| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Food Poisoning Information Food poisoning occurs when a person eats substances that contain harmful toxins, chemicals, parasites or bacteria. More than 6.5 million Americans are affected by food poisoning each year; 9,000 of these cases end in death. The most common form of food poisoning is Salmonella. Salmonella bacteria are part of the natural flora found in the intestinal tract of many animals. The bacteria is transferred from animals to people through the hands of chefs and the surfaces and tools used to prepare food for consumption. Salmonella is most commonly caused by unsanitary contact with eggs and foods that come from raw eggs, such as eggnog, Caesar salad dressing, hollandaise sauce and ice cream. Salmonella can be contracted from the outside and inside of the egg. Second to Salmonella is Staphylococcus aureus, a type of infection that can manifest itself as food poisoning, skin infection or blood infection. Staph infections typically live in the nose and throat, but if they are sneezed or coughed onto food, the infection can contaminate the food and enter the intestines after ingestion. Clostridium botulinum, also known as botulism, is not as common as Salmonella and Staphylococcus, it is often much more serious. Botulism is present in soil and can be found in improperly prepared home-canned foods, chopped garlic and in foods left unrefrigerated for long periods of time. Botulism affects the nervous system and can result in paralysis. Giardia lambilia is a type of food poisoning associated with contaminated water. Foods grown in contaminated water can pass the bacteria on to humans who consume them. Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli is a type of bacteria found naturally in the intestines of humans and some animals, where it helps control harmful bacteria and aids in vitamin absorption. Under certain circumstances, this bacteria can have serious consequences. It is not known what causes E. coli to change from harmless bacteria to harmful toxin. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Food Poisoning Food poisoning is caused by eating food that contains harmful substances that negatively affect the body. Each type of food poisoning has its own unique cause, but many problems can be avoided by practicing safe food handling and preparation guidelines. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Food Poisoning Symptoms of food poisoning may include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, chills, fever and headache. These symptoms can last from a few hours to a few days. Some types of food poisoning are more serious than others and affect children and the elderly with more serious consequences. Food poisoning can lead to other chronic illnesses, such as reactive arthritis and chronic immune deficiency. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Food Poisoning Always wash hands, knives and surfaces well before and after preparing food. Use a glass cutting board over a wooden one because wood easily absorbs bacteria. Keep food either hot or cold. Room temperature encourages the growth of bacteria. Keep perishables refrigerated and refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Keep raw meats away from other foods. Wash out lunch boxes and thermoses after every use. Do not use any food with a bulging can, cracked jar or loose lid. Use only clean sponges and kitchen towels. If you suspect food poisoning, call a poison control center immediately. If vomiting occurs, make sure the person does not choke. Drink plenty of water to ward off dehydration. If symptoms persist, call a doctor. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Charcoal removes toxic substances from the colon and bloodstream when taken in tablet form. Garlic detoxifies and destroys bacteria in the colon. Potassium ensures proper electrolyte balance. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids detoxifies the body and removes bacteria. Acidophilus replaces essential intestinal bacteria. Fiber removes bacteria from the colon walls. Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic that aids in destroying bacteria in the colon. Milk Thistle and Red Clover aid in liver and blood cleansing. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below. |