It is not uncommon for an otherwise happy occasion to be cut short because of food poisoning. Unfortunately, in spite of our best efforts to avoid it, it is a common issue that many people have to face. It can be a mild experience or it can be a life-threatening ordeal. Read on for digestion health and food poisoning tips on how to cope with, and recover from, food poisoning.
1. Digestive Health: Advice for Keeping Food Poisoning at Bay
Food poisoning can be a nasty and unpleasant experience and, unfortunately, still far too common. Follow these simple steps to keep food poisoning at bay.
Put food safety first. Always wash your hands before and after preparing food. Keep raw and cooked foods separate, and store leftovers in the fridge immediately. Don’t prepare food if you have certain infections and don’t work on food two days after being treated with antibiotics.
Cook it thoroughly. Undercooking food is a common cause for food poisoning. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm food is cooked to safe internal temperatures. If you’re using a microwave, make sure food is cooked evenly. Let it stand for a few minutes before eating.
Check your food.
- Never buy food past their “use-by” date.
- Make sure frozen foods, like ice-cream are frozen solid.
- Check that cans and jars aren’t bulging or leaking.
- Never eat raw seafood, like oysters, sushi, or ceviche.
Be proactive. Make sure you know what the symptoms of food poisoning are. Pay attention to leftovers by tossing food that has been in your fridge for more than 4 days. If you suspect food poisoning, seek medical attention.
2. Coping with Food Poisoning in the Moment
Nobody wants to get food poisoning, but it does happen. Learning the right way to cope can help you feel better quickly.
Drink plenty of fluids. As long as you can tolerate it, you should drink plenty of water. This will help prevent dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. If plain water is not tolerable, try diluted fruit juices, or drink non-caffeinated sodas, or tea.
Eat light meals. The main goal is to prevent dehydration and nourish the body. Choose foods that are easy on your digestive system and don’t aggravate your symptoms. Some ideas include:
- Bananas
- Applesauce
- Crackers
- Rice
- /Bland vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, celery, and spinach
- Boiled potatoes
If you are able to swallow medicine, taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may provide relief from stomach cramps and headaches. Contact your physician first if you are able to speak to them.
3. Recovering from Food Poisoning: Taking Care of Yourself
The experience of food poisoning can be quite uncomfortable and unpleasant. It’s important to take the necessary steps to help your body recover. Here are some tips you can follow for the best results:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace the water lost while vomiting or having diarrhea. Easy-to-digest fluids like electrolyte-rich drinks, smoothies, soups, and herbal tea can be helpful.
- Limit activities: Avoid strenuous activities while you recover. Take the time to rest and allow your body to heal.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can irritate your stomach and compromise your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight the infection.
- Eat small, frequent meals: Initially, it may be best to stick to light, bland, and easy-to-digest foods like toast, crackers, rice, or noodles. Gradually reintroduce foods as you begin to improve.
Food poisoning can sometimes have difficulties for our bodies to overcome so it’s important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if symptoms continue after a few days. Taking the necessary steps to relax and look after yourself can go a long way in helping you recover from food poisoning.
4. Building a Healthy Digestive System and Avoiding Future Food Poisoning Episodes
One of the best ways to build a healthy digestive system is to switch to an overall healthy diet. This includes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, high-fiber and whole-grain foods, and lean proteins. Eating a diet rich in nutrients helps to ensure that your gut microbiome is balanced, which can improve digestive health and prevent illnesses. Additionally, avoiding processed foods and limiting added sugars can help to reduce inflammation and keep your digestive system running smoothly.
It’s also important to drink lots of water and other fluids, as this helps to keep your gut hydrated and healthy. Regularly consuming healthy probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso can also be beneficial for your digestive system. Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that help populate your gut microbiome.
Moreover, it is essential to practice safe food handling habits to avoid future food poisoning episodes. Cleanliness is key when it comes to food preparation, especially when handling raw meat and eggs. Make sure to wash your hands and surface areas thoroughly before and after handling food, and cook food thoroughly to reach the recommended temperature for each type of food. If you plan to store leftovers, do so promptly and keep them refrigerated until ready to consume.
- Eat a balanced and nutrient-rich diet
- Stay hydrated and consume probiotic-rich foods
- Practice safe food handling habits
5. Conclusion: Keys to Ensuring Digestive Health and Avoiding Food Poisoning
Practice Food Safety When Cooking
Cooking meals at home is a great way to ensure your food is handled properly and cooked to the right temperature. But that doesn’t mean just throwing ingredients together and hoping for the best. Here are some basic tips to follow when cooking:
- Always store and prepare food safely
- Keep cooking areas clean and sanitized
- Regularly wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot soapy water
- Thoroughly cook food, particularly meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood
- Keep raw foods away from cooked foods
- Avoid cross-contamination of raw meat and poultry with other foods
- Keep hot foods hot & cold foods cold
Following these food safety guidelines can help prevent food poisoning and keep your body functioning at full capacity.
Be Mindful of Personal Hygiene
It’s important to practice good hygiene to avoid food poisoning. Health experts recommend washing your hands with soap and water before and after handling food, after using the restroom, and after changing a diaper. Make sure to shower regularly and keep any open wounds, cuts, or scrapes clean and covered to prevent bacteria from entering your body.
Speak Up After Eating Out
If you’re going out to eat at a restaurant, it’s important to pay attention to your digestive symptoms after your meal. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to speak up to your server or manager. Make sure they know you feel ill so they can investigate any potential food safety violations.
When it comes to digestive health and avoiding food poisoning, it’s important to be mindful of all factors. Following food safety guidelines, practicing proper hygiene, and speaking up after eating out can help reduce the chances of suffering from preventable foodborne illnesses.
If recovering from food poisoning can be an arduous journey, avoid it altogether by taking steps to ensure digestive health. Make sure food is handled, stored, and prepared properly, take vitamins and probiotics, and balance your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. These steps will help you have a healthier, happier journey—but if the symptoms of food poisoning show up, you’ll be armed with the necessary information and tools to make it through.
