What Should You Do If You Develop Food Poisoning

Approximately seventy-six million people get sick each year from eating food that has been contaminated by bacteria and other toxins. About five thousand people a year die from food-borne illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) reports that it is estimated that unknown or undiscovered agents cause eighty-one percent of all food-borne illnesses.(1) Public health data shows that by the year 2000 our food contained five times the amount of pathogens than it did in the early 1940s.(2)

Onset time of illness can be anywhere from twenty minutes to six weeks after eating foods contaminated with pathogens that cause illness. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, intestinal gas, and cramping of the abdominal area.

People at most risk from food born illness are women who are pregnant, young children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system. In all others food poisoning is usually not serious and the illness runs its course in twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

Some of the common viruses that cause food poisoning are Noroviruses, Rotavirus, Hepatitis. Some of the common bacteria that cause food poisoning are Salmonellae, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli or E. Coli, Shigella, Clostridium botulinum or botulism, and Vibrio cholerae. Parasites can also cause food poisoning although they are rarely the cause. Common parasites that can cause food poisoning are the Giardia and Cryptosporidium parasites. Toxic agents are considered the least common cause of food poisoning and exposure is usually limited to a single occurrence.(3) For detailed information on the causes of food poisoning check resource number two.

Most causes of food poisoning will run their course in twenty-four to forty-eight hours and symptoms can be alleviated using common over-the-counter remedies. Its always a good idea to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhea. Take it easy for a day or two as your natural energy reserves are going to be low due to the majority of your energy being used to fight the illness you have contracted. Always use good judgment when dealing with food borne illnesses. If any of your symptoms cause you worry or have distress then be safe and visit your local emergency room. High fevers, swelling, and fainting are all good indicators that should guide you to an emergency room to be checked out.

Just as a reminder, The information in this article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and before changing your diet. I would strongly recommend you print this out and take a copy to your doctor for his advice before using any of the information in this article even though it is based on established scientific knowledge.