Introduction
Food intoxication is a common problem that can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. It can be caused by eating food that has been contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Symptoms of food intoxication can range from mild to severe and can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Knowing the signs of food intoxication can help you identify it quickly and take the necessary steps to treat it. In this article, we will discuss some of the sure signs that you may have food intoxication and what you can do to prevent it.
Sure Signs You Have Food Intoxication — Eat This Not That
Food intoxication is a serious health issue that can cause severe symptoms and even death. Knowing the signs of food intoxication can help you avoid it and stay healthy. Here are some sure signs that you may have food intoxication:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
If you experience any of these symptoms after eating, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Food intoxication can be caused by eating contaminated food, so it is important to be aware of what you are eating and where it comes from. Eating food that has been improperly stored or prepared can also lead to food intoxication.
To avoid food intoxication, it is important to practice safe food handling and preparation. Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling food, and always cook food to the proper temperature. Avoid eating food that has been left out for too long, and always check the expiration date on food before eating it. Additionally, it is important to avoid eating raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and seafood.
If you think you may have food intoxication, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Treatment for food intoxication can include antibiotics, fluids, and rest. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids can also help to reduce the symptoms of food intoxication.
Food intoxication or more commonly known as food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food and anyone who has experienced food poisoning knows how violently ill it can make you. While the symptoms seem never ending they usually pass in a few days, but not before causing some serious misery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Every year, an estimated 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases.” Food poisoning can be a serious health issue and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Amargo Couture, Registered Dietician at Staten Island University Hospital, who shares what to know about food intoxication and signs you have it. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Couture tells us, “Though most food intoxications can resolve on their own, make sure you are monitoring the frequency and duration of your symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, etc). If you are unable to keep fluids down because of continuous vomiting it is best to see a doctor to be evaluated and treated to prevent becoming dehydrated. Some intoxicants, such as those produced after ingesting clostridium botulinum can be fatal if not treated within 3-10days.”
Couture advises, “Make sure to wash your hands when food handling, chill food quickly in shallow pans to proper holding temperatures, avoid cross contamination between raw and cooked food, and avoid the temperature danger zone (between 40-140 degrees F per the CDC) to prevent bacteria from rapidly multiplying.”
“Dangers of food intoxication may range from mild to severe dehydration, or even paralysis of your breathing muscles,” Couture says.
Couture explains, “The uncomfortable GI symptoms of food intoxication are your body’s way of working to return to health by reacting to the toxic byproducts of the organism ingested, which irritates the lining of your stomach and intestines. Signs and symptoms may start within hours after eating the contaminated food, or they may begin days or even weeks later.”
According to Couture, “The toxins that are released into our system from ingesting an organism may cause nausea and vomiting because they are poisonous and your body is trying to purge them. Make sure you stay hydrated to prevent dehydration if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting from food intoxication.”
“Weakness and fatigue are other symptoms of food intoxication due to the release of chemical messengers called cytokines,” Couture shares. “Cytokines regulate the body’s immune response to infection. Another reason for weakness and fatigue may be caused by loss of appetite which may make you feel tired as well.”
Couture says. “Though a rare side effect of food intoxication, some neurotoxins may cause paralysis by blocking neurotransmitters which then lead to reversible denervation of muscle fibers. This can start with droopy eyelids, blurred vision, slurred speech, and eventually may affect your breathing muscles.”
Heather Newgen