Dealing with food poisoning can be an unpleasant and, in some cases, even dangerous experience. Although most of the time the intake of food contaminated by bacteria or other pathogens only causes a series of uncomfortable symptoms, in more serious cases it may require urgent medical attention.
That is why it is crucial to know what to do in the event of food poisoning and what measures to take to recover quickly and avoid complications. Below, we explain in detail the symptoms of food poisoning, the steps to take to alleviate discomfort and how to prevent future poisoning.
Symptoms of food poisoning
Signs of food poisoning usually appear a few hours after eating the contaminated food. In most cases, they are mild and disappear within a few days as the body manages to completely eliminate the contaminated food. The most common symptoms are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- General malaise
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever
What to do in case of food poisoning
To relieve the symptoms of food poisoning and prevent dehydration in adults, follow these steps:
- Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, isotonic drinks, light broths or infusions to avoid dehydration. In case of vomiting, it is recommended to drink clear liquids in small sips.
- Rest and avoid physical activity, give your body time to recover.
- Follow a liquid diet and incorporate light foods little by little, such as grilled chicken, white fish, rice, boiled potato, etc.
- Avoid foods that are difficult to digest, such as raw fruits and vegetables, whole-grain foods, sweets, nuts and dairy products (except yogurts).
- Do not eat spicy, greasy, processed and fried foods, as they may irritate the stomach and worsen symptoms.
- If symptoms do not improve and persist beyond a few days, it is advisable to consult a health professional for guidance.
Tips to prevent future food poisoning
The best way to avoid food poisoning is to follow safe food hygiene practices. Here are some recommendations to follow to keep bacteria at bay:
- Food Cleaning: Properly clean fresh food to remove soil residues, pesticides and other contaminants on its surface.
- Proper cooking: Make sure food is properly cooked. Use cooking thermometers to verify that they reach safe temperatures, especially animal products.
- Refrigeration: Keep food refrigerated at temperatures suitable for preservation and avoid leaving food out of the refrigerator longer than necessary.
- Cooking and safe storage: Cook as little as possible before eating, but, when this is not possible, store food in the refrigerator. Be aware that some bacteria multiply more rapidly at room temperature.
- Defrosting: Defrost food in the refrigerator a day in advance, or in the microwave just before cooking.
- Food control: Do not consume food that is expired or has broken packaging. Neither cans that have protuberances or defects.
Food poisoning may seem like a minor ailment, but it should not be taken lightly. Adopting food hygiene habits and following good cooking practices not only protects your health, but also the health of those around you. For any persistent symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help to avoid complications. Make an appointment with one of our specialists.
