What causes food poisoning? How long does food poisoning last? Food poisoning occurs as a result of the consumption of spoiled food due to microorganisms or bacterial toxins. Typical symptoms of food poisoning include stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. In mild cases, it usually heals on their own within a few days. In severe cases, patients should be treated in the hospital. Here, we will explain food poisoning causes, symptoms, and treatment in the rest of the text.
Food Poisoning Causes
Food poisoning occurs as a result of consuming foods contaminated with microorganisms or their toxins. The most significant reason for food contamination is inadequate hygiene during production, transport, storage, or processing. Food that is not well cleaned or cooked at home can also cause poisoning. Usually, food poisoning recovers spontaneously in a short time, but sometimes it can cause kidney damage and death. There are three types of food poisoning.
#1) Bacterial Food Poisoning
Bacterial toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning. Bacterial food poisoning can occur in two ways: First, when food contaminated with bacterial toxins is consumed, these toxins can cause food poisoning. After consuming foods containing bacteria, these bacteria secrete toxins in the body and can cause poisoning. The most common microorganisms that cause bacterial food poisoning include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Listeria. These bacteria are mainly transmitted from animal food.
#2) Non-Bacterial Food Poisoning
Among the most common causes of non-bacterial food poisoning;
- Poisonous mushrooms
- Parasites
- Heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium)
- Animal toxins
#3) Virus-Related Digestive System Infections
Digestive system infections due to viruses can also be considered as food poisoning. These infections are mainly caused by norovirus, rotavirus, Hepatitis A virus, and Hepatitis E virus.
Food Poisoning Symptoms
Symptoms of food poisoning may vary depending on the source of infection. Some poisonings occur within 1 hour, while some may not show symptoms for 20 days.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Weakness
- Headache
Symptoms of food poisoning may be different depending on the cause. However, there are some symptoms that almost always occur. These early signs of food poisoning are usually nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms usually begin to appear quickly within a few hours of bacterial toxin entering the body. However, these symptoms of poisoning usually disappear within a few days.
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Food Poisoning Treatment
In the case of food poisoning, symptoms usually disappear after a period of 1 to 3 days. During this period, the body reacts through diarrhea and vomiting, thereby excreting toxins. Since diarrhea and vomiting are associated with electrolyte and fluid loss, food poisoning treatment is mainly focused on balancing this loss. Patients should, therefore, take plenty of fluids. Herbal tea consumption is very beneficial in this respect. A special powder mixture containing the electrolytes needed by the body can be given to the patient
How To Control Nausea and Vomiting?
- Avoid solid food until vomiting ceases.
- Eat light and soft foods such as salty crackers, bananas, rice, or bread.
- Taking fluids little by little but frequently can also help prevent vomiting.
- Do not eat fried, oily, spicy, or sweet foods.
- Do not use anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medication without asking your doctor. It may have side effects, and some medications can worsen diarrhea. The doctor will give you medication if necessary.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Food Poisoning
The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar are very effective against bacteria such as E. coli and are also a rich source of minerals and enzymes that can help stabilize your body after food poisoning. Add one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. Mix well and consume immediately. You should drink this mixture 2-3 times a day.
Lemon Juice For Food Poisoning
Lemon juice is a rich antioxidant. It exhibits outstanding bactericidal activities that can help combat bacterial pathogens causing food poisoning. Lemon juice also helps you digest and heal faster. Mix a cup of water with half a lemon juice. Add a little honey, if you want, and drink 2-3 times a day.
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