Food poisoning occurs when our food contains toxins, chemicals, bacteria, viruses or parasites. The symptoms of food poisoning are: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and nausea. Other organs – such as kidneys, liver and brain – can also be affected. Diarrhea and vomiting can also lead to dehydration. Below are some tips to prevent, treat and cure food poisoning.
Cure and treat food poisoning
Lukewarm water
There’s nothing like drinking plenty of water when you’re suffering from food poisoning. Especially after vomiting, it is recommended to drink a little lukewarm water. This soothes the stomach and reduces abdominal cramps.
Ginger
Make a paste of fresh ginger and buttermilk. Take this two to three times a day. Also effective is a mixture of lemon juice and ginger extract. You can drink three tablespoons of this three times a day.
Cumin and fenugreek
Dissolve a little cumin and Fenugreek (powdered) in a glass of water. Drinking this solution relieves nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Herbal infusion
Make a herbal infusion based on mint, raspberry, chamomile and blackcurrant. Drink several cups of this per day.
Doctor
Consult your doctor immediately if one or more of the following symptoms occur:
- Fever
- Blood in the stool
- Dehydration (characterized by lightheadedness, weakness, low urine output)
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than 72 hours
Preventing food poisoning
Wash hands
Always wash your hands before preparing, serving and eating food.
Lemon juice
Drink a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice every night before going to bed (possibly diluted with a little water). This ensures easy digestion and makes bowel movements smoother.
Fried food
Never eat fried food outside the home. After all, you can never be sure whether or not the oil is fresh and of good quality.
Fresh, cooked food
Eat only fresh and cooked food. This is the best guarantee to avoid microbes and parasites.
Fridge and kitchen utensils
Keep your refrigerator as clean and hygienic as possible at all times. The same applies to kitchen utensils such as cutlery, plates, cutting boards, cloths, carving knives, etc. Use a lemon-based dishwashing product.
Expiration date
Check the expiration date of all food before purchasing and consuming it.
Milk, cake and bread
Never store milk, cake, pie and bread for longer than one day.
Oil
Many people reuse the leftover oil after heating something in the pan or wok. However, the oil has since undergone a chemical reaction that can seriously endanger health.