No matter the cause of food poisoning, it is not a fun thing to deal with. While your risk of complications is low, it is possible to experience severe dehydration if not taken care of. It is estimated that 48 million people get food poisoning every year. If you think you are experiencing food poisoning, visit AFC Urgent Care Torrington to find out for sure. While there is no test to find out for sure, our trained physicians can help you understand and treat your symptoms.
Food Poisoning Causes
The leading cause of food poisoning is from infectious organisms or their toxins. These toxins can live on food at any point between processing and packaging to bring to your home. Certain foods are more likely to harness these toxins than others. These foods include raw meat and seafood, eggs, and certain dairy products. Here is a list of specific foods and how they can become contaminated. The elderly, pregnant women, small children, & those with chronic health diseases are at higher risk of developing complications from food poisoning.
Treatment
Most cases of food poisoning resolve themselves within a few days. The most important aspect to keep in mind is food poisoning can cause dehydration. The best way to recover from food poisoning quickly is by replacing the fluids in your body as you lose them. Be sure to monitor your body for symptoms of dehydration, as well.Drinking clear fluids, including non-caffeinated sports drinks with electrolytes, can help an upset stomach. Additionally, drinking clear soup broth can rehydrate and make you feel full. Avoid foods and drinks that can cause an upset stomach to get worse, such as dairy, alcohol, or fatty foods. Be sure to get plenty of rest throughout the duration. Frequently throwing up can make you feel exhausted, so rest when you feel tired.
Prevention
It is easier to prevent food poisoning when making meals in your home, but unfortunately, there is no way of knowing when eating out. When preparing food in your home, wash and disinfect all surfaces and utensils when handling raw meat or seafood. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently while cooking and again before eating. Always refrigerate food immediately upon returning from the store, and any cooked food within two hours. Meat and seafood require a specific internal temperature when cooking to kill harmful bacteria, so it’s important to cook food properly.
