Food Poisoning

Definition

Food poisoning is typically characterized by stomach pain, diarrhea, throwing up, sweating, and a general feeling of weakness. It usually occurs inside 12-48 hours of consuming a meal contaminated with a virus or bacteria.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of food poisoning vary greatly. Symptoms can manifest as fast as 30 minutes to one hour if the cause is chemical food poisoning, 12 hours in cases of bacterial poisoning and 12 to 48 hours in the event of a virus or salmonella poisoning. Signs and symptoms can range from stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting, to bowel problems, diarrhea (sometimes in alternation with each other) and, in really severe cases, collapse and shock.

Food poisoning is much more common than is typically believed. Many cases of diarrhea are probably due to food poisoning. Many of these cases go unreported as the trigger is not recognized and is usually attributed to the stomach flu or a mild stomachache.

Cause

Flu, gastrointestinal disorders, digestive molecule deficiencies, medication interactions, stress, and nutritional deficiencies or excessive nutrients (too much magnesium can cause loose stools and abdominal cramps) can all imitate symptoms of food poisoning. In infants, signs and symptoms can also be due to an intolerance to honey.

If a number of people all consume the same food and then become sick with similar symptoms, the culprit is most likely food poisoning.

Types

The most typical forms of food poisoning are salmonella, meat polluted with animal fecal matter, frozen poultry that hasn’t been properly thawed, polluted drinking water, and food products such as chicken, duck, or geese, raw or even partially prepared eggs, or raw fish such as clams, oysters, or even sushi. Food that is left at room temperature for too long may develop Clostridium, also known as the, “cafeteria germ.”

Other causes include organisms such as Staphylococcal bacteria, which can be passed through hand contact, coughing, sneezing, inhaling and exhaling onto the food. Botulism, which could occur in meals preserved at home, viruses that contaminate shellfish due to polluted waters, and other infective microorganisms such as Giardia and Campylobacter, (which can take up to one week to show signs and symptoms) are also all potential causes of food poisoning.

Chemical food poisoning is yet another factor, and is caused by poisonous mushrooms, and toadstools. Clean vegetables and fruits can easily be contaminated if they come in contact with chemicals or insecticides, are kept in inappropriate containers, or through leakage of metals in the containers into the food.

Be aware: If food poisoning is a result of chemical or bacterial toxins, proper treatment may include pumping the stomach. Food poisoning generally improves within three days but cases of botulism, chemical substance poisoning, or mushroom poisoning may require a longer recovery time. Keep in mind, some infective organisms do not cause identifiable initial symptoms but can linger in the body and may trigger long-term health issues that are difficult to diagnose.

Caution: In cases of food poisoning that cause serious vomiting as well as diarrhea, seek immediate medical care and if possible keep a sample of the food which caused the poisoning for testing purposes.

Natural Remedies

Diet: Stop eating all heavy foods and drink plenty of liquids, and take charcoal tablets, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifid bacteria, M. bulgaricus, as well as grape seed extract. Also replace lost electrolytes, if needed, by dissolving one tsp. of salt and four tsp. of sugar into one quart of drinking water. Be precise with the salt amount or it may create more dehydration. Garlic cloves can also be helpful. Once symptoms abate, slowly reintroduce higher-dietary fiber foods such as grains to help settle your stomach.

If you’re traveling in areas where food poisoning is typical, try consuming hot, spicy foods to encourage more gastric secretions, avoid all drinking water except bottled water, don’t eat any raw vegetables or use ice inside your drinks.

Herbs: For mild cases of food poisoning, drink cumin, coriander, or even fennel teas.

Homeopathy: Arsen alb., Chamomile, Ipecac., Apis mel., Nux vom., as well as Colchicum are useful homeopathic remedies for food poisoning.

Liquid Therapy: Drink a juice mixture of carrot, beet, and garlic to settle your stomach and also to help rid the body of bacteria or viruses related to food poisoning.

Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can help speed recovery and prevent long-term side effects related to food poisoning: Acidophilus bacteria, charcoal pills, grape seed extract, garlic capsules, ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids, and kelp tablets.

Lipoic acid is also useful because it can safeguard the body from harmful free-radical attacks caused by consuming poisonous meals.

Alternative Expert Care

If your symptoms persist despite attempting the remedies listed above, seek the help of a competent health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating food poisoning: Acupuncture, Detoxing Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, and Oxygen Therapy. (See References for descriptions of these Alternative Therapies).