TRANSMISSION

How Does Food Become Contaminated?

Pathogens can be found on almost all of the food that humans eat. However, heat from cooking usually kills pathogens on food before it reaches our plate. Foods eaten raw are common sources of food poisoning because they don’t go through the cooking process.

Occasionally, food will come in contact with the organisms in fecal matter. This most commonly happens when a person preparing food doesn’t wash their hands before cooking.

Meat, eggs, and dairy products are frequently contaminated. Water may also be contaminated with organisms that cause illness.

RISK FACTORS

Who is at Risk for Food Poisoning?

Anyone can come down with food poisoning. Statistically speaking, nearly everyone will come down with food poisoning at least once in their lives.

There are some populations that are more at risk than others. Anyone with a suppressed immune system or an AutoImmune Disease may have a greater risk of infection and a greater risk of complications resulting from food poisoning.

According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnant women are more at risk because their bodies are coping with changes to their metabolism and circulatory system during pregnancy. Elderly individuals also face a greater risk of contracting food poisoning because their immune systems may not respond quickly to infectious organisms. Children are also considered an at-risk population because their immune systems aren’t as developed as those of adults. Young children are more easily affected by dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

DIAGNOSIS

How is Food Poisoning Diagnosed?

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the type of food poisoning based on your symptoms. In severe cases, blood tests, stool tests, and tests on food that you have eaten may be conducted to determine what is responsible for the food poisoning. Your doctor may also use a urine test to evaluate whether an individual is dehydrated as a result of food poisoning.

Dr. Huntoon had a period of time in his practice where he saw 2 or more people each week for 2 years who came in with symptoms that were recognized as food poisoning - food borne illness. Since that time, he recognizes and tests for food poisoning - food borne illness as a regular part of his initial patient visit for anyone who comes in with Gallbladder symptoms (nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach and/or diarrhea). 

TREATMENT

How is Food Poisoning Treated?

Food poisoning can usually be treated at home, and most cases will resolve within three to five days. 

Dr. Huntoon has a solution that is much quicker when properly identified and the appropriate solution is given. Scroll down to Your Solution at the bottom of the page for this information.

If you have food poisoning, it’s crucial to remain properly hydrated. Sports drinks high in electrolytes can be helpful with this. Fruit juice and coconut water can restore carbohydrates and help with fatigue.

Avoid caffeine, which may irritate the digestive tract. Decaffeinated teas with soothing herbs like chamomile, peppermint, and dandelion may calm an upset stomach. Learn about more remedies for an upset stomach.

Over-the-counter medications like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol can help control diarrhea and suppress nausea. However, you should check with your doctor before using these medications, as the body uses vomiting and diarrhea to rid the system of the toxin. Also, using these medications could mask the severity of the illness and cause you to delay seeking expert treatment.

It’s also important for those with food poisoning to get plenty of rest.

In severe cases of food poisoning, individuals may require hydration with intravenous (IV) fluids at a hospital. In the very worst cases of food poisoning, a longer hospitalization may be required while the individual recovers.

DIET

What’s Good to Eat When You Have Food Poisoning?

It’s best to gradually hold off on solid foods until vomiting and diarrhea have passed and instead ease back to your regular diet by eating simple-to-digest foods that are bland and low in fat, such as:

• saltine crackers
• gelatin
• bananas
• rice
• oatmeal
• chicken broth
• bland potatoes
• boiled vegetables
• toast
• soda without caffeine (ginger ale, root beer)
• diluted fruit juices
• sport drinks

If any of these bland foods cause nausea or vomiting, your situation is more severe and more sensitive and should be addressed immediately.

What’s Bad to Eat When You Have Food Poisoning?

To prevent your stomach from getting more upset, try to avoid the following harder-to-digest foods, even if you think you feel better:

• dairy products, especially milk and cheeses
• fatty foods
• highly seasoned foods
• food with high sugar content
• spicy foods
• fried foods

You should also avoid:

• caffeine (soda, energy drinks, coffee)
• alcohol
• nicotine

Medicines Two Choices for You

OUTLOOK

While having food poisoning is quite uncomfortable, the good news is that most people recover completely within 48 hours. Learn more about what to eat after food poisoning.

Food poisoning can be life-threatening; however the CDC says this is extremely rare.

Your Solution

Dr. Huntoon had a period of time in his practice where he saw 2 or more people each week for 2 years who came in with symptoms that were recognized as food poisoning - food borne illness. Since that time, he recognizes and tests for food poisoning - food borne illness as a regular part of his initial patient visit for anyone who comes in with Gallbladder symptoms (nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach and/or diarrhea). 

Once the understanding is established, remedying the concern is very simple and health and balance of the symptoms occurs very quickly. 

Using a supplement called choline, taking one tablet every 15 minutes until symptoms abate, helps to flush the Gallbladder route and dump the irritant out of the Gallbladder and into the Digestive System for removal from the body.

Also found to be helpful is the administration of a table-spoon of Apple Cider Vinegar or taking raw Ginger.

Others have benefited from Acupuncture, Homeopathy or Naturopathy.