Prevention and Home Remedies for Food Poisoning
Normally, common types of food poisoning go away in 48 hours. Severe cases require medical attention.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to prevent food poisoning at home:
- Wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 15 seconds before eating or preparing food.
- Wash the utensils and cutting board with warm soapy water and disinfectants.
- Keep raw foods (raw meat, poultry, shellfish) and ready to eat foods away from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Do not undercook foods. Reheat food rapidly until all parts of the food reach 75 degrees C. Cook fish and meats at 145 to 165 degrees F.
- Refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours of purchasing or preparing them, and earlier if the room temperature is above 90 degrees F.
- Discard the food if you are uncertain about its quality or safety.
If you are suffering from food poisoning:
- Avoid dairy products; these can worsen diarrhea.
- Avoid eating solid foods.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and fatty foods.
- Replace fluids lost by diarrhea or vomiting by drinking water or other fluids except for milk and caffeinated beverages. Give children an otc electrolyte solution.
- Don’t take antibiotics or anti-diarrhea medications before consulting a doctor. Certain types of food poisoning (viz. listeriosis) are treated with intravenous antibiotics.
- Consult your doctor if diarrhea doesn’t get better in 5 days (3 days in case of children)
Seek immediate medical attention if bleeding is excessive or your stools are black or maroon. Botulism and poisoning from mushroom and fish also require emergency medical help.
