Little Rock, Arkansas – If you’ve been feeling ill recently, your diet may be to blame.
Fortunately, there are ways to identify if you have it, stop the spread, and in some situations, avoid it entirely. Food poisoning is never enjoyable.
A food-borne sickness called “food poisoning” is one that results from what a person consumes or drinks.
Everyone can develop food poisoning, but some categories of people are more prone to serious disease, according to the CDC. such as those who are pregnant, over the age of 65, have compromised immune systems, or are under the age of five.
UAMS provided advice on avoiding food poisoning.
“Making sure that your foods are cooked and prepared properly. Making sure that you’re not eating raw eggs or raw meat. Making sure that you cook them completely… Wash your fruits and vegetables when you bring them home from the store… Rinse them off before you eat them… Keeping your refrigerator at the proper temperature,” UAMS, PGY3 Resident Physician, John Ukadike said.
48 million Americans are hospitalized, die, or become ill from foodborne illnesses each year, according to the CDC.
In addition to monitoring your own food during cooking, it’s critical to ensure leftovers are stored at the proper temperature. It’s also suggested to ensure that food is thoroughly prepared before consumption at restaurants.
“Food poisoning is just… It’s bacteria, parasites, viruses, and things that just kind of live in the food that we eat. Mostly these things don’t cause a problem but there are several strands that if you ingest them, they can harm you. E.Coli or salmonella may be the more common terms that you’re use to hearing. Those are just things that are in our food commonly. They die or they don’t hurt you when you cook your food appropriately,” Ukadike said.
Food poisoning is spreadable, according to Ukadike, so wash your hands frequently, clean any contaminated surfaces, and stay in bed if you’re feeling under the weather.
Vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and stomach pain are a few symptoms. You should speak with your healthcare practitioner right away if these get worse.