How does food poisoning affect the body?

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FOOD POISONING?

Food poisoning occurs when pathogenic microorganisms or toxins enter the body. The most common causes of poisoning are:

Bacteria and their toxins

Bacteria are one of the main causes of food poisoning. Some bacteria themselves cause disease, while others produce toxins that affect the body even after the bacteria have been destroyed.

• Salmonella - found in undercooked meat, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products. Causes severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli) - some types of this bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhea. Most often found in contaminated beef or dirty water sources.
• Listeria monocytogenes - dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, and people with weak immunity. Found in cold-stored products, such as smoked fish products, unpasteurized dairy products.
• Staphylococcus aureus – a bacterium that produces toxins that cause vomiting and diarrhea within hours of eating contaminated food.

Viruses

Viruses can be spread through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with sick people.

• Norovirus – the most common viral cause of food poisoning. Causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Spreads quickly between people, especially in confined spaces (e.g., cruise ships, hospitals).
• Hepatitis A – a virus that causes inflammation of the liver and is spread through contaminated food and water.

Parasites

Parasites are less common causes of food poisoning, but some cases can be serious.

• Toxoplasma gondii – can enter the body through undercooked meat or contaminated water. Especially dangerous for pregnant women.
• Giardia lamblia – spread through contaminated water and can cause prolonged gastrointestinal upset.

SYMPTOMS OF FOOD POISONING

Symptoms of food poisoning can appear within hours or even days after consuming contaminated food. The most common symptoms are:

• Nausea and vomiting – the body’s attempt to eliminate harmful substances.
• Diarrhea – often watery, sometimes bloody.
• Abdominal pain and cramps – can be mild or severe.
• Fever – indicates that the body is fighting an infection.
• Headache and weakness – occur due to loss of fluids and electrolytes.

Severe poisoning can cause dehydration, nervous system damage, and even life-threatening conditions.

FIRST AID FOR FOOD POISONING

Food poisoning usually resolves within a few days without serious consequences, but it is important to respond appropriately to avoid complications, especially dehydration. If the symptoms are mild, treatment can be done at home, but if the condition worsens, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Fluid intake - the main priority

Drink plenty of fluids - after poisoning, the body loses a lot of fluids due to vomiting and diarrhea, so it is necessary to replenish them. Recommended fluids:

• Pure water - drink in small sips to avoid nausea.
• Electrolyte solutions - such as oral rehydration solutions (ORS) sold in pharmacies - help restore the body's salt and mineral balance.
• Herbal teas - chamomile or mint tea can help calm the stomach.
• Homemade salt and sugar solution - mix 1 liter of boiled water with 1 teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar. This will help restore electrolyte balance.

What to avoid?

• Caffeinated drinks (coffee, strong tea, energy drinks) as they can promote dehydration.
• Alcohol as it irritates the digestive system.
• Carbonated drinks as they can increase bloating and discomfort.

Rest and body recovery

Rest – it is important to allow the body to recover after poisoning.

• Avoid physical exertion as the body is already weak.
• Try to sleep as much as possible – rest helps to recover faster.
• If you feel exhausted, stay in bed longer and get up only when necessary.

Nutrition after food poisoning

It may be difficult to eat in the first hours after poisoning, but the body needs easily digestible nutrients.

Avoid heavy foods and stick to a bland diet:

• Easily digestible foods – start with bananas, rice, applesauce, toasted white bread, and crackers. This is known as the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast).
• Broths and light vegetable broths – help restore the body’s salt balance.
• Boiled potatoes without spices – are bland foods that don’t weigh down the stomach.

What to avoid?

• Fatty, fried, spicy foods – can cause additional stomach irritation.
• Dairy products – can be difficult to digest due to temporary disruption of enzyme activity.
• Raw vegetables and fruits with high fiber content – ​​can worsen diarrhea.

Medications – when are they needed?

• Do not take antidiarrheal medications without a doctor’s recommendation. Diarrhea is the body’s natural way of eliminating toxins, so stopping it can prolong the course of the disease.
• If diarrhea is very bothersome, your doctor may recommend loperamide (Imodium), but it should be used with caution.
• Activated charcoal – may help absorb toxins, but its effectiveness in food poisoning has not been scientifically proven.
• If you suspect a bacterial infection (such as salmonellosis), antibiotics should only be prescribed by a doctor. You should not take them on your own, as they do not help with viral poisoning and can further disrupt the intestinal microflora.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?

See a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• You have diarrhea for more than 2 days, especially if your symptoms do not improve.
• You notice blood or black, tarry stools in your stools - this may indicate severe intestinal damage.
• You are unable to keep fluids down because you are vomiting or having diarrhea immediately.
• You experience severe weakness, dizziness or fainting - these may be signs of dehydration.
• You experience severe abdominal pain that does not go away even with rest.
• You have a fever above 38.5 °C and the temperature does not go away with standard fever-reducing medicines.

HOW TO AVOID POISONING IN THE FUTURE?

• Proper hygiene - always wash your hands before eating and preparing food.
• Proper food preparation - ensure that meat, fish and eggs are sufficiently cooked.
• Responsible food storage – keep perishables in the refrigerator and avoid leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Washing fruits and vegetables – especially if they are eaten raw.
• Avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and other products – cut raw meat and vegetables on separate boards.
• Do not buy or consume food that has expired.

First aid for food poisoning is important to prevent dehydration and serious complications. In most cases, symptoms resolve within a few days, but if the condition worsens, it is important to seek medical attention without delay. By following basic hygiene and food safety rules, you can reduce the risk of food poisoning and protect yourself and your loved ones.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – "Symptoms of Food Poisoning" ​
2. National Health Service (NHS) – "Food poisoning" ​
3. Mayo Clinic – "Food poisoning: Diagnosis and treatment" ​
4. Cleveland Clinic – "Food Poisoning: Signs & Symptoms, Treatment, Causes" ​
5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – "Treatment for Food Poisoning"

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