No one wants to get sick, and food poisoning is the number-one cause of illness in the United States. Every year, it’s responsible for more than 48,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Foods to avoid with trulicity.That’s why it’s so important to avoid making food poisoning mistakes. Here are five of the most common ones to keep in mind.
What are food poisoning mistakes?
When it comes to food poisoning, there are a few cardinal rules you should always keep in mind. One of the most important is to avoid making any mistakes that could lead to an infection. Here are five of the most common food poisoning mistakes:
- Overlooking symptoms: If you start experiencing stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea, don’t wait for these symptoms to get worse before seeking medical attention. Many people don’t even realize they’re having food poisoning until it’s too late.
- Not washing your hands thoroughly: Hands are one of the most common places for bacteria to spread from one person to another, so it’s essential that you take care when handling food and drink. Washing your hands with soap and water is the simplest way to prevent food poisoning.
- Cooking incorrectly: Freshly prepared foods should always be cooked through—no exceptions. Foods that are overcooked can contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick. Make sure all meats are fully cooked before eating them, and avoid undercooked poultry and seafood lest they contain parasites that can cause Giardiasis (a parasitic infection).
- Serving raw or undercooked meat: Bacteria thrive in moist environments, so anything that contains raw or undercooked meat (particularly poultry) should be avoided at all costs! Delaying meals as long as possible after cooking meat will also help ensure that it’s properly cooked and safe to eat (although this isn’t always possible).
The signs and symptoms of food poisoning
Food poisoning can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. The most common types of food poisoning are caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. Symptoms typically begin 12-36 hours after eating the contaminated food, and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. If untreated, food poisoning can lead to dehydration and even serious health complications such as sepsis or meningitis. Here are some signs and symptoms of food poisoning to watch for:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
How to avoid food poisoning mistakes
Food poisoning can be a messy, costly and often uncomfortable affair. Here are some tips to help avoid making common food-poisoning mistakes:
- Avoid cross contamination. Keep your food clean by avoiding contact with raw meat, poultry and seafood, which are common sources of food poisoning bacteria.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before you handle any food. Not only will this help prevent the spread of germs, it will also make handling food much less painful!
- Cook meat thoroughly and avoid undercooked eggs. Both of these items can contain salmonella, a common cause of food poisoning.
- Be wary of unpasteurized dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, which can contain listeria bacteria. Avoid them if possible, though if you must consume them be sure to cook them properly and to beware of sick people who may have tainted the product.
What to do if you get food poisoning
If you get food poisoning, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it from becoming more serious. Keep these tips in mind:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the toxins and reduce the risk of dehydration. Try not to drink alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks while you’re recovering from food poisoning.
- Avoid super-salty foods and drinks: Salty foods and drinks can make your diarrhea worse. Stick to bland foods and drinks, like water or unsweetened tea.
- Avoid raw or undercooked food: Foods that are RAW or UNDERcooked can harbour harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Cook your meat thoroughly before eating it, and avoid consuming anything that has been left at room temperature for too long (like milk).
- Avoid cross contamination: When you’re eating out, be sure to ask for fresh utensils and eat immediately after ordering rather than sharing plates with others. Avoid touching your face, hands, or other surfaces that may have come into contact with raw food.
Conclusion
Food poisoning is one of the most common illnesses in the United States, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to this situation. In this article, we will discuss some of the top food-poisoning mistakes you can avoid so that you don’t find yourself in dire straights. By being aware of these errors and taking simple steps to prevent them from happening, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy meal and an uneventful stay in the hospital.
