Food poisoning is an illness that results from consuming contaminated food. The most common cause of this illness comes from bacteria hiding in the food but it can also be contracted through viruses, parasites, toxins, and various contaminants.
It is not a fun illness to have! It can make you feel very nauseous, weak, tired, and dehydrated. It is in your best interest to avoid this sickness as often as possible.
It is not a fun illness to have! It can make you feel very nauseous, weak, tired, and dehydrated. It is in your best interest to avoid this sickness as often as possible.
Every year, one in six Americans will become sick with food poisoning. Most will recover without any long-term effects but for others there can be long term…or even deadly effects.
LONG TERM EFFECTS
• Kidney failure
• Arthritis
• Brain or nerve damage
• Death
Women who are pregnant, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses or diseases are the most susceptible to contracting food poisoning. This means that they are at a much higher risk of becoming sick with this illness and the effects could be much more deadly.
The symptoms of food poisoning vary, depending on the type of contaminant and how much of the food was actually eaten. Symptoms usually start developing quickly (30 minutes) or they can develop very slowly (days to weeks).
SYMPTOMS
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cramps
• Fever
• Dehydration
Food poisoning normally ends after a time period of 24-48 hours.
There are no proven herbal remedies to cure food poisoning but there are many that can help relieve the symptoms. Remember to consult with your doctor before taking any of the following remedies.
HOME REMEDIES
1. Tea with lemon and ginger - This remedy is mainly used to help treat nausea or diarrhea.
2. Bed rest - When you are sleeping, your body will send out antibodies to attack the bacteria. This will take some time, so make sure to limit your activities while you are sick.
3. Stewed apples - Sweeten to your own taste and take as often as you like. It will soothe the lining of your stomach and make the symptoms a lot easier to handle.
4. Lemon Juice - Squeeze 4 lemons into a glass and add some sugar to sweeten the taste. DO NOT ADD WATER. The acid in the lemons will kill all bacteria in a very short amount of time!
5. Sugar - Sugar helps your body hold onto fluids and keeps your body hydrated. Add a spoonful of sugar to water or decaffeinated tea.
6. Goldenseal Extract - Take a dropper full of goldenseal extract (non alcoholic) every four hours for one day. It is used to assist in killing bacteria or virus. DO NOT TAKE IT IF YOU ARE PREGNANT!!
7. Garlic - Garlic is considered a natural antibiotic that can kill infections in your intestines. Peel a clove of garlic and cut it in half. Put one half of the garlic into your water and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Make sure to drink only the water and not the garlic itself! Repeat this two or three times a day.
8. Papaya Juice - Used to treat food poisoning. Boil pieces of papaya in water and drink 2-3 times a day.
9. Basil Leaves - Make a paste with basil leaves, curd, black salt and black pepper. This gives fast relief from vomiting, cramps, and weakness.
10. Ice Cubes - Sucking on ice cubes will help to keep you hydrated during your illness.
PREVENTING FOOD POISONING
1. Make sure all of the food you are planning to eat is thoroughly cooked.
2. Do not eat anything raw!
3. Keep juices from meats or eggs from contaminating other foods.
4. Don’t leave meat or dairy products in room temperature conditions for a long period of time.
5. Don’t thaw any foods at room temperature
6. Wash your hands before and after you cook anything!
7. Wash raw vegetables and fruits before you eat them!
