Food poisoning occurs when you ingest food that contains bacteria or toxins. Food poisoning, contrary to what most of us think, is actually quite common. The most common form of this is the mild food poisonings which may be signaled by a mere upset stomach or simple diarrhea.

Common Symptoms

How will you know if you’re a victim of food poisoning? A person who has been food poisoned may experience fever, diarrhea that may even be with the presence of blood, upset stomach and stomach cramps. These symptoms may be felt instantly but it may be felt after a few hours from eating the toxic food. There may also be instances that you will only feel the effects several days after.

When you experience the severe kind of food poisoning surely the gravity of the symptoms will drive you to seek the help of the doctors and you will discover that the type of treatment that will be used by your doctor on you will depend on the particular bacteria that harmed you. There may be cases then that your doctor will prescribe certain medications but there may also be instances that they won’t.

When too much diarrhea and vomiting causes dehydration or massive fluid loss, hospitalization will be urgently needed. There are certain fluids and medications like the IV in the hospital that can replace the lost liquids and will re-hydrate the system of the patient. Going to the doctor is also most advisable when you’re diarrhea is coupled with bleeding for this signals severity and gravity of your condition.

Preventing Food Poisoning

The best way to prevent food poisoning is to take the necessary precautions before ingesting food; this should not only be done right before eating, but should also be practiced from the preparation stage to the cooking stage. One should make sure that the food and its ingredients are properly and thoroughly washed and inspected and are properly cooked. As for the storing of the leftovers, be sure to store it at the place that is meant for the type of food that it is. This would mean therefore that it should be under the appropriate temperature as to avoid spoilage.

For the kids, be sure to have them wash their hands regularly and particularly before helping in food preparation or eating. They should wash their hands before touching any of the ingredients and before having any contact with the materials to be used for preparation and for cooking.