Food poisoning, often known as a food borne disease, is a condition that develops after a person consumes tainted food. Food poisoning can occur when germs or infectious organisms enter food, possibly during production, or when food is improperly cooked or kept. Most cases of food poisoning are minor and treatable without medical intervention. The most crucial treatment for food poisoning is to make sure you drink enough fluids.

Every year, a substantial number of people experience food illness. The world health organization (W.H.O.) estimates that 600 million people—nearly 1 in 10—fall ill after eating tainted food, and 420,000 people pass away each year, losing 33 million years of healthy life. Food poisoning is more common in some people than others, especially in small children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and those with long-term chronic illnesses.

Causes of food poisoning

• Consuming expired food.
• When an ill person has a dirty hands touch food.
• Not reheating previously cooked food properly.
• Leaving cooked food for too long at an extreme temperature.
• Spreading bacteria between contaminated foods.
• Not cooking food like meat properly.
• Not storing foods that need to chilled below 5°C properly.

Main source of contaminated foods

• Campylobacter, Salmonella and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli: Salmonella are found in food such as eggs, poultry and other products from animal origin. Campylobacter are found in raw milk, raw or undercooked poultry and drinking water. enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli is found in unpasteurized milk, undercooked meat and contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables. They are the most common foodborne pathogens that affect millions of people yearly around the world.
• Listeria: these bacteria can be found in chilled ready to eat food like sliced cooked meat, soft cheese (like brie or camembert) they can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women or deaths in babies even though they are relatively uncommon.
• Virus: some virus can be transmitted by food, virus that commonly cause diarrhea and vomiting is the norovirus that spread from one person to another and through contaminated food. They are found in uncooked sea food like oysters.
• Parasite: parasites such as fish borne trematodes are only trans mitted through food. Others are tapeworms, like Echinococcus spp.  or Taenia spp. They can be from food or direct contact with animals.

Symptoms of food poisoning

• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Slight heat illness
• Weakness
• Stomach cramps.

Home remedies for food poisoning

1. Water: drinking a lot of water helps your body hydrate when you experience food poisoning and that is one of the important things to do. Using sport drinks or electrolytes can ease dehydration. Taking a lot of fluid give you strength especially when you are purging.
2. Ginger: ginger helps to calm your stomach lining and reduces inflammation and pains. It helps relief stomach cramps when food poisoning occurs. It also helps to relief nausea and vomiting. Boil fresh finger add honey to taste and drink, do it several times when you experience food poisoning.
3. Lemon: lemon is very good for food poisoning due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon also has antiviral and antibacterial properties that helps to kill bacteria that causes food poisoning. Squeeze some lemon juice add water and drink.
4. Cumin seed: cumin seed increase the activity of digestive enzyme in the body, it helps to speed up digestion. It can also be effective to manage food poisoning. Boil some cumin seed and drink a cup at least 2 to 3 times a day whenever you have food poisoning.
5. Pure honey: consuming a teaspoon of honey can ease the symptoms of food poisoning because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
6. Cloves: cloves are good for the digestive system because of its antiseptic properties, they can help with nausea and are good source of fiber. It can also be use as a remedy for food poisoning when you boil and drink a cup of clove tea.

Ways to prevent food poisoning

• Wash your hands properly before you handle or cook food.
• Store your food properly.
• Cook your food properly especially meat.
• Wash vegetables and fruit properly before you eat them.
• Keep grains in airtight containers
• Separate food from each other

Summary

When we eat food that has been infected by germs, we get food poisoning. When handling food, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene. To prevent food poisoning, make sure food is cooked and stored properly.