Food poisoning refers to the sickness experienced after eating contaminated food. The source of contamination in most cases is bacteria. However, it can also be caused by toxins or chemicals that may contaminate the food during its production, processing, harvesting, cooking, or storing.
The classical symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Children, elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with low immunity are at high risk of food poisoning. Most cases of food poisoning can be prevented by basic hand hygiene, sanitation of the kitchen and refrigerator, and storing the food as per the recommendations.
Food poisoning can be usually treated at home by maintaining the fluid and electrolyte balance through regular intake of clean boiled water, oral rehydration solution (ORS), coconut water, clear soups and fresh fruit juices. In cases of severe
dehydration, hospital admission might be required.
