary according to the source of contamination.
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Risks and Complications of Food Poisoning:
Infants and Toddlers:
The immune system of infants and toddlers are not fully developed and can get affected easily. Their body’s ability to fight sickness and germs are not as strong. Food poisoning can be dangerous for them because this illness can lead to dehydration and diarrhea.
Adults:
Adults who have chronic disease conditions as in diabetes, or liver disease and are receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy for cancer; all these reduce the immune response.
Older Adults:
As one gets older, the immune system may not respond quickly and effectively to infectious organisms as they did when they were younger. They are at a higher risk because their immune systems and organs do not recognize, nor do they get rid of harmful germs.
Pregnant:
The metabolism and circulation changes during one’s pregnancy. This may increase the risk of food poisoning because one’s reaction may be more severe during pregnancy. In rare cases, your baby may fall sick too.
When to Consult the Doctor?
If you begin to see any of the common symptoms of food poisoning, seek immediate medical attention. Frequent vomiting, blood in the vomit or stools, diarrhea for more than 3 days, severe abdominal pain and cramps, fever that is higher than 100.4 F, signs of dehydration, dry mouth, severe weakness, little or no urination, or lightheadedness. Neurological signs such as muscle weakness, blurry vision, and tingling in the arms.
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Foods For Food Poisoning:
Foods to Take After Food Poisoning:
List of what to eat after food poisoning:
- Stay hydrated
- Consume bland food
- Bananas
- Oatmeal
- Toast
- Potatoes
- Cereal
- Crackers
- Egg whites
- Rice
- Applesauce
Foods to Avoid :
Foods that cause food poisoning are:
- Raw meat and poultry
- Undercooked or raw shellfish, fish including oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops
- Raw or undercooked eggs, in cookie dough and homemade ice cream
- Unpasteurized milk and milk products
- Soft cheeses
- Refrigerated meat spreads
- Uncooked hot dogs, deli meats and luncheon meats
- Alcohol
- Seasoned food
- Juices
- Fatty food
- Caffeine
- Food rich in fibre
- Carbonated beverage
- Sweet food
There are many natural remedies for food poisoning available in our homes that cure and treat food poisoning. One must exercise caution while treating children and pregnant women. Home remedies are readily available and provide immediate treatment and relief. One must not fail to take adequate steps to maintain hygiene both at home and while eating outside as it goes a long way to avoid food poisoning.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. When Does Cross-contamination Take Place?
Cross-contamination happens when raw food like meat, comes into contact with cooked food. They can occur from dirty kitchens, pests, unclean utensils, and bad storage habits. Here microorganisms are transferred unintentionally with harmful effects. There are three types of cross contaminations. They are physical, chemical, and biological. All the food has the risk of getting contaminated and can make one seriously sick and become the main reason for food poisoning.
2. What Happens in Food Irradiation?
Food irradiation is a process where ionizing radiation, that is gamma rays are used to kill the bacteria found within food. This helps to prevent contamination. This method is similar to pasteurization, where they use heat to kill bacteria and germs. This radiation is beamed into food to kill bacteria. It has a reduced impact on the texture and taste of the food. It is a safe procedure.
3. Is Listeria Dangerous for Pregnant Women?
What makes this type of bacteria very dangerous is that it can pass through the placenta and affect the unborn baby. It can cause several health problems like developmental problems, defective eyesight or even impaired hearing. Birth defects/physical disability can occur. In some cases, it can lead to premature birth or even a miscarriage.
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Disclaimer: All the tips, suggestions, and remedies mentioned in the article are for general awareness and should not be construed as professional medical advice. In case you find that the symptoms do not improve or have gotten worse, please consult your doctor or a licensed healthcare provider. They will be able to address your medical issues.
